Luke 22:31-32

 

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers

 

When some parents call their kids by their middle names, it meant business. God does something similar in the Bible. When He calls the name of a person twice, He's getting ready to to something radical in that person's life.

 

There are seven times in Scripture when God calls the name of a person twice! 

 

The Lord addressed him as, “Simon, Simon,” not as “Peter,” for he wouldn’t live up to his new God-given name, which meant “the rock,” until after Christ’s resurrection. Simon Peter tried, but in his flesh he had no power to live up to the new name Jesus had given him. Christ repeated the name “Simon” twice, probably to emphasize both His tender affection as well as to make sure he was really listening.

 

Remember how an Angel of the LORD called out, “Abraham, Abraham,” to stay his hand from offering Isaac (Gen. 22:11)? Or how God called “Moses, Moses” from the burning bush to send him back to Egypt to deliver his people (Ex. 3:4)? Or how Jesus said, “Martha, Martha,” to help her choose what is best (Luke 10:41)? Jesus did the same here with Simon Peter. He needed his undivided attention.

 

Jesus was already shifting from His physical role as the Shepherd protecting Peter and the disciples, to His role as Advocate, praying and representing them before the Father (1 John 2:1). Jesus was preparing Peter for the trial and temptation that awaited him and the disciples. For Satan had asked to “sift” Simon Peter, just as he had Job, to test whether he truly had the “wheat” of faith, or was merely voicing the bravado of the “chaff” of the flesh. That Jesus was so mindful of Peter and His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion shows both His great love for them as well as His divine plan to see them carry the gospel to the nations.

 

If you ever hear the Lord repeat your name, then remember how the prophet Samuel learned to respond. ‘And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”’ (1 Sam. 3:10).

 

 

1. Father, Grant me the wisdom to understand Your purpose and the courage to follow Your divine direction.

 

2. Father, strengthen my faith during times of testing. Even in my weaknesses, let Your power be made perfect, and let me rise stronger in my walk with You.

 

3. Father, when I stumble and fall short of Your glory, remind me to turn back to You in sincere repentance. Restore me, just as You restored Peter, and help me to strengthen others with the testimony of Your grace and forgiveness in my life.

 

4. Father, align my heart with Your will, and equip me to fulfill the purpose for which You have called me. May I walk in the identity and strength You have given me, living up to the name You have spoken over me.

 

5. Father, protect me from the snares of the enemy, and lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.