Numbers 22:21-23:30; Luke 1:57-80; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 11:12-13 (New Living Translation)

Old Testament

1. Balaam mounts his donkey to meet Balak. An angel stands in their way. The donkey "recognizes" this and avoids the angel. Balaam reacts by beating the donkey.

- Finally the donkey speaks to him to explain. Finally the angel speaks to him. As is a speaking donkey is not enough of a miracle.

2. They set up several altars, but ultimately Balaam blesses Israel, because God has blessed them, and he cannot curse them.

New Testament

3. The birth of John the Baptist.

- Zechariah can now speak, and he prophesies..."And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord."

- John grows up and lives in the wilderness until his public ministry begins.

Psalm

4. "You plot injustice in your hearts"

5. "...surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth."

Proverbs

6. "... a sensible person keeps quiet."

7. "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence."

See you next post...

Numbers 21-22:20; Luke 1:26-56; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11 (New Living Translation)

Old Testament

1. Victory over the Canaanite. Remember Canaan, that's where we are going.

- The people mad a vow to God to completely destroy the city if God helped them.

2. Don't worry, it didn't last long. The people are complaining again...no food, no water, Moses, etc.

- God sends poisonous snakes, the people are bitten, and many die. The people, of course turn to Moses to intercede for them. He does. Then God commands him to make a bronze snake to heal the people.

3. The people have several more victories. Balak, who is the son of the Moabite king (Zippor), sends for Balaam to curse the people.

- God visits Balaam and tells him not to curse the people, they are blessed. Balaam sends them home, but they return at a later time to make a second request. This time God says to go with them, "but do only what I tell you to do."

-This can't be good...

New Testament

5. The angel Gabriel returns, and this time foretells the birth of Jesus. this visit of course is to Mary, who is engaged to Joseph.

- He fills her in on Elizabeth's pregnancy and blessing.

- Mary's reply has to be the most perfect answer ever..."I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

- I am the Lord's servant. No question, no back-talk, no explanations about why she couldn't do this. Just, "I am the Lord's servant."

6. Mary visits Elizabeth. Elizabeth's baby responds to the sound of Mary's voice. Or is he responding to the presence of the Lord...the One he is to pave the way for?

- Mary's song of praise.

Psalm

7. "My heart is confident in you, O God."

Proverbs

8. "Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart."

See you next post...