Ephesians 4:26. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Oh yes mih people, Labour Day Monday has dawned bright and beautiful! There’s even a Heat Warning in effect because the temps will eventually reach into the thirties, so please be careful with your hydration and the effects of the blazing sun. Anyway, I know that many of us only have one thing on our minds this holiday Monday: party and more party.
But please don’t consider it just another day to party and frolic at the end of the summer, because it was not always a holiday, for down through the years, numerous people fought, suffered and even died to get some recognition for the efforts of the working class; the ones who bore the brunt of the work, but only received measly rewards for their sweat and labour.
And though the working class has come a long way from the union-breaking days of the Pinkertons and other groups like them, they still do not receive a fair share of the rewards for their back-breaking efforts, and still line the pockets of the owners of industry. But it’s especially ridiculous and heartbreaking that during the pandemic when things were in short supply and the owners’ raised prices on a whim and fancy, and made monumental profits on the backs of the workers who toiled under very difficult and dangerous circumstances, that now they refuse to upgrade the workers rewards for their staunch support in a time of great need.
And isn’t it a shame and a disgrace that because of the high increase in prices and inflation, those same workers can’t even afford to purchase the goods they are employed to sell. And the sad part is that these owners of industry are so blooming boldfaced that they blatantly boast about the great profits they made, and are busy distributing dividends etc. to their shareholders, but nothing to those who worked feverishly and under tough circumstances to put the profits in their pockets.
Now that’s why there are revolts, revolutions and so much strife in our world today, for when people have been so oppressed, and their backs are against the proverbial wall, they then have only one option, to come out fighting. And, unfortunately, the rich are intent on getting richer, as they drain every last penny from the already impoverished state of the have-nots. But let’s remember that the Lord God Almighty is a champion of the poor and downtrodden and as it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine: I will repay saith the Lord.’ (Rom. 12:19b)
Yes friends, though it might be tough to not seek our own vengeance as believers in Christ, we have to let Him do that job. And remember too that He has also promised that the wicked will eventually be destroyed. Bruh David said it quite plainly in Psalm 37, about the downfall of the wicked, where he solemnly writes.
‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place (look diligently for him), and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ (Ps. 37:8-11), Now those are words we should take to heart, because we know that our God is faithful in all His promises.
And in Bruh Paul’s famous words on the new man in his epistle to the Ephesians, he exhorts them thus: ‘Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil.’ (Eph. 4:26-27) And that’s certainly wise advice; we ought not to go to bed angry because the anger will just curdle in our spirits overnight. Then, we must make sure when we’re angry, we don’t do foolish or evil stuff that will give the enemy a chance at a foothold in our souls. For remember he’s always out there lurking for any opportunity that presents itself.
The scholars explain it thus: ‘Sinful anger is to be replaced by (briefly held) righteous indignation, that the Devil may not be given opportunity.’ And though it sounds good on paper, it’s not easy to do in real life. For with all the noise, the numerous distractions, reams of false information and enormous amount of evildoing currently existing in our world, it’s hard to stay calm and serene or be righteously indignant, (smile) when our circumstances are troubled.
And these wise words of James should always be indelibly written in our hearts for those kinds of times. ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you, Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-8,10)
Now those are excellent words with which to segue into our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, as we go to the throne of grace seeking divine help here on earth. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world.
Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
Now let’s remember that if we truly want divine help, then our earthly behaviour needs to be up to scratch. Much LOVE!
… our lives may be filled with trials and tribulations…but because Jesus has already overcome the world…we have His peace to handle them…
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