Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” – 1 Peter 5:6

Peter the apostle fittingly represents TRANSFORMED LEADERSHIP: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet.5:6). Peter's transformed leadership is evident in his journey from an impulsive, inconsistent disciple to a bold, steadfast, Spirit-filled leader; from an impetuous, self-centered follower to a humble, bold, confident, compassionate leader, primarily through his relationship with Jesus and the Spirit’s empowering. The cowardly Peter denied the Lord Jesus thrice (Lk.22: 54-62). But the repentant Peter experienced restoration via a triple confession, with the Lord commanding him to “feed my sheep” (Jh.21:15-17). Here, Peter received his calling as a shepherd for the flock (v.1).

Tracing Peter’s journey of transformation, his early leadership was impulsive, but after his denial, repentance, and restoration by the Lord, he became a steadfast and mature leader. Peter had fearfully denied Jesus three times, but the turning cane when the Lord, after His resurrection, asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter affirmed his love each time, and Jesus responded by commissioning him to “feed my sheep,” a clear command to care for his followers (Jh.21:15-17). The day of Pentecost was the next significant shift. As the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples, Peter stepped forward to boldly preach and fearlessly proclaim the gospel to a massive crowd with power, leading to conversion of thousands (Acts 2:14-41; 3:1-10).

Peter had a clear calling: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Yet, he was often outspoken and impulsive, sometimes leading to rash decisions, like walking on water and then sinking; and his bold but flawed confession (Mt.14:22-34; 16:16). The Lord directly prepared Peter, even sharply rebuking his misguided words (Mt.16:23) and foretelling his denial (Lk. 22:31–34). In Acts 1:15, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, assuming a formal leadership role in the early church. His leadership really emerged through the filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-4). The event of Pentecost empowered Peter to become a bold preacher and courageous leader, inspiring thousands and standing up to religious authorities he once feared.

In today’s devotional passage, Peter, transformed in word and action, presents the Perils and Privileges of Leadership as a “fellow elder,” stating that leaders are to:

• care for the flock, leading by love not by force (Jh.21:15-17)
• not serve for “dishonest gain, but eagerly” (v.2)
• not to be dictatorial or tyrannical, but exemplary (v.3)
• focus on an eternal reward – unfading crown of glory (v.4)
• be clothed with humility as servant-leaders (v.5)
• respond humbly to the disciplines of God, not resisting or rebelling (v.6)
• trust in and rest on the ever-present support of the Chief Shepherd (v.7).

The Grace of God positively transformed the minuses that should have disqualified Peter from leadership, into Plus principles.