The Danger of Anger

Sin is not a behavior to belittle. When it no longer frightens us, we have lost contact with God. A small sin can lead to a large tragedy. All sin has consequences.

One day, while the Children of Israel were on the path to the Promised Land they came to a place that had no water. Rather than trusting their God who had always provided for their every need they became frightened. And when fear takes over in anyone’s life, faultfinding follows.

Our Psalmist gives us a vivid report of the consequences of their behavior: it “angered” Moses. The Lord told him to take his rod, gather the people together, speak to the rock in their presence and it would give them all the water they needed.

But Moses did not speak to the rock. He struck it twice with his rod. Then, in anger, he spoke harshly to the people. Instead of doing what God asked him to do, he did what he wanted to do and then reacted in anger.
Notice that the word anger is only one letter short of danger – it lacks a “d.” The result of his disobedience is seen in his anger. And there is always great danger when we are disobedient to God. His disobedience led to anger – which led to sin. As a result he lost the great honor and privilege of leading his people into the Promised Land.

How sad. How tragic. Moses did many great and glorious things. He had worked hard and done well. He was so close to reaching the goal God had given him. But he disobeyed God, lost control of his emotions and had to pay the consequences. A moment of anger can destroy anyone. 

Prayer: Lord, only You can give us victory over things that will so easily destroy us. May we follow Your advice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture for Today: Psalm 106:32 By the waters of Meribah they angered the Lord, and trouble came to Moses because of them;