When I first became a full-time youth director in Columbus, Indiana, I was taking over a youth ministry with great student leaders already in place. Prior to my arrival, students named their youth group BLAZ: Bible, Love and Zeal. Subsequently, whenever I see the word blaze, I am reminded of the great memories from the spiritual fire these teenagers possessed.
Then Judah came close to [Joseph] and said, O my lord, let your servant, I pray you, speak a word to you in private, and let not your anger blaze against your servant, for you are as Pharaoh [so I will speak as if directly to him], Genesis 44:18.
However, in the passage above, Moses is referring to blaze in the context of anger. When a servant or an individual with the status of a nobody, questioning people in power can be dangerous. This is why Judah uses the expression “don’t let your anger blaze.” Judah uses this as a way to soften the governor’s reaction by raising a question.
When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:26-29.
From a modern perspective, the apostle Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus provide sound advice about losing your cool. Paul suggests that you should immediately deal with anger. The worst thing you can do is let the sun go down while you’re still angry at someone. This gives the Devil a foothold in your life and opens the door for your anger to blaze and explode. May today’s passage help assist anyone with anger management issues.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 