Watch and Pray

Day 305

Today's Bible Reading: JOHN 18:1-24; MARK 14:32-52; MATTHEW 26:36-56; LUKE 22:39-52

Listen

Mark 14:38

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Weather watches and warnings are given to help us be attentive and alert to possible dangerous encounters. If we are not vigilant we may experience disastrous effects.

Jesus here speaks to His disciples of the danger that awaits them in a sinful world. He warns them of temptations that lurk around every corner seeking to entice them into sin. He warns them to be watchful and vigilant as they venture along.

He counsels them regarding the willing spirit weak flesh syndrome. This condition affects every believer. It springs forth from the ongoing battle between the spirit that seeks to follow God and the flesh that strives to forsake Him. Jesus says that this condition is what will debilitate and defeat them. It is what will divert them from growing in discipleship. It could easily lead them to sleep when they should be standing.

Every day we encounter temptation. Sometimes we follow temptations enticements and we end up caving into our cravings. We succumb to the subtle pull of sin and give in to our sinful desires.  The tug of temptation is great.

Jesus knew that His arrest would provide an avenue for the disciples to be lured into sin. The allurement would be unbearable. There would be intense times of tempting ahead. It would be difficult for his disciples to be delivered from temptation. So he admonishes them to stay alert to the impending struggle.

Temptation is inevitable, but following its urges is avoidable. Like the disciples, we need only to watch and pray. We need to heed these imperatives of Jesus. We need to take actions that would arrest sin's assault. We need to hold to the truths that will turn us away from temptation.

Jesus says temptation will be averted when we watch and pray. Like them we must consistently watch and continually pray. Watch for it to come. We need to be alert to its arrival by identifying and avoiding its triggers. We need to be attentive to its advances. We need to anticipate its enticements. We must spot its seduction. We must pray about it, seeking the strength we need to stand against it. We must pursue the Spirit’s power so that our weak flesh will be inhibited and our willing spirit will be empowered.

Today watch and pray that you might not enter temptation. Praise the Lord that He has given you the Holy Spirit to help strengthen your spirit to act when your flesh is weak.