Some Thoughts from Amos 9 & Luke 22
I have been thinking and reflecting this morning on the events of this last week and there has truly been much to reflect on. What has shocked me is not that they happened at all nor the extent of what has happened or even that the Lord has permitted it to happen. No what has shocked me the most is the timing of what happened.
This time last week I was feeling as a real high point. I was amazed at how well I was handling the stresses of these events. Feeling strong physically and able to carry all my burdens and strong in my faith, determined to give all the praise and glory to our soon to come Lord. Then crash I am in hospital surrounded by unsure things and new experiences and wondering WHY NOW Lord, just when I thought I was on top of things.
Then I thought of Peter and Luke 22.31. Peter felt at the top of his game that day. Good old brave reliable dependable Peter, nothing but nothing was going to deflect him from his path. But the Lord had a sobering message for him.
Why did Satan desire to sift Peter?
Was it because he was so self confident so outspoken so gung-ho. Maybe but it was probably because Peter was seen as a Loyal subject. He really had NO intention ever of letting his Lord down. Peter was a big target and there is nothing greater to Satan than to accept a challenge, the bigger the better.
We all know what happened next and whilst the events of Calvary play out, Peter is absolutely distraught.
Calvary brings distress into the heart of all the believers. But in grace 3 days later the Lord comes again and restores. He restores Mary in her sorrow and lost love. He restores Cleopas in his disappointment and confusion. He restores Thomas in his doubts. But while all this is going on where is Peter? The normally up front one is barely noticed, in the background. Even the joy of knowing the Lord is risen doesn’t restore him. Peter is STILL being sifted. We catch up with Peter in the final chapters of Johns gospel. He and a few of the other disciples are back in Galilee and fishing. Peter just what were you doing their and why were you hiding away, even contemplating your old way of life. WHAT WERE YOU DOING PETER?
In fairness to Peter he was still being sifted. The story of his restoration is a touching example of the Lords great grace for us all. Even though he didn’t hesitate to return to the Lord, there is still a reluctance in his attitude his words, his acceptance of just how great crime he had committed. But isn’t this what the Lord said in Luke 23.
We are truly in unforeseen times.
Think back to New Year. We were having lunch and celebrating the success of the Christmas events. Did any of us foresee just what is now happening. Our livelihoods threatened, our pleasures cancelled, our health under threat lest we stand within 2 metres of another. Even our outreach and time around the Lord is on hold. We are being sifted.
But it’s good to know that God whilst allowing that sifting, is praying for us and upholding us. In Amos 9 it is God doing the sifting and many would fall to the ground, but not those of the finest grain. Not those that were his.
Are you being sifted?
Ironically this is something that even our faith cannot prevent from happening. Even if we feel we are strong in our faith and have no need to worry, we present a bigger target for Satan to aim at. But rest assured (and we can do that in abundance with the Lord) the Lord knows our trials and is in them with us. He is praying for us and he will uphold us in the power of his own Hand.
Rest easy dear saints until we meet again
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