For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 NIV
While not as epic as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, my friend Mike and I decided to skip school one day in high school. To the best of my memory, the extent of the excitement was playing pool and eating pizza. That day, Mike's parents received a call from school reporting his absence, but my parents, for whatever reason, did not. However, our dad's worked together at RCA. So that evening, when my dad got home, he asked if I'd skipped school rather than confess I lied. All was well until the following night when dad got home from calling the school and finding out the truth. Before dispensing discipline, dad told me the correction wasn't for skipping school but for lying. I'm not sure my weeping lasted through the night, but the lesson has remained for a lifetime.
When God shows his anger, it is not irrational but in response to our rejection and disobedience. In sin, we rebel against him, doing whatever we want. We land in a mess of our own making, and then we question why God is angry. He's upset because he never wanted us there in the first place!
Here's the good news, God still loves us. His disappointment and anger come from his care. In sin, we created the situation, but God stands ready to forgive.
God, we thank you for your love. We ask your forgiveness for the times we have rebelled against that love and stirred your anger in our sin. Thank you for your discipline. We know it is in your correction that we know the depths of your care. Please help us today to reject evil and be obedient to your will. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
