We are all created by the same God, but we all have different personalities. We think differently, we act differently, we reason differently. These variables differentiate us. But our creator love some of the things that we do differently. There are certain things that God likes in us, or better say is proud of us. He will boast about it before the devil and the devil will ensure we fail in that particular thing itself, that God was so proud of. God was so proud of Job’s uprightness, that he boasted about him before the devil until the devil made it a mission to stumble Job. Job passed the test and came victorious but not every time people keep up to the expectation of God.
From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations. Numbers 23:9
This verse is the very first oracle of Balaam concerning Israel. This oracle as said is not from High above (from heaven, or from the assembly of angels) as in the case of Job. It’s just from a height where one can see a part of Israel. And from that point itself one could tell how Israelites not considered themselves as one of the nations. From there the evil started his play to instill in people the idea of becoming like other nations.
The idea to become like others is very dangerous. This same idea makes people fall. The very first fall of human, was on the idea of becoming like God. When someone tries to be someone, he/she is not, then that person is digging up a grave for themselves. For it will not prosper. God has set a limitation in our lives. Hence, when we compete with others or try to be like others in terms of finances, physical appearance, or in our lifestyles, we may be ruining our beautiful life. When you run after these things, remember there will be a point where you will miss to be different. Just like Samson when he tried to free himself from the bondage (after Delilah shaved his head) he came to realize he has become just like other weak people.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No” they said. “We want a King over us. Then we shall be like all the other nations, with a King to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel 8:19, 20
Slowly but gradually, over the course of hundred years the devil, instilled the idea in the hearts of Israelites in becoming just like other nations. Their first demand to see themselves just like other nations was a King to rule over them. But one thing they forgot was that the God was their King. They are demanding a King when they almost conquered the promised land. God fought for them from the front, so far. He never complained when there were less soldiers to fight the battle. Moreover, He encouraged less people to fight the wars just to show them that it was He who fought for them not their weapons or mighty warriors. Then why such a demand for a King?
God had long ago assigned the Kingship in Israelites. Israel’s law that was given by God had already commands concerning the Kings of Israel. Then it is not their demand that dismayed God but the very reason of their demand to become like other nation, that disheartened God. Their blindness to view God as their King disheartened God. See, that your reasons for the things you desire, not hurt God.
“’You say, “We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.” But what you have in mind will never happen. As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will rule over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. Ezekiel 20:32
Israelites demanded only one thing from God, that they thought would make them just like other nations. But the truth is the thirst of desires are never quenched. They came to such a point where they worshipped the wood and stone just like other nations. God may have granted the wish of appointing King over Israel because he had it in mind all those times. But He would not allow Israel to walk freely like other nations. He will take the rein in His own hands when you are uncontrollable.
Hence, keep a check on the things that you desire and the reason you want that thing for. Its okay to be different from others for that is what qualifies your place in the QUIVER OF GOD.
May God bless u all..