When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage. Esther 3:5
The following statistics compiled from the NHTSA and the Auto Vantage auto club show that aggressive driving and road rage are causing serious problems on our roads.
* 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
* 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.
* Males under the age of 19 are the most likely to exhibit road rage.
* Half of drivers who are on the receiving end of an aggressive behavior, such as horn honking, a rude gesture, or tailgating admit to responding with aggressive behavior themselves.
* Over a seven year period, 218 murders and 12,610 injuries were attributed to road rage.
One frightening statistic worth noting is:
* 2% of drivers admit to trying to run an aggressor off the road!
Cars did not exist in Haman’s time, but it seems that if Haman had owned a car he would have been a good candidate to exhibit “road rage”. Haman enjoyed the power and prestige of his position. He felt that he was important and deserved to have others bow down and worship him. When Mordecai would not bow down and pay homage, it enraged Haman. His anger was not only directed toward Mordecai, but toward all Jews and what they stood for – their dedication to the one true God who has complete authority and is the only One worthy of praise and worship. Haman must have seen himself as a god that deserved to be worshiped.
Challenge: Do you get angry while driving? Have you been a victim of “road rage”? Do you have an anger issue? Pray and ask God to help you stay calm, cool, and collected when faced with stressful situations or with someone who is exhibiting “road rage”. Remember you are a representative of the One True God.