Called by Grace!
By Pastor Ed Fredrich, TLHA Chaplain
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord.” Luke 5:8
He and his fellow fisherman had worked all night with no success. Now Peter was in his boat cleaning his nets. Jesus was on the shore teaching a crowd. Jesus stopped teaching for a while and asked Peter if he could get in and have Peter take him out along the shore so that Jesus could continue to teach. When Jesus was finished he asked Peter to go out on the lake and put down his nets.
After a night of fruitless labor, Peter wasn’t too excited to act on Jesus’ request. But because it was Jesus, he did. That is when Peter had a brush with greatness. The nets became so full they were at the verge of breaking. With the help of his friends, the catch was safely brought to shore and Peter’s brush with greatness made Peter aware of his unworthiness. He declared, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord.”
I don’t know about you, but I can relate to Peter’s response. Even though he was an unwilling participant, Jesus truly blessed the nets. Peter was very aware how unworthy he was.
That brings up the question we are considering today, do we deserve Jesus’ blessings? Try to think of all the blessings that you have taken for granted just today? Add to that number the other blessings you have enjoyed. Then rejoice in the greatest blessing of all, Jesus has taken our sin to the cross and made us a child of God. Do we deserve it? NO!
In his amazing grace, Jesus had plans for Peter, so he didn’t go away. The same is true for you and me. He called us to be his own. He empowers us to live to his glory.
Lord Jesus, thanks for remaining my faithful Savior. Continue to use me to your glory. Amen.