87

87 “I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near.”

 Numbers 24:17

 This is the viewpoint of the wicked prophet Balaam who was paid to curse the people of God but could not. He was false and a mercenary who was trying to make money out of his gifts. He says that he can see God but God is far away from him because he regards iniquity in his heart. God does not hear the words of the wicked but only those who are redeemed and made righteous.

“If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened.”

Psalm 66:18

 God promises to hear the prayer of His people and to answer them. We can come to Him in great confidence and see Him up close and personal.

 Balaam could see God in the works of creation and in the circumstances of life, yet he refused to bow his knee and acknowledge the Lord. The wicked go on in their sin regardless of what they know about God and have very little thought for Him. They see the Lord but He is not near to them and they do not interpret life in terms of His will or purpose. They will not come and remain recalcitrant and stubborn against the Lord.

 What foolishness is bound up in our hearts that we refuse what is obvious and keep at arms-length what is righteous and good. Let us draw near and see our God as our Saviour and Lord and bow to Him.

“Oh come, let’s worship and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord, our Maker…” Psalm 95:6