THE FLESH IS WEAK

Human failings; Jesus, in his last days before his crucifixion, was surrounded by human failings.  His disciples failed him again and again.  They gave the woman who came with the alabaster flask of very expensive ointment and poured it on him a difficult time, saying it was a waste of money; they fell asleep after he had asked them to stay wake and pray with him.  The chief priest and leaders of the religious system were constantly exhibiting their disbelief of who he was.  The governors and heads of state arrested him, beat him, and eventually killed him.  No, Jesus, who had given himself for all of these people, was surrounded by human failings.  If he didn’t know better he might have been discouraged and disappointed, especially by the ones he had lived and worked with for three years, preparing them to continue the work he had started.  But he knew what was ahead and at that was able to yield his spirit and complete the work he was sent to do.

Without God I can do nothing. (John 15:5)  Try as I might to do or to be a vessel for God, it is futile without abiding in him and the Holy Spirit abiding in me.  The flesh is weak and wears out quickly.  I feel that daily.  Things I used to be able to do without much thought have become a great effort to accomplish, even the smallest things.  By the fleshly standards of this world I am old and used up.  But my spirit is stronger than ever.  I have time now to sit in God’s Presence and be renewed and refreshed by our communion with one another.  Some would say that is a waste, just like the woman with the alabaster jar; I need to be doing something besides sitting and praying with God.  There is so much to DO.  I DID for many years…now all I can do is simply BE…BE myself, and BE with him.