Is it possible to know God’s will?

Review

Our study last week discussed the question, “Is it God’s will for us to know God’s will?” (https://robert-a-l-blake.com/discerning-gods-will/) We found through the exploration of Isaiah 55 that it is God’s will. A new question sets the stage for our study. Is it possible to know God’s will?

Context

This week, we start with an admonition from the apostle Paul particularly regarding leaders. In context with our anchor text, Paul recommends intercessory prayer in verse 1, and verses 5 & 6 affirm that Christ Jesus is the only mediator between God and men.

Background

Let’s look at an atypical example of someone who had difficulty answering this question. The children of Israel had left Egypt some time ago and were well on their way to Canaan, the Promised Land. Through God’s leading and interventions, they became established as a formidable force in the land. In Numbers, chapter 21, they had just completed the utter destruction of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan.

In chapter 22:1, they pitched their tents in the plains of Moab. The Moabites, we remember, were quite near relatives being the descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. God had specifically instructed Israel not to war against Moab because of this. Balak, the king of Moab, saw things from a very different perspective. Because of the Israelites recent defeat of the Amorites, he viewed the Israelites as a threat. Knowing he probably could not survive a battle, he concocted an alternative method.

The Prophet Baalam

Numbers 22-24 tells the story of Baalam. The name doesn’t even sound right. Who would name their son Baalam? Baalam appears in Scripture with no formal introduction. It does not identify him as a king, priest, or prophet, but merely as an apparently well-known man with a unique gift. Whoever he blessed received blessings and whoever he cursed received curses. He also had a rather interesting connection to God, which complicated his so-called gift as he appeared to dabble in other spiritual practices.

Scene 1

The elders of Moab and Midian presented the proposal to Baalam to curse the Israelites on behalf of King Balek. He sought counsel from God to inquire of His will (verse 8). In verse 12, God specifically forbade him not to go and not to curse the people of Israel, for God blessed them. Baalam thus refused the money and sent the emissaries home.

• What was God’s will?
  • Don’t go, don’t curse
• Did Baalam know God’s will?
  • Yes
• Did Baalam follow God’s will?
  • Yes

End of story? Not quite.

Scene 2

Not only was he well known for his power of divination, but he also had the reputation of being a skilled contract negotiator. Balak knew this as well, but also was in dire straits as leader of his nation. So he sent even higher-ranking officials to Baalam (Numbers 22:15). They offered more than money, even prestige as a government official (v. 17), but Baalam sought God’s will (v. 19).

• What was God’s will?
  • Go, if they call him. Only speak what God tells him. (v. 20).
• Did Baalam know God’s will?
  • Yes
• Did Baalam follow God’s will?
  • No (vv. 21-22)

Reinstruction

After an almost deadly experience (Numbers 22:21-33), Baalam confessed and submitted to God’s instruction, which God reiterated to him.

• What was God’s will?
  • Go. Only speak what God tells him. (v. 35).
• Did Baalam know God’s will?
  • Yes (v. 38)
• Did Baalam follow God’s will?
  • No (vv. 35 and 38)

Impressions

In chapter 23, we see Baalam conducting a large sacrificial program. I don’t recall this being part of God’s instructions. It may have been grandstanding on Baalam’s part to impress Balak, or perhaps impress God. God met him and reaffirmed his instruction (v. 5), perhaps, lest Baalam should get caught up in the moment and forget the previous agreement. Balak probably was attempting a bit of showmanship as well to impress Baalam. He showed up with full regalia, pomp, and circumstance, so this definitely added to the pressure.

In verses 7-10, Baalam presented a blessing for Israel directly from God. This, of course, not only displeased Balak, but stuck a chord of terror within him. The scene repeated in verses 14-24.

• What was God’s will?
  • Bless
• Did Baalam know God’s will?
  • Yes
• Did Baalam follow God’s will?
  • Yes

Spirit-Filled

The narrative posed a different scenario in chapter 24:1. Recognizing God’s will from the scenes in chapter 23, Baalam did not seek counsel from God as in the previous times. However, verse 2 ended with “and the spirit of God came upon him.” For the balance of the chapter, he erupted in an endless stream of blessings, despite the objections of King Balak. In verse 17, a very familiar passage, he specifically prophesied Israel’s destruction of Moab.

God’s Will

So I pose the final set of questions to you for reflection:

• Did Baalam know God’s will?

• Did Baalam follow God’s will?

• What was God’s will?

In responding to these questions, consider our anchor text found in I Timothy 2:3, 4.

I pray that this presentation has blessed you and invite you to share it with others!