December 22, 2022 -- Proverbs 22:1,12 & Luke 22:3-6, 31-34 -- A Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the power of Jesus' prayer

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.

The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
   but He overthrows the words of the traitor.
Proverbs 22:1,12 ESV

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Luke 22:3-6; 31-34 ESV

Christmas is so close, I hope it has been fruitful for you to journey towards it by the daily reading of a chapter each of Proverbs and Luke. Today’s reading shows a sharp contrast. You see the culpability of man and the grace of Jesus Christ.

Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for three years, as did all the other disciples. His heart was not set on a good name, he was prepared to betray His Savior for thirty pieces of silver. Simon, a.k.a. Peter, was prepared to betray Jesus for his own pride. Peter had no idea how weak and needy his heart actually was, full of himself and unaware of his need for Jesus.

The grace of Jesus was on full display in the fact that He prayed for Simon Peter. The Sovereign love of the Father and His justice in saving one and not other is on display. Judas would realize his sin and hang himself. Simon Peter was aware of his sin, but Jesus Himself approached him, made him aware of the extent of his sin so that Simon Peter would know the full extent of Jesus’ forgiveness and grace, merciful love and life, given at the cross.

The work of the Spirit is to convict men and women of their need. If your life is a complete train wreck, re-read these quoted passages from Luke. If you are aware of how deep your need is for the healing, cleansing, and life-restoring work of Jesus, you are on the right path. That is the work of the Spirit. Pray. Ask for His guidance. Read the Bible with the awareness it is Jesus, once born a Child, but Who is now the King, seated on a throne of grace and mercy and His prayers can save. The fact you are aware of your need and still reading, means the Father of Love has by His Spirit stirred in your heart to create in it a longing you didn’t even realize it could have: the righteousness, loving-kindness and life that Jesus offers. If you desire to know Jesus in this way, but are unsure how to receive this gift, speak with a Christian friend, one whose walk with God you admire.

O God, who art the Author of peace and Lover of concord^, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend us Thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we, surely trusting in Thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen.

Gelasian Sacramentary, A.D. 494 Book of Common Prayer

^concord: agreement, harmony

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