Balaam

https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/20/no-cursing

The story of Balaam, a non- Israelite soothsayer and diviner in Numbers, is also one of the better-known stories of the Old Testament. The story stands out because Balaam is a pagan who was hired by the King of Moab to curse Israel so that they are weakened and thus will be easier to defeat in battle. Instead, Balaam ended up blessing Israel and foretold the birth of the Messiah, becoming one of the ancient prophesies proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ. This can be seen in Numbers 24:17 – “I see him but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.”

This story illustrated the point that God can literally turn curses for His beloved people into blessings, even the curses of a non-believer. He loves and will protect His people even if they are unfaithful and disobedient even though sometimes He allows calamity to fall to bring them back to Him.

In our present context, I believe that as followers of Christ, we will likewise be protected by God if someone were to curse us or put a spiritual occultic spell on us. Not that we are immune from the effects of spiritualism, but the Lord will be a shield over our home and our household. I have read stories about witchcraft curses failing to work on believers. I believe that if we are righteous before God, He will be our refuge and protector from the fiery darts of the evil one.

But God can go beyond that. He not only protects but can turn curses into blessings. A spell that is meant to destroy or weaken us will strengthen and prosper us instead. Not only will the curse not work, but the effect will be opposite and will thus confound our enemies! If the LORD is for us, who can be against us! Hallelujah, for the Lord, is good and greatly to be praised! Amen!