“‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know Me.'” Luke 22:31-34
Devotional Thought For The Day
The last thing that Jesus said to Peter must have stuck in his mind immediately, and have seemed utterly incredulous. Peter wasn’t lying when he spoke a commitment to die defending and remaining loyal to Jesus. He had just misjudged and over-calculated his devotion and commitment to Jesus. The grievous sin that he later committed in swearing that he didn’t even know Jesus was obviously forgiven at the cross. It must have comforted Peter in his repentance that Jesus already knew ahead of time what sin he would commit – and asserted that he would “turn again,” back to God in repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness, mercy, and love. And Jesus prayed this, that Peter’s faith would not fail, and obviously this prayer was answered.
I’m sure that later, as Peter mulled over this incident and the events that ensued, he spent a great deal of time thinking about the warning of Jesus that “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” Just what could this mean that God would allow such temptations and falls to beset His own dear people of faith, and important leaders? Why would He allow Peter to be put through such a gut-wrenching grinder? Well, so that he would be properly prepared to “strengthen” his brothers once he had turned again in repentance and faith, and embraced the wondrous mercy and love of Jesus. It is not that God “arranged” this; Jesus’ warning to Peter was real and intended a different outcome. However, knowing all things, Jesus gave Peter just the right word to restore, sustain, and bolster his faith.
Is there anything for us to discern and learn from this, anything that might apply directly to us? Of course there is, for these words were recorded for our learning and benefit, for the same purposes in our life of discipleship, repentance, faith, and ministry to others. We should make no mistake about this, that Satan also demands to have us, that he might sift us as wheat. God knows this and also warns us about His stealth as a prowling lion who seeks to devour us [1 Pet. 5:8]. God knows our weaknesses and what our “falls” will be, and He also wills and prays that our faith not fail, and that we be turned back again through repentance and faith in His forgiveness, mercy, and love.
He knows that we will turn back to Him, and He wills that we also “strengthen” our brothers and sisters with the same comfort, refreshment, and healing that we have received from Him. This is the fellowship of the church, the mutual consolation of the brothers, the ministry of the Gospel – for all of the other disciples also forsook Jesus, effectively disavowing any knowledge of Him. However, our failings do not disqualify us from service within Christ’s family – unless we remain turned away from repentance and faith – but rather they prepare us to participate in God’s good and gracious will that all might be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. So these words of Jesus prepare us for satanic attacks, strengthen us in all circumstances, even when we have failed in our discipleship, and strengthen us in faith so that we can comfort and strengthen others in repentance, faith, and ongoing love.
This was no fun for Peter, and it is no fun for us. But such discipline as the Lord allows for us is always intended for and produces good: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” [Heb. 12:11] So let us take heart and remain in faith, joyful that God has all our issues in His powerful and loving hands.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, preserve us from all demonic attacks and strengthen and keep us firm in repentance and faith when You allow them to come. Grant us the joy of knowing Your salvation and love, that we may also provide support and encouragement to others. Help us to always keep in mind Your providence and power over all things, and also Your perfectly good and loving will for us. Amen.