RBWords

     The prophecy of Balaam in the Book of Numbers is one of the future of Israel among all other nations.  Israel will triumph under the leadership of someone whom God will raise up from the tribe of Judah.  The early Christian community, in its efforts to understand the significance of Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies in the Old Testament, found this prophecy to be one that describes Jesus.  He was, indeed, descended from the tribe of Judah and of the house of David.

     Balaam's words can also describe our own situation in regard to Jesus in this season.  We "see him" in the form of a child whose birth we will celebrate soon but who is present to us now in the words of scripture.  But he is also the one who will come again at the end of time.  We see him, though not now, and behold him, though not near.   I have heard this almost cosmic existential situation described as "living between the 'tic' and the 'toc' of God's plan, or like waiting for God "to drop the other shoe!"

     This anticipation can be a great luxury to someone who suffers a great loss or is worried about their own future or the future of their loved ones in this special season.  Any way that we can "share the hope that is within us" (1 Peter 3:15) can be a great blessing, but we must be alert and not be so consumed by "holiday hype"  that we do not look beyond ourselves.  Jesus can be born to others before Christmas Day if we are willing to deliver him.  AMEN