Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parasha Balak
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Parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9)
Theme: Seeing with G-d’s Eyes; Trusting His Voice in Our Relationship
Scripture Focus:
"Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand." Numbers 22:31
Devotional Thought for Couples:
Parashat Balak introduces us to an unlikely prophet, Balaam, whose spiritual eyes are initially closed to G-d's will. Despite having spiritual gifting, Balaam wrestles with his motivations, pulled by power, pride, and pressure. It’s only when G-d opens his eyes that he truly sees what’s in front of him and aligns with G-d’s purpose.
For couples, this portion holds a profound message: How often do we miss what G-d is trying to show us in our spouse or relationship? Like Balaam, we can become blinded by frustration, fear, unmet expectations, or even the temptation to control outcomes. Sometimes, the very “donkey” we are angry with is trying to protect us. Sometimes, our spouse is bearing the weight of something unseen, misunderstood, or misjudged.
In this portion, the angel of the Lord blocks Balaam, not to punish, but to protect and redirect. In our marriages, Ad-nai often does the same. Disruptions, miscommunications, or roadblocks might be divine setups to help us pause, see differently, and return to G-d’s vision for our union.
Marriage Counseling Reflection:
1. Where have we been moving ahead with our own plans, without seeking G-d's direction?
Sometimes we assume we know best, like Balaam, but G-d's ways are higher. Are we letting Yeshua be the center of our decisions?
2. Are there “donkeys” in our relationship we’ve been angry at when they may be helping us?
That disagreement or pause in your plans may actually be G-d’s intervention. Ask the Lord to help you discern His voice through each other.
3. What spiritual blind spots might exist between us?
Pray for eyes to be opened, to see each other, not as adversaries, but as teammates in covenant, both growing under Messiah’s grace.
Devotional Prayer for Couples:
Abba, in the name of Yeshua our Messiah, open our eyes to see as You see. Where we have rushed ahead, stop us. Where we have judged each other unfairly, soften us. Where pride or fear has clouded our hearts, shine Your light. Teach us to speak blessings over each other like Balaam did over Israel. Let us honor You with how we love and lead one another. Amen.
CBT-Based Couple's Exercise: “Blessing Vision”
Take 10 minutes together. Each of you write out:
- Three things G-d has shown you are blessings in your spouse.
- One area you’ve been critical or discouraged about, and reframe it into a prayer or blessing.
Then, share these with each other aloud. Let your words be life-giving and prophetic, as Balaam’s were when he finally surrendered to G-d's voice.
Messianic Jewish Insight:
Just as Balaam eventually blesses Israel instead of cursing them, your words toward one another carry spiritual power. In Yeshua, your marriage is not just a bond of love; it is a covenant of testimony. Speak blessings, even when it's hard. That’s the heart of a Messianic couple: choosing chesed (lovingkindness), seeing emet (truth), and walking in emunah (faithfulness) together.
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