Respond to Righteous Anger?

And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, "Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a place of business." His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The Jews then said to Him, "What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?" John 2:14-18 

Jesus had a right to get angry. Those people had turned the Temple into a business opportunity. They just wanted to line their own pockets. The Temple was meant to be a righteous place—holy unto the Lord. Not a place to make money. So Jesus cleaned out the Temple. The passion that He felt is one we should feel—emulate. As we all know, it is OK to get angry, like Jesus—just don’t let the anger control you, don’t let the sun go down on your anger—don’t seek revenge. All good advice. Since we don’t do sacrifices in our temples or churches, we don’t have to worry about anyone selling doves or “changing” money to temple coins for specific offerings. Do you ever feel angry at God? Sometimes life isn’t fair…but He never promised us a rose garden…just love and His presence in our lives. Seek Him first and He will provide the things you need in life…including peace, hope and love. Read Matthew 6, focusing on Matthew 6:33...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (particularly what you eat, drink and wear) will be added to you.  

RSVP: Jesus is calling you to seek Him first. When we are at church we need to focus on worship—not other things like making money for ourselves. How will you respond to Jesus today? Will you seek His will for your life—His kingdom and live in the way that He wants? Will you handle your anger in a righteous way?  

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, help me to focus on You and trust You. Prepare my heart even now for the worship service tomorrow at church. I want to serve You…and not have You turn over tables or throw out sacrifices of my heart. May the sacrifices of my heart be as written in Psalms…My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalms 51:17 NIV

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.