The One who intercedes for us
“Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” “Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!” Luke 22:31-34
During the Lord’s Supper, Jesus revealed to His disciples the impending betrayal of one of them. He was about to face His agonizing suffering and death yet His disciples are still far from realizing who He was. From the text, Jesus warns Peter that Satan is set out to render him ineffective. The Lord Jesus Christ expressed to Peter his denial of his allegiance to God. Though it was him who made a strong statement expressing his complete support to Jesus. “Even if I have to die with You,” Peter told Him, “I will never deny You!” (Matthew 26:35). Satan is set out to destroy every follower of Christ. No matter how resolved we are in our conviction that we will not deny our relationship with Christ, we will continue to face a formidable foe. Satan's goal is to destroy our faith, put away our confidence, defuse our effectiveness and shake our determination. This is why Paul’s reminder is something that every believer should take heed. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Satan is devious and he is in the lookout for our weakest point and vulnerability and ready to attack when we are least ready. So, let us not let our guard down. Remember what Jesus told Peter in v. 32, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” Jesus is praying for us and interceding on our behalf. "He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). He intercedes for us that we will not stumble and ultimately fail. As God intercedes for us, let us equip ourselves with the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:13-17). Be strong in your faith that you will not give in to Satan’s ways. The Lord alone is your anchor and strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1). Do not wait until you are in a heap deep of trouble before you come to the Lord. At the onset of Satan’s attack, trust and be dependent on the Lord.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
