Numbers 20 What makes you go “ballistic” or lose your temper? Temper tantrums often occur when our needs or desires are not met. Moses had a temper problem. We saw it in Exodus when he murdered a man and buried him in the sand. He left in a huff and went to Midian where God confronted him. God knew he had an anger problem but He also knew that a man who is out of control must meet his enemy whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. The same thing goes for us. Moses lost his temper against Pharaoh and later with the Israelites in the Golden Calf incident. It is now many years later and we find God testing him again to see if he has passed the test and has his temper under control.

It is in the middle of the wilderness. The problem of thirst arises and the people complain. Wisely Moses seeks a solution from God who tells him to speak to the rock, not strike it. The people are clamoring and in a flash moment, Moses loses his temper and strikes the rock, not once but twice. God was gracious to give water and the people were satisfied for the moment but not God. Moses exalted himself not God and because of this he would not be able to enter the Promised Land. God is serious about our temper.

Does this verse describe you? Proverbs 16:32 “One who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.” Here’s a little motto to rehearse: “put mind in gear before opening mouth.”