Balaam’s final oracle to Balak was a promise to preserve and protect the people of God. While this oracle would come to pass in part through King David, King Jesus would be its ultimate fulfillment.

Because of our sin, we were separated from God (Ephesians 2:1). But on the day when we trusted in Christ, His righteousness was credited to us (Romans 3:21–26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The righteousness of God that has been given to us does not mean that we no longer sin. But it does mean that Jesus’ life was given to us as He took our sin onto Himself. It means that because our sin has been removed and we have Christ’s perfect righteousness, we are completely protected from the eternal consequences of sin and our credit as being obedient to the Father is fully preserved.

When we trust in Jesus, we do not trust in Him merely for our salvation and then place that salvation in a safe place to take out again in the future. Our trust in Jesus runs throughout each day, and each minute, of our lives. We trust in His forgiveness, but we also trust in His rule over us, knowing He has done everything necessary for our salvation and righteousness, yet we are called to live in obedience out of love and gratitude for what He has done.

• What is your motivation for obeying God? Why?