Deep Wounds
Psalm 140, 142 • Psalm 141, 143:1-11(12)
Num. 24:1-13 • Rom. 8:12-17 • Matt. 22:15-22
A brief refresher on the passage from Numbers, conveniently labeled in my Bible as “Balaam’s Third Oracle.” Balaam, the prophet, is summoned (and offered payment) by Balak, a Moabite king, to curse the Israelites camped out around Balak’s territory. Twice already Balaam has been unable (or unwilling) to curse them because he “must only say what the Lord says.” Balak seems to think a third time will do the trick, commands Balaam to give another oracle, and is sorely disappointed when Balaam again blesses the Israelites instead.
It would have been easy for Balaam to take the king’s money, say a few bewildering words about Israel, and be on his way. It is scary at the least, deadly at the most, to stand up to the powerful, especially when money is on the table. Prophets are made to stand up to the powerful in general, but Balaam’s motivation for displeasing the king seems deeper than just rejecting a fee for his services. He seems to know there is something bigger at work here to which he must testify; that what he is witnessing is the truth of God at work in the world. Somehow if he were to deny that truth, and simply please Balak with easy words, he would be denying the truth of God at work in his own life too. That work, that witness, is not quantifiable.
Jesus too, in this oft-quoted passage from Matthew, understands the quick and easy power that earthly wealth promises. It is why the Pharisees think they can trick him with their question about paying taxes. Like Balaam, Jesus seems to understand that yes, there are immediate needs in the world that money can solve. But the things money solves are like band-aids on wounds. Like Balaam, Jesus knows there is something bigger at work; that there are deeper wounds in the world. Wounds that money will never solve. Wounds that need healing with unconditional love and justice. Wounds that do not have a quick fix and require profound spiritual work.
Balaam and Jesus’ knew God is still at work, even when that is harder to see than the shiny object right in front of us. To do the work of God, we cannot be distracted. We have to commit to the spiritual work ahead, no matter the cost.
Written by Emma Mitchell, Youth Director
When not serving the youth and families at St. Paul’s as the Youth Director, Emma enjoys a good craft project, a thrifting adventure, and hanging out with her husband Dave and small menagerie of animals.