Have you not heard?

I know, I know, out of all the noble characters, out of all of the available rich stories, why in the world would I become so transfixed on Balaam? I think in part, because it's a fresh story to me - perhaps that is a sad reflection on my Bible reading/study, but I don't remember it. I feel like I'm a 1960's version of Isaiah (ala Edward G. Robinson) elbowing people in their ribs saying,

"Dig This! 'Have you not heard?' There's this donkey,see,and the donkey is the first one conscious of an angel, see, and the donkey suffers for taking correct actions, see, and he talks to his owner who doesn't even seem surprised that his donkey is talking to him just like Mr. Ed, see..."

The donkey can see the angel and submits to the angel's intervention. The donkey talks reasonably, using words, yet neither Balaam nor the donkey is even surprised? You're trying to tell me this story has been in the Bible all these years? As a bit of trivia, there is only one other instance of an animal talking, so it really POPS out. It's kind of like when you read one of the really steamy stories of seduction and lust; at first you kind of are taken aback and then you wonder, "If people knew what kind of stuff was in the Bible, would more people read it?"

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, when we become stubbornly transfixed on side issues, distracted from the main message, and focused on questions that aren't the real concern; force us to submit to your purpose. Bring us back to the central theme and put words in our mouths that declare: "God loves and cares for you!" "Love your neighbor!" and "Jesus has risen!" O God, help us to read the Bible as though each story were read for the first time and use our enthusiasm to encourage others to read, study, and follow your message. Bring forward the words that best express your purpose and make them alive in our thoughts and actions. Let us pronounce your glory using Isaiah as inspiration. Amen

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth.
God never grows faint or weary;
there is no limit to God's understanding.
God gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.
Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall,
but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40: 28-31