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

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What comes to mind when you think of the apostle Peter also known as Simon? Denied Christ? Quick-tongued? Hasty? Impulsive? Over confident? These might be some of characteristics often associated with Peter. Throughout the centuries he is often remembered as the one who was fervent and zealous for Christ but denied him when Jesus was seized by the religious leaders and led away to be crucified. That sounds like some of us today. Oh, we don’t mind sharing our faith and serving the Lord during peaceful times but when times of persecution, danger, and mocking comes, how many of us do not stand firm for Jesus and instead shrink in fear denying him?

I suppose that Jesus found it extremely necessary to remind his disciples of Satan’s design and his schemes. For in the preceding verses of our text, a dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. –Luke 22:24

The disciples had it all wrong. They were interested in worldly power instead of loving service to their brothers. Their pride had blinded their eyes to the spiritual warfare that was taking place and indeed would take place later on. Satan probably taunted Jesus and said, “Look at them, give them to me. Especially Peter so that I might try him.”

However, Jesus demonstrated His great love by warning and praying for Peter so that his faith would not fail. I am convinced that Peter later remembered Jesus’s warning about Satan. For Peter exhorted us in saying, “Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 The Bible cautions us earnestly to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. To put on the full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. For there are dark and evil spiritual powers lingering around in our fallen world. – Ephesians 6:10-12

I’m so glad that Jesus made a way for us to be with him one day in his Holy Place (Heaven). For although like Peter, we can strengthen our brothers and sisters by praying for them, the truth is that we are human beings who are susceptible to forget praying for our family, friends, and ministers. Yet Praise the Lord! We do have ONE prayer warrior named Jesus who will never forget us, NEVER stop praying for us until we meet Him face to face. Christians are in a continual process of being sanctified and will indeed sin at times. Satan will try to trip us up and condemn us, but Hallelujah! The Bible says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding (pleading, petitioning, praying) for us. –Romans 8:34

(Read John 17:6-25 where Jesus prays for His disciples and Believers)

Take a moment today to thank Him for his grace and protection from the evil one. Amen.

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.