Daily Devotional – Tuesday, December 14, 2021
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
Luke 22:32 (NKJV)
Peter was arguably the most outspoken of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He, alongside James and John, were the confidantes of Jesus. He was also a daring character. Do you remember when He asked to walk on water? He also identified Jesus as the Messiah, through God’s revelation.
However, despite being a confident and brave man, Peter often talked before thinking. For example, when Jesus predicted His disciples would forsake him, Peter said, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” (Matthew 26:33).
According to Luke, Jesus, knowing Peter would deny Him shortly after, cautioned the overconfident disciple:
“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).
Unconditional and Restorative Love
I marvel at the unconditional love in this passage. Peter would betray Jesus but the Lord already had a restoration plan for the wayward disciple.
How did Peter react after the cock crew for the third time? “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62). The penetrating gaze of the Lord led Peter to repentance. The apostle’s guilt weighed on him heavily.
When Jesus resurrected, He sent a crucial message to Peter through the women who went to the tomb early on Sunday morning. “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” (Mark 16:7).
How relieved and happy was Peter when he received this message! Satan had sifted Peter but Peter’s faith had not failed. Now he was supposed to fulfil his part – to strengthen His brethren.
Feed My Sheep
After His resurrection, the Lord appeared to His disciples by the sea. Here Jesus restored Peter and commanded him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:17).
Is it not encouraging knowing that Jesus prays for us when we are going through trial? How wonderful is it to know that Jesus loves us even when we veer off the path of righteousness? Do you appreciate that God restores us when we turn to Him in repentance?
Peter’s experience teaches us that no sin is unforgivable if we repent and return to God. We also learn that our triumph over sin equips us with precious lessons to impart to others who Satan is or has sifted.
Lord Jesus, thank You because You are a loving, forgiving and restoring God. Thank You for Your unconditional love.
Thank God for the restorative Love.
Compelled by His love God always has a plan to restore us when we fall.
Amen, Charles. He is such a wonderful God.