SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Scripture: Matthew 21:39-44

Matthew 21:39-44 tells us what the enemy did in the parable. He killed the owner of the vineyard’s son. But then verse 40 said what the owner of the vineyard did when he came. Verses 41,42 say that he would destroy the wicked men miserably and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who would render to him the fruits in their seasons. When the owner came, his judgment would be manifest in the earth. Well, the Owner is right here – He is walking and living with us. Is His judgment manifest in the earth? If it is not, it is because we are not praying it. The stone which the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing and was marvelous in our eyes. Verse 44 makes it clear, “…whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” The judicial prayers of the saints determine who falls and who is ground to powder. The enemy comes to steal, but the assignment of the church, through the Holy Spirit, is to kat-ekh-o/restrain. And kat-ekh-o/restrains is very clear in what it means. It is the anointing to be a sheriff. It is the anointing to take a stand against evil. It is the anointing to detain, to arrest and to hold down. It is the anointing to pray, guiding the Stone on who to grind to powder. Kat-ekh-o/restrain – either we do it or we do not. If we refuse, there is no complaint that we can offer before the Throne against the enemy stealing, killing and destroying. We can offer no complaint against evil if we refuse to enter into the way of the Lord and represent the judicial Christ. Restraining evil by praying judgment is our right and our responsibility!