Kingdom Revelator Australia – Issue 62
When we think about St Peter and St Paul, we see that despite their human weaknesses, they were chosen by God to shepherd His flock. St Peter is widely considered to have requested to be crucified upside down as he felt unworthy to be executed in the same way as his master, Jesus Christ, and St Paul was martyred by beheading, which was his right as a Roman citizen. The similarity in their lives lies in the fact that they had the same large heart, overflowing with love for mankind, the same naturally
impulsive disposition, the same energy and selfforgetfulness, the same burning zeal for the good of all men and the same joy in suffering for Christ. The most inspiring thing about these men is their zeal for the Lord once they recognised who Jesus was.
St Paul, as if addressing himself to the proud hearted twenty-first century believers, teaches us not to exalt ourselves above our neighbour or to think too highly of ourselves, but instead to confess ourselves as the worst sinners before the Lord. His confession that he is the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), makes the little great and the weak strong.
Their humility is a great example for Christians, particularly so because God resists proud people,
those who exalt themselves above others, and who are inclined to judge or who have contempt for others. Let today’s Christians, who are often lukewarm, lethargic and relaxed, turn their gaze upon these two brothers in Christ – St Peter and St Paul, so that the grace of the Holy Spirit might always illumine their thoughts, and work together with their good undertakings. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith in our daily life.