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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion April 2, 2007 The Spirit is Willing But the Flesh is Weak. |
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Frontline Devotion for Monday, April 2, 2007 by Fritz Foltz
The traditional title for the Gethsemane episode is “The Agony in the Garden”. Jesus offers what seems to be his usual prayer, “Show me your will, and I shall do it”, with one difference. This time the future is very dark. To proclaim and live God’s Word will bring suffering and even death. It is not that God wants Jesus to die, but rather representing God without compromise will bring intense hostility.
To make matters worse, he will not even have the comfort of friends. They are not willing to stand by him when the chips are down. Even those who profess love desert him. They are right there with Judas, giving a kiss and then abandoning him. Jesus will be alone.
The gospel’s account shows Jesus’ humanity. It reports he despairs, throws himself on the ground, and asks God to give him a break. He would like to go home with his friends and teach God’s Word in easier conditions.
In the midst of all this Jesus makes a profound observation of human nature, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. We hear these words again when Paul confesses we are not able to do the good we want to do. However, Paul is speaking of everyone except Jesus, because in the end Jesus obeys God unconditionally. His prayer ends, “Not my will, Father, but yours be done”.
Both fathers of Western Civilization were executed as enemies of humanity. Plato, the father of our rational tradition, believed if we know the good, we shall do it. Jesus, the father of our faith tradition, recognized even if we know the good, we lack the courage to do it. Both died for their convictions.
Plato still inspires us to use all our rational powers to seek the common good. Christ Jesus demonstrates the courage needed to do this and does this with such integrity that he makes up for our continual cowardice. He shares his victory over sin, death, and evil with us all. Thanks be to God!
Lent is a good time for confession. Do it while trusting Jesus.
Let us pray: I confess I am weak, Father. Even when I desire to live your life, I find excuses. Give me faith; give me courage that I might do better. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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