February 3, 2016

Sifted Like Wheat

Sifted like wheat, this is what Satan’s plans were for Peter and the apostles. He wants to crush and sift you too.

This warning is reminiscent of the request the Adversary made about Job before the Throne of Heaven. Job was an upright and blameless man and became a target for Satan. Peter has emerged as the leader of the Apostles and has become a target.

Because Peter is the emerging leader of the Apostles, Jesus speaks to him directly. Notice that Jesus does not say, “But don’t worry Peter, I told the Satan he couldn’t have you or the others.” Instead, permission was granted.

With this in mind, wheat is sifted by being thrashed on a floor in a pulverizing manner. This thrashing will to happen to Peter and the apostles.

Whereas, the writers of Matthew and Mark record Jesus predicting that the apostles “will all fall away.” Jesus implies that Peter will fall away for a short time, repent, return, and be instrumental in strengthening the other apostles.

How about you? Has Satan thrashed you and torn your life to pieces? Do you think all this was happening behind Jesus’ back?  “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.” Luke 22:32

However, Jesus prayed and interceded for Peter. Once again the power of prayer is emphasized. Jesus knows all about the thrashing and knows it is coming for Him too. He has allowed these things happen for a purpose.

Take comfort for there is a purpose for the “thrashings” we endure. It is comforting to know that the power of prayer is vital during these times. Satan wishes to crush us like wheat.

All fortune is good fortune; for it either rewards, disciplines, amends, or punishes, and so is either useful or just. —Boethius

Prayer: Be with me Lord in my time of suffering. Your promises revive me and they comfort me in all my troubles. Help me, Lord, to lie down in peace and may sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid!

Luke 22:31

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.

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