God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done. Numbers 23:19 GNT

 

Table Mountain, with stately grandeur reaching up to the heavens, its wispy ‘tablecloth’ curling over the side, is a magnificent sight – one that never fails to delight me. Whether the changing light bathes it in sunny rays, or the mist in moody gloom, it is always there – an icon of permanence and stability; for me, a reminder of God’s constancy, and the immense strength of his divine nature.

 

Today’s verse focuses us on God’s immutability and unwavering faithfulness; how different he is to us! He doesn’t lie or change his mind; He doesn’t break his promises and let people down; He doesn’t have double standards to make us doubt him. These are things that humans struggle to uphold. When God promises, or gives an answer, it is trustworthy; He will not renege or cease to love; He stands firm.

 

Paul aptly describes God’s integrity when speaking to Timothy of Jesus: “If we are not faithful, he remains faithful, because he cannot be false to himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13) As human beings, we cannot reach God’s excellence, however honest we may be, and despite the examples of upright people in the Bible, others struggle to be true to themselves, as Balaam, diviner (Joshua13:22) and prophet, demonstrates. It was said that “when [he] pronounces a blessing, people are blessed, and when [he] pronounces a curse, they are placed under a curse.” (Numbers 22:6)

 

Balaam wasn’t a Hebrew, but when he recognised God’s power in their victories against the Canaanites, he consulted him, despite the unlikelihood that he believed in God as the one true God. Outwardly he obeys God, but his divided heart influences his engagement with Balak, king of Moab, who calls him to curse the Hebrews so that he can defeat them, and safeguard his territory. Balaam, flattered by Balak’s attention and tempted by the honour, riches, and power he offers him, exposes his own double-mindedness.

 

Although “God said to Balaam, “Do not go with these men, and do not put a curse on the people of Israel, because they have my blessing” (Numbers 22:12) by Balak’s second invitation, his own will prevails and he does, angering God, and earning himself an embarrassing reprimand from his donkey in front of the Moabite leaders, as God makes it speak. But Balaam shamelessly continues his wilful way on a futile mission, as people often do.

 

It’s God who doesn’t waver. In all four prophecies, when Balaam stands to curse the Hebrews, God is faithful to his people and makes cursing them impossible; instead, each time only blessing come from Balaam’s mouth, until the frustrated pagan king recognises God’s involvement, and shouts, “Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Lord has kept you from being rewarded.” (Numbers 24:11, NIV)

 

God is faithful; He always wants what’s best for us. He never changes, and no enemy can stand against us if we are his. Paul asks: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b)

 

Prayer: Eternal Father, your unwavering faithfulness brings me hope and joy as I trust in you. Amen