Last week I shared a little about Christ’s journey to the cross on our behalf.
This was definitely a time of great sorrow for His disciples. I imagine it would have been considered some of their darkest days.
What thoughts might they have been thinking?
“I left my job, my livelihood, for all of this and now my Teacher, my Lord is facing execution.”
“What about all His promises to reign as our Messiah and King?”
“I’m gonna miss His wisdom, His stories, His friendship, His laugh.”
“Is this the end of the road for all of us?”
Even Peter said, when Jesus asked if he would ever walk away, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68
And now, here they were, facing the realization He would walk the Calvary road and die a brutal death on a cross. This was not how it was supposed to be. Was it?
Following Jesus will always cost us something. It’s true, but God was in full control here and Jesus was fulfilling His purpose, not only for the disciples but all mankind. Still they found themselves in the darkness of grief. I am sure that their grief was crushing and probably full of questions.
Perhaps this present grief was all they could even see.
Life does that to us sometimes.
We experience great grief.
We experience great perplexity.
We experience great despair.
We experience great frustration.
And we experience these in various forms through various channels of our lives.
But let me kind of flip this story over.
Jesus, knowing how difficult this trial must be for the disciples, says to Peter,
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 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.” Luke 22:31-32
While I read this verse, I was struck by two things:
- Jesus was fully man and regarded mankind in the struggles and the burdens that they bore.
- Jesus was also fully aware of what was taking place in the spiritual realm.
While the disciples sorted through their thoughts and feelings, Jesus understood that there was so much more at stake – so much more going on. Do you know what Jesus knew? He knew that…
We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:2
I’ve never really taken the time to consider that Jesus was constantly aware (being fully God) of what was taking place in the spiritual realm as well as in the physical (being fully man). Imagine the magnitude of all that He considered when He spoke His words to the disciples and ALL those He engaged. No matter what the encounter or the audience, His perspective and message always took into consideration what was happening in the spiritual realm. This gives me all the more reason to really hear the words of Jesus and live by them.
In the midst of the grief and despair of the disciples, Jesus tells Peter in so many words…”I know you’re grieving, but Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.”
Jesus goes on to say, “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.”
I would probably forget everything else going on in my life if I heard, “Tammy, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.” Like. Record scratch.
I would probably have immediately begged Jesus to keep it from happening at all.
Satan desires ultimate destruction for Peter and the rest of the disciples. Why would God allow Satan to do such a thing? Because God is over all, He intends to use what Satan means for evil for Peter’s good. He even sees the end before it happens and Jesus tells Peter…
“So when you have repented and turned again to me…”
How cool is it that Jesus knows the good that will come and He continues by saying, “Strengthen your brothers.”
Another thing I see here is the importance Jesus placed on prayer. Knowing the enemy was on the prowl and after Peter (Simon), what does Jesus do? Pleads in prayer for Peter! He pleads. There is much at stake. The stakes are higher than we think.
Jesus always knew the magnitude of what was at stake.
Something else stands out to me from the 22nd chapter in Luke.
Notice with me, if you will, the verses that kick of the chapter in Luke.
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. Luke 22:1-3
Another glimpse into the spiritual realm. Satan had Judas do his bidding – a masterful move by the enemy. I’m sure he had every intention of stopping Jesus from fulfilling His plan of redemption for us. All of this was unbeknownst to the disciples. But it was a big deal and a reality that would help to shape the Gospel story.
We could look at passages all throughout scripture where we get glimpses of the spiritual realm and the high stakes on the table.
I envision a great spiritual game of chess and the way each move is calculated. Nothing the enemy does happens without cunning, deceit, and exacting effort.
I took out an index card and began to jot some realities.
When I consider my life, my agenda, my goals, my problems, my hurts, my questions I must stop for a moment and realize:
- The stakes are higher than I think. (We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Eph 6:2)
- Satan is more intentional that I think. (The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8)
- I am more clueless of the realities in the spiritual world than I think. (“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8)
- The power of God is greater than I think. (He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-5)
- The work of Jesus is more vital and redemptive than I think. (4 But God had so much loving-kindness. He loved us with such a great love. 5 Even when we were dead because of our sins, He made us alive by what Christ did for us. You have been saved from the punishment of sin by His loving-favor. 6 God raised us up from death when He raised up Christ Jesus. He has given us a place with Christ in the heavens. 7 He did this to show us through all the time to come the great riches of His loving-favor. He has shown us His kindness through Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-6)
- Prayer is more powerful and necessary than I think. (Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7)
- Time is shorter than I think. (How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. James 4:14)
Each of these statements bear the need to be explored on a much deeper level than I am taking time for today. I am just hoping they stir up some thoughts for you to ponder in your life today wherever you find yourself. Have you considered what’s at stake each day God gives us here?
Life isn’t easy.
Troubles will come.
But there is much more going on than we can even comprehend.
That’s why I am thankful that we know the ONE who is Victor over our darkness and over ALL darkness.
He sees all and He conquerors all.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Friend, let’s take time today to focus our perspective on the One Who knows all and is over all. Let us be ever aware of the realities of the spiritual battle being waged. How is your perspective today? Let us walk in obedience and follow the One who eternally leads us to life.
