His Confession Did Not Go Far Enough!

diane amberg, March 3, 2005 at 4:01:00 PM GMT

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Numbers 20--23

After the Angel of the Lord confronts Balaam, and his donkey tries to get away from the Angel who has a drawn sword in his hand, and Balaam strikes his donkey repeatedly for not going where Balaam wants to go, the prophet says,

34 I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back (Num. 22:34).

Oh, it is good to hear Balaam confess his sin finally, but the problem is, he is not confessing enough. His immediate explanation shows that he is only confessing for venting his anger on the donkey. He is not confessing his greed and his attempts to get the Lord to change his mind on cursing Israel.

Confession of sin is good, but it must go all the way.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

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