Luke 22:31–34

Passion unchecked can lead us down a path that is not in the will of God. 

We can do the wrong thing for the right reasons.

The right thing for the wrong reasons.

But only in His will for us can we do the right thing for the right reason.

Today Jimmy and Rosalynn will be celebrating their 76th wedding anniversary. Theirs is the longest marriage in presidential history. They have known each other for almost 95 years. My Oh My...Sabbath Moments

Quote... Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.  Henry van Dyke

Lord of life and love.
We pray for the world
in all its brokenness.
May peace overcome war,
may love overcome hate,
may generosity overcome greed,
may gentleness overcome pride,
that the earth may be filled
with your glory, and peace.
Amen
Words by Jenny Child

Luke 22:31–34

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” The New King James Version

The Greek word translated “you” is plural here, referring to all of the disciples. This seems to be a reference to the testing of the faithfulness of Jesus’ followers, not an indication that Jesus is handing them over to destruction. 

Here, the Greek word for “you” is singular and refers to Peter. While Peter seems overconfident here, his devotion to Jesus does eventually lead to both imprisonment and martyrdom (as recorded in the early church letter 1 Clement. Peter’s denials will take place before dawn. Faithlife Study Bible

The Greek word for you here is plural, indicating that Satan had asked permission to trouble all of the disciples. 

I have prayed for you … when you have returned: The Greek word for you here is singular, referring specifically to Peter. In effect, Jesus restored Peter even before his fall, and He instructed the disciple to shepherd the saints by strengthening them. The NKJV Study Bible

How unbecoming is the worldly ambition of being the greatest, to the character of a follower of Jesus, who took upon him the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the death of the cross! In the way to eternal happiness, we must expect to be assaulted and sifted by Satan. If he cannot destroy, he will try to disgrace or distress us. Nothing more certainly forebodes a fall, in a professed follower of Christ, than self-confidence, with disregard to warnings, and contempt of danger. Unless we watch and pray always, we may be drawn in the course of the day into those sins which we were in the morning most resolved against. If believers were left to themselves, they would fall; but they are kept by the power of God, and the prayer of Christ. Matthew Henry Commentary

Matthew 26:34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

Mark 14:30 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

John 13:38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

John 17:9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.

John 17:11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.