Legacy
Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. 2 Peter 1:14
This verse is a classic example of where the original Greek is a good deal more interesting and colourful than the English translation. The expression that Peter actually used was that he must soon leave this earthly tent. It powerfully describes the temporary nature of life, but also reminds us of the many times in the Old Testament when the people of God were tent dwellers. The writer of Hebrews noted that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all lived in tents as they confidently looked forward “to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God” (Hebrews 11:10).
It would have been understandable if Peter had used this reference to his imminent death as an opportunity to seek sympathy from his readers. But no, his focus was on his legacy. He was keen to ensure that his teaching would be remembered because he knew that their Christian lives depended on sound doctrine.
It is widely believed that Peter was in Rome when he wrote this letter, and that he passed on to Mark the material for his gospel. Papias, one of the early Church fathers, wrote: “Mark, who was Peter’s interpreter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, all that he collected of what Christ had said and done.” This was clearly a major part of Peter’s legacy.
When Jesus spoke with Peter after his resurrection beside the Sea of Galilee he told him that he was going to die a terrible death. We are told that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome because he didn’t feel worthy to die in the same way as his Lord. However, we get no sense of him being fearful about putting down his human tent. He was confident of his Lord in life and death, and eager to work as hard as possible until he received his eternal reward.
QUESTION
What do you want your legacy to be?
PRAYER
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of life. Help me to live well and to leave behind me a legacy that will bless others. Amen