The scene is intense, yet intimate. Unpredicted and unprecedented sights and sounds arise from that garden place called Gethsemane. Three disciples are there...near but yet a bit removed from the Son of God as He is involved in the ultimate moment of wrestling with the Father's will. It is very different from the supposed scene of serenity of Jesus kneeling by a rock as has been expressed on the artist's canvas. It is not an exaggeration to note that blood and mud are mingled together as the Saviour is writhing on the ground. Dulled by grief and paralyzed by every thought of the pending death of Jesus, the three disciples fall asleep! He comes to wake them and makes that clarion call: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." This is one of three times when the inner circle of three from among the disciples are assembled. Who could ever have imagined this moment during the heyday of popularity in Galilee or in the days of the miracles among the masses?

From this passage come invaluable lessons for us today as followers of the Lord Jesus. We wouldn't need this glimpse into both the Words of the Lord and the ways of the Lord unless we are committed to involve ourselves with our God even when offense might come. A casual level of commitment really doesn't necessitate the revelation that arises from this moment of interaction of the three disciples with their Lord. However, for those who are going to follow whatever the cost, the truths gleaned here are indispensable. The flesh of the disciples was oh, so weak. Peter had been the spokesman for the adamant declaration that he would never deny nor fail his Lord. Now his weak flesh has succumbed to sleep and this is but a foretaste of the denial to come that same night. He is about to make the dreadful discovery of his own capacity to fail the Lord. He has deserted the agenda of the Spirit for the furtherance of the flesh...his experienced and even maturing flesh...his leadership and inner-circle flesh!

Yet, out of this dreadful moment comes liberating truth. It is more, much more than encouragement which they glean from Jesus' words and ultimate submission to the Father's will. The spirit is still willing even when the flesh is weak. Often people have quoted the verse to make an excuse for what they've already decided as their compromise! However, that misses the glorious truth Jesus models for them! Submission to the Father and passion to pursue the plans of God are rooted not in the flesh, but are rooted in the spirit. That glorious discovery awaits any of us and all of us: the willingness of the spirit is real and we can be empowered thereby to victory! My flesh can be overwhelmed, offended, become bitter, or even fail and forsake the Lord. However, my spirit always has the bent toward doing the Father's will! It becomes a possible option in any setting to revert to the willingness of my spirit man as a born again believer! At even pressure-filled moments this capacity for willingness to do His will can arise and determine my decision. And, I can influence other believers to find their capacity which can always trump any urging of the flesh. Peter, James, and John in the days ahead after the Spirit of the Lord fills them are never again seen to capitulate in the same way to that weak flesh! With them, we can know the reality of the Spirit resourcing us for unswerving commitment to our Saviour and passionate pursuit of His plans!

[This is Part 2 of a three-part series as we see the prophetic preparation of many for this hour!]

With rejoicing,
Rev. Peggy I. Kennedy

www.TwoSilverTrumpets.ca
"Sounding a prophetic voice to Canada and beyond..."

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