But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
– Luke 5:8-11
Jesus had just provided for Simon Peter
right before these verses.
He had told him to cast his nets once more,
and despite the fact
that the men had fished all night and caught nothing,
Peter did as Jesus said,
and his subsequent success frightened him.
Peter said to Jesus, in essence,
You need to go away from me right now
before this goes any further
because you have no idea who I really am.
But Jesus did know.
Jesus knew exactly who Peter was
and chose him specifically,
and Peter took three steps forward and two steps back
throughout the New Testament,
but he grew by fits and starts,
and by the end of his story
there is no denying his enormous contribution
to the ongoing work of Christ
and the coming of the Kin-dom of God.
Jesus knows us, too.
You aren’t keeping any secrets from God.
You are as known as Peter,
and loved the same,
and God is saying to you,
Do not be afraid.
Follow me.
Thanks be to God.
Lindy Thompson 