Daily Devotion: Strengthen Thy Brethren by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Luke 22:28-35 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
- Luke 22:32 KJV

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never-ceasing intercession for us. When we pray—He pleads for us. And when we are not praying—He is advocating our cause, and by His supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to have you—that he may sift you as wheat; but" what? "But go and pray for yourself." That would be good advice—but it is not so written. Neither does he say, "But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved." That would be a great blessing. No, it is, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not."

We little know what we owe to our Savior's prayers! When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God has led us—how we shall praise Him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth. How shall we thank Him because day and night, He pointed to the wounds upon His hands, and carried our names upon His breastplate!

Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Mark, He does not say, "Satan has desired to have you." He checks Satan even in his very desire, and nips it in the bud. He does not say, "But I have desired to pray for you." No—but "I have prayed for you—I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counter-plea even before an accusation is made." O Jesus, what a comfort it is, that you have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence!

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