Spirit and Flesh!

Our own perception of our strengths and weaknesses is not always on target. The POSSIBILITIES of doing what we think we are incapable can be with regard to either good things or bad. For instance, we may hinder ourselves by not trying to do what we truly are capable of, while on the other hand we can be so confident that we would “never” do something that our guard is let down and we fall right into the action. To counteract such tendencies we need to humbly be on guard regarding what we righteously desire to do and what the POSSIBILITIES “could” be.

As I was reading through Jesus’ conversations with His disciples during what we have come to call the “last supper”, I was struck by how the disciples wondered sorrowfully about the POSSIBILITY of doing the unthinkable on one hand, while stating great confidence regarding another POSSIBLE action.

After Jesus mentioned to the disciples that one of them was going to betray Him, we read…
“And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, ‘IS IT I, LORD?’” ( Matthew 26:22 ESV)

Were they capable? Could it be POSSIBLE? They desired for it not to be so. But it appears they each wondered. Such a POSSIBILITY saddened them.

A while later, when Jesus mentioned that they would “all fall away” that night when He would be taken, we have Peter’s response which was echoed by the others as well.
“(33) Peter answered him, ‘Though they all fall away because of you, I WILL NEVER FALL AWAY.’ (34) Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ (35) Peter said to him, ‘EVEN IF I MUST DIE WITH YOU, I WILL NOT DENY YOU!’ AND ALL THE DISCIPLES SAID THE SAME.” ( Matthew 26:33-35 ESV)

Same individuals, but what diverse responses between the two POSSIBILITIES! What a broad contrast from considering “Could I POSSIBLY betray you?” to “IMPOSSIBLE! Never! Not me! No matter how weak anyone else is or the dangers I might face, I would never deny you or fall away!”

How often has it been said, “Never say ‘never’?” In some situations it is better to be humble enough to admit our POSSIBLE weakness than to be overconfident in the strength of our desire to do right.

Later, while Jesus was in the garden where he prayed, He cautioned Peter…
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. THE SPIRIT INDEED IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK.” ( Matthew 26:41 ESV)

Jesus hit the reality right on the nose. He knew Peter (as well as the others) was well intentioned. But He also knew the struggle between desire and the strength to follow through in a crisis. Jesus therefore cautioned and encouraged.

We also should humbly recognize the truth Jesus pointed out to Peter before we place too much confidence in ourselves. If we think we are standing so firmly that we would never cave under pressure, we are setting ourselves up for a fall. (note 1 Corinthians 10:12) Let us therefore pray as we continue to seek the strength of the Lord rather than putting too much confidence in the flesh.

Have a great day HUMBLY KEEPING ON GUARD!
Carl

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