Radical Accountability ... Pt. 3

The words to the left represent Peter's final recorded sentences...and reveal something of his heart at the end of his life. As we follow Peter through to the end in his 2nd letter, I believe we learn something also about radical accountability and submission. During the past two posts, I looked at how first Paul submitted to Peter...and then how he openly addressed Peter publicly for an error in doctrine that revealed persistent character flaws. Now, finally, we have some powerful words written by Peter on behalf of Paul:

2 Peter 3: 14-18 Therefore, beloved,... be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

Think about it...here was a man that had once been the 'leader' of the newly formed Church, but now the 'newcomer' had taken over his position-- and he wasn't even in the original 12! Not to mention, this 'up and coming' man had publicly humiliated him in front of other leaders! However...in a statement reflecting humility and submission, Peter testified to the revelation that Paul had received and places him in an elevated position. It seems to me that Peter finally 'got it'. In fact, he now, in 2 Peter, identifies himself as a 'servant first' before noting his Apostolic office. He had been 'promoted' to servanthood...no longer needing the approval of men and so confident in this 'low position' that he seemed very comfortable acknowledging the 'success' of others. I believe it also shows us that Peter had learned to submit and become accountable to leadership... no longer needing 'first position'. If this man who spent years with Jesus can submit to leadership and stay accountable for his actions ... shouldn't I follow his example?

Lane