THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, October 2, 2023

Some misguided folks claim that anger is sin and has no place in a Christ follower’s life. Just as unchecked pride, arrogance, and unforgiveness can destroy our soul, likewise unrighteous anger is an enemy of the Christ follower. Scripture describes this brand of anger as dangerous, for it seeks to control those who cannot harness their temper. The psalmist gave this warning:

“Lead me in the right path, O Lord, [or] my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow” (Psalm 5:8).

Lord, critics are quick to point fingers, claiming you had an anger issue. Yes, you did. It was a righteous anger issue.

How many years, how many Passovers did you restrain your righteous anger as you witnessed the corruption happening at the Temple? Stench waffled the air. Corrals of cattle and sheep with mated straw full of urine and feces were scattered around the courtyard. Unscrupulous vendors selling blemished animals as acceptable sacrifices. Once the worshipers were out of sight, corrupt priests on the take looked the other way as sacrificial animals were returned to the pens to be sold again. Money changer took advantage of foreigners when transacting foreign money into Temple money. You sacred Temple became a big, unrighteous flea market.

The wedding at Cana, where you turned the water into wine, christened your public ministry. You finally had enough, and were now free to confront the corruption at your Temple. John 2:13–22 tells how you drove out the sheep and cattle, turned over the tables of the money changers. “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Your righteous anger restored the Temple and grounds to its proper sacredness.

Paul wrote “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). Lord, when faced with injustices, deception, and offenses of various kinds, by your Spirit may we respond with righteous anger and corral our unrighteous anger.

Amen, Jesus.