“don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
Moses had spent years pleading to and for the people of Israel. They had complained agains him constantly, rejected God's instruction, and disobeyed his direct commands. When they first begun their journey (Ex 17), God told him to strike the rock (a foretaste of what would happen to Christ for us). But now, back where they has started, God told him to speak to the rock (Num 20). It would seem like such a small difference, Moses only deviated a little. The story began the same... The people grumbled and Moses turned to God for the answer. But, Moses didn't listen for the answer to today's problem.
When we let anger get the best of us we allow ourselves to become self-centered rather than God-centered. Even our most noble anger, when acted upon in a way that doesn't represent the big picture of the Kingdom of God, becomes about us. Moses paid a hefty price, he was no longer permitted to lead the people into the promise land. What might we miss out on when we let our actions misrepresent God in our anger.
May we be people who follow the direction of Jesus both when we are angry, and when we are at peace, so that the world may rightly see the character and love of God through us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
