Title: “Under My Thumb”/Topic: Spirit of Control

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

Scripture: Matthew 12:13, 22-24, 38
13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."

Observation: The Pharisees and other religious leaders want to see a miraculous sign from Jesus? They had already seen plenty of that! No, what they want is to control Jesus. They want him to be subject to them and only to do what they say should be done. When Jesus did miraculous signs they were upset because he did them without their permission and in a way that conflicted with their legalistic religious rules.

Application: The spirit of control is as alive and well today as it was in Jesus' time. We all need to watch ourselves. If we always have a need to control the behavior of others we are operating in dangerous territory. The need to be in control of others seems to have a direct correlation with the amount of rebellion in a person's heart.

Prayer: I want to voluntarily commit myself to your control, Lord. You will never abuse it or use it to damage me. Reveal to me any spirit of control that has gripped my heart so that I may repent of it. The need to be in control shows a lack of trust in you and most often, a rebellious spirit. I want none of it. I submit to you, my Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.