God Uses Donkeys

By Peter Crause

Numbers 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have hit me these three times? “

I think very few people don’t know what a donkey is. In Mexico a donkey is called a “burro” and is a common beast of burden. In our modern society of cars and trucks, we have no appreciation for this animal’s burden bearing qualities. Unless one has had any interaction with a donkey, the understanding of this animal’s nature is very scant indeed. I grew up in a country where the donkey was used extensively by many of the populace resident in the countryside. This being the fact, I have had some interaction with this beast and know some of its traits. Some of these traits can be downright annoying at times; but hey; that’s the nature of the beast. Some traits that I have discovered in my interaction with donkeys are:

- They appear rather docile and indifferent to their surroundings. Many times one will see a donkey or group of them standing with a sad dumb look on their faces – doing nothing at all. They seem to be so miserable and lazy – (know any long-faced “donkey” believers?)

- When at work, they plod along; again indifferently and seemingly quite bored with what they are doing. However, do not be deceived by this “attitude”, they will try to “unload” their burden at the first available opportunity. I have had the dubious “pleasure” of mounting and riding a donkey. To spur them on to gallop or run is almost impossible. Once when I was riding such an animal, it decided it no longer wanted to comply and wanted to “unload” itself of its burden- me. It ran to the nearest low-slung tree, crept under it and “scraped” me off its back – ouch! Future rides were done wisely; when I saw a bush or fence coming rapidly closer, I “jumped off” in haste to avoid the oncoming inevitable agony.

- They may be “trained”, but will revert back quickly to their previous state. The “old nature” never seems to depart from their makeup.

- They are lazy, self-willed and lack the excitement and “spirit” of a horse; even though they may look somewhat like one.

- If they have run free of any workload for some time, they will refuse to be “tamed” and put to use. Once; when in the country with an older relative, we encountered some donkeys – doing what donkeys do – loafing and lazily foraging for food. My relative decided to comply with our childish challenge to ride one of the animals. This donkey had a mean look in his eye; but said my relative; “I was born on a donkey!” He mounted bravely! However, before he knew what had happened the donkey had “thrown” him; bucking madly; and my relative got up with a wounded pride and aching rear-end. In no way was this “free-range” donkey going to bow to anyone’s wishes other than his own.

In light of the above, one must wonder; why are donkeys used at all? Is it because they are common and cheap? I wonder how many of the above “traits” can be applied to man; especially to us?

In spite of the donkey’s “undesirable” traits, the Lord has used this animal on occasion. One such occasion is recorded in the context of our scripture reference. The prophet Balaam who unfortunately is now known as a “prophet for hire” was on his way to satisfy his greed for financial gain. His “ministry” was for hire, and he was willing to do whatever was needed to satisfy his lusts. The Lord put an angel with a drawn sword in his path. The “spiritually enlightened” prophet couldn’t see it; blinded by his greed; but the dumb ass did. Here’s a thought: Do “dumb ass” congregation members sometimes see what is many times lacking in the church leadership; who are too “spiritual” to acknowledge it?

When Balaam “beat-on” the ass for turning aside; the Lord used the donkey to speak to him. The donkey remained a “humble” animal and questioned the prophet as to why he was taking the present course of action. By the way, if the Lord uses you as a “donkey”, use the same tactic when confronting others! Try to be “diplomatic” in your approach. After this incident; which Balaam seemed unmoved by (how would you react if an ass spoke to you?), the Lord opened his eyes to see what the donkey had seen:

Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

The message got through and Balaam humbled himself. Unfortunately, Balaam was dumber than his donkey and devised another plan to satisfy his greed. Don’t be surprised when those you speak to and help do not change completely – leave results to God.

Dear donkey! Are you available to be used of the Lord today? Do you see and understand things that others need to know? Allow the Lord to give you “words of wisdom” to speak out to the erring ones.

One other incident of the Lord using a donkey was on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion. Here the “burden bearing” capability of the beast was utilized by Jesus. It had been prophesied (Zechariah 9:9), and was literally fulfilled. Much could be inferred from this seemingly insignificant incident, but that is another meditation. Suffice it to say, Jesus used a lowly, insignificant and common beast of burden to carry Him. He could’ve entered the city as a conquering general on a spirited stallion, but He had come to die for our sins; someday He will come on a white horse (Rev 6:2 and Rev 19:11)!

If you feel like a “donkey” today – with all its “unlikely to be used” traits – take heart! God uses donkeys! Be a mouthpiece and carry our Lord Jesus into the dark sinful world. Allow Him to make you what you previously were not capable of – donkeys don’t talk, but with God “all things are possible” – just be available.