Numbers 22 - 24.
I think it is interesting to notice whereabouts in Paul's epistles this interesting scene comes in. We are well aware of what Paul says, "All these things happened unto them for ensamples" (types), etc. (1 Cor. 10:11.) Hence we read his epistles with interest, and find therein the true meaning for us of the Red Sea, the Jordan, etc. This interesting scene, described in Num. 22 - 24, shows the people encamped in the plains of Moab, at the edge of the Jordan, just where they crossed over to Gilgal. Now the epistle to the Romans gives us the truth of the Red Sea; Colossians 2 gives the Jordan; Ephesians the land itself. Where then in these epistles do we see these questions (as in Balak's attempt to curse Israel) raised and answered? I think we shall find that, as in Israel's case, God justified His people, and would hear nothing against them; so God takes the same place of not allowing one charge against us, and that too at precisely the same spot as typified in Num. 22 - 24, just at the edge of the Jordan. Where then do we see ourselves brought thus far in the history of our redemption, as opened out for us almost in panoramic line in Paul's epistles? I think Rom. 8:31 and onwards mark the spot exactly. Read Num. 22 - 24, and then read, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" and see if the picture is not complete and beautiful. Balak took Balaam up to three places to view the people: first, to "the high places of Baal;" then to the "field of Zophim;" then to the heights of Peor. Do we not see in Rom. 8, first, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" then, "Who is he that condemneth?" then, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Look at the people from any point whatsoever; let the questions be raised at these spots. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" "Who is he that condemneth?" "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Not one charge will God allow or listen to about His people. Their justification is complete. Now Rom. 8 just brings us to the edge of the Jordan, but neither into it nor over it, and the truth of Col. 2 (Jordan) links on there; but before entering on the truth of Col. 2 there comes in what answers to the scene of Num. 22 - 24. Again, "accounted as sheep for the slaughter" (Balak really did that, but feeling himself powerless to accomplish the slaughter, be hires Balaam), yet "we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." "Whom He did predestinate, them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified; and whom He justified, them He also glorified." J. S. R.
If I can fathom God's heart, I can fathom grace.
There is nothing I feel more in going out to visit, than the desire that Christ should be so there, that the thing should come out that would come out of Christ - not my own thoughts. We do not know half how blessed it is to have the mind of Christ; but the mind of Christ was to go down to the cross. J. N. Darby.