Remnant: Learning From The Passionate ApostleSample

Remember how confident Jesus was that all of the disciples, after they had scattered in response to His arrest, would come back around and decide to follow Him just as He’d invited them to years before? 

Well, today’s reading reveals the reason Jesus was so confident. Satan had asked to sift, or destroy, the disciples, but Jesus had prayed for them and asked God to preserve them. Jesus was a righteous man who prayed in accordance with God’s will, so God was faithful to answer His prayer (Jas 5:16, 1 John 5:14-15). Knowing what it took to get a yes from God, Jesus was confident He would, and so was able to make the prediction concerning His disciples. 

We know from the Bible that Peter did accept God’s forgiveness made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection and commit his life to follow Jesus. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice and was martyred for his faith in Jesus. Peter’s transformation was a direct result of Jesus’ prayers for him. 

Just as Jesus prayed for Peter, He prayed for you before He was arrested and crucified. If you don’t have what Jesus asked for on your behalf, it’s only because you’ve chosen not to receive it. God will give you the faith to do so if you ask. 

If you have received what Jesus asked for on your behalf, be careful never to take credit for the good in your life or what you’ve been able to accomplish at the Holy Spirit’s leading by His power. All glory belongs to God for the miracles that happen in your life, including your transformation into Christ-likeness. 

Thank God for answering Jesus’ prayer on your behalf and ask Him for the faith to receive what He offers.