Balaam called himself the man who "knows what the Most High knows" (Nm 24:4, 16). He was so highly regarded for his ability as a fortune-teller that nations sent large delegations of dignitaries with large amounts of money to obtain his services (Nm 22:6-7, 15). Yet this man who "sees what the Almighty sees" (Nm 24:16) couldn't even get the picture when his donkey began to talk to him! (Nm 22:28ff) He had to admit that he "did not know that" God opposed His greedy plot against Israel (Nm 22:34).
The Jewish religious leaders were also confident in their expert knowledge of God's plan. They "knew" that Jesus was a sinner (see Jn 9:24). They also "knew" His background (see Jn 7:27; 6:42). Yet when Jesus asked them a direct question which had only two possible answers, they had to admit, "We do not know" (Mt 21:27). They knew the results of each answer to Jesus' question. However, they didn't know Jesus, the Answer.
During this Advent season, come humbly to Jesus. Look with amazement on the Baby Jesus, the Almighty King of the universe, laying in a dirty feeding trough wrapped in strips of cloth rather than the finest linen. Feel anew the awe that the Eternal Word, Who created the heavens and the earth, should descend to earth and become one of us. Let us be truly wise men and women, and prostrate ourselves before Him (Mt 2:11). "Know that the Lord is God" (Ps 100:3).
| PRAYER: | Father, "I wish to know Christ" (Phil 3:10). Grant me a Spirit of wisdom and insight to know You clearly (Eph 1:17). |
| PROMISE: | "Good and upright is the Lord; thus He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way." –Ps 25:8-9 |
| PRAISE: | For decades, Marty has played Bible guessing-games with his children, so that they would come to know Jesus through His word. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College