The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said.
Numbers 22:7

In Numbers 22-25, we meet a person named Balaam. He was a diviner and a sorcerer (Numbers 24:1). What’s interesting about Balaam is that he can communicate directly with God.

Even though Balaam could talk directly with the Lord, was Balaam a believer and a follower of the Lord? The short answer is no.

Balaam did not follow the Lord and his ways. He tried to use the Lord for his own profit and gain (Numbers 22:6, 2 Peter 2:15). Hence, the Lord was very angry when Balaam went to Balaak to potentially curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:22).

As Christians, we must be very cautious on who we listen to. Just because someone tells you they can speak to God and God told them this about you doesn’t mean they follow the Lord. We are to test and determine whether that person is speaking the truth (1 John 4:1-3).

Christians should also be able to recognize when the God is speaking to them (John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21). Balaam did not recognize that the Lord was opposed to him going to Balaak. Balaam did not even realize that the angel of the Lord stood in front of him. Even his donkey saw and saved his life 3 times! (2 Peter 2:15-16).

Someone who can communicate with the Lord does not make them a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ. Satan, can communicate with God directly in heaven (Job 1:6-12). Satan and his servants can pretend to be angels (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

So my friends, do not be deceived. Make sure you are knowledgeable of who God is through His word (the Bible) and your daily walk with Him.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:8