The world would like to offer many promises and blessings to the believer if the believer would only go contrary to God and His Word. The world is willing to make us comfortable and filled with pleasure. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He was offered kingdoms, if He would only but worship the Evil One. It is not surprising, therefore, that Balak offered to pay Balaam, the son of Beor, many great wishes if he would just curse Israel. When Balaam refused and stated he had to only what God told him to do, note King Balak's response:
Numbers 24:11
Therefore, flee to your place now. I said I would honor you greatly, but behold, the Lord has held you back from honor.”
Note also Balaam's response:
Numbers 24:12-13
Balaam said to Balak, “ Did I not tell your messengers whom you had sent to me, saying, ‘Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the Lord, either good or bad, of my own accord. What the Lord speaks, that I will speak ’?
Believers are tempted by every bill board, TV ad, magazine insert and internet site to sell their commitment to do God's Word in favor of a few pieces of silver. Judas sold Christ for the silver and the power to be someone more than he was meant to be. Peter took the road of self-preservation, denied Christ and saved his own skin. Demas left Paul in love with the world (2 Timothy 4:10). We each sell our Christ and His Word for momentary self gratification. Balaam eventually will go for the riches and offer to Balak a way to seduce Israel. This great seduction becomes a great example used by God countless times in His Word to warn us about compromise. Balaam finally got his riches. To do so he simply had to go contrary to God's Word. Do we all have a price to sell out God?
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