1. Balaam's wise donkey (21-27)

Balaam knew that God did not want him to go to Balak-even though God had given him permission. Balaam was greedy for the gold that Balak had offered him-so he was spiritually blind. He did not see the angel with the drawn sword, but his donkey did. When she went off the road to avoid the angel of death, Balaam beat her. He beat her again when she refused to go forward and crushed his foot against the wall. The donkey saw the angel of death blocking the narrow path, so she lay down in the path. He beat her again.

2. Balaam's eyes are opened (28-41)

When Balaam beat his donkey a third time, she rebuked him. His spiritual eyes were opened and he saw the angel with the drawn sword. He repented and offered to return. (He should have returned without asking.) His strong desire for Balak's reward was still there, so God let him go on.

Application: Lord, forgive me for my strong desires to do what I should not do. Give me at least as much sense as Balaam's donkey.
One Word: Be at least as smart as a donkey