DON’T ENTERTAIN ANGER
Exodus 32:19 (NKJV) So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.
Many people entertain anger in their lives, and they think it is cool. You may even here some speak so highly of their anger; “If I become angry myself, none of you can control me. I put everyone in their rightful place.” In their naivety, they think that anger is something to brag about.
When you study the Scriptures, you will realise that anger isn’t something good at all. The Bible shows us a certain man called Moses who had very excellent qualities. He us described as the meekest man during his time. Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Moses was one such man whom God spoke to face to face as though God spoke to his friend. Exodus 33:11 So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend… With such a beautiful description of his personality, yet this man had a serious weakness. He was subject to anger. He often got angry.
One time he had been in the mountain talking to God. While on the mountain, God told Moses that the Israelites had turned away from Him and had made for themselves a calf which they were worshipping as their God. It was an image made from necklaces, bracelets and earrings. For this, God was not happy. He wanted to punish them. Moses interceded for the Israelites and pleaded with God not to punish them. God repented of the punishment He wanted to bring on them.
Upon reaching the camp and seeing the children of Israel dancing, worshipping and honouring the golden calf, Moses was so angry that he dropped the tablets that were in his hands upon which were written God’s Word. The Bible says, “his anger became hot.” In that state of anger, Moses lost the Word of God. That’s what anger does!
Not only that, Moses burnt the calf that the Israelites had made to be their god. He mixed the ash with water and made the children of Israel drink it. Exodus 32:20 (NKJV) Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it. Do you see what anger does? It causes you to act unreasonably. It causes you to be hard and harsh on other people.
If this was the only incident, I wouldn’t have mentioned that Moses had a weakness with regards controlling his anger. He had yet another incident. This time the children of Israel murmured and complained against him and Aaron because of lack of water in the desert (Numbers 20). God gave him (Moses) an instruction on how he was going to bring out the water from the rock.
Moses was supposed to talk to the rock and it would yield water. Numbers 20:8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. SPEAK TO THE ROCK before their eyes,..” Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses hit it twice. All this was driven by anger. He said to the people, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10, NKJV)
When Moses did this, there were consequences. God said to him, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12, NKJV). Moses failed to enter the Promised Land because He did not follow what God said.
His failure to follow God’s Word was driven by anger. That’s what anger does – it drives you into doing things that are inconsistent with God’s perfect will for you. it causes you to act contrary to God’s Word.
When you look at Moses’ life and ministry, you can see that he did great things for God, and performed many remarkable miracles. However, he is a man who failed to control his anger. Anger always got the better of him. Many of us are like Moses! You get angry very easily, even over small matters. A small mistake by someone will fill you with rage.
Some when they get angry, destroy property and injure others. Some employ “silent treatment” on their beloved ones. Yet others spend days, weeks and months angry with someone. God doesn’t want you living this way. If ever you are offended by anything or anyone, refuse to be angry. Declare and say, “I refuse to be angry. I am of an excellent character!”
Be joyful, excited and laughing always. If anything comes up that threatens to anger you, quickly let go. Don’t allow it to get the better of you.
Pastor Somandla Ndlovu
Resident Pastor – Bethel Ministries International Church
somainzim@gmail.com