PROVOKING DIVINE PRESENCE
Numbers 23:1-5
It is a given that majority of Christians are familiar with this passage of the scriptures. But without doubt, what most people emphasize in this chapter is the way the LORD enables Balaam to bless rather than curse Israel. But there is something else. Before Balaam spoke, he sought the face of God. He did this with offerings. Three times he approached God. Each time, he built seven alters and offered bullocks and rams on them. Why did he do this? Because he knew that offerings could provoke divine presence and swift answers.
Are you in need? Have you been pursuing a matter for long to no avail? Do you need directive in a serious matter? While prayer is essential, there are times you need to add the dimension of offering. You may need to sow certain seeds towards what you are expecting. Here Balaam needed a word of direction from the Lord. And he made sacrifices. Three times he did so and each time the Lord spoke to him. And the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said: Return to Balak and thus thou shall speak, (verse 5.)
If you abound in the grace of offering, you will not lack direction in life and destiny. The Lord shall constantly speak to you and guide you as to what next steps to take. Remember Solomon? Each time Solomon offered, the Lord appeared to him. He would give him great offers.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place; a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 1 Kings 3: 4-5
This did not come by mere wishing. Solomon offered what no man had offered before. A thousand burnt offerings. Consider the quantity as well as the quality. Consider the time and the effort required to gather one thousand rams, kill them all and burn them before the Lord. No wonder the Lord appeared to him in the night and gave him a signed blank check.
By your offering,   you too can provoke divine presence and open doors. Solomon had this often and often. David before him had it also. By mere desire to build a sanctuary for the Lord, he obtained a divine promise of an everlasting dynasty on the throne of Israel, (2 Samuel 7) . If you offer a willing and qualitative offering, certainly God will respond to you and meet your need.
PRAYER: Dear Father, guide me in my offerings to you. Help me to offer what will provoke blessing from you.
