Every time I ready this passage in Luke I picture myself... (a little like Peter at times...frequently saying the wrong thing:)) ...I picture myself jumping in front of Jesus and instead of saying "Lord I am ready to go with you to prison and to death..." I would say something like "tell him NO, Lord, please tell Satan, NO, don't you let him sift me as wheat! I appreciate you praying for me, but don't let him sift me please!"
You may remember the passage in Luke 22:31-32 where Jesus tells Peter, “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” This reminds me of God's Word to Isaiah in chapter 43:1-2, Israel is being restored and God tells HIS people..."Now this is what the Lord says— the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel — “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and ⌊when you pass⌋ through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you."
I love the end of verse one, we have been commanded not to fear for God has redeemed us, we have been called by name and my favorite part is HE says YOU ARE MINE! GLORY! God's children, God's sheep, hear HIS voice and are secure in HIS righteous right hand, the hand of Jesus (John 10:27-30). I love verse two as well, but I must confess that my flesh is terrified of verse two! Why is that Mark? For God's own glory and our joy in HIM God's children are told that we WILL suffer, we WILL be afflicted, we WILL face persecutions (2 Tim 3:12, Col 1:24). How do you get that out of verse two? HE does not tell us "IF" you pass, but HE tells us "WHEN" you pass...when you pass through the waters, the rivers and through the fire...you will not be overwhelmed, scorched, burned. Bottom line is HE promises HIS presence. Not only does HE promise HIS presence, HE promises that we will see HIS glory! Do you remember what we see in 1 Peter 4:13? "Instead, as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah rejoice, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory." Remember Jesus prayer in John 17? Specifically, verse 24..."Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they will see My glory, which You have given Me because You loved Me before the world’s foundation."
In Isaiah 48:10-11 God tells us as HE tells Israel..."Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 I will act for My own sake, indeed, My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another."
How awesome is it to know that the Great "I AM" has prayed and is praying for you! Not only is HE praying for you, but HE has promised to be with you to the end of the age! HE is praying for you, HE is with you, HE is protecting you, HE is refining you...preparing you to spend eternity with HIM marveling at HIS magnificent glory. PLEASE GET THIS...this really helps me...the fact that HIS glory is on the line gives me great assurance that HE will complete the good work HE began in me and in you.
HE is praying for you, HE is present with you, HE is protecting you and HE is purifying and preparing you to spend eternity in HIS blazing glory...It makes me what to shout! Someone should write a song:)