The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger flared up. (1 Samuel 11:6, ESV)

Today, we delve into a seldom-discussed topic: righteous indignation, a form of divine anger instigated by the Holy Spirit, intended to propel us into action. Let’s examine King Saul and the Apostle Paul’s lives to understand this better.

In the Old Testament, an alarming situation arose shortly after Saul’s anointing as king. Nahash, the Ammonite king, laid siege to an Israelite city, Jabesh-Gilead, demanding a gruesome peace condition: to gouge out the right eye of every resident. Upon hearing this, the Spirit filled Saul, stirring within him fierce indignation. This righteous anger became the catalyst for action, leading him to a victorious campaign to save the city.

Moving forward to the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experienced a similar divine agitation in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18). A slave girl, possessed by a spirit of divination, persistently trailed Paul and Silas, shouting, “These men are servants of the Highest God.” Paul, driven by divine annoyance, commanded the spirit to leave the girl in the powerful name of Jesus Christ—and it promptly obeyed.

This prompts us to ask, what exactly distinguishes righteous indignation from typical human anger? The answer lies in the source and the purpose: while human anger often springs from pride, ego, or personal offense, righteous indignation originates from a deep concern for God’s will and righteousness.

Given this understanding, it’s evident that complacency cannot be our response in a world frequently opposing God’s will. The prevalent sin and Satanic activity should stir within us not mere human anger but a godly indignation that propels us towards action.

Meditate

Can you explain the distinction between human anger and holy anger as mentioned earlier?

Application

The biblical examples stand clear: inaction changes nothing. Sin is multiplying around us, the love o Christians is becoming cold, people are lost and heading to hell, etc. Let the Spirit stir righteous indignation in you. Do not be complacent with ungodliness; do not tolerate things that are not God’s will. 

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to pour within you a holy anger against spiritual lukewarmness, sin in your environment, Satan’s activities, etc. 

Recommended

• An Angry Jesus: What Happened?
• Whoever is Slow to Anger Has Great Understanding
• Be not Hasty in thy Spirit to be Angry
• Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
• He who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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