Depart from me, Lord - Sept 3
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Lk 5:8
Simon Peter had been fishing all night with absolutely no success. He relentlessly threw his net into the water all night and continually pulled it back into his boat holding only the wetness of the lake. With the long, discouraging night completed, he’s getting ready to go home to some food and a bed when Jesus just climbs into his boat and ask him to put out. Simon Peter, dejectedly gives in and pushes off so Jesus can speak with the crowd. He is half listening and half dozing when Jesus tells him to go further into the lake and drop his nets. Simon Peter rolls his eyes but he doesn’t have the energy or will to resist so he does as he’s told.
We know the rest with the superabundant catch that nearly sinks multiple boats. Faced with this Simon drops to his knees and surprises us with his “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Having witnesses this miracle of grace and abundance Simon Peter knows he has no business being apart of this holy event. He had already convinced himself that his poor overnight catch was punishment for his many sins. This holy man had not business being part of his life. “If only he knew,” Simon Peter thought “he would run from my side.”
Jesus’ responds to Simon with his shame and guilt with “Don’t be afraid.” Don’t be afraid that you are unworthy. Don’t be afraid that you don’t have a place in the work of God.
And Simon Peter left all that fear and shame behind and followed Jesus.