Good or Bad Anger (John 2:13-17)

Today's scriptures: John 2:13-17

The Bible tells us that there is good anger and bad anger. Good anger (or what we often call "righteous anger") is when we become angry or indignant when we see unfairness or undue suffering. We are rightfully angry when children are abused or, as the case of Newton CT, massacred. We should be angry when someone hurts a friend or family member whom we dearly love. And when someone says or does something to malign the name of our Lord and Savior, we definitely should be indignant.

Jesus Himself was angry when the temple was used as a market place instead of a holy place to honor God.

However, when our anger consumes us or causes us to seek vengeance, then we are sinning. God tells us that He is the avenger; we are not (Romans 12:19; Hebrews10:30). When we are angry, for whatever reason, we are commanded to let the anger go and not to let the sun go down with it still on our hearts (Ephesians4:26).

I learned a saying years ago when it comes to anger: "Anger is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die." When we hold anger in our hearts, we're only hurting ourselves. We are letting the person or situation that caused the anger to have control over us.

So yes, there are times when anger is justified. Yet, we can be angry and still not sin. We feel the anger, and then we give it over to God. We don't dwell on it. Jesus overturned the tables in the temple, but He didn't brood over it for days or weeks ... or years. He went on with His ministry.

And so should we. Are you holding onto anger? Release it to God. Don't let it poison your own heart.

Let God take it, and let Him fill your heart with peace instead.

Family (John 2:12)

Today's scriptures: John 2:12

I love how the Bible includes some very human things that Jesus did. On several occasions, Jesus just, in our vernacular, hung out with His friends. Today's verse says that He stayed a few days with "His mother and His brothers and His disciples." Just hanging out with those He loved.

Family is very important to God. He created the first man and woman and told them to "go forth and multiply." In other words, they were to start a family.

I know it's not the case for everyone, but I love my family. Although we're spread across the United States—literally—I have no doubt that I could call on any of my family members, and they'd do what they could to help or provide comfort. We may not be geographically close, but we genuinely love each other. And I would love to be able to hang out with them for a few days much more often than I'm able.

I don't know what your family was like. I don't know if you're close to them. I pray you are. But know that you're part of God's family. If you don't have a blood family close to you, find a spiritual family. I have a small group of women who truly have become family to me. We call each other "sister," not only because we're sisters in Christ, but because we genuinely love each other. We pray for each other, and we share in each others' joys.

We all need family. Even the incarnate Jesus needed His family. So spend a few days with yours ... or at least give them a call!

The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)

Today's scriptures: John 2:1-11

Jesus began His earthly ministry at a wedding. Interesting. He could have begun with healing a lame man or feeding the 5000. Those would have had more "bang for the buck."

Instead, He quietly turned water into wine. At a wedding. Interesting.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why He chose this venue to perform His first miracle? Why a wedding?

I don't know for sure; I think it may have to do with how God views marriage. I'm not going to get all political, but marriage has become quite a controversy lately. The world's view of marriage is very different than God's. Instead of the "leave and cleave 'til death us do part," the majority seem to view marriage as "until something better comes along."

Unfortunately, that opinion seems to have infiltrated the church as well. The Bible gives only two explicit "reasons" for the dissolution of marriage: infidelity (Matthew 19:8-9) and if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave a believer (1 Corinthians 7:15). I believe a third "unspoken" reason (although some may disagree) is if there is abuse and the perpetrator refuses to be rehabilitated. I believe this because husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25, 28), and wives are to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33, CEV). Love and respect do not equate with abuse.

These are the only biblical reasons, yet how many marriages are being dissolved because of that all-encompassing "irreconcilable differences"? Within and without of the church?

Beyond the covenant of earthly marriage, though, is how we who follow Christ are described as Jesus' "bride," and one day, there will be a "marriage supper" (Revelation 19:7-8).

Marriage is—or should be—a covenant made between a man and a woman and their God. It is—or should be—sacred and protected. It is a gift from God, not to be taken lightly.

Maybe that's why Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding.

Called by Jesus (John 1:40-51)

Today's scriptures: John 1:40-51

In these verses, Jesus called the first four of the disciples. It appears that Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist, but when he saw Jesus, he knew He was the Messiah. Andrew immediately went to his brother, Simon Peter, and "brought him to Jesus."

I love the next "calling." Jesus "purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me.'" While Andrew found Jesus and brought Peter to Him, Jesus purposefully sought Philip and called him directly.

Then after Philip chose to follow Jesus, he too brought someone to his Messiah: Nathanael. And I love what Jesus says to him: "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Can you imagine how Nathanael must have felt when the Messiah Himself said such words? Nathanael knew Jesus was the "Son of God ... the King of Israel."

Oh, to have had the experience of Jesus' personal calling.

Guess what? We too have been personally called by Jesus. Each one of us has been wooed to be His follower. The Bible tells us that we have been called by name (Isaiah 43:1-2). We have been "called in righteousness" (Isaiah 42:6). Now these verses in Isaiah were written to the people of Israel, but I believe they apply to all of us. If there's any doubt, however, we Gentiles are also "called by [His] name" (Acts 15:17).

Each of us has been called to follow Christ. Each of us is His disciple. Each of us has a purpose: to glorify God and serve Him with all that we are.

Have you accepted Jesus' calling on your life? Have you surrendered your life to His purpose? I can guarantee that none of the first twelve (with the notable exception of Judas Iscariot) regretted following Jesus' call. And neither will you.

Walking and Talking with Jesus (John 1:35-39)

Today's scriptures: John 1:35-39

I can't imagine how it must have been to actually see and hear Jesus. To touch Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him.

Think of being able to ask Him questions and listen to Old Testament stories. Can you imagine hearing the story of creation from the Creator Himself? What an amazing gift to walk and talk with Jesus.

Although we can't see Him with our eyes or touch Him with our hands, we can still walk and talk with Him. We can sit at His feet and listen to Him teach us about His word ... When I read the Bible, I imagine sitting at His feet and hearing Him speak the words I read.

He speaks to us. If we quietly listen, Jesus will speak, not in an audible voice, but in impressions on hearts. He speaks words of peace and comfort. He reminds us of His everlasting love. He assures us of His constant presence.

And one day, we will see Him face-to-face. When He gathers His followers to Him, whether through death or rapture, we will be in His actual presence. We will walk with Him and talk with Him.

Forever!