Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” NLT
FOLLOWERS OF BALAAM
In Numbers 22-24, the story of Balaam and Balak was told. Balaam was a prophet. King Balak of Moab offered a handsome reward/ wages to Balaam to curse God's people.
Though he didn't curse the Israelites because God restrained him from doing so but he was enticed by the gifts of Balak. In other to collect the gifts of Balak, Balaam advised the Moabites on how to entice the people of Israel with prostitutes and idolatry.
Balak followed Balaam’s advice, and Israel fell into sin, worshiping Baal of Peor and committing fornication with Midianite women. For this God plagued them, and 24,000 men died (Numbers 25:1–9; Deuteronomy 23:3–6).
Peter compares false teachers to Balaam, “who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15). Listen to what Jude said about Balaam: *"What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, THEY DECEIVE PEOPLE FOR MONEY. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion (Jude 1:11 NLT).
The spirit of Balaam is still at work today. It is a spirit that makes people preach, teach and prophesy for greedy gain. A man that hasn't conquered greed cannot be used by God. Greed corrupts gifts and callings.
It is a sin to make merchandise of grace and gifts. You don't charge to pray, preach, heal or minister to God's people. It is totally unbiblical. In the days of Christ here on earth, it wasn't recorded that he charged to pray for someone. The. apostles didn't do it.
It is not uncommon today to hear about how some ministers charge to be invited. Some charge to preach per hour. Some even charge for consultation like medical consultants do. Even though miracles and healings may be taking place in their ministry, I doubt the Holy Spirit is behind such manifestations.
For me, the moment you put a price tag on invitation, I close the chapter immediately. If every set man and pastor forbid their leaders from bringing such greedy people to their pulpit, they'll run out of business soon. Sometimes, we help perpetuate this evil by sending invitation to men who will drain us financially.
Many have failed God in this area. God is changing the narrative because revival is at our doorstep. He is looking for men whose hearts are committed to His cause not those greedy for gain. If your heart is full of schemes for gain, another spirit will use you not the Spirit of God.
Father, purge me of all traces of Balaam in my life in Jesus name.