"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." {Verses 31-32}
What a perfect example of forgiveness. First off, we hear the name Simon again, a name we haven't heard in awhile. This name is Peter's pre-Christian name before God gave him a new one. The fact that Jesus uses his pre-Christian name here identifies with his denial of Jesus to come. Jesus says that, "Satan demanded to have you..." Satan demands to have us all- to make us all fall to our sin, and the same was for Peter. Unfortunately, but God-knowing, Peter did allow Satan to have his way in him and Peter denied Jesus three times. The great example of forgiveness here is the the next part: "...But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." Peter denied Jesus, and Jesus prayed that it wouldn't ruin his faith in Him. Do we hold the same love for our brothers and sisters when we see them in sin? Do we pray that their hearts would not be led astray by their sin and pray that after they repent that they would strengthen their brothers and sisters in Christ? Jesus said to Peter, "And when you have turned again [repent], strengthen your brothers." Jesus was speaking in knowledge that Peter would repent and that his faith would not be lost to his sin. Do we have faith for our friends who fall to sin? Do we pray for them sincerely? What great encouragement it is for those of us whose sin seems great that Jesus used Peter- one who denied Him- to build His church. Later in the book of Acts chapter 2, we learn that Peter gave the first sermon after Jesus resurrected and about 3000 people came to know Jesus personally that day! If you think there is no hope for you... let this resonate with you! Peter not only strengthened his brothers, but the Holy Spirit used him to make some new brothers in the Lord!
Let us go and pray for our friends in faith who struggle, that first- they would not give Satan the power to lead them astray. But second, that if they follow into temptation, that they would not be led to death, but would choose repentance so that they would still have life. Let us pray that not only would Jesus use them to strengthen their family in the Lord, but also use them as vessels for His soul-saving work!
Who are you thinking of right now that you can stop and pray for? I encourage you to do that before you go on with your day.
Bless you.
~Leanne~
Let us go and pray for our friends in faith who struggle, that first- they would not give Satan the power to lead them astray. But second, that if they follow into temptation, that they would not be led to death, but would choose repentance so that they would still have life. Let us pray that not only would Jesus use them to strengthen their family in the Lord, but also use them as vessels for His soul-saving work!
Who are you thinking of right now that you can stop and pray for? I encourage you to do that before you go on with your day.
Bless you.
~Leanne~
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