LIGHT INTO DARKNESS (18)
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Luke 22:31-32 | "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail..." |
These words of the Lord Jesus to Peter are absolutely moving. Jesus knew that within a couple of hours Peter would disown him. He knew that Peter would say that he had never known Him, just when Jesus really needed Him in His affliction. He also knew the extent of Peter’s grief and remorse that would result from his denial. In His indescribable love Jesus comforted Peter even before his denial with the word: "I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail."
What is also touching is that Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith. When believers go through a crisis it tests their faith, it places stress on their relation with God. If I (like Peter) would feel guilty about what happened, it could result that I would try to hide from God. If I, on the other hand, feel unhappy about my misfortune, I might turn away from God because I might feel that He had left me. In each case Satan is trying to force a rift between us and God. But God in His infinite love, invites me with my pains and suffering to still go to Him.
Jesus prayed that just that would happen - that Peter’s faith would not leave him, but that He would return to God. Jesus loves us as much as Peter and He invites "everyone who is wary and heavy-laden to come to Him." He promises us that He will lovingly support us through the difficulties and the shadows of death, that He will give us rest.
Remember: He is our Mediator. He prays for us.