No Other Rock

Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat . . . ~ Luke 22:31

Baxter suggests that the upfront stating of Simon’s name - not once but twice - signals the seriousness of the warning during the hours that lead to His betrayal and crucifixion. In addition, the warning itself is startling.

Let’s look at other versions:

• King James: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat…”
• American Standard: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat…”
• The Message: “Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

Now, I confess no particular allegiance to any version of the Bible, and I have never read the Message for study, but after reading today’s devotion, I think that version is most telling of the situation.

Satan had not simply requested Simon - he demanded (or even has obtained) Simon. Now, with regards to sieve - it is a root word of “sift” and, simply, a sieve separates wanted from unwanted elements. In this case, Satan is separating Simon from the Lord.

How many areas of our lives does Satan attempt to sieve us from God? Fortunately, as we have learned over the last couple days, Christ is praying for us to overcome.

Today, my prayer for you and I is that we will recognize and and seek strength to not allow Satan the ability to sift us away from our relationships with Christ.