Note: Writing this post has been difficult because I know some readers may be offended. It is never my intention to offend anyone, but only to remind us all (myself included) what God has said in His Holy Word.
Who Was Balaam? You will probably think of Balaam’s donkey who talked. (Numbers 22:21-39) Instead, when you think about Balaam, think MONEY!
Balak, the king of Moab, hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam tried several times but was unsuccessful. Balaam wanted his financial reward so he came up with another idea. He taught King Balak to use women to entice the Israelite men to commit sexual immorality. That way, the Israelites would curse themselves and he would still get paid. Pretty clever!
Jesus warned the church at Pergamum:
“There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:14
Translated as entice, the word literally means stumbling-block. It refers to the part of a trap where the bait is laid. Taking the bait caused the trap to close upon its prey. Generally, this was a loop or noose, which should entangle the foot of the unwary prey causing it to stumble and fall – a vivid image of what happened to the Israelites. They took the bait, they became entangled, and they fell.
Satan is crafty. He is called the Deceiver, after all. So what kind of traps do you think Satan sets in today’s world?
“According to 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam’s “way” is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. … The doctrine of Balaam teaches compromise, wanting Christians to forget they are called to be separate and holy.” (GotQuestions.org)
In other words, money is the motivation for Balaam’s actions.
“They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.” 2 Peter 2:15
Balaam’s “way” then, is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. I suggest there is a lot of that going on today. Make the connections. Deception, false teaching, making money.
The church today relies too much on what I call “Easy Christianity”. Instead of studying the Bible for themselves, they buy entertaining books and videos about the Bible. This can be especially true of women’s Bible Studies.
When researching female Christian speakers, fees ranged from $10,000 to $200,000! That’s only the beginning. The profits from book sales are even better.
At her peak, Beth Moore generated more than $30 million a year in revenue for Lifeway Publishers. (Publishers Weekly)
We’re talking big bucks! So before you study someone’s book just because it’s the current best seller, think again. Maybe we should study the Bible instead!
I am not accusing any particular person of anything. I am just asking you to be realistic. Remember what Jesus told the twelve when He sent them out.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NIV
Christians can be very naive sometimes. The Bible warns us of this very thing.
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV
In the Bible, we learn of God’s faithfulness, His promises, His mercy, His love, and so much more that brings encouragement and strength. But God’s Word also includes important warnings, and there are many.
May we embrace the whole counsel of God’s Word and not just the “feel-good” parts. May God bless you richly as you study His Word each day.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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