Therefore He is also able to save forever
those who come to God through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (NASB)
Series: The Gift of Faith
I am the first to admit I’m not much of a cook. I make a mean grilled cheese sandwich, but I cannot brag about much else. But baking is another story. I love throwing together a batch of warm cookies, brownies, cup-cakes, or most any other dessert. My kitchen-aid mixer has become my favorite tool and has had quite the workout over the years. Yet, even some of my favorite recipes hold a challenging instruction. Whenever I see the word “sift” I cringe! Sifting flour, powdered sugar, or any other ingredient, takes time and quite frankly is annoying. After measuring out your ingredient, sifting requires using a specific type of “shaker” tool. Does this really make a difference in the finished product? If you have skipped this step you probably know the answer.
Sifting helps to separate and makes the ingredient finer (thinner) than it was before. And in all my complaining about it, it does truly make a better product in the end. In biblical times, wheat or other grain was sifted through a sieve or large strainer. It was shaken forcibly so the dirt and other impurities clinging to the grain would separate from the good, usable grain. This process seems awfully necessary to me. Unless you enjoy impurities in your food.
Just like some baking elements, we too may experience a “sifting” process in our faith life. Why? To help us shake off the things standing in our way of a strong, restorative, repentant relationship with our Father in Heaven. Don’t despair when you face trials of many kinds—you have hope because Jesus lives. Let’s look to Luke 22:31-32 (NASB) and find the hope I mentioned:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you men like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus warned Simon (Peter) that Satan would come to test the faith of all of the disciples. But Jesus also says He has prayed for Simon, specifically. He tells Simon, that when he turns back to his faith, he is to strengthen the others. If we read a little further in this passage we see Simon’s response and Jesus’ as well:
But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” (Luke 22:33-34 NASB)
How heartbreaking for Peter to hear those words after proclaiming he would follow Jesus even to His death. But Jesus knew Peter’s faith would fail, and He told Peter as much. Maybe Peter was leaning too much upon his own strength when he confidently told Christ he would stand firm. But after being sifted like wheat, Peter certainly understood that failure was possible because our flesh is weak. This passage from the Gospel of Mark reminds us of this truth:
Keep watching and praying, so that you will not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Mark 14:38 NASB)
We find hope in Jesus’ words because we know He prayed for Peter. Satan caused Peter to stumble, but Jesus interceded and restored Peter. He knew Peter would turn back to God, and He knew Peter would continue His ministry. And Jesus will intercede for you as well. He will always help you find your way back as you seek His presence. How incredible is that? In our own strength, we will fall, but with God’s redeeming love and grace, we will stand again.
Before we chastise Peter’s faith for turning his back on Jesus, we must take a moment to examine ourselves. Whether we stay quiet about our faith around people who may criticize our choice, or we fail to proclaim His goodness and faithfulness in our lives, or we forgo telling someone that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life—we deny Him. I have been guilty of this and I am forever grateful that my Savior, Jesus, intercedes for me. As I go to Him with a heart of repentance, He is always faithful to restore me. What a beautiful Savior we have and what a gift He offers us.
Let’s receive this gift and embrace the sifting that comes our way. By persevering we shake off all that is impure and live a life that reflects the good news of Jesus. Here are some closing scriptures for you to reflect upon as you seek Him today.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NASB)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NASB)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Hebrews 7:25; Luke 22:31-34; Mark 14:38; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 51:10; John 3:16, 14:6