I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. – Numbers 24:17
Balaam gave this prediction of the birth of Jesus one thousand, four hundred years before His birth. At the time, the nation of Moab was terrified of the approaching Israelites because they had heard of their power. So Balak, king of Moab, leveraged what power he thought he had in the sorcerer Balaam to negotiate with God. However, God does not negotiate His will. Balak commanded Balaam to place a curse on the Israelites, but God used him to deliver a blessing on Israel and a prophecy of the Messiah instead.
A star did come out of Jacob because Jacob fathered Joseph, and Joseph fathered Jesus, the Messiah. A star hung in the sky above Jesus after His birth (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11), prompting the wise men to follow the signal and find the King of the Jews, the scepter risen out of Israel.
God’s plan will always be fulfilled, as is evident throughout history. Though we do not know how He hangs the stars in the sky, we can know Who the Bright Morning Star is through studying His Word. Holy Father, let us not negotiate with You and instead honor Your Word with our lives so Your will can be done.
_______________________________
We’re in Week 1 of our His Name Is… study! Grab a journal and join us, reading and writing what God speaks to your heart along the way.
Women’s Journal: https://amzn.to/2hpUaHm
Kids’ Journal: https://amzn.to/2yzqBKi
“Holy Father, let us not negotiate with You and instead honor Your Word with our lives so Your will can be done.”
Wrecked. So good.
GAbi this also stood out to me. I think as humans we tend to negotiate too much! Loved this devotional ❤️
Mondee
God uses a sorcerer to give prophecy on the Messiah. He is showing His authority over ALL. As always, I love what the living Word shows us!
I’m concerned abt this statement in the notes
“Jacob fathered Joseph, and Joseph fathered Jesus, the Messiah.” Joseph did not father Jesus the Holy Spirit came upon Mary. Will you explain it if I’m missing something! I’m just wantin to be clear on what I’m reading.
Thank you!!
The genealogy of Jesus if found in Matthew chapter one. Hope that helps.
Sandra what I read is “Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.” No mention of Joseph father of Jesus. Because he wasn’t the birth father.
I hope this makes sense why I’m confused in the statement in the study.
Yes, I think that part could have been worded more carefully Suzanne, but I hope you see the heart of the writers here and the overall picture. It can be hard to get past certain phrases, but clearly you understand that Joseph was not the birth father, but he was the father-figure of Jesus.
God bless and enjoy the rest of the study! ?
Thanks Netty I just needed confirmation on it. ❤️
Sorry, I am slow and just now starting this study . I also know these verses are about Christ, and our focus on this study should be on him. But… I don’t think it is a coincidence that verses 15 and 16 were included. Galatians 5:19-21 lists very specific sins, even the sin of Balaam. This passage shows that God uses even the worst sinner to do his will; he speaks to anyone and everyone. How many times does he do this throughout the Bible? Hallelujah! He can use even me.
Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances appear to get something done. http://hellowh983mm.com