As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Numbers 24:2-7,15-17 

When Balaam raised his eyes and saw Israel encamped, tribe by tribe, the spirit of God came upon him, and he gave voice to his oracle: The utterance of Balaam, son of Beor, the utterance of a man whose eye is true, and knows what the Most High knows, of one who sees what the Almighty sees, enraptured, and with eyes unveiled: How goodly are your tents, O Jacob; your encampments, O Israel! They are like gardens beside a stream, like cedars planted by the Lord. His wells shall yield free-flowing waters, he shall have the sea within reach; His king shall rise higher, and his royalty shall be exalted. Then Balaam gave voice to his oracle: The utterance of Balaam, son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eye is true, the utterance of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, of one who sees what the Almighty sees, enraptured, and with eyes unveiled. I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel. 

Today’s first reading is a bit of a head scratcher. Who is Balaam and what is he saying? What is the context that can help us make sense of this passage that the church gives us during Advent? Let’s just take a quick moment to give some background.

In Numbers 22-24, the tribes of Israel are encamped in the plains of Moab. They had just defeated the Amorites, and the people of Moab were in fear of them. Their king Balak wanted Balaam to come and curse them so that he would be able to defeat them. But God tries to warn Balaam not to go by literally having his donkey speak to him and warn him. And each time Balaam tries to raise his hands to curse Israel, the Spirit fills him, and his words come out as a blessing. Four times this happens. Read these three chapters of Numbers for yourself to gain more understanding. It’s quite an entertaining read. 

So, now consider that this last oracle or blessing given by Balaam at the end of our first reading could be considered a prophecy. He says, “I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near,” meaning that this is a future event. And “A star shall advance from Jacob and a staff shall rise from Israel.” Does that ring any bells? Does a star not appear at the birth of Jesus? In ancient times a new star represented the birth of a king and a staff (or in other translations, a scepter) also represented a king. The Magi will follow that star seeking this king. An interesting point is that this prophecy is given, not by an Israelite but by a Gentile and the Magi who later fulfill this prophecy are Gentiles as well. God will use anything and everything to bring about His will.

What does all this mean for us? We are again shown in Scripture that there has always been a plan. God has known every step of the way where we need to be and what will happen to bring us back to Him. His plan to save us is always perfect even though it sometimes has to take the long way due to our own choices and actions. But God does not quit, and He is always there to guide and protect. What a fascinating tale in these three chapters of Numbers for us to study and pray through. Seeing God protect His people should bring us joy and hope and peace this Advent. 

Reflection Questions: Do you ever wonder why God does things the way He does? How do you deal with patience or frustration when your will keeps getting put to the side and His will steps in? How does it make you feel to see God protecting His people from the harm others want to bring? Does it help you trust Him more? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we enter into this third week of Advent and are over halfway to Christmas, help me to see Your hand in my everyday life. Help me to trust you to protect me and my loved ones from the enemy who wants to steal us from You. Thank you for using all people and circumstances to bring about Your will and Your good. Amen.