A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

(2.) He hath a tender sense and a knowledge of our Estate. Christ saith to Peter, Satan hath a desire to have you, that he may sift you as Wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not. Luke 22. 32. Christ's Love and Mercy is never more at work for his People, than when they are most assaulted by Satan; then is he interceding for them. John 13. 1. Jesus having loved his own which were in the World, he loved them unto the end. When Christ was about to go to Heaven, he thought, my own are to be left in the World, they are exposed to great Temptation; and that set his heart a-work, as if he had said, Poor Creatures, they are undone if I help them not. So, Zech. 3. 1, 2. And he showed me Joshua the High Priest, standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee: Is not this a Brand plucked ⟨p. 446⟩out of the Fire? And he showed me! our whole Case and Danger, it is clearly known to Christ. He knows how Satan molests and troubles you in your approaches to God; how he seeks to divert your Thoughts, to weaken your Confidence. We have a Friend and Advocate, that puts forth the strength of his Mediation and Intercession, and is zealous and affectionate for the welfare of his People. The Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee.

(2.) He hath a tender sense and a knowledg of our Estate. Christ saith to Peter, Satan hath a desire to have you, that he may sift you as Wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not. Luke 22. 32. Christ's Love and Mercy is never more at work for his People, than when they are most assaulted by Satan; then is he interceding for them. John 13. 1. Iesus having loved his own which were in the World, he loved them unto the end. When Christ was about to go to Heaven, he thought, my own are to be left in the World, they are exposed to great Temptation; and that set his heart a-work, as if he had said, Poor Creatures, they are undone if I help them not. So,