The anointing.

His way—blessed, protected, guided.

Walking in the light through Numbers 22–25

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

—Psalm 119:105

In my annual reading of the Word, I have clung intimate to Numbers this year. There’s a tenderness in how God deals with His—even when we wander. And Numbers 22–25 is a stunning stretch of Scripture that reveals both the danger of compromise and the relentless mercy of God.

It begins with Balaam, a prophet for hire who hears from God, yet still tries to manipulate the outcome (Numbers 22). His story is a warning and a wonder. A donkey speaks. An angel appears. And God makes it abundantly clear: You cannot curse what I have blessed.

How many times in our own lives has God intercepted plans, redirected our path, and protected us from unseen danger? Even in our confusion or rebellion, He still speaks. He still pursues.

But then we reach Numbers 25 a sobering moment in Israel’s history—Where Blessing Meets Compromise.

Israel had been blessed by God. But at the threshold of promise, they let down their guard. What Balaam couldn’t curse through prophecy, he corrupted through seduction. Israel began to worship the Baal of Peor, intertwining idolatry with immorality. What followed was grief, judgment, and a cleansing that came only through zealous, covenant-keeping action.

And yet—even there—we see the deeper thread of God’s heart:

Holiness protects intimacy.

Obedience preserves joy.

His way is not to limit, but to lead us in.

Significance for our Journey today

This isn’t just ancient history. This is us—on our way to promise, surrounded by culture, sometimes weary from the journey.

But here’s the hope:

🔹 The enemy lacks the power to curse what God has shielded.

🔹 The Spirit persists in speaking—even through donkeys and chaos.

🔹 Christ Jesus is our better Phinehas—ending the plague of sin with His own pierced side. (Num. 25:11) (Hebrews 9:12)

And when we follow Him—not partway, not with divided hearts, but with anointed surrender—we find the joy of walking closely, chastely, and willingly.

If you’re just beginning to wonder about Jesus—maybe you’ve been blessed, but your heart is still aching—this is for you.

Numbers doesn’t just show God’s judgment—it reveals His mercy. He calls us near, even when we’ve wandered. This isn’t just a story of rebellion—it’s a story of relentless grace.

God keeps reaching.

To light your path.

To fill your life with joy that can’t be stolen.

To show you that His way isn’t burdensome—it’s trustworthy and beautiful.

————

Reflections, the chapter may ask us:

• Where have I let culture pull me from Christ?

• Am I staying faithful in both heart and worship?

• Do I care about what grieves God’s heart—or just what pleases mine?

📖 Want to Go Deeper?

• Read Numbers 22–25 slowly.

• Reflect on what voices you’ve let influence your path.

• Ask the Lord to search your heart—and light your steps.

Scriptures:

• Numbers 22:12 – “You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

• Numbers 25:11 – “Phinehas… has turned back My wrath…”

• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet…”

• Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might… but by My Spirit…”

• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world.”

And like the lampstand in the sanctuary, we’re called to burn pure light—not by striving, but by staying filled with oil (the Spirit).