Word@Work Luke328 - Luke 22:31-32
Published: Tue, 04/05/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SATANIC REQUEST
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (NIV)
Strange though it may seem, Satan has to apply to God to do his wicked work (Job 1:6-12). The Evil One had already been given permission to enter into Judas (but make no mistake, Judas was intent on betraying Jesus and was fully responsible for that desire). Then, Satan wanted to invade Simon Peter's life, but Jesus intervened. The test of Peter's loyalty would still be allowed (and he failed that test) but Satan was denied permission to rip his faith into shreds, and prevent him from repenting and being restored to fellowship and usefulness.
Jesus had prayed for Peter. The Father and the Son together agreed that Satan should not have ultimate liberty with the apostle's life. He had a job to do to strengthen the Church - a fresh commission which Jesus would personally give him after the resurrection (John 21:15-19). But, before he could be recommissioned, he had to be repentant (Luke 22:62). That was the big difference between the remorse of Judas and the penitence of Peter: one led the dishonest treasurer to destruction, the other brought the arrogant fisherman to his knees. Both were helpless sinners but Simon Peter's heart was soft towards Jesus, and the Master prayed for Him.
What a difference that advocacy made. And it is wonderful to know that Jesus is still praying for those who belong to Him. He approaches Father God as a defending attorney, claiming His blood as the sacrifice for our sins so that we might be declared righteous (1 John 2:1-2). Often, when we don't know how to pray for ourselves, the Holy Spirit will pray for us because we belong to God (Romans 8:26-27). Although we are under an obligation to love and serve our God wholeheartedly, we cannot do so unless He helps us. Yes, we must fight against the world, the flesh and the devil; but unless the Lord helps us we will fail. In the same way, we should be praying for God's will to be done but sometimes it is so difficult to pray and we need the assurance that the Holy Spirit presents our heart desires before the throne of heaven. This is no excuse for weak-hearted discipleship but the simple reality that, however strong we are, we need His strength if we are to do His will and stay within the orbit of His grace.
Prayer: Holy Father. Thank You for Your authority over Satan. I am glad that You help people to confront temptation and win in Your strength. But thank You also for Your compassion, which sees beyond our failure to our restoration and renewed usefulness, if we will only repent. Thank You for interceding for me and for Your Holy Spirit's help as I struggle to pray. Forgive me for sometimes thinking that I can manage life, including its trials and temptations, on my own ... I know I need You! Please help me to accept Your help and to be confident in Your ability to get me back on track with You, even when I fail. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Strange though it may seem, Satan has to apply to God to do his wicked work (Job 1:6-12). The Evil One had already been given permission to enter into Judas (but make no mistake, Judas was intent on betraying Jesus and was fully responsible for that desire). Then, Satan wanted to invade Simon Peter's life, but Jesus intervened. The test of Peter's loyalty would still be allowed (and he failed that test) but Satan was denied permission to rip his faith into shreds, and prevent him from repenting and being restored to fellowship and usefulness.
Jesus had prayed for Peter. The Father and the Son together agreed that Satan should not have ultimate liberty with the apostle's life. He had a job to do to strengthen the Church - a fresh commission which Jesus would personally give him after the resurrection (John 21:15-19). But, before he could be recommissioned, he had to be repentant (Luke 22:62). That was the big difference between the remorse of Judas and the penitence of Peter: one led the dishonest treasurer to destruction, the other brought the arrogant fisherman to his knees. Both were helpless sinners but Simon Peter's heart was soft towards Jesus, and the Master prayed for Him.
What a difference that advocacy made. And it is wonderful to know that Jesus is still praying for those who belong to Him. He approaches Father God as a defending attorney, claiming His blood as the sacrifice for our sins so that we might be declared righteous (1 John 2:1-2). Often, when we don't know how to pray for ourselves, the Holy Spirit will pray for us because we belong to God (Romans 8:26-27). Although we are under an obligation to love and serve our God wholeheartedly, we cannot do so unless He helps us. Yes, we must fight against the world, the flesh and the devil; but unless the Lord helps us we will fail. In the same way, we should be praying for God's will to be done but sometimes it is so difficult to pray and we need the assurance that the Holy Spirit presents our heart desires before the throne of heaven. This is no excuse for weak-hearted discipleship but the simple reality that, however strong we are, we need His strength if we are to do His will and stay within the orbit of His grace.
Prayer: Holy Father. Thank You for Your authority over Satan. I am glad that You help people to confront temptation and win in Your strength. But thank You also for Your compassion, which sees beyond our failure to our restoration and renewed usefulness, if we will only repent. Thank You for interceding for me and for Your Holy Spirit's help as I struggle to pray. Forgive me for sometimes thinking that I can manage life, including its trials and temptations, on my own ... I know I need You! Please help me to accept Your help and to be confident in Your ability to get me back on track with You, even when I fail. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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