Heroes of the Faith, Part 3Sample

Do Not Even Think About It

Bible Story: Balaam - Numbers 22:21-34, Numbers 23:18-20

Theme Verse: Ephesians 6:1

Last week, Israel began wandering around in the desert for 40 years. While Israel was traveling, they passed through the territory of the nation of Moab. The Moabites were terrified of them, so the Moabite king Balak sent for a man named Balaam to come curse them. When Balaam asked God what to do, God told him not to go. But king Balak was upset and really wanted Balaam to come and sent better princes and promised a big reward for coming. Balaam told them to wait and see what God said. Sometimes when we don’t agree with God, we are tempted to ask again or push Him to change His mind. God allowed him to go but was mad at him.

Sometimes when we push God, He lets us have both the thing we want and the consequences that go with it. As Balaam went on his way to Moab, an angel stopped in the road in front of him. Balaam didn’t see it, but his donkey did. First his donkey turned off the road into a field, then further down the road she pressed Balaam’s leg into a wall, then later she lay down in the road.

When Balaam was upset at his donkey, God let the donkey speak! She said, “Why are you upset at me? Haven’t I been your trusty donkey? Have I ever done this?” Then God let Balaam see the angel who could have killed him, and Balaam realized what he was doing was wrong. Balaam realized that God did not want him to curse Israel, no matter how big of a reward he could get from king Balak. When they arrived, Balaam blessed Israel four times and didn’t think about disobeying God anymore.

Jesus said to watch and pray so we don’t fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). Watch your thoughts because the longer you think about how much you want to do wrong, the harder it is gets to do right. As soon as you remember what God’s Word says, be quick to obey it so that you don’t even think about doing wrong.

I choose to be quick to obey God and not even let myself think about doing wrong.

Questions:

1. Who should I listen to?

2. What if my parents ask me to do something wrong?

3. When will I get to be the boss?

Application to Life:

Your assignment this week is to write about something you are rebelling against, something you don’t want to do but should do, or something you want to do but shouldn’t do. It could be something as simple as this homework assignment or it could be something your parents want you to do. Think of the damage this might be causing to your heart, your friends and family, or your future hopes and dreams of serving God. Then ask Jesus to forgive you and clean it from your heart, telling Jesus that He is your king. Keep track of whether the rebellion went away or not and repeat that prayer as much as you need to.