“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

1 Peter 2:13-17

 

Our precious Savior, what but the life-changing gospel can explain the transformation that took place in Peter’s life?

This was the same disciple who decided to fight by taking matters into his own trembling hands. No doubt, he was determined to prevent Your arrest—so he brashly swung his sword and then fled into the night, cowardly denying You three times.

This same man now writes to every believer down through the centuries to honor and respect everyone. To live for unity and brotherhood. To fear no one but God. To honor all authorities, even broken emperors and governors.

Who has the power to move a person from fear and frenzy to calm trust and joyful freedom?

Who, but You dear Lord, would reach out your hand and reattach Malcus’ bleeding ear? That final miraculous act before You suffered the cross was to correct the violent blunder of one of Your own.

Only You could have called heaven’s armies down to destroy Your captors—but You didn’t.

Only You can give the right balance and perspective so we can courageously silence the ignorance of fools as we seek to proclaim Your kingdom.

Only the gospel—believed, understood, obeyed—can explain Peter’s movement from fear and frenzy to faith and freedom.

Even though Your kingdom is not of this world, Your kingdom has broken into it. One day, You will transform this world and us completely.

Please, Jesus. Set us free from blind passivity as well as fear-motivated divisions. Show us Your way and what it means to obey You above all, even when this clashes with the status quo.

May we keep our eyes on You, remain busy at kingdom work, not entangled with civilian affairs (2 Timothy 2:4) for You are standing at the door—You are coming so soon.

Change me Lord. Keep changing us the way You changed Peter, that lovable fisherman turned apostle.