March 1 – Reading 60

MARCH 1 – Reading 60

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | March 1

“TWISTED”
(Numbers 31:1 – 33:56)

“And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword” — Numbers 31:8

Not all who speak for God genuinely follow Him. Some, like Balaam, know the truth yet trade it for personal gain—only to find that compromise leads to destruction.  As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I grieve when those gifted by God succumb to Balaam’s error.  Personal gain is never worth twisting a divine gift into perversion.  Balaam’s error is not just an issue for ministers to avoid.  We must all be careful not to benefit from wrongdoing.  It never ends well!

Revisiting Balaam’s Life-Story:

Balaam was a prophet who possessed a gift from God but misused it for selfish gain. When Balak, the king of Moab, saw Israel advancing, he sought Balaam to curse them. Initially, Balaam refused, knowing he could only speak what God permitted. However, when offered wealth and prestige, he wavered. Although he ultimately blessed Israel under God’s command (Numbers 22–24), his heart was conflicted. Later, he advised Moab on how to entice Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16), resulting in their downfall—and his own.

Balaam’s greed and deception were so infamous that the New Testament warns against his way:

• • 2 Peter 2:15 speaks of those who “have followed the way of Balaam, who loved gain from wrongdoing.”
  • Jude 1:11 warns about those who “rush for profit into Balaam’s error.”
  • Revelation 2:14 condemns Balaam for leading God’s people into sin.

Despite knowing God’s will, Balaam pursued his own desires, twisting his calling. Ultimately, he perished by the sword—his greed and compromise sealing his fate.  

I wonder what Balaam was thinking right before his life ended.  I doubt he was thinking about the riches he had acquired or the prestige he had obtained. No, I think he was thinking about a donkey and regretting not heeding the warnings or repenting (turning around) from his misinformed destiny.  

Reflection & Application:

• Faithfulness Matters: A spiritual gift without obedience is dangerous. Like Balaam, we can know God’s truth yet still drift into destruction if we don’t submit fully.

• Beware of Compromise: Balaam’s downfall started with minor compromises. What temptations do you need to resist today?

• Right Motives Matter: Are we serving God for His glory or seeking personal gain? The heart behind our actions matters as much as the actions themselves.

Closing Prayer:
Father, guard my heart from the way of Balaam. Keep me from compromise and greed. Help me use my gifts and calling for Your glory, not for personal gain. Please give me the discernment to recognize deception and the strength to remain faithful. May I finish my race in obedience, not disgrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.