We have many demands on our time. Many are the voices which clamor for our attention. The person on the phone wants you to purchase. The person at the door wants you to donate. So many demands so little energy.
Is there anyone who makes demands in your life? Anyone who demands something from you? Does anyone in your life have that kind of permission - to ask or call for with authority?
The Bible records on occasion where Satan makes an incredible demand. Incredible for two reasons. First, that he actually made the demand. Second, that he made a request with such authority.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 (NASB)
This text raises several questions in my mind, the least of which is “has Satan ever demanded permission to sift me like wheat?”
What I want you notice is that Satan demanded and God said “yes.” With the answer in the affirmative Jesus also gives Simon Peter a specific glimmer of hope. Jesus said “Satan demanded, he was given permission, I’ve prayed that your faith may not fail so, when you have turned again (or returned) strengthen your brothers.”
Two divergent thoughts. First, Jesus knew what would happen, even told Simon Peter what would happen, but that did not change what happened. The foreknowledge of God does not change the actual events.
Second, if Satan is so bold to make such demands of God and have his demands granted how much more will God hear us when, those He loves, cry out to him. Is there not a lesson here for us regarding boldness and prayer?
