7th February 2026

7th February 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v11-13) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


We might be familiar with the story of Cain, but who was Balaam? Balaam's tragic story is told in the book of Numbers. The king of Moab feared that the Israelites would take over his country and so he hired the Balaam to curse God's people. Balaam initially seemed reluctant to follow the king of Moab and was clear that the Lord did not want him to be involved in such a cause. But eventually Balaam relented thus falling under the wrath of God.


Balaam's story is an interesting one. There is a good discussion to be had over Numbers 22v20-22 where God tells Balaam to go with the princes of Moab but then is angry with him because he obeys. Was God inconsistent? By no means. Scripture interprets Scripture and Peter would later tell us that what drove Balaam even in his obedience was greed. Peter explained that Balaam “loved gain from wrongdoing” (2 Peter 2v15). He used the forbidden practice of divination (Deuteronomy 18v9-14) and was paid handsomely for his effort (Numbers 22v7).


Therefore we should always be careful when there are those within the church who seem to de driven by greed. Jude's false teachers not only lived how they wanted walking in the way of Cain but they also seemed to have a lust for money.


Having money in and of itself is not sinful but desiring it above all things has caused many to wander away from the faith (1 Timothy 6v10). Greedy leaders are a blight on the Christian church but such individuals will not stop the Lord. Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the Lord and she had the wit to turn away (Numbers 22v25). Balaam's eyes were not yet opened and so the Lord caused his donkey to speak asking Balaam why he was beating his donkey so harshly. It's a strange encounter but one which leads Balaam's eyes to be opened so that he could finally see the angel. If we consistently identify "The Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament with Christ then Balaam came face to face with Jesus.


Just as Jesus opposed the greed of Balaam so too does He oppose those within the church who are driven by greed of all kinds. Woe to such people, their ways are perverse before the Lord and He will stop them in their tracks.


Silver and gold often capture our hearts but the Lord offers a priceless treasure in Christ. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6v23).


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q92 What is a Sacrament? A Sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
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