Spirit or Body

January 5, 2011
The life of Jesus. Read Today: Triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Matthew 21:8-11; Mark 11:7-10; Luke 19:35-38; John 12:12-18
John 12:17-18 (English Standard Version)
17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.
18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
So often people want a sign to follow Jesus.  I am no different.  I work real hard at multiple jobs, one of them retail, which is why this devotional took a short break during the recent buying season.  Working long hours like that can drain a person.  Now I try to do my jobs not expecting a reward, it is just not right.  I work to supply for my family because God calls me to, and if no one else appreciates me, I have to understand that God does.  But, I want some sign from people here on earth that God is still on the throne.  But I am not to follow the signs.  And a war rages on inside me. My spirit says to do it for God, my tired body says, appreciate me.
Today’s verse shows that seeking signs is wrong.  Like yesterdays verse it shows it because we know what happens next.  These same people yelling for Him will be yelling at Him.  They will want Him dead in less than a weeks time.  
When my body takes over and wants the recognition, I am looking for another sign, just like they were.  And if I do not get the sign, I will get disappointed. And then, maybe, I will start to run from God and do something stupid.  
Time to learn strongly that I must put the body in its place and feed the spirit no matter how hard it may seem.
Read for next time: Pharisees reaction; Luke 19:39-40; John 12:19   
Visit http://dailydevotionbob.blogspot.com/ for more tools and sign up for mailing list