Reading
SAA Notes
Vows are directly related to the Third Commandment – “You shall not misuse (take in vain) the name of the LORD your God.” Every time a Christian promises, signs something or takes a vow, we automatically involve the Name of God. It’s like a child involves the name of his/her family in whatever he/she gets up to.
SJA Notes
* Almighty God of our salvation, by awesome deeds You answer us with righteousness. You are the hope of all the earth.
“Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the LORD.”
We read here the truth of who Balaam was. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, a snake in the grass.
It was the advice of Balaam that is mixed in and through the tragedy of Peor,
“So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel.” Numbers 25:3
Jesus has clear words to say about people like Balaam,
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15
We see the fruit of Balaam was idolatry and gross moral failing (adultery included).
Let us then be alert for this kind of activity in our church families.
Let us be convicted of our own continual need for Jesus, without whom our fruit is dead and diseased.
We have been grafted into the true vine, and our fruit is to be healthy and good (Galatians 5:22-23).
* Merciful God,
Please protect us against those who would be like Balaam (even ourselves).
We are weak and weary, troubled and lost – Please be our strength, our wisdom, our light for this life.
Please teach us from Your word today.
Amen.