Especially for You

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that you faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen you brothers.”  (Luke 22:31, 32)

Jesus knew well all the disciples, “all of you.”  In fact, He knows well all people.

Jesus knew well the purpose of Satan.  Satan had repeatedly endeavored to “sift” Jesus as wheat.  What Satan tried to do with Jesus, he tries to do with Peter, sift all the wheat out of his life and leave only worthless chaff.

Jesus knew that Satan especially wanted Peter.  Why?  Peter’s influence was strong over all the other disciples.  When he said, “I go fishing,” they replied at once, “We also go with thee.”  This ability to lead made Peter desirable to Satan.

Jesus also wanted Peter especially.  Those whom Satan singles out are also singled out by Christ.  Christ desired in Peter a staunch friend and ally.

Christ foresaw Peter’s peril.  Peter’s short and imperfect vision was not sharp enough to discern Satan’s developing strategies.

Christ helped Peter.  Christ assured Peter that He would go ahead and, as it were, station Himself at the very spot in the path where Peter would stumble.  Oh, the wondrous forethought and kindness of Jesus!

Christ’s help to Peter was the greatest He could offer-prayer.  This is ever Christ’s greatest help to the believer.  Now we begin to understand why Jesus entered into frequent all-night vigils of prayer-to intercede for His friends.  And, bless His Name, the glorified Saviour still ceaselessly intercedes for His friends.

Satan expected Peter’s faith to “utterly fail.”  All he saw in Peter was “Simon,” the old name, the old nature.  Jesus knew that there was more.  So Jesus’ look of forgiveness led Peter at once to weep his way back to the Saviour’s restoring love.

“Especially for you” Jesus prays today.  Touched with the feeling of your infirmities, He mentions your name and need to the Father.  His prayers are always heard and honored.  Is this not enough to strengthen and assure your fainting heart?

--George E. Failing