Prince of apostles

As I meditated upon what the apostle Matthew says, “The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter...” (MATTHEW 10:1-2, NIV), I see how Peter is the first disciple called (MATTHEW 4:18-20; 10:2; MARK 1:16-17; LUKE 5:10, NIV). He is first in every list of the Twelve, while Judas is always last (MATTHEW 10:2-4; MARK 13:16-19; LUKE 6:14-16, NIV). Among the inner circle (Peter, James, and John), Peter is always named first (MARK 5:35–41; 9:2–8; 14:33, 43–50, NIV). Indeed, Jesus converses more personally and directly with Peter (pre apostolic person) than anyone else in the Gospel. In Luke 5:10 ( NIV), the assurance that he will be catching menis addressed only to him. And he alone is promised the keys of the kingdom (MATTHEW 16:19, NIV).

The angel at the empty tomb singles Peter (apostolic person) out when messaging the disciples (MARK 16:7, NIV). Truly, the Risen Lord appears first to Peter among the apostles (LUKE 24:34; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4–5, NIV). And, the apostle’ Peter is uniquely commissioned to shepherd the Flock for which Jesus died (JOHN 21:15–17, NIV). By this, all four Gospels presented the apostle’ Peter as the leader and spokesman of the Twelve. And, God gave him a unique role to play in building up and leading the Church. Indeed, Jesus said to call no one Father or Teacher because we are all brothers and sisters (MATTHEW 23:8-10, NIV).

And, Peter (apostolic person) humbled himself under the mighty hand of God. The more God exalted him, the more he humbled himself (1 PETER 5:3, NIV). Truly, everything rises and falls on leadership (JOHN MAXWELL) as he highlighted this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text. Today, I thank God for His divine blueprint that is at once simple and strategic, effective and empowering.

Hence, I pray for every individual godly leader to be raised up including myself to serve the LORD, as we:

• Lead boldly, with a deep sense of calling in the fear of the Lord.

• Lead humbly, recognizing his or her own vulnerabilities and deficiencies.

• Lead graciously, honouring the gifts of others and welcoming their input.

• Lead prayerfully, seeking God for discernment and direction.

• Lead wisely, making the right call in the right way at the right time.

• Lead visibly, by example, not domineering, but serving.

As George Barna says that most leaders today are not ready for team leadership. Nor will they be in the foreseeable future. Because, some prefer to dictate rather than rely on the wealth of experience and gifts resident in the church while others have a deep-seated need to be needed, to fight to maintain control. In this time of generational transition, I truly pray that Singapore’s emerging church leaders will prove Barna wrong by choosing the biblical template of team leadership as he highlighted this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text.

Indeed, Peter (pre apostolic person) was called by God. Indeed, a person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven (JOHN 3:27). As such, this prompts me to walk alongside God’s chosen leaders, as I did my today’s reading.

Let’s pray that we’ll apply the qualities of biblical leadership in our lives!

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 4th July 2019)

Prayer Response to this featured article:

Jesus, help us to grow + walk in humility and maturity as we flow with your new move as we walk alongside with God’s chosen leaders.

Profile Background:

Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months. He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore + a valued Co-Partner/Worker as Outreach Officer (Project Role Based) in Access Path Productions, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and currently setting up + involved in Project Story LIFE Team with Special Needs Community.