Stone to Statue

Peter is one of my favorite characters in all of scripture, mostly because he is one of the best examples of how a rough-hewn man--with all the weaknesses, frailties, and impulsive propensities of a natural and mortal imperfection--can conquer his inborn weaknesses through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and become a genuine servant of the Lord, a man who truly magnified his stewardship. There are several aspects in the scriptures that show how important Peter's role was, even while the Master continued to tarry with His apostles on the earth. He was the first of the Twelve, the senior apostle, given his name by the Lord Himself, the appellation signifying firmness and steadiness, though like any rock cut from the earth, Peter had several rough edges that needed polishing. He was oft-corrected by Christ for his brash and abrasive disposition. However impulsive, his natural character reveals the dedication and zeal with which he served his Master. He, along with James and John, were privileged to be with Jesus in some of the most solemn moments of His mortal Ministry: the raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead, the transfiguration of Christ on the mount and His subsequent communion with the heavens, and near His great atoning sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane. His permitted presence at these sacred events clearly shows the trust that Jesus had in His apostle.

Though he often stood in need of corrective refocusing, his loyalty to the Savior never stood in question. Some would cite his actions at the palace of the high priest on the morning of His trials as cowardly and unbecoming of an apostle of the accused and arrested Messiah. True, he did purposefully and deceptively aver that he did not know his own Master; however, the context must be considered on this point. Peter loved Jesus, and on many occasions proved that love by action. Just the night before the thrice-repeated denial, Peter not only stayed by his Master, but even went so far as to defend Him, however erroneously, with the sword. Later, after all other followers had left, Peter remained, determined to stay with Him until the end. This act, in and of itself, indicates the true character of Peter, that of a faithful servant. However, in danger of being discovered by observers, which would threaten his proximity to Jesus and put at danger his own life (which would be needed if the Primitive Church was to continue after the death of Christ), Peter falsely stated that he did not know Him. While yet a denial, it was said out of desperation and without predesigned maleficence, much like Abraham's lie to the Egyptians. However well-intentioned his act, the crowing of the cock brought back to remembrance the prophecy of night previous, a prediction which he had so vehemently claimed would never come to pass. This realization brought him to grief and, disillusioned and depressed with his own weakness, he left the palace and wept bitterly. Peter's lamentation at this moment reveals another admirable trait: that of a repentant heart. He recognized his weakness and was saddened by it. His heart truly was broken and his spirit contrite, even though his action was done with the best of intentions. He still had the desire to do more, to refine his uncouthness and polish his rough edges. His penitence was not without sincerity, and Peter went on to become the apostle that Christ had desired him to be since their principle encounter on the shores of Galilee. With a continued work-ethic and added instruction from the resurrected Lord, Peter became a man that truly magnified his calling. He spent the remainder of his life in his Master's commission, representing Him so well that, "they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on the beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them." (Acts 5:15). Persecutions raged, but Peter remained steadfast and solid, bearing semblance to the object for which he was named by Christ. His dedication persisted until the end of his life, where, faced with crucifixion, he once again manifested his bravery. Not wanting to even come close to mocking his Master, Peter requested that he be crucified upside-down, humbly showing that he was not worthy to suffer the same death as Jesus Christ.

We all can learn from the example of Peter. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, regardless of the roles we have been called to play. It is easy at times to wonder how we can possibly live up to the callings we have been given, whether they be as bishop, scoutmaster, primary teacher, or mother. We all have our own challenges and our own weaknesses. We all, at times, can't believe that the mass of rock that we are now can ever become the finely crafted masterpiece that Father wants us to become. Peter probably had similar doubts. The scriptures show several instances of illustrated evidence to that point. But Peter understood one important thing: that Peter, Simon Bar-jona, was unable to fulfill his responsibility on his own. He depended on the assistance of Jesus Christ, Son of Man, in order to achieve this seemingly impossible feat. He endured and did not complain about his calling, but rather continued in the work until, with enough faith, enough practice, and enough repentance, he became one whose spiritual stature reflected the assignment he had been given. He was even entrusted with one of the most monumental events of all time: the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood on the banks of the Susquehanna in May of 1829. We can all follow his example, and follow Jesus Christ, who can carry us all to fulfill the greatest calling any of us could be given: Heirs of the Kingdom of God.