Verse of the Day 1/12

Through the Bible - Genesis 31-32, Matthew 11:1-19

 

Good morning,

I'm sure that most of us have been in situations where we've had a friend tell us "I'll pray for you".  The degree to which you may receive comfort from that may have something to do with how well we know the person or know of  the integrity of the person saying it.  You may also be encouraged to keep praying, (remember the asking, seeking, and knocking that we considered last week).  Knowing what that person has gone through may encourage you to press on, to persevere, in faith.

I had a verse that I had planned for today but when I opened up Biblesoft on my computer Spurgeon's morning devotional popped up on my screen, as it always does.  Today, for whatever reason , I stopped to read it.  His "verse of the day" was from Luke 22 and it will serve as ours as well.

 

Luke 22:32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."   NLT

Spurgeon wrote, "How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, He pleads for us; and when we are not praying, He is advocating our cause, and by His supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter--"Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat; but"--what? "But go and pray for yourself." That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does he say, "But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved." That were a great blessing. No, it is, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." We little know what we owe to our Saviour's prayers. When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God hath led us, how we shall praise Him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth. How shall we thank Him because He never held His peace, but day and night pointed to the wounds upon His hands, and carried our names upon His breastplate! Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Mark, He does not say, "Satan hath desired to have you." He checks Satan even in his very desire, and nips it in the bud. He does not say, "But I have desired to pray for you." No, but "I have prayed for you: I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation is made." O Jesus, what a comfort it is that thou hast pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence. "
 

Notice the context of Jesus' statement.  Peter was self confident.  Jesus knew that Peter was ready for a fall.  Peter would fall, and Jesus knew that he'd struggle with it.  Jesus was preparing Peter for it.  He knew he'd hit rock bottom.  But as the words predicting Peter's denial would ring true, so would the words, His knowledge of Peter's repentance, his return to faith ring true. 

 

When he returned he would strengthen his brothers and his words still strengthen us.  Just read of faith in the book of Acts 2 and following.  Read Peter's challenge and encouragement to us when facing troubled waters.

 

1 Peter 1:6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.  NLT

Are you struggling?  Are you perhaps over confident?  Either way, what does it mean to you that Jesus is praying for you?

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Luke 22:31-35

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
(Matt 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; John 13:36-38)

31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death."

34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me."

NKJV