Passage Read: Mark 13-14
Meditation Verses: 14:37-38
Thought
Jesus never denied Peter's earnestness, his desire to remain faithful and loyal to Jesus even if it cost his life. But Jesus knew the power of the flesh, its demanding weakness, and our unpreparedness. Peter didn't recognize the seriousness of what was coming. Perhaps he thought Jesus would walk free as at other times. He definitely underestimated the influence of his flesh and his own willingness to give in to its weakness. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak," and we are too unprepared to resist our flesh's demands.
Application
Jesus says we need to keep watching and keep praying. I need to understand what kinds of tests are coming our way. I need to pray for strength to resist my fears, to resist the weakness of my flesh. I need to draw near to the Lord and desire and delight in Him more than in my own safety and comfort. I don't need to fall into asceticism, but I need to practice denying the wants and demands of my flesh. Watching and praying when I'd rather be sleeping or eating or entertaining myself. Staying abreast of the times. I need to toughen up, and make my flesh a slave to my mind and spirit, rather than the other way around. In little ways and in big ways. Periodic fasting. Resist an urge for this or that pleasure. Exercise even when inconvenient. Delay a meal. Endure sleeplessness. Keep going when I'd rather quit. See and hear what others have endured for the sake of Christ, and imagine myself in those situations, enduring and praying for strength to endure. God knows my spirit is willing, but He also knows how weak my flesh is and how easily I given in to its wishes. I need to recognize that too, and practice disciplining my flesh.