David asked, why do the heathen rage (Ps 2:1)? Christians are asking the same question again today. Rage has increased exponentially in everyday life like marriage. More reports come out about domestic violence than ever before. Commuters must remain on guard against rage every time they drive to work, shopping, or try to park. Media outlets first coined the term ‘road rage’ 1988. It only appeared an average of three stories a year until 1994. Today, psychologists label it an ‘epidemic’. Rampant rage is taking place between races, conservatives and liberals, between political parties, countries, between ideologies, etc. So, what is rage? How is it different from anger? What is bringing about all the hostility?
The word in the Psalms means to cause a commotion, or to riot, coupled with conspiring together in rebellion. The Biblical Counseling Center says, “Rage is anger run amok.” It is the highest-level of uncontrolled anger. Anger is a normal human emotion. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (Eph 4:26 NIV). The concern becomes what we do with that anger. We have power to control this emotion and the verse implies we put it aside before the day ends. God manifests anger. God is a just judge; he is angry throughout the day (Ps 7:11). And when He [Jesus] had looked round about on them with anger (Mar 3:5). We should keep in mind that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12 NIV). The rage we see happening around the world and in our country is ultimately a spiritual battle. Satan is raging against the Lord; it is darkness raging against light and evil raging against good. The modern day heathen hate God, hate His Word, and hate the people of God so they rage.
In all my years, I have never witnessed the putrid hatred I’ve seen in recent years. People have become so filled with hate they are totally blind to truth. The Bible tells us hatred, unrestrained anger, contention, and outburst of wrath would become typical behavior. Paul writes, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Tim 3:1). Perilous means troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, and savage. Note a few of his other descriptions about this time. He says people will be incontinent meaning without self-control, people who give themselves to emotional meltdowns and feel they must get even by any means necessary. They are fierce, savage, untamed, and wild. Making this worse is they are without self-control. They are powerless, impotent, without power in both their tongue and their appetite and everything else. Verse 1-5 should be studies by every believer.
Luke provides an excellent picture of rage from the heathens at Ephesus. When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” v29 The city was filled with the confusion. . . v32 some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together (Act 19:28, 29, 32). Pay special attention to these phrases: filled with rage, the city was filled with the confusion, the assembly was in confusion, and especially the majority did not know for what reason. People interviewed during mob violence and riots often reply when asked why they are there, they don’t know. Without God and the direction of His Word, people are confused and given to the works of their flesh. They become unable to cope with the stresses, pressures, trials, and setbacks of everyday life—they imagine a vain thing.
My parents taught me when someone loses their temper and starts calling you names, it means they have lost the argument and have nothing left with which to prove their argument. In Paul’s description of the last days (2 Tim 3:1-3), he uses a particular literary form called a chiasm. The middle word in a list is the central issue. Different versions translate this word malicious gossips, slanderers, or false accusers. The word is literally diabolos or the devil who name means false accuser and slanderer. This describes people when they lose an argument or commit sinful acts including rage. They accuse other people or situations; it is always someone else’s fault, but they never take responsibility for their actions.
Believers must take care not to get their eyes on the circumstances. We must not get sucked into society’s confused raging and stoop to their tactics. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan’s power, He stayed calm and explained a war was taking place between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan, good versus evil (Matt 12:22-37). This war continues. Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (1 Pet 3:14). Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end (Pro 29:11). We know the truth; we know the outcome—eternity with Him. Take hold of the peace He promised. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you (Jn 14:27).
Sustaining Word for the Week: Why do the heathen rage? Don’t worry, the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them (2:4).