CUFI’s Word of The Week – The Blessing of Blessing Israel

CUFI’s Word of The Week – The Blessing of Blessing Israel

“Nevertheless, the Lord your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” —Deuteronomy 23:5

Numbers 22-24 recounts the story of Balaam, a seer, and the king of Moab, Balak. After the Exodus from Egypt, Israel wandered in the wilderness, numerous and without a homeland. Surrounding countries refused to allow Israel to cross into their territory on their journey. The king of Moab, Balak, went a step further: he summoned Balaam, a seer from Pethor, to curse Israel for him. Baalam replied, “Whatever the Lord tells me, that’s what I will say.”

After the Lord gave Balaam the go ahead to meet with Balak, instead of cursing Israel, Balaam blessed them—not once, not twice, but four times (see Numbers 22-24)!

As Moses recounted this story to the Israelites, he reminded them: “The LORD your God turned the curse [of Balaam] into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you” (Deuteronomy 23:5). In other words, Moses confirmed what Joseph told to his brothers at their reunion after years of painful separation: what others intend for evil against God’s chosen people, God uses for good (Genesis 50:20).

In our lives, we will encounter difficulties and setbacks—and it seems in 2020, most of us encountered many—but the Lord is working all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

This week, how will you make a conscious effort to give thanks in everything –even difficulties—knowing the Lord will work all things for your good?