What is your legacy?

That question is best left to historians, if history remembers you at all. Most of us will be forgotten. Those who leave the greatest legacies seldom think about such things. Like Peter, they’re too busy thinking of others.

From the Sea of Galilee to the See of Rome, Peter was first and foremost a fisher of men (Larry Helyer). Today more than two billion souls express some degree of allegiance to Jesus.

And it all started with a Galilean fisherman who told Jesus to go away (Luke 5:8). The Master Fisherman would not take no for an answer: From now on you will be catching men.

Peter’s most lasting legacy is the Church. From Jerusalem to Antioch and finally in Rome, he shepherds the Lord’s Flock, not lording over it, but leading by example, humility and servanthood (1 Peter 5:2-5).

His life and letters have endowed the Church with a rich and lasting heritage of pastoral care, counsel, and theology. He demonstrates a profound and yet practical concern for the everyday issues of family, work, church and community.

He is a pastor for all peoples, a man for all times.

Peter is Custodian and Steward of the Gospel of the Kingdom which he received from Jesus Christ. Through Mark’s Gospel, Peter’s speeches in Acts, and his two letters, the Prince of Apostles still speaks the Living Word, feeding the Lord’s sheep in every generation to the end of the age.

Peter is the patron saint of second-chance discipleship. Where are You going, Lord? Peter asked. Where I am going, you cannot follow now, said Jesus, but you will follow later.  

Peter protested: Why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You (John 13:36-37). Peter broke that promise. But some 30 years on, he was given another chance.

A second century document offers this account of his death: When he was about to be arrested in Rome, his friends urged him to cut and run. On his way out of the city, he met Jesus going in. He asked: Where are You going, Lord? And the Lord answered: I’m going to be crucified again. 

Convicted, Peter returned to the city. He was arrested by the guards and later sentenced to death on the cross. At his own request, he was crucified upside down, so as not to appear equal to his Master.

Let the cock crow at will. Peter has made good on his pledge. Follow him as he followed Christ. You will never have a better legacy than that.

PrayerWatch

• For centuries, Peter has been the neglected stepchild of New Testament scholarship. He has been under-rated and often made fun of in popular preaching. Why do you think this is so? How has your image and appreciation of Peter changed after reading and praying through his journey this 40.Day season?
   
• Peter has been recognised as the patron saint of second-chance discipleship and a paradigm of transforming grace (Markus Bockmuehl). Peter also seems more approachable than the Apostle Paul. In what ways have you found Peter easier to relate to and identify with? How has this encouraged you in your journey as a disciple?
   
• How would you summarise Peter’s contribution to the Church Jesus builds and the mission of God in the world? In other words, how has he made a difference? And what difference does this make to you personally?
   
• Reflect on what you have written above and turn it into prayer. May it be the start of an ongoing conversation with God and your fellow disciples.

Read the devotional from Day 38, August 7: Living holy here.