Peter is impulsive, affectionate, bold, and ultimately flawed. He is a good man, but he is so very human. We often think of Peter’s denial of Christ (and his subsequent reinstatement at that breakfast on the shore with Christ after his resurrection). Perhaps we think of his boldness and leadership in Acts. But I’d like to dwell on some thoughts from his writings.
Most writers write about what they know (if they didn’t know about something, how could they write about it?). We write about what we’ve seen and experienced and what we feel passionately about. Peter is no different. We are in good company with him when we stumble, when we spectacularly fail, and when God graciously grants us new mercies.
What We Can Learn from Peter’s Writings:
Always be ready
1 Peter 3:13-16 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Perhaps Peter remembers times when he was not ready to give a defense, and he should have been. He knows he hurt his friend by it, and he wants to be ready the next time around.
Suffering is a part of Christian life
1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Peter no longer avoids the possibility of suffering but faces it squarely. He sees it through different eyes now that he has seen Jesus suffer. After all, the servant is not greater than the master.
Grow and Learn to lead
1 Peter 5:1-4 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Peter is now a spiritual leader: an elder in the church. He is in charge of souls. He has grown in his faith, and he is precisely the kind of leader we most identify with. He is able to sit with broken, messy people and treat them with the love and patience he, too, needed.
Reminders
2 Peter 1:12-14 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
Why does Peter always remind his readers? Because he knows how easy it is to forget! May we each take courage from Peter’s growth, humility, and humanity to live out our faith in Christ.
Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash
Wattsup With Kids 