Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 19-20

Highlight Verses:

“Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moses was ticked off.

His sister had just died and the people were rebelling – again.

He did what God had told him to do to tap into God’s water resources…

And then some.

He lost it in front of the people as he was following God’s instructions.

He yelled.

He whacked the heck out of that rock – twice.

If I were God, I might be thinking, “Maybe it would be better if Joshua and Caleb lead the people into the promised land.”

I mean, I know He knew that was going to happen anyway, but He announced it to Moses right after he lost his cool.

To Moses’ credit, he accepted it.

Of course, he had already led a long full life.

Now, I don’t fear God taking the privilege of leading His people into the promised land away from me. That was never my destiny.

But I sure don’t want to damage my influence on people by losing my cool.

Sure, everyone gets angry from time to time. The key is managing that anger in a godly way.

When we lash out uncontrollably, we lose respect.

When we handle our anger properly, we gain respect that will tend to make people listen to us.

When our passion goes to promoting the positive, especially the Gospel, through the Holy Spirit, people will listen.

What do you do to keep your anger in check?
Where do you draw the line between selfish anger and righteous indignation?