Numbers 23:19
Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 3/23/25
In a world where truth seems increasingly elusive, where lies and deception appear to reign supreme, there’s a profound comfort in knowing that we are secured by a truthful God. This reality stands in stark contrast to the “truthless times” we find ourselves navigating daily.
We live in an era where dishonesty seems to have reached unprecedented levels. Falsehoods are spread with alarming ease, and even when confronted with recorded evidence, some boldly deny their own words. It’s as if lying has become a competitive sport, with some treating it like a “going out of business sale.” This prevalence of “pernicious prevarications” can leave us feeling disoriented and uncertain.
But amidst this sea of deception, we find an anchor in the truthfulness of God. To understand this better, let’s journey back to an intriguing story from the book of Numbers, chapters 22-24, involving a king named Balak and a prophet named Balaam.
Balak, the king of Moab, found himself terrified by the approaching Israelites. Having heard of their conquests, he knew he couldn’t defeat them militarily. So, he resorted to a spiritual strategy – hiring Balaam, a renowned prophet, to curse the Israelites.
This scenario unveils a timeless truth: there will always be those who believe they can use others to curse God’s people. But God’s blessings cannot be undone by human schemes.
When Balaam was approached, he said he needed to pray about it – a questionable response for a prophet asked to curse God’s chosen people. God explicitly forbade Balaam from cursing Israel, explaining they were a blessed people. However, when Balak sweetened the deal, Balaam went back to God, hoping for a different answer.
How often do we, like Balaam, go back to God hoping He’ll change His mind when we don’t like His initial answer? God, in His wisdom, allowed Balaam to go but with strict instructions to only say what God told him to say. This serves as a powerful reminder for all of us, especially those in ministry, to speak only what God directs, not our opinions or what we think others want to hear.
The journey that follows is both comical and profound. Balaam, so focused on potential profit, couldn’t see the angel of the Lord blocking his path. His donkey, however, could. Three times the donkey tried to avoid the angel, and three times Balaam beat the animal. Finally, in a miraculous moment, the donkey spoke, questioning Balaam’s actions.
This peculiar incident reminds us that God can use anything – even a donkey – to speak sense to us when we’re blinded by our own desires or ambitions. Sometimes, it takes something completely unexpected to open our eyes to God’s presence and direction in our lives.
When Balaam finally reached Balak, he found himself unable to curse Israel. Instead, he blessed them – not once, but three times! This frustrated Balak, who had “bought” a prophecy but didn’t get what he paid for. It’s a powerful illustration that God’s will cannot be thwarted by human intentions or financial incentives.
The crux of the message comes in Balaam’s second discourse to Balak: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)
This declaration encapsulates the essence of God’s truthfulness:
- God is not a man – He is transcendent, beyond our limitations and failures.
- He does not lie – unlike humans who can be fraudulent, fallacious, or fake.
- He does not change His mind – He never miscalculates or makes mistakes.
- He always fulfills His promises – what He says, He will do.
In a world full of broken promises and changed minds, there’s immeasurable comfort in knowing that God’s word is unbreakable. No person, no circumstance, no legislation, no machination can cause God to retract His promises to His children.
This truth should embolden us. We can rest in God’s “I wills”:
- “I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
- “I will never stop doing good to them.”
- “I will be your God, and you will be my people.”
- “I will have compassion on you.”
- “I will forgive you of your wickedness.”
- “I will remember your sins no more.”
- “I will cleanse you from all your impurities.”
- “I will give you a new heart.”
- “I will put my Spirit in you.”
- “I will save you.”
- “I will not forget you.”
- “I will strengthen you.”
- “I will help you.”
- “I will hold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”
- “I will be with you when you pass through the waters and the fire.”
- “I will counsel you.”
- “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
These promises form a foundation of security that no earthly circumstance can shake. In a world where truth seems relative and promises are easily broken, we have a God who stands firm, whose word is unshakeable, and whose promises are sure.
This truth calls us to a response. If we don’t know this truthful God personally, there’s an invitation extended. To know Jesus is to experience a transformative relationship that can turn lives around. He receives us as we are, changes our hearts, and walks with us away from the things we can’t leave on our own.
As we navigate these “truthless times,” let’s anchor ourselves in the unwavering truthfulness of God. Let’s find comfort in His promises, security in His unchanging nature, and hope in His faithful love. No matter what swirls around us, we can stand firm, knowing we are secured by a truthful God who will never let us down.
In the words of the old hymn, “Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you.” This is the assurance we have – not because of our own strength or goodness, but because of the unchanging, truthful nature of our God. In Him, we find our security, our peace, and our hope for both today and eternity.