Day 211
Numbers 23:20
"Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it."
The reliability of God's Word is marvelous. It is fascinating. It is thrilling. Weather forecasters do the best they can with the most elaborate machines available, but we cannot depend on their word. Economic forecasters are men of vast experience, who study diligently in their areas of expertise, but they also make mistakes. Then there are astrologers, psychics and fortune-tellers, whose words are extremely unreliable. Thank God we have a certain word we can depend on to always come to pass.
The prophet in Numbers 23:20 said he had been commanded by God to bless the Israelites. After he obeyed the command, God blessed them, and the prophet could not reverse what had been done. As he stated in verse 19, God cannot lie, and He does not change His mind. In a later account, the Lord told His people they would not receive the benefits of His promise, because they refused to believe and cooperate with Him. However, that still did not change His Word. Whoever believed and acted on God's Word experienced the blessing. That is exciting!
As we read the Bible, we can be encouraged in knowing that the words written by the prophets could not be reversed, even by those who delivered the prophecy. They spoke by commandment, God guaranteed their words, and there was no turning away from what was declared. Today, we can choose to agree with God and be blessed. Caleb and Joshua were two Israelites who inherited the promised land, while many thousands of others died without experiencing what was promised to them. The difference between them was the majority operated in unbelief and rebellion, while the Joshua and Caleb operated in faith.
Some have tried to declare that some promises or blessings no longer apply to us today. If the Bible does not tell us there is an expiration date on a promise, then remember that even the prophets who made the statements cannot nullify or reverse the blessings of God. So, when we discover a blessing pronounced on us in the scriptures, we can reach out for it in faith, knowing that it still applies to whomever will receive it.
I will lay hold of God's Word for me and receive all that is due me. The Word of God is true, and it cannot be reversed. Therefore, I claim every blessing given me by my Heavenly Father.