Memorize: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22: 31
Devotional Reading: Luke 22: 31-40
Before Jesus revealed to Peter that Satan had desired to have him, Jesus called him by his old name twice: the name Simon that means “Reed-like”, hinting perhaps at his human weakness and how easily he was swayed by the ‘wind of the world’. This is why Jesus prophetically changed his name to Peter (Matt. 16:16-19). By calling Peter by his old name, Jesus was possibly trying to hint Peter that he had started drifting back to his old person.
This was an indication that Satan was already at work behind the scenes in the bid to pull him down. This was further corroborated by Peter’s involvement in the argument that ensued amongst the disciples about who would be the greatest, which happened at a time that they should have been more concerned about who will betray Jesus. Why did the devil target Peter out of all the disciples? I believe it was because Peter had assumed the leadership position and he was the one that got the revelation from God that Jesus is Christ. By receiving this revelation, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter signifying that he had been delivered from every negative influence associated with that former name by which Satan held him captive. What negative name has been associated with you or your family? What label have you been tagged with resulting in a situation you are going through? As you receive the revelation of CHRIST, you will be delivered from that situation today and your entire life will be turned around and rebranded for good in Jesus Name.
Jesus states in Matthew 26:31 to his disciples “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad”. If you are a leader, you must come to the realization that Satan will always target you, which means you must continually remain connected to God to secure yourself against his wiles. From verse 33 of our text, we can deduce by Peter’s response that he did not believe that Satan could have him. However, unknown to Peter, he had been exhibiting signs of his old self and he did not even know it.
This is because when Satan wants to pull us down, he comes to us in ways that are not obvious, especially from our blind side, which is why we must continuously take heed to ourselves. We can do this by continuously maintaining a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and the study of God’s Word so that we do not become vulnerable to wiles and devices of the devil. We must also obey the commandments of God. Remember Lot’s wife Luke 17:32.
The last thing to point out from our text is the fact that Peter did not listen or agree with Jesus which invariably means that there is a tendency for us not to listen to those around us when they point out to us that we are straying or swaying backwards.
I pray for you today that God will give you a listening ear and a willling heart in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Almighty father, uphold me by your powerful hand in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Don’t look back; focus on your dream and purpose.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)