Daily Devotional - May 26th, 2026
“And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” — Numbers 22:28
"Pride often blinds a man faster than darkness ever could." — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
One of the most unusual stories in scripture is found in the account of Balaam and the talking donkey. Balaam was so determined to follow his own path that he could not see the danger standing directly in front of him. Yet the donkey saw what the prophet could not: an angel blocking the road with a drawn sword. Three times the animal tried to protect its master, and three times Balaam responded with anger instead of humility. Then God opened the donkey’s mouth, and the creature spoke truth to the man who believed himself wise.
The story is strange, but its lesson is deeply practical. Pride convinces people they are too intelligent to be corrected and too experienced to be warned. Sometimes God sends guidance through unexpected sources: a child’s question, a friend’s concern, a quiet feeling in prayer, or even a difficult setback. The problem is rarely that God is silent. More often, people are too determined to go their own way to recognize His mercy trying to redirect them.
A nation loses its footing the same way an individual does. When people reject correction, mock moral law, and trust only their own understanding, destruction eventually follows. Wisdom requires humility. The strongest leaders are teachable leaders. The strongest families are those willing to repent quickly and listen carefully. Even a stubborn donkey became an instrument in the hands of God because heaven will use whatever is necessary to warn, guide, and protect His children. Christlike living requires the humility to stop, listen, and change direction when God is trying to get our attention.
Scripture:
“And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?”
— Numbers 22:28
Daily Application:
Pause before reacting to frustration today and ask whether God may be teaching you something through the interruption.