AMOS 1:11-12 BLIND RAGE

11 This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Edom, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because he pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion, because his anger raged continually and his fury flamed unchecked, 12 I will send fire upon Teman that will consume the fortresses of Bozrah.”

The hatred demonstrated by Edom was unnatural and persistent. It was unnatural because it was directed against the sons of Jacob by the descendents of his brother Esau. It was persistent because it was manifested by relentless attacks, repeated battles and multiple alliances against Israel. In addition, this hatred was irrational in its intensity and appeared to be the controlling power over Edom. Israel was declared the enemy which then called for a consistently negative attitude toward Israel and everything he did. God cites anger as the motivating passion for the atrocities of Edom.

Anger has very little by which to commend itself. The first century B.C. Roman poet, Horace wrote, Ira furor brevis est: Anger is a short madness (Epistles, I. iii. 62). He who is mad is out of control and irrational. We express the same thought in our culture through an idiom that refers to extreme anger as “blind rage.” In the Wisdom literature from the Old Testament we read, Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). St. Paul lists anger among the fruits of the sinful nature in his letter to the Galatians (5:20). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the prohibition against murder by teaching that “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to [the same] judgment” (Matthew 5:22a).

God is interested in relationships and healthy relationships are built on forgiveness not anger. It is clear from the witness of the cross that God’s remedy for a breach in a relationship is the offer of reconciliation. As St. James wrote, man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (1:20).

I am quick to be offended and angered by my neighbor, Lord. Through your Spirit empower me to let love of neighbor overpower hate of enemy in my heart and actions. As you have called me to witness to your steadfast nature, strengthen me to be faithful to the task, basing my security on you only and knowing that man can do nothing to diminish the significance I have in being your child. Amen.