Numbers 23
“LET me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.” This was the expression of the wicked Balaam, who “loved the wages of unrighteousness,” and who “for reward” was willing to curse the people of God, though God constrained him to pronounce their blessing; and he was compelled to say, “Behold, I have received commandment to bless, and HE path blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” The whole transaction, as recorded in Numbers 22 to 23, and alluded to in other portions of the Word of God, shows that the wickedness of Balaam was great. Still, when he had the vision of “the death of the righteous,”, he desired that his last end might be like his.
This is not an uncommon desire on the part of the ungodly. Although they have not turned to God, and believed on the Lord. Jesus Christ, they do not wish to perish in their sins, and to “be punished with everlasting destruction.” They would like to escape from the judgment of God, although they have neglected His great salvation.
Balaam spoke of “the death of the righteous,” but as regards those who have not Christ for their righteousness before God, the Scripture distinctly declares that “there is none righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:1010As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10)); but now, “the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ,” is “unto all, and upon all them that believe” (vs. 22). Though none are righteous in themselves, the soul who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ, believing on Him in the heart, has Him, in all His perfection, for righteousness in the presence of God.
Some years ago, a young woman, who trusted in Christ, was in her last illness, which ended in her departure from this world of sickness and sorrow, to be with Christ. A kind relative who had not seen her for some time paid her a visit, and was so impressed with the peace and serenity of her soul, resulting from her faith in Christ and His finished work, that in the warmth of his heart he exclaimed, “If I had only your faith, I could willingly exchange places with you.” This was something like the words of Balaam, though I believe expressed with much more truth and sincerity.
After the interview, he often referred to it, with wonder at the power which the truth of God had over the heart of one so young, who was in daily expectation of ending her career on earth. One trusts that this was a time of visitation of the Lord to his soul; but, in order to have the like calmness in departure, he must know what it is to have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).
This circumstance, and the truth connected with it, were brought vividly to my mind by an inscription which I lately read upon a tombstone, the words of which were as follows: —
“Gently thy passing spirit fled,
Sustain’d by grace divine;
Oh! may such grace on me be shed,
And make my end like thine.”
I know nothing of the person referred to, but certainly the desire expressed in the verse is such as anyone might sincerely covet. But, in order to possess it in reality, there must be simple and entire faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinners.
How sad the thought! that death to all
Brings not a happy, sweet release,
That many, oh, how many! fall
Where pain and anguish never cease.
How blest are they who have a life
Beyond this fleeting breath on earth!
Who, though they walk this world of strife,
Are born again — have heavenly birth.
For should they die, it is not death;
In Christ they live for evermore;
They but exhale their mortal breath,
Then are with Him whom they adore.