ANGER! 7

Finally, angry people live with a judge inside their heads that is sometimes wise and discerning but often is simply stern and harsh. This wise, discerning judge gave Moses a profound sense of right and wrong and a zealous desire to pursue God’s justice (Ex 18:13-16; Ex 32:19-20). In this way it served him well. It was when this judge became the only voice he listened to that it got him into trouble. When this judge is allowed to speak alone, he becomes very stern. His voice can lead either to self-righteous condemnation or self-pity and complaining. Unchecked, this voice ultimately leads to an unholy alliance with the voice of Satan, whose name means “accuser.” This voice must be balanced with mercy and compassion or it becomes deadly. This voice must always be put in submission to the voice of God revealed in Scripture.

This harsh, angry judge spoke to Moses about Moses. When he considered God’s call to lead Israel out of Egypt, the judge reminded him that he was in no way worthy for such a high calling. As a result Moses made excuse after excuse to God until God finally became angry with him (Ex 3 and 4). This voice told him that no one could administer justice to Israel like he could. He nearly wore himself out because of it (Ex 18:17-26).

This harsh, angry judge spoke to Moses about others. This judge was speaking when Moses killed the Egyptian (Ex 2:11-15) and when he struck the rock (Num 20:2-12). In these examples Moses took the law into his own hands. In both instances his choice to listen to the angry judge cost him dearly.