May 9th, 21

Our readings today are II Samuel 17, Psalm 71, and Matthew 26.  We are reading through the New Living Translation.

The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  (Mt 26:41) That’s what Jesus tells Peter.  It’s the Spirit that can shape the will, not my spirit, but Christ’s Spirit, in me. The flesh cannot shape the will.  In fact, the flesh is a miserable failure when it comes to shaping our will.  The flesh can bluster and boast and hope all it wants.  But it cannot do the work of the Spirit. Only the spirit of Christ, in you, can do that.  The flesh will betray us every time.  We see it happen three times, for Peter.  This is what the will is capable of, apart from the spirit of Christ.  Three times he betrayed the Lord.  When it counted most, three times he denied knowing the Man.  But on the same night, three times, the Spirit of Christ laid down his will for another. Three times, on that same night, Jesus prayed, yet I want your will to be done, not mine. (Mt 26:39 NLT)  And he succeeded in molding his will to the will of his Father, in spite of the personal cost.  

His willing Spirit, abiding in you, can do the same, for you.  Living by the power of Christ’s Spirit, is the only way you can ever hope to live beyond yourself.  It won’t happen in the power of the flesh,  by making grand declarations, trying hard, or being pious; all things Peter tried to do. No.  The only way to overcome the challenges that we face in this life, and become the person that you hope and long to be, is by Christ’s Spirit, abiding in you.  It’s only then that you will be able to lay your life down for someone other than yourself – and become the person that you desire to be. Jesus said,

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! (Mt 26:41 NLT)

Christ’s Spirit is willing and able.  As you yield yourself to His will, His life can be more fully expressed in you, through His Spirit  Then you can begin to live the life that you’ve always wanted, and that is offered to you, even today.  Don’t count on yourself, your will and your flesh.  Look to the Spirit of Christ living in you.  His Spirit is what will enable you to live His life, now.

You are loved!