In the movie Shrek there is a lovable and loud mouthed donkey, played by Eddie Murphy, who almost steals the show. The story is about two unique characters that become friends in search of true love. Toward the end of the movie, Shrek overhears part of a conversation and comes to a wrong conclusion and didn't want to talk to the donkey. The rejected donkey steps up to the plate when all the chips are down in their relationship to help, because he said, "that's what friends are for." Then everyone's misunderstood and hurt feelings, including Fiona's were restored once again.
In the Bible we have a similar situation involving a man and his talking donkey; but with a different ending. Balaam is a prophet for the Moabite people who are fearful of the children of Israel as they march toward the Promised Land. The King of Moab is also fearful and asks for the prophet Balaam to speak to God and find a way to curse and destroy the children of Israel. However, when Balaam talks to God he finds out that God intends to bless the Israelite people, not curse them. Balaam must speak the same blessing over them, despite the King's wishes. (Numbers 22 & 23)
Balaam relays God's message to the king, but the King refuses to give up and tries to bribe Balaam. Escorted by the King's servants, the prophet proceeds to meet with the King, despite knowing God's will regarding Israel. On Balaam's way to the King an interesting situation occurred. Balaam was about to be ambushed by an angel of Lord. Three times the female donkey Balaam was riding refused to go the way her master wanted her to go because she saw an angel with a drawn sword blocking the path. Balaam didn't see the angel and assumed the donkey was just being stubborn. So he struck the donkey with his stick each time she refused. But the third time the donkey just laid down. Here is where we will pick up the story:
"And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you that you should have struck me three times?' Then Balaam said to the donkey, 'Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.' The donkey said to Balaam, 'Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?' And he said, 'No.'
"Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground. The angel of the Lord said, 'Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your ways are contrary to me. But the donkey saw me and turned aside from me. I would surely have killed you just now, and let her live.' Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, 'I have sinned, for I did not know you were standing in the way against me.'" (Numbers 22:28-34)
There may of been times in our life when God sent an angel to block our path, because we were going a direction God didn't want us to go. Other times the angel may have come in the form of a friend who tried to help us when we were headed off course, when we were determined to do something we shouldn't. Yet we often get angry and snap back with something like, "mind your own business." Sometimes we might have thought the friend was acting like a jackass (donkey) for "butting" in, when all they were trying to do was to help and be a friend. Sometimes we need to swallow our pride and really listen to what they're saying. And both of us would benefit in the long run. It is also important and smart to bless them that help us as well as those whom God is also blessing, if you want to be blessed too.
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
Be grateful for every true friend you have; they're hard to come by. Let them know how much you appreciate them. And thank God for the angels that block our path or paths when we're heading off course. Don't force something to happen out of your own stubbornness. You may not live to regret it.
