Psalms 58:6
Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!
This has to be one of the most striking prayers ever recorded. David is looking at the behavior of those who have cast aside the ways of God and his heart cries out for justice. While it may seem harsh to ask God to break someone’s teeth there is an important principle that is vividly illustrated in David’s song. The principle is that there are certain things that should fill us with rage and produce in us a desire for righteousness.
The world we live in is filled with violence and it has become all too common to hear of school shootings, suicide bombings and other senseless acts of violence that take the lives of the innocent. Just recently, in response to one of these tragic events I heard a community leader say, “We will not respond with anger, fear or hate but with love.” While I completely understand the intent of her statement and the danger of allowing anger to control a life I also realize that there are certain things that should fill us with anger. We might go so far as to say there are certain things we must learn to hate.
It is only when we see the ravaging effects sin has upon individuals, families and culture as a whole that we will develop the proper attitude toward it and conversely begin to take the proper steps toward eradicating it.
Pastor Jim
Jim Gallagher 