“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31–32 ESV)
I don't claim to fully understand the profound mystery that is at the heart of how a good and loving God can allow evil. But I have found much mileage in the courtroom image, and how to be a just and righteous judge, God, like any other judge, must allow both sides to be heard.
It is necessary for all genuine faith to be tested. And somehow, in the economy of God, Satan, our accuser, still has a role to play. Even Jesus' own faith had to be cross-examined in this way. In fact it was so necessary that we are told that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness in order to be tempted by Satan!
The good news is we have the best advocate! Jesus himself, who ever intercedes for us. God sends his best to silence the words of the accuser and to shut the mouth of the Lion. In him the heritage of the servants of the Lord is that they will refute every tongue that accuses them.
It is important to understand that trials will come. That we will be tested. The genuine nature of our faith will be cross examined. But we have one who has stood and triumphed and who now stands before the judge on our behalf. He prays not only that we might stand as he stood. Not only that we might return in the power of the Holy Spirit as he did. But when we have stood and our faith has been proven, it might not just be for our own strength but the strengthening of our brothers.
Like him, those who have withstood, now stand to strengthen those who still endure.
[Originally posted on Facebook 08/01/18]
No comments:
Post a Comment