spirit willing SOL #39

We’ve essentially come to the end of Epiphany, the Season of Light. In this scene from Matthew 26, Jesus knows his journey is ending.

It is a dark time, only to get worse. After the Last Supper with his disciples and friends, he goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was anguished and distressed. 

He told his disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?

 “Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:40-41

My “flesh”, that is, what I can do in my human strength through will power and determination, is inadequate. Jesus is telling us, “your intentions may be good, but you can’t do it – not even for an hour.”

Soon, the Son of Man will lay down his life, and suffer much. We’ll walk that journey during the season of Lent, starting tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. 

Let’s Pray

Thank you Jesus that even when I am faithless, you are faithful. Help me learn to walk in your ways. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for February 9: Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalms 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26

Our church is also on a reading plan of four chapters per day, starting in the New Testament. Today is Romans 4-7.