“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.” Luke 22:30-32
The account of Peter's denial of Jesus, and his subsequent repentance and restoration has great significance for all believers. Beginning with today's scripture we see that the Lord already knew what was coming Peter's way, and that He had prayed that Peter's faith would not fail. Peter would give in to temptation, this our Savior knew, but He also knew that Peter would not fall away completely; Peter would turn back to Jesus and would fulfill his mission. It wasn't Peter's strength or will that made this possible, for he had neither. It was the prayers of Jesus.
Jesus' prayers for His followers continue from His position at the Father's right hand. He is our Advocate, defending us and standing for us (1 John 2:1).
I like the way gotquestions.org explains this:
"Jesus did not go to heaven after His earthly ministry and 'take a break' from His role as eternal Shepherd to His people. 'For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life' (Romans 5:10, emphasis added). If when humble, despised, dying, and dead, He had the power to accomplish so great a work as reconciling us to God, how much more may we expect that He will be able to keep us now that He is a living, exalted, and triumphant Redeemer, raised to life and interceding on our behalf before the throne (Romans 8:34). Clearly, Jesus is still very active on our behalf in heaven."
Very active in Heaven on our behalf. Jesus is interceding for us. He is defending us. He is the only one who has that authority.
"We little know what we owe to our Saviour's prayers. When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God hath led us, how we shall praise him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth." (Charles Spurgeon)
Today's music video My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less by Sovereign Grace Music is a hymn that testifies to Jesus our Solid Rock!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
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