Luke 22:31-32 NKJV
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Having attempted to destroy Jesus from childhood, the devil never left his aggression against the Son of God. Satan had used Herod to try to kill baby Jesus, but he missed (Mat 2:13). The devil himself came to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, but could not manage Him (Mat 4:11). Satan also used various people in the course of Jesus’ ministry to stop Him, but to no avail. At a time when the Cross of Calvary was only a few hours away, where the devil would suffer a legal and eternal defeat, it was as if he had already sensed that he was headed for a mission impossible. So the devil turned his target toward Jesus’ disciples.
Having divinely known what the enemy was up to, Jesus told Peter, “Satan has asked for [all of] you, that he may sift you as wheat”, as in our reference text. Though the devil had managed to enter Judas Iscariot (Luk 22:3), he would not manage to diverge all the disciples. Jesus Christ was headed toward a victory at the Cross that would belong not only to Himself, but also to His disciples and to all who believe in Him. The Lord spoke to Peter very comforting and encouraging words, saying, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Hallelujah!
In the same way Jesus let Peter know that He had prayed for him, it is so important to pray for those going through (or about to go through) a challenging moment. Indeed, while it is a good thing to pray for others anonymously, at times, it is more blessed to pray, and speak comfort by letting them know that they are not alone; that they are being upheld in prayer; and that all will be well because of Jesus Christ—our Chief Intercessor (Rom 8:34). Beloved, take the time to pray for others on purpose, and let them know that you are standing with them, when necessary. Be God’s vessel to minister comfort and faith to others.
Pst. Emmanuel
