Daily Devotional for Wednesday, May 13
The Prophecies Concerning the Denial
“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren,” Luke 22:32.
We read about Simon Peter’s boldness throughout the gospels. As one of Jesus’ inner circle of three, Jesus relied on him and allowed him, James and John to see and experience things the other disciples did not. It was no secret that Peter was close to Jesus. However, in the last hours before His death, Jesus gave Peter hard truth. The accuser had asked permission to sift the disciples like wheat. Jesus addressed the statement to Peter, but the request was to sift and test all the disciples. Jesus’ address then took a personal turn as He told Peter He prayed for him that his faith would not fail. When he had turned back to the way, Jesus needed him to strengthen the others.
Satan worked hard during this time. He had already attempted to tempt Jesus and gotten nowhere, so in the crucial hours before the cross, he focused his attention on those closest to Jesus. He had already convinced Judas. The betrayal was in motion, but the crusher of faith was not satisfied. He would convince all the apostles to abandon Jesus (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). He relishes in supplying occasions for failure and inspiring faithlessness.
Jesus’ words to Peter offer incredible hope for us as Jesus’ followers. Jesus Himself prays for us. He intercedes to the Father for us. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” (Hebrews 7:25).
He also instructed us to strengthen each other in faith. Peter later does turn back and is restored, and he again is bold in his faith. He takes a leadership role among the brethren in Acts 1:15-26 and encouraged the disciples and new believers.
THOUGHT
Even when we walk away, God’s grace abounds and restores.
Kelli Reynolds