Numbers 22:37

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"Am I not able to promote thee to honour?" Num 22:37

Balak had no other inspiration than worldly honour to offer. He could not understand any man being unmoved by such an offer. Herein Balak fitly represents the spirit of the whole world. Who can resist gold? or distinction? or influence? or a throne? The whole spirit of this temptation culminated in the attempt of the devil to win the homage of Jesus Christ by offering him the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. The world is making this very speech to every young man today. This, too, is the speech which many a man is addressing to the woman who is unworthy of his love. He will give her a name, a social status, and abundance of domestic comfort; he addresses no appeal to the companionship of the heart, the masonry of the mind, the desire for mutual growth in all sacred life and power. The man who can accept a bribe for his service proves that he will oppose that very service if a higher bribe be offered. He who will accept a bribe will give one. He who will tell lies for you will also tell lies to you. The spirit of Balak was reproduced in Simon Magus. He offered the apostles money if they would give unto him the Holy Ghost. There is no relation between material gifts and spiritual powers. They belong to different spheres. Even when material treasure is offered in recognition of spiritual benefit it must cover itself with contempt in the presence of the majesty it seeks to recognise. Ministers ought not to be bought for money. The poet should not abandon his harp because the money-spender is not listening to him. The princes of this world are never so thoroughly humbled as by the citizens of heaven. Alexander could do nothing for Diogenes. Abram would receive nothing from the King of Sodom, lest the king should put a wrong construction upon the deed. The living water is to be had without money and without price.

True honour cometh from God only.

"Them that honour me I will honour." To receive honour from men is to blind the understanding, and shut out the true judgment. "How can ye believe which receive honour from one another?" If we are in quest of spiritual light and security we must bring a broken and a contrite heart, a spirit bowed down with humbleness, and a self-disposing soul. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."