November 1st
Today's Bible Reading
Watch and Pray
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 affects.
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 effects 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.
Everyday we encounter temptation. Sometimes we enter into temptation. We cave into our craves. We succumb to the subtle pull of sin give in to our 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 entering into it is avoidable. Like them, we need only 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. We need to be attentive to its advances. We need to identifying its enticements. We must spot its seduction. We must pray about it, seeking strength to stand. We must pursue the Spirit’s power that our weak flesh would be inhibited and our willing spirit 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 you spirit to act when your flesh is week.
Comentarios