We make plans and rules to carry out those plans. After a gazillion committee meetings, we remember to come before the Lord and ask Him to bless those plans. That way we have “sealed the deal”. In other words, we are still in charge.

We have power as leaders of God’s church and feel we must have others obey our man-made plans, based loosely on Scripture, no matter what. They must “toe the mark” in every way or they are just not “one of us”. If someone asks why or challenges those rules, they are voted off the island. In other words, we need to be in charge with fear of losing that control.

Jesus leaves His throne in heaven and moves into the neighborhood of local, earthly religion. Those in charge do not like it one bit. They bait him into as many provoking situations as possible to see if He will break one of their man-made rules. He trumps them every time by showing the basis and true meaning of the commandments. He is God and they/we are not.

JESUS…IN CHARGE!

“1-2 One Sabbath, Jesus was strolling with his disciples through a field of ripe grain. Hungry, the disciples were pulling off the heads of grain and munching on them. Some Pharisees reported them to Jesus: “Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath rules!”

3-5 Jesus said, “Really? Didn’t you ever read what David and his companions did when they were hungry, how they entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? And didn’t you ever read in God’s Law that priests carrying out their Temple duties break Sabbath rules all the time and it’s not held against them?

6-8 “There is far more at stake here than religion. If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—‘I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual’—you wouldn’t be nitpicking like this. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath; he’s in charge.”

9-10 When Jesus left the field, he entered their meeting place. There was a man there with a crippled hand. They said to Jesus, “Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?” They were baiting him.

11-14 He replied, “Is there a person here who, finding one of your lambs fallen into a ravine, wouldn’t, even though it was a Sabbath, pull it out? Surely kindness to people is as legal as kindness to animals!” Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out and it was healed. The Pharisees walked out furious, sputtering about how they were going to ruin Jesus.

IN CHARGE OF EVERYTHING!
15-21 Jesus, knowing they were out to get him, moved on. A lot of people followed him, and he healed them all. He also cautioned them to keep it quiet, following guidelines set down by Isaiah:

Look well at my handpicked servant;
I love him so much, take such delight in him.
I’ve placed my Spirit on him;
he’ll decree justice to the nations.
But he won’t yell, won’t raise his voice;
there’ll be no commotion in the streets.
He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings,
won’t push you into a corner.
Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even
among far-off unbelievers.

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for being in charge, over all, and in all, for You are Creator of all! You know what is best. Who are we to tell you what to do? We love, trust and have faith that You will do what is best for all of us. We walk in freedom when we realize your Truth. Thank you for opening our minds this morning. You do it every time! To You be all glory, honor and praise! We are grateful for your leadership, guidance and protection all wrapped up in salvation because of your forever love for us. Go with us this day. In Jesus Name, Amen