Sifted Like Wheat

Luke 22: 31-32
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Sifted Like Wheat

The Last Supper was both a celebration of, and solemn preparation for the culmination of the great plan for the salvation of all mankind, which was the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of the sins of the world. The plan of God was unfolding at an urgent pace. The Kingdom of God was at hand. But, where good is, evil is also. So, there were demonic forces unfolding diabolical plans as well.

In today’s verses, Jesus speaks to Peter, giving Him both a two part warning and a consolation. He tells Peter that Satan “hath desired to have you, to sift you as wheat.” Now I know that word studies in the Bible might get on your last nerve, but they are important windows into what is actually going on in the events described in the word of God. The original Greek word that is translated as “desired” means “to demand, as for a trial.” So the devil is not asking God politely, he has demanded his right to try Peter. So this is a legal situation going on here, and the request was granted.
Here we pause to ask: Exactly what did the devil demand? This is the second part of the warning, as Jesus says “to sift you as wheat.” We associate sifting with flour, and the process of baking. This association of sifting with cooking carries with it a warm, fuzzy feeling. This is wrong, because the original meaning for “sift” as it is used here is “riddled,” (as in “with bullets”). Picture the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, and you will have a picture that is closer to what the devil had planned for Peter (and by extension, what he has planned for us).

In our current day experiences of being sifted, we are subjected to trials and adversities that can be manifestations of our worse nightmares. When we are afraid, we are tempted to run (as the 12 Apostles ran) – away from Jesus.

When we experience extraordinary circumstances that pressure is to the breaking point, it is wise to look at the scenario of the Last Supper and do three things:

1. Check out the macrocosm: Describe the overall scenario of what is going on, not just with you, but within the big picture. Just as there was the great plan of salvation unfolding at the Last Supper, there is likewise a “big picture” that God has planned for you.
2. Examine the microcosm: Take a look at the smaller storms within the great storm that is taking place around you. The squabbles between the disciples, and the issues of greatness vs. subservience (Luke 22:24-27) were just some of the micro storms going on at the Last Supper. What are some of the sub-storms raging in your circumstances?
3. Identify those things that most frighten you and find the promises of God that relate to those fears – then claim them. [Example: Philippians 1:6 says: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ]
4. Pray at all times! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

In my next post I will discuss each of these four points as they relate to the plans of the devil to riddle our lives with doubt, fear and defeat.

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Verneda

Twitter handle: @vlights

© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.