Matthew 1-2 | Who's In Charge?

That's always the issue with every man, isn't it? Who is going to be king? who is in control? Who leads? Who makes the decisions? The heartbeat of the devil is that he wants to be king. And the heartbeat of his temptation to us all is "Don't let God rule you. Resist His authority and rule over your life. He'll ruin your life, so keep resisting Him." And on and on.

In Matthew 2 we see two stark contrasts regarding this foundational issue of control: Herod and the Wise Men.

WHEN WE’RE IN CONTROL

1. Whenever anything threatens your control, you get troubled and anxious.

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (vs. 3)

Now, what could trouble Herod about the birth of a tiny, innocent child? The wise men were looking for this baby and they said that he was prophesied to be "King of the Jews." Herod was king. He had it all set up just the way he wanted it. Jesus threatened that.

Herod's fears were well-founded because Jesus does upset the status quo. He knows we need Him as King and He unapologetically demands nothing less than Lordship in our lives.

2. You take steps to stop the threat of control.

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." (vs. 7-8)

If you don't want any intrusions into your self-controlling life, you will work against anything that threatens that, including fighting against God Himself. Herod did this SECRETLY and with determination and he also did it DECEPTIVELY. He feigned a spirituality he didn't have, claiming he just wanted to worship this Child also. But his wicked heart had other plans.

When we resist God's control, we get devious, manipulative and, if pressed, will go to any lengths to stop the invasions into our little kingdom.

3. In anger, you try to eliminate the King

Herod ... became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all in its vicinity, from two years old and under” (vs. 16)

When threatened, if you are set on self-control, you'll seek to smother any threat to your self-made life. You may not go so far as Herod, but you will effectively kill this Kingly invasion by any means possible.

Look around our culture. Watch the constant battle against evangelical Christianity. Why are people aggressively trying to kill any mention of Christ in our schools, our media, our government, our culture, our communities? It’s Herod all over again.

But never mistake their intent ... it's about self. We want to be in charge, and we don't want any interruptions to our kingdoms. It has forever existed and will until the final day when "every knee will bow" before the true King.

WHEN WE LONG FOR CHRIST’S CONTROL

But some see their need and long for a King. Notice the wise men. Their response was amazingly different.

1. The news of a possible King brings joy, not frustration

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (vs. 10)

Just the thought that Jesus existed delighted the wise men’s hearts. They were looking for him and desired him.

2. The response to His presence is worship and surrender, not anger and rebellion.

After coming into the house they saw the Child … and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts. (vs. 11)

These men longed for Christ and so they responded with humility, worship, and surrender.

So who do you want to be in control of your life? The question is, how are you responding right now to the news that a Savior is present? Frustration and resistance or joy and worshipful surrender?

Father, open my eyes to see the areas of my life where I am resisting Your control. Remind me that Your control is always for my good and Your glory. Help me to gladly and quickly submit to Your leadership today.