Thursday's Discipleship Response
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
~Jesus
Pondering Point
This command of Jesus to watch and pray in order to not fall into temptation doesn't seem to be a teaching about daily practices.
This was a spiritually charged night for them. The disciples were unknowingly on the eve of Jesus’ arrest and subsequent crucifixion. Peter's denial and the other disciples' fearful flight from Jesus was soon to come.
It was an unparalleled spiritual event for these disciples. If you know that a spiritually significant event is on the horizon, anticipate an uptick in pressure from your enemy, the devil. Whether you’re leading small group or coming to worship, heading out to help a friend in spiritual need or heading off on retreat with the Lord, you can expect an assault from the evil forces.
Don't take that reality lightly; instead follow Jesus’ advice: Watch -- and pray. Of course, you can’t always know when a spiritually significant event is looming, so staying alert spiritually is a good rule of thumb. With that, let’s review your life:
Review
Do you have any significant spiritual events on the horizon? Am you paying attention to spiritual matters? Should you add some spiritual events to your schedule? Are your staying alert regarding temptations and the state of your soul?
Repent if necessary...
for neglecting the spiritual state of your heart and soul; for giving into temptation, for failing to include spiritually significant events into your calendar.
Return as necessary
Commit to participate in soul-feeding activities and to stand against temptation. Ask for help to do so knowing that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Prayer
Lord God, help me to overcome my weakened flesh by a spirit that is strengthened by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I ask this. Amen.