Currently, I am studying the life of Simon Peter. He is truly one of the most fascinating people in the New Testament. I can relate to Simon. He's a raw person full of emotion. While reading through his second letter, I can't help but notice the transformation that has taken place in his life from his first encounters with Jesus to his last days before being killed for his faith.
Simon was never shy to say what was on his mind. I like that about him. And he was willing to contend for "his" spot in the kingdom. Simon got in a heated argument with James and John when he heard how their mother tried to get Jesus to give them the prime positions in his kingdom. Simon seemed to never tire of reminding Jesus how much he had left to follow Him.
By men's standards Simon had a rather normal view of what it means to be a leader. He struggled to understand the servant leader example modeled by Jesus. He could not fathom a teacher who washed his the dirty feet of his disciples or let evil men bind him for no reason. He desired the glory and despised the cross.
Yet somehow, Simon became Peter and learned to embrace the cross. He discovered the simple truth behind the greatest among you must be servant of all. He learned to grow in grace through trial and temptation.
Peter opened his second letter to the churches calling himself a servant of Jesus Christ. The word "servant" really jumps out to me. In his first letter, he spoke about trial of our faith as more precoius than gold. He talked about the necessity of the cross and the glory it brought. In these letters, we see a simple guy who eventually "got it." Knowing that there are guys like Simon give me hope that one day I too can be like Jesus.
Lord, cause me to grow in grace and learn how to serve others. May I be transformed as You reveal to me Your "upside down" kingdom. Change me from Simon to Peter. Help me to trust in the power of God, which will keep me until the last days. May I continue to believe in the lively hope found in You alone. Amen!
