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Numbers 22:22-35 | King James Audio Bible | Powerful Prayer
‘And God’s anger was kindled because he [Balaam] went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto 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. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.’ (Numbers 22:22-35, KJV)
Explanation of Context | And The Ass Saw The Angel Standing In The Way | Love Revealed By Jesus
In this passage, the prophet Balaam was on his way to meet King Balak of Moab, who sought to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites. However, God was displeased with Balaam’s intentions and sent an angel to stand in his path to prevent him from proceeding further. Unaware of the angel’s presence, Balaam’s donkey saw the angel with a drawn sword and reacted fearfully, trying to avoid the dangerous path. Balaam, frustrated by the donkey’s behaviour, struck her three times. Miraculously, the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she spoke to Balaam, questioning his actions. Eventually, God allowed Balaam to see the angel, who revealed the true reason for his obstruction.
Reflection – Divine Intervention and Humility | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ
The account of the angel and the donkey – the ass reminds us of God’s sovereignty. God used a simple ass to communicate His message and to prevent Balaam from pursuing his wicked intentions. God can use the most unexpected means to get our attention and to guide us away from harmful paths.
This story teaches humility and openness to God’s leading. Balaam, initially blinded by his own desires, became angry with the ass not realizing the greater purpose behind her actions. When confronted with the truth, Balaam humbled himself, acknowledging his sin and changing his course.
In relationship with God, we are asked to remain open to divine guidance, even if it comes through seemingly insignificant or unexpected sources. Pride and self-righteousness blind us from God’s purposes. Genuine humility allows us to discern God’s leading our ways.
Powerful Prayer To Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus | And The Ass Saw The Angel
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the reminder that your ways are higher than ours and that you use the most unexpected means to guide us along the right path. Help me to be attentive to your leading and to accept your divine intervention in my life.
Just as you used a donkey – the ass to deliver your message, I pray that you open my heart and mind to hear your voice, even when it comes from unexpected sources. Remove any pride or self-righteousness that may hinder me from an acceptance of your guidance.
Like Balaam, I acknowledge that I may be blinded by desires and intentions. Grant the grace to be humble and receptive to your correction, so that I may align life with your perfect will.
May I always seek your guidance in our journey and trust that your ways are best, even when they differ from our own plans. Help everyone to submit to your leading with joy and obedience, knowing that your love is immeasurable.
In your precious name, I pray.
Amen.
Pope Saint Gregory the Great reflects on the moment in the Gospels when Jesus looks out upon the crowds and says: ‘The harvest is great, but the labourers are few.’ The image is simple but searching. It describes a field full of life and possibility, waiting for workers to gather its fruit. For Gregory, this scene becomes a picture of the Church itself — abundant in potential, yet in need of those who will tend, teach and draw others toward faith [ … ]
Psalm 79 expresses anguish of the psalmist as he contemplates the desolation of Jerusalem, the defilement of the holy temple, and the persecution of God’s people by heathen nations. The psalm unfolds as a fervent plea for God’s intervention, justice, and mercy in the face of profound suffering and reproach. As the psalmist wrestles with a depth of despair, the overarching theme is a desperate cry for restoration and deliverance [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
