The Intercession of Christ on our behalf
“Simon, Simon, behold Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). This is a frightful thing; but there is nevertheless something very comforting in it, too. It’s frightful to think of being tested – of being "sifted" – by the devil. But what is comforting is to know that Satan’s power extends no further than what God allows. The devil had to have God's permission before he could lift a finger against Peter. Some people imagine that the devil has a power nearly equal to God and that he is often able to thwart God’s purpose. But they are not thinking very clearly. God is sovereign over all things. There is no power even beginning to approach the power of God. There is nothing beyond his absolute control. There is no being, whether devil in hell, angel in heaven, or man on earth, who can do anything independently of God. We should not think of the devil as exercising an unlimited power to do whatever he pleases. He can do no more t...