For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 26
I often wonder why Jesus took only Peter, James, and John with Him to pray before His arrest. There are actually several things these three were privy to that the other nine were not, and I’m sure there are multiple reasons for that. In this particular case, I wonder if it had anything to do with Peter’s vehement assertion that he would stay with Jesus to the death. Though it says all the other disciples said the same, perhaps these three voices were the loudest.
When the four men stepped away from the others to pray, Jesus expressed the great depth of His sorrow to three and asked them to stay and keep watch with Him. What did they do in the hour of their Master’s need? Right…they fell asleep. How did they think they would stand with him to the point of death when they couldn’t even stay awake to pray with Him in His distress? Perhaps this whole experience for these three men was to drive home the point, as Jesus said, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41b). I wonder if those words came to mind when Peter not only denied knowing Jesus, but did so with oaths and cursing.
And for me, this entire passage reveals the difference between living in the power of the flesh and living in the power of the Spirit. Flesh will fail us, despite our good intentions. We see that clearly in the three apostles. Jesus, however, shows the other side. After Peter drew his sword, Jesus said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53). Had Jesus been living in His flesh, He may well have chosen this easy out over the very difficult path in front of Him. But He didn’t. Instead, He let the boundless power of the Spirit overcome the weakness of the flesh to walk in obedience to God, no matter how difficult the journey. Because He did, we now have that same power in us.
Jer. 19-20
What did the broken pottery jar symbolize? What happened to Jeremiah because of his prophecy and what was his response? Jeremiah was in a bad position! When he obediently spoke God’s word, the people ridiculed, beat, and persecuted him. Not good! However, if he tried to keep silent, God’s word burned him up inside. Also not good! There was no ‘win’ in life for Jeremiah! Still, he chose to praise God, though he cursed his own life. I can’t say that he was a joyful servant in the least, but he certainly was a faithful one.
Though I wonder about Jeremiah’s attitude, I can’t blame him for it. I might not have fared even as well as he in his position. However, better to complain in your faithful obedience, I suppose, than to turn away from God. Still, I can’t help but compare his situation to that of the apostle Paul. Paul was likewise harshly mistreated for speaking God’s truth. But he seemed to be filled with far more contentment and joy.
Was Paul’s better attitude due to a more receptive audience? The power of God’s Spirit dwelling in him? A better understanding of his hope? Or just his personality? I have no idea. What I do know, though, is what Paul told Timothy. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). I also know that our true reward comes after this life. So maybe, if I can keep all of that in mind I can do as Paul did. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13b-14).
Ps. 120
When have you been harmed by “lying lips” and “deceitful tongues”? Pray about it as the psalmist did. Yet again, I see that we live in a hostile world. God alone is our hope in it. He is, however, a sure hope. He will indeed demolish the wicked and bring His faithful to perfect peace. We need but to endure.