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And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.’ ” But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God to do less or more." (Numbers 22:16-18)

And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times. Therefore now flee to your own place. I said, ‘I will certainly honor you,’ but the Lord has held you back from honor.” And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak’?" (Numbers 24:10-13)

Everybody remembers Balaam for being the guy with the talking donkey. But really, what we should remember him for is his integrity in proclaiming the word of the Lord. He is confronted by King Balak to curse the people of Israel. Now as far as we know, Balaam is some sort of a seer who Yahweh speaks through. This is amazing, considering that he is not found among the Israelites. But nonetheless he knows God's personal name, Yahweh, and speaks with Him directly.

But what astounds me as I read this account in Numbers is the integrity of a man who obviously lived at the mercy of those who gave him money. Balak, the king, offers to take care of his every need, silver, gold, housing. Without batting an eye, Balaam tells the king's officials right up front that receiving those things mean nothing, the only thing that matters is to accurately convey the word of the Lord.

Even while proclaiming the oracles that God gave to Balaam, he unflinchingly continues to follow after whatever God tells him to say. Balak the King is right there, I imagine waving money bags the whole time. But Balaam never turns to the left or right, he continues to prophesy whatever the Lord lays in front of him. With absolutely no concern for how it might lead to him receiving no payment, or possibly may even lead to his own death!

Oh that we would have preachers like Balaam! Men who would have no regard for their paychecks, housing allowances, or their popularity among the masses. Here is Balaam with no regard for his life or well being, proclaiming a blessing on Israel to their enemies! And yet, it seems that we sometimes water down the truth of the gospel for the sake of not offending someone.

I know the dangers and how terribly frightening it is to have to say things that are going to be difficult. But if God has revealed to us in His word what must be preached, then let us not shrink back in fear. "If God is for us, then who can be against us?" I long for preaching that is willing to proclaim the truth no matter what the consequences. I am so encouraged when I see men lifting up the truth about Jesus Christ in places where they could suffer the loss of reputation, support, or even their life.

Recently, I had to say some very difficult things as a result of a suicide in our church family. But after sharing that message, I was amazed at the impact that it had on people's lives. I was worried that people would not receive the message and be bothered by it. But I knew I had to speak what God had placed before me in His word. And for that moment, I know I was faithful to the task.

Oh, that we would be faithful to the task week in and week out, regardless of the opinions of the masses. That we would join with Balaam in saying, "What the Lord speaks, that will I speak!"