MEDITATIONS
FROM THE GOSPELS
January 30 , 2008
Reading
"Watch and
pray, lest you enter into temptation” Matt 26:41
Consider for a moment a picture so often painted in the Old Testament: A
wealthy man owns an orchard and strategically placed towers around its
parameter upon which men stand as lookouts for possible intruders. These towers
were called “watchtowers.” Watchtowers were also placed around the parameters
of a city so men could watch for approaching enemies. When intruders were seen,
the watchman called out the warning giving the owners or inhabitants the
opportunity to gather their weapons to protect their property. The call to
watch over our soul from attacks by our enemy is a constant message throughout
the history of God’s people.
As children of God we live with the expectation of attacks on our walk
with Christ. While it is true that “Sin shall not have dominion over you,” it
is also true that “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”
therefore, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
If anything causes the Believer to become discouraged it is the constant
failure to overcome temptation and fall into sin. This lack of victory not only
brings discouragement but disappointment and doubt. In our reading Jesus gave
His disciples a two-pronged weapon on how to overcome temptation thereby
guaranteeing victory—“watch and pray.”
Too frequently we pray after it is too late. We are not on watch and the
temptation hits us without warning. We are not alert to the approach of the
enemy. We are not on watch. It is like the watchman sitting in the corner of
his tower consuming coffee and donuts.
There are two types of temptation. First, there are those that creep up
on us and which, if we are alert and manning our tower, can be seen approaching
and can be overcome. Secondly, some temptations hit us so quickly that we have
yielded before we realize they have hit us. Both kinds obtain victory over us
because we are “sleeping on the job!”
An example of the first kind is when we are addicted to something such
as pornography, alcohol or any other vice. We know we are weak in this area and
are very conscious of the temptation as it approaches. The temptation can enter
our mind for no other reason than it is something we enjoy even though we know
it is a violation against God and His Holiness.
An example of the second kind is a bad temper or anytime we react to a
situation without thinking. There is no warning. We react without thinking and,
before we know it, we have sinned, and once again we find ourselves on our
knees confessing to God and pleading with Him for His forgiveness. We are
frustrated because we have allowed this temptation to cause us to sin.
God’s answer to these problems is “Watch and pray.” It sounds easier than
it is, doesn’t it? However, I know that when we accept His solution as fact and
make it a part of our life, it works.
“Watch therefore, and pray always that you
may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass” Luke
Pray that God will keep our eyes clear and our spirit alert that we
might recognize the enemy as he approaches. When we see or feel the temptation
approaching, use the weapon God has given us—pray. Do not wait—pray
immediately. If we attempt to face the enemy without prayer we will fail. We
can be clothed with all the armor of God but without prayer we are sure to
suffer deep wounds.
“Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance”
Eph 6:18.
Be alert! Watch! Recognize temptation for what it is—Satan’s attempt to
knock you off your tower and play havoc with your commitment to Christ. Then
pray. Pray without ceasing. The Word of God is clear—“Watch and pray.” Prayer
is the surest way to overcome and defeat temptation. To only use half of the
weapons provided for us will find us off of our tower sitting on our spiritual
backside with a dazed expression on our face.
We are never alone in our tower. Jesus said He would never leave us nor
forsake us. “Stay here and watch with Me.” May we not
give Him cause to say, “What! Could you not watch with
Me one hour?”
“I will stand my watch and set myself on the
rampart” Habakkuk 2:1.