Today’s Reading:
Mark 14: 26- 31
“But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” (v. 29 KJV)
Jesus had just told his disciples of about three years about what would happen to Him as a fulfillment of prophecy and what their individual and collective reactions would be. Possibly, these would have been met with different reactions from them, but notably, the Bible told us about Peter among others. He kicked against the word of the master as a proof of his loyalty to Him. For Peter, he was emotional about Jesus’ word and said, “…although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” He gave room for the flesh to dictate rather than depend on God’s eternal strength to uphold and sustain him. You cannot adequately stand for Christ in the power of the flesh.
Peter’s declaration points to us these basic truths about the flesh. The flesh is emotional. This means that it processes and thinks only about now and not the future. In your decision as a child of God, you must not allow the present gratifications that deny you of God's eternal plan for your life. The flesh is also weak. Even if the flesh wants to do that which is right, it is in itself insufficient or incapable to do so. Peter never realized that there is a limit to what he can do as much. He thought pleasing God is by human strength. You cannot please God by depending on the flesh. You need God’s divine enablement to live a life that glorifies Him. Jesus made him see how easily he would disappoint him. Yet, Peter insisted on dying for Him. One more thing, the flesh doesn't understand God’s will. It was God’s will for Christ to die for the salvation of the world. It would be a misplaced priority for Peter to put himself into the position of what only Christ should do.
“But I say, walk habitually in the Holy Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regards for God and His precepts].” Galatians 5:16 (AMP). If you truly desire to live above the flesh, there is a need for you to cultivate a walking relationship with the Holy Spirit. This will help you to know God’s will and to do as well. There and then, the Father will be glorified.
IKOTUN NEW BREED ADEBISI
PRAYER:
I receive divine grace to live above the flesh and walk in the Spirit every day, in Jesus name.
I give no room for the influence of the flesh in my thoughts, words, and actions, in Jesus’ name.
Father, empower Your Church to live and walk by the Spirit, in Jesus name.
Let every work of the flesh be brought under the control of God’s Spirit, in Jesus name.
I declare upon the nations of the world, the revelation of God’s divine Spirit, in Jesus name.
Comments