Day 22 of 24

 Today's passage: Luke 22

Today's focus: vs. 31-34

There is a movement within the charismatic branch of evangelicalism that puts heavy emphasis on casting out demons. Let me be clear: there are many Bible-rooted charismatics that allows God's Word to direct them. These radical believers go so far as to believing that there are demons possessing the A/V sound board or the microphone if suddenly the sound doesn't work in the middle of worship. I've seen people go up and "cast the demon" out of a piece of sound equipment. Is this how Jesus viewed demonic activity and spiritual warfare?

Peter is about to deny Christ. If there was ever a demonic possession, it would be now. If there was a time where Jesus could cast out a demon, it would be this event. But what is Jesus' prayer?

"I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

This teaches us that Satan and Jesus are not equal. Satan demanded to have Peter. Jesus' answer is no. However, Satan will launch an all-out assault on Peter which is why Jesus prays that despite all attacks, Peter's faith would not fail. 

The reason Jesus allows this is so that it will strengthen Peter. In turn, Peter must go and strengthen his brothers. 

I'm divided about how we ought to pray for someone going through affliction. Do we pray that God heals them? Do we pray that God delivers them from their hardship? Do we pray that God fixes their situation? Unlike the unbiblical charismatic branch, we do not "cast out the demons" that causes illness, failures, divorce, job loss, etc. But is it okay to pray for God to step in and resolve it?

There definitely are times where God chooses to heal. The book of James teaches us to bring the sick before the elders so that there is a laying-on of hands to pray for wellness. So, yes. We can absolutely pray for God to deliver. 

At the same time, we are to pray for this person's faith. Pray that it may not fail. Pray that through their trial and suffering, they would not abandon God. Pray that God will strengthen them so that they may in turn strengthen their brothers. This is how the church gets stronger: through the testimony of the saints who have overcome tribulations.