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Here is the link to this week's Sabbath School Lesson Study and Discussion Material: Click Here
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Re: Lesson #10 - The "Madness" of the Prophet
[Re: Daryl]
#121910
11/29/09 05:56 PM
11/29/09 05:56 PM
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What are some other spiritual lessons we can take away from the story of Balaam? What does it teach, for instance, about God’s sovereignty, about human free will and God’s providence, or about human sinfulness? Balaam feared to say anything contrary to God’s will. He was not at liberty to curse Israel. When he opened his mouth to speak, the “controlling power” of God forced him to say things contrary to Balaam’s will. Listen: Hence he was not to be permitted to speak as he chose, but must deliver the message which God should give him. "The word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do," was the divine command. {PP 441.1}
The eyes of Balaam were now opened, and he beheld the angel of God standing with drawn sword ready to slay him. In terror "he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face." The angel said to him, "Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: and the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive." {PP 442.3}
When he expressed his astonishment at Balaam's delay, in view of the rich rewards awaiting him, the prophet's answer was, "Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak." Balaam greatly regretted this restriction; he feared that his purpose could not be carried out, because the Lord's controlling power was upon him. {PP 443.3} Did God violate Balaam’s right to free speech? Did God use intimidation?
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Re: Lesson #10 - The "Madness" of the Prophet
[Re: Mountain Man]
#121939
11/30/09 11:25 PM
11/30/09 11:25 PM
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Do we have a right to free speech? God respects our right to free choice (regarding salvation). While Balaam's right of choice was preserved, God, in His sovereignty, didn't permit him to say what he wished.
God restrains the power of wicked men. He says to them, "Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther." {ST, December 2, 1880 par. 8}
...
Not only was Balaam shown the history of the Hebrew people as a nation, but he beheld the increase and prosperity of the true Israel of God to the close of time. He saw the especial favor of the Most High attending his faithful and obedient people. The great truths which Balaam uttered were forcibly impressed upon his own mind. He saw those who love and fear God, supported by his arm as they entered unfalteringly the dark valley of the shadow of death. And he saw them coming forth from their graves, crowned with glory, honor, and immortality. {ST, December 2, 1880 par. 20}
He beheld the vast multitude of holy, happy ones, rejoicing in the unfading glories of the earth made new. Gazing upon the scene, the prophet exclaimed, "Who can count the dust of the righteous, or the number of the fourth part of Israel?" And as he sees the crowns of glory on every brow, the joy beaming from every countenance, and looks forward to that endless life of unalloyed felicity, he utters the solemn prayer, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." {ST, December 2, 1880 par. 21}
What a testimony is this, borne before king and princes! The light of Heaven has been permitted to shine upon the prophet's mind, revealing to him the purposes of God toward his people. If Balaam has a disposition to accept the light which God has given, he will now make true his words; he will sever at once and forever all connection with Moab. He will no longer presume upon the mercy of God, but will return to him with deep repentance and humiliation. But Balaam did no such thing. He loved the wages of unrighteousness, and this he was determined to secure at any cost. {ST, December 2, 1880 par. 22}
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