Verse of the Day 6/23

Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin^": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.  New International Version (NIV)

Much of my Bible reading is done in the English Standard Version but sometimes it is good to read other translations that may "amplify" what is being said, without changing the meaning, but perhaps giving some  more insight.  I'm sure whole sermons have been devoted to these two verses, there is just so much there for us to read, contemplate and put into practice.  The words that drew my attention in the NIV (above) were "do not give the devil a foothold".  The ESV says "give no opportunity", other translations say "don't give room" to him, or give place to him.  They all point to the same thing, they all give sound advice. 

It is also interesting, perhaps sobering to go back to verse  26 and see where this foothold, this opportunity, this room or place come from.  They are rooted and seated in our anger.   David Jeremiah writes, "In the New Testament topos is translated "place," "locale," or "opportunity." When it occurs in Ephesians 4:27, it means not to give the devil a place or opportunity. The New International Version translates that verse as "Do not give the devil a foothold." That works—a "foothold" being a "place" where a climber can insert his foot when scaling a cliff. A foothold was needed by soldiers seeking to gain entrance to an enemy stronghold or fort. ..... Keep short accounts; fill in the footholds; erase the sinful places from the map of your heart. Give the devil no opportunity. If the emotion of anger appears, make sure it has a godly purpose."

That place, that foothold is a place of access, a launching pad, a foundation for the devil to do his work.  It is a place of entrance from where he can do so many things.  That's why Paul encourages us to "not let the sun go down on your anger".  Deal with it, overcome it in the power and grace that Jesus Christ offers us.

The thing about anger it comes out in the way we talk, the way we look and even the way we eat.  Hunger and anger combine to make us "hangry", where  we continually want more.  That is how the devil is with us.  He's hangry and has an insatiable desire for more of us.  Don't give him the foothold, don't give him room or opportunity.  The best way to do this is to "not let the sun go down while you're still angry".  Settle it, put it, put him behind you and move on.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Ephesians 4:26-29The Message (MSG)

^26-27 Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.

²⁸ Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.

²⁹ Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.