The Invisible Made Visible | Evil And Christ's VictoryMuestra

Visible Evil

The book of Numbers traces Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 22-24 the camera zooms away from its focus on Israel’s journey, and pans left to capture what was going on in the nation of Moab—an enemy to God’s people. Four major characters are introduced to God’s story: Balak—the King of Moab, the Messengers, Balaam—the Spiritist and Fortune Teller, and the Moabite Princes.
 

Balak was an opposing power to the people of Israel and to God, and as the antagonist character within the story he is pitted in comparison against the leadership style of Moses. Balak was an evil king. Though Moses was a very meek and humble leader who led in righteousness and received his power from a holy and mighty source in Yaweh, Balak was a man of pride and wicked intent.
 

Balak’s thinking in regard to himself was filled up with idle notions of his own control and ownership of the land. In Numbers 22:6 his view of himself grew so detached from reality that he claimed for himself and his nation the promises that God made to Abraham and Israel. He believed that God was on his side to bless all those he blessed and to curse all those he cursed.
 

Consider through your reading God’s omnipresence! He’s as present with his enemies as he is with his people. Consider also how Balak’s kingdom portrays the VISIBLE kingdom of evil and its pride in warring against God and his people. Satan’s rule on earth has real visible kings (like Balak), real false prophets/fortune tellers (like Balaam), real princes, and real messengers and missionaries. Be encouraged as you read this passage to consider God’s sovereign control over all things, even everything evil.