Luke 22:31 (LSB) 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat.
In the hours leading up to the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, He spent time preparing His disciples for what was immediately ahead, as well as what they could expect in the long-term future.
He had a genuine desire to help them understand the reality of what they would face as His disciples.
This was a difficult, but necessary thing, as He wanted them to know the seriousness of it.
He did this in a way that was direct, but somewhat gentle and genuinely compassionate.
The verse above is one that carries a tremendous amount of weight, as it speaks directly to Satan’s desire and intent to take drastic measures to persecute them as heavily as God would allow.
This is reminiscent of Satan requesting permission to test Job, that he might persuade him to abandon his faith in God (Job 1:11–12).
The concept of Satan “sifting” believers is not new, yet it remains unfamiliar to many — and even more obscure is the truth that God grants him permission to do so.
This is not to say that God grants permission to every request of Satan. Some that we never know of are denied.
But we must understand that if we are being tested by trials, God is not unaware, nor does it happen without His consent.
So, the desire of Jesus was to help His disciples comprehend what they would face in the days, months, and years ahead, as their faith in Him propelled them into places and situations that they could not comprehend at that moment.
So it is with us. We put our faith and trust in God through Christ. And we become a target of Satan the very moment we do so.
Should we expect to face the same trials that the disciples faced? Will our lives be put at risk because of our faith?
It is highly unlikely. But it is something that we should consider and be prepared for if the situation arises.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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