Why Won’t You Listen? 2 OF 3
A hard head makes a soft behind.” I think many of us have heard these words before. If you were anything like me, I was that boy who needed to find out for myself if the stove was hot, if the water would overflow, or even if paper would burn. My father recognized my personal need to chart my own path, but because he loved me, he would give me advice and directions that could allow me to miss the trouble that was lying ahead. I wouldn’t listen to no one if I wanted to do something. When my mind is made up, there is no stopping me.
The prophet Balaam had a similar dilemma. God had told Balaam to go with the officials of Moab to bring a Word from the Lord to the people, especially King Balak. But there was trouble ahead and the donkey that was accompanying Balaam was giving him signs that would save his life by straying off the desired path. Balaam was furious, because the donkey was straying away from his original plans, then proceeded to beat it every time.