pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: anger


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Temple of the Heart

In today’s scripture we see one of the rare times we see the ‘angry’ side of Jesus.  It is a story filled with emotion.  Over the years the temple courts had become a market.  People bought what they could afford from the merchants for the required ritual sacrifices.  Money changers were also there for the Jews coming from foreign lands. All of this was done for a healthy profit.  To Him, such things did not belong in His father’s house, so he started cracking the whip and turning over tables.  He drove them out.

Jesus was clearly upset at the merchants who were taking advantage of the people.  Was He also upset at the religious leaders who also benefited?  Was he upset at the people who had gotten away from bringing their own unblemished animal or the first fruits of their own labors for the sacrifices?  There was probably some of these emotions mixed in there too.

As I reflect on this story, I am drawn to consider my own life.  If Jesus were to enter the temple of my heart, would He start cracking the whip and overturning things?  What things am I holding onto that I need to let go of or turn over to Him?  What things am I doing that I need to stop doing?  Where am I falling short as a follower?  It is much to consider.  But it is also fertile soil to work through in this season of Lent.  God be with you on your journey as well!

Scripture reference: John 2: 13-22


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Sides of Anger

Can anger ever be a good thing?  Or is anger always bad?  I think back to a stage in my son’s life when the littlest thing made him very angry, and I see a side of anger that is bad.  Yet I think about a friend so angry over the injustice he saw that he started an organization that offered care and services to a segment of our population in great need.

And is a natural emotion.  At times God was so angry that He wanted to wipe humanity off the face of the earth.  King David was once so angry at a man in a story who stole an animal from a very poor man when he himself had plenty.  David was so angry that wanted to go and exact revenge for the poor man.  (But it turns out David was the offender!)  Righteous anger can be a good thing.

Personal anger is usually another story.  We are called to control our emotions.  We must be wary because the tongue is a mighty weapon and a small spark can cause a huge fire.  On a personal level, we must seek to offer love over hate, peace over war.  We must seek first His kingdom.

Scripture reference: Psalm 149: 5-9


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He Is There

It is pretty easy for me, at times, to wonder where God is.  To question why this or that worked out the way it did.  To wrestle, seemingly alone, with some big decision or dilemma before me.

Our Hod is s big God.  He created the universe st a word.  He designed every one of us as a unique and special creation.  We are dearly loved.  He longs to be in relationship with us.

Yet we commonly feel we cannot bring God our anger, our frustration, our pain.  Maybe we feel we might hurt God’s feelings.  But when we are feeling we can’t do it alone, it is then we most need to kneel before God.  It is then that we most need to go to the Father.

Its against our nature to depend on another.  But that is how God designed us – to be in relationship with one another.  Go to God.  Talk with your friend.  He is there.

Scripture reference: Psalm 13: 1-4