Speak Only What I Tell You

Friday, July 17, 2015
Numbers 22:31-38 NIV

31 Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. 32 The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it." 34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back." 35 The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with Balak's officials. 36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. 37 Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?" 38 "Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But I can't say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth."

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the prophet went with the princes of Moab, the Lord's anger was aroused. What did the Lord allow Balaam to see and what did the prophet do? (v.31)
2) What did the Angel of the Lord ask the prophet and explain to him? (v.32-33)
3) What did Balaam say to the Angel of the Lord? (v.34)
4) What did the Angel of the Lord tell Balaam to do and what did the prophet do? (v.35)
5) What did the king of Moab do when he heard that Balaam was on his way? (v.36)
6) What did he ask the prophet when he met him? (v. 37)
7) What did Balaam say in response to the king's questions? (v.38)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Have you ever rebelled against the Lord's will for your life? If so, what happened?
9) Has the Lord ever refused to grant your petitions, and/or prevented you from doing, or having, what you thought you needed? If so, briefly describe one such time and the outcome.

LIFE LESSONS
10) When the Lord refuses to grant our petitions, He does so to warn us of impending disaster, to protect us from future devastation, and/or to present His divine destiny for our life.