True to His Word

“God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

There are many false beliefs about the Lord God.  One particular belief is that God was once a man who became God.  I guess those who believe that failed to read the above verse.  If God was originally a man, who created Him?  If He was a man who became God, then who gave Him that authority?  I have never understood how folks can logically take the word of God and twist it to suit their ideas, to make it say the opposite of what it actually says and then believe it as the truth.

In the book of Numbers we have the account of a heathen diviner (fortune teller) named Balaam who had some knowledge of the God of Israel.  He had been summoned by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel so they would be weak and unable to defeat the Moabites.  However, Balaam obeyed the words of the LORD and instead blessed Israel.  Balaam’s response to Balak was an affirmation of the sovereignty and magnificence of Almighty God.  Balaam wanted to impress upon Balak that God was not a mere human that could be manipulated or influenced to not follow through on a promise or to turn aside from His word.  God will never say one thing and then do another.  He has never done anything nor will do anything for which He would need to repent.  If He says it, He will do it.  He will always make good on His promises, His warnings, and His wrath.  Balaam assured Balak that God had instructed him to bless Israel, and in no way was he going to reverse God’s commandment.

There are many folks who claim to believe in God, but they do not recognize His sovereignty and holiness as the Creator of the universe and neither do they give Him the honor and respect that is due Him.  He is not “the man upstairs” or “the big guy” or a “genie in a bottle” just waiting to grant one three wishes.  He is not to be called upon only in times of trouble and ignored the rest of the time.  He doesn’t have a last name that starts with “d”, and He is not a white-bearded old man floating on a cloud.  Matter of fact, scripture tells us that He is not a body, but a Spirit whose glory is so magnificent that no one can look upon Him and live (Exodus 33:20).  He came to earth in the body of His only Son, Jesus Christ, both divine and human, in order to redeem those who would repent and believe on Him.

God is the Creator of heaven and earth.  He alone is worthy to receive all glory and honor and power (Revelation 4:11).  His word is truth.  He never makes a mistake, is never late, is never early, but always right on time.  Solomon, deemed to be the wisest human on earth, declared that there is no god like our God in heaven or earth who is more trustworthy or merciful than Almighty God (I Kings 8:23-paraphrased).  Balaam, who was not a worshipper of God, had a fear and respect for God that many folks who claim to be followers of Him do not consistently exhibit.  God is worthy to be praised.