My, Devotion to Him #67
VERSE PASSAGE: John 2:13-17 “When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” – NIV
I’ve always thought this story to be interesting to me. For one is one of the only times that Jesus actually lashes out with emotions. Jesus was so humble in all that He did. However, being humble does not exclude someone from becoming angry. Remember the Bible says for us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. It does not say to never have anger in you but be slow to become.
Jesus’ message was one of “love your enemies”. He brought this and preached it to the world and demonstrated it in such a way that some people have forgotten instances like this when Jesus showed anger. Though people forget that anger can also be a godly emotion.
VERSE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” – NIV
So this means there is a righteous type of anger which is not sin. This is why we are told to hate evil. The key to distinguishing between a righteous anger and a evil anger is to discern our motives and the object of our anger. Godly anger is directed at the devil with no consideration of self. If we are angry with people, it’s carnal. And if our motivation is self-serving, then it’s wrong.
Copyright © 2017 by Jacob D. Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 