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A Contemporary Story: George’s Anger
George had arrived early to church. He needed time out to control his emotions, to think and to pray for guidance. As a leader in the church he was familiar with the busyness that went on before Sunday worship. He kept his eyes closed so no one would engage him in a conversation. The past week had been stressful for him. As the owner of his business he had toyed with declaring bankruptcy. He wished he knew who had leaked information relating to his dodgy deals and tax evasions to one of his Directors. He had always justified these actions as necessary to keep the profits growing. He never thought of himself as a corrupt businessman. He continued to treat his staff well from the profits he made through smart business deals. Why was he the target of their anger now?
People were beginning to arrive for worship. As the service began he tried to focus on the prayers and songs. He placed fifty dollars in the offering bag. The bible was being read. A couple of words drew his attention. It was a reading he hadn’t thought of seriously before. Jesus was using a whip to clear out a Temple. He was chasing out people who were selling stuff and turning tables where moneychangers were doing business. The anger of Jesus was not what George wanted to hear today. He was searching for answers to what he should do to save himself from litigation leading to bankruptcy. As the service ended everyone stood to exchange the Peace. He wondered if his emotions were visible in his eyes as he passed the peace. He had come with anger in him and was leaving with his anger unresolved. Sharing a handshake and saying peace was the last thing he felt like doing.
As he drove home, George wondered if he was fit to be a leader in his church. Perhaps he needed to re-think his role. He didn’t feel he could pray with so much anger still in him. It wasn’t guilt that filled him. It was a lack of feelings of love and caring for others and being at peace with himself that he needed most. He wondered if Jesus had felt the power of love as he was driven by the power of his anger to cleanse the Temple. He found himself thinking “Perhaps reading the story for myself may bring me to the realisation that I have to make a decision. Take a risk perhaps?” He walked into his apartment deep in thought.
Pray:
God, who has given us the power of strong emotions, please direct our anger as we challenge the failures of our world. Help us when our anger is just a way of trying to deflect attention from failures that are our own.