Our Great Intercessor

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon!

Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that

he may sift you as wheat. But I have

prayed for you, that your faith should

not fail; and when you have returned

to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

     Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

 We may think that Jesus is only there to cheer us on when we’re doing well, but that’s not true.  Passages like this assure us that Jesus knows our weaknesses and He prays for us in them. (See also John 17 for Jesus' prayer for His own.)  It’s amazing to realize that the Creator of the universe is not only mindful of us but that He prays for us.

 Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times and yet He assured Peter that He was praying for him. Jesus also encouraged Peter that despite the sifting by Satan, Peter would ultimately be victorious in the trial.  And that did come to pass. Although Peter failed miserably, his faith was never overthrown.  

It is reassuring to know that Jesus knows when we will stumble and fall, and that He prays for us during those times. Nevertheless, we must remember that Satan is our foe, just like he was Peter’s, and we must be on guard against his snares and schemes. But if we are a child of God, Jesus is our great intercessor.  We may fail Him but our faith will not fail because of His faithful prayers.  May that knowledge sustain and strengthen us during our times of trial.

P.S. I came across a hymn written by John Newton (composer of "Amazing Grace," etc.) that is based on Luke 22:31-32. I've never heard it but the words are inspiring. The Believer's Danger, Safety, and Duty