Observation: This is the opening of Peter's second letter, giving his name and his title. That title is not that he is the supreme leader of the entire global church ... a title he actually has the right to claim and that is historically bestowed upon him by Christians as the 'first pope'. Rather Peter gives his title is ... servant first, random apostle second, and both in service to Jesus.
Even within this first chapter, Peter brings up one of the most amazing events in the history of Jesus' ministry - the transfiguration - and points out that he was personally there, and that he saw Jesus in his glory and heard the voice of Yahweh first-hand. Every event surrounding Peter, from Jesus giving him the name 'Peter', to what he witnessed, to his own sermon at Pentecost, to everything he has done in the intervening years, make it clear Peter is preeminent among the leaders of the Church. Yet he defines himself as a servant of Jesus.
Application: Have I ever had the humility to introduce myself this way ... as a simple servant of Jesus? I may think it in my heart, but I lack proper humility and understanding. And I'm not even a 'head servant' of anything. In the context of servants of Jesus, I am so far below Peter that it's laughable I could ever think highly of myself at all.
This is the truth of being a believer, that we must be true servants of Jesus, obeying his direction, ever listening to the Holy Spirit and doing what we are told. That sounds like slavery, but it isn't. Instead, it results in living a wonderful life, full of joy and happiness, while seeing great things occur around us every day. When I do not behave like a servant, I miss those opportunities, and the fact I would ever not view myself as a servant is delusional.
Prayer: Jesus, I am your servant, and not just your servant but one of your lowest servants. May I do your work today and every day. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment