"And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.'"{Luke 22:31,32}
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."{1 Peter 5:8} Satan desires and seeks after every accountable person. Everyone is important to him, especially God's children!
The Devil wanted Peter. The Lord said that He would pray for him, that his faith would not fail. We might be prone to feel, like Peter, that we will never forsake the Lord. However, Paul reminds us, "Take heed lest ye fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Why did the devil want Peter? Every man is valuable to the Lord. The Lord reminded Peter of this when He said, "...What God hath cleansed, call not thou common." (Acts 10:15) No man is common. We may, at times, undersell ourselves, as may others; but the Lord knows our true value, and so does the devil. He also desires us.
Satan knew that if he brought Peter down, it would hurt the Lord. On one occasion, he tried to win Jesus over to his way but failed miserably (Matthew 4). The next-best thing he could do was to win over one of His ardent followers. I could do you more harm by hurting your child, or one of your loved ones, than in any other way. So, Satan knew if he was successful in winning over Peter, he could hurt Jesus.
Today, the devil would like to win over the elders--those who teach, counsel, shepherd, advise, etc. He would like to capture some of us preachers, and he has succeeded more than once. Modernism is the order of the day. He has influenced many away from the "Old Paths" into liberalism, institutionalism, humanism, Calvinism, (false teaching concerning imputed righteousness and the extended grace of God); to deny the organizational structure of the local church; to tend toward leveling sharp criticism at those who "contend earnestly for the faith," labeling them as negative; and, he has led others into disgraceful acts of immorality.
It is well to keep in mind and study the context of the passage in Luke 22. How would the devil go about getting Peter? The Lord taught that it is wrong to seek preeminence and supremacy. "Professional jealousy" (for lack of a better expression) exists among gospel preachers. Satan may have taken the leading part in this matter. Our Lord warned Peter that Satan desired to have him. In the quest for popularity, some have lost their souls. Some in our day engage in smear campaigns, leveling charges against their fellow preachers, maligning, and patronizing them.
The Devil wanted Peter because he was spokesman for the group and later became a elder. Also, Peter was a married man. Satan may have wanted him for that reason. He knew that if he could capture Peter, a married man, it would not be long before Peter's wife, and eventually the entire family, would be under his influence. Today, he wants you if you are married or if you're single. Satan desires you!
Oh, how Satan wants our young people. He employs every "wile," trick, and cunning procedure to lure, entice, and deceive them. He will take advantage of their innocence and youth. Young people, don't let Satan get a single advantage over you. Remember, the timely advice of Solomon. "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth..."(Ecclesiastes 12:1). Again he said, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not..."(Proverbs 1:10).
The Devil wanted Paul-but he was a humble man. He felt his own "unworthiness." His desire was to not be "exalted over much." In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, we are told that he was sent "a messenger of Satan to buffet him." He prayed three times that it might be removed, but God said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." This "thorn in the flesh" was indeed a "messenger of Satan." Paul, with help from the Lord, overcame. So, as with Peter, Satan wanted Paul, but Jesus also wanted Paul.
We may have times when our faith is sorely tried. But, we should remember: as Jesus prayed that Peter's "faith fail not," so He prays for us during our dark and trying hours when we know not what tomorrow holds. He prays that our faith may be equal to the task, that we may be converted, and in turn may be instrumental in converting others.
May God help us overcome. Let us honestly stand for truth by reproving, rebuking, fighting the good fight of faith, and never compromising because we desire to be popular, or for any other reason! (Edited by Keith Greer)
Satan is a busy worker. He seeks to take all who provide him with opportunities to win them to his side. Whenever we give him an open door, he comes in. Many brethren are guilty of "falling asleep on duty." Satan is looking for any edge we give him. Never underestimate his determination to have you in his camp. When we become children of God, we are a challenge to Satan. Don't think for a minute, whether you have just obeyed the gospel, or have been a Christian for many years, that he has forgotten about you. Sadly, when we let our guard down he's waiting to take us back into the world. How can you be sure he doesn't win you back? Prepare for the fight. Do not give him any advantages. I've occasionally heard a Christian say, "I don't know how that brother allowed himself to be led into that _______sin. I would never succumb to that temptation." Tragic! That Christian has just laid down a challenge before our adversary. Believe me, he will take it up! Humility and watchfulness are two qualities we must develop and refine as we walk the uneven pathway of life. Yes, Satan even desires you!!!! --KG