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Read Introduction to 2 Peter

 

“…but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.”

 

but he was rebuked for his iniquity:

A jackass rebuked Balaam. The Holy Spirit has a great sense of humor here. It took a jackass to reprimand and blame Balaam.

“Iniquity” is lawlessness. By using his prophetic gift for monetary gain, Balaam entered into lawlessness. His lawlessness continued by luring young Israeli men into a situation where young girls paraded before them. He said, in effect, “Let nature take its course.” He led these young Jewish men into immorality.

a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice

 A jackass was brighter than Balaam in this situation.

“Speaking” here is bombastic speaking. The “donkey” not only spoke, but he preached a sermon. He probably preached a better sermon than most preachers preach!

restrained the madness of the prophet

Balaam was cut off at the pass when he heard the jackass speak. Balaam was “mad” because his love for money blinded him.

PRINCIPLE:

God can use any vehicle to communicate his truth.

APPLICATION:

If God can take a jackass and turn him into a preacher, He can use you and your message. When you think you have arrived as a great communicator, remember Balaam’s ass!

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