“Peter, Peter, behold, Satan demanded to have you [plural,
i.e, The Twelve], that he might sift you [plural] like wheat, but I have prayed
for you [singular] that your faith might not fail and when you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).
Everything and everyone is at stake in this part of Jesus’
table talk – yes, even the church! Clearly there has been a spiritual war going
on in the heavens between God and Satan. Just as in the story of Job, Satan has
been begging God to test one of his soldiers. God relents and lets Satan lose
on Peter.
The battle is not won because Peter is up to the struggle. Satan
has the power to test Peter’s commitment to Jesus and wins. Peter returns to
his faith, finds relief and comes back to lead the church and minister to his
fellow disciples.
In taking the bread and the cup the disciples are signifying
their participation in the struggle and in the intercession of Jesus.
Following Jesus is never easy! You will be tested! Jesus is
praying for your victory today. (Romans 8: 34)
Accept Jesus’ invitation to come to the table and sit with
struggling disciples who are being prayed for by the Host.
Ronald Friesen © 2015
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