Talking Donkeys

JUL 16  / Sunday – Read Numbers 22:21-35

Overview: There are two reliable sources referencing donkeys that speak: The Shrek movie series and stories in the Bible. This GPS deals with the latter.

17 / Mon – The value of a donkey  |  Read Deut 22:1-4 / Ex 23:4-5

Donkeys are from the same family as horses and mules. Their scientific name is Equus asinus. A male is called jackass (ass for short) and the female is a jenny. They were domesticated 5-7,000 years ago in Africa to be ridden, to carry loads or for plowing. They are sturdy and sure-footed and considered vital to the economy in many countries around the world. How did God want His people to care for these animals? Does it matter to whom the donkey belongs?

18 / Tue – Dumb as a donkey  |  Read Numbers 22:21-35

Donkeys aren’t very smart but in this case, Balaam’s donkey was more in tune with God than he was. Balaam had been hired by one nation to curse another, the Israelites. What happened along the trip? Why did the donkey refuse to go forward? When God gave the donkey the ability to speak, what did he say to Balaam (v 28-30)? Have you experienced an annoying situation or a delay in the past that saved your life (v 33)? Has the Lord spoken to you through unusual circumstances but it took awhile to recognize it? Is He trying to get your attention about something even now?

19 / Wed – Riding a horse or a donkey?  |  Read Jn 12:12-16 / Zechariah 9:9 / Eph 4:1-2

In ancient times, horses were ridden by royalty or generals but donkeys were for the common people. When Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem that final Sunday before his crucifixion, he didn’t come dashing in on a white horse but came humbly, riding on the back of a donkey. His choice fulfilled a prophecy written by Zechariah hundreds of years before. Are you willing to humble yourself in order for Jesus to be lifted up? In what ways can you show his kind of humility?

20 / Thu – Bridles  |  Read Prov 26:3-4 / Ps 32:8-9

One thing donkeys, horses and mules have in common is mentioned in these verses. They all have strong wills. They will be unreliable and cannot be trusted until they have been trained. Doesn’t that sound a lot like human beings? Solomon’s warning in Proverbs 26 is for you to avoid foolish people, lest you become like them. God’s words in Ps 32 reveal His heart and His promise to lead you. Have you found yourself rebelling against God or running away from Him because you didn’t trust the path He was leading you on? It happens. But come back. He can be trusted.

21 / Fri – Back to Balaam  |  Read Num 24:10-11 and 31:7-8, 16 / Rev 2:14

Do you wonder if Balaam learned his lesson after being schooled by his donkey? In that case, Balaam did obey God and refused to curse God’s people but he lost the rich reward Balak had promised. Apparently he lost his fear of God because later he gave advice to Israel’s enemies that caused sin in their camp. Balaam’s corrosive influence was still affecting God’s people in the New Testament, as God warned the church in Pergamum in 1st century AD. How can this alert you to be on your guard and discerning about any teaching you might hear from other Christians?

22 / Sat – A donkey’s back  |  Read Job 12:7a / Amos 5:8 / Luke 12:27

Isn’t it interesting how God uses many things in nature to remind you of Himself? If you have the occasion to be near a donkey, look at its back. You will notice there is a dark stripe across its shoulders and a dark dorsal stripe down its back. These stripes form a cross. What are some other things you’ve noticed in nature that point you to the God who created all things? Is it a beautiful sunset or stars on a dark night? The intricate color patterns of flowers or lovely bird songs? Be intentional today. See how many ways you can find God’s fingerprint.