I Am A Sinful Man

Do you watch The Chosen? If so, I’m sure you’ll remember the scene from Season One inspired by Luke 5:1-11. I think about it a lot, actually. It’s not that Jesus almost sank their boat with fish, although that’s miraculous, it’s Simon Peter’s response, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

I envision Simon Peter as an impetuous man, full of pride, and overly confident. However, I imagine him witnessing this miracle with the fish and his immediate response was completely contrary to his character. He recognized the burden of his sin and that he was unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. He was convicted and humbled immediately. He fell to his knees and professed his sins.

And then what happened? After taking in what was probably the biggest catch of their careers, Simon, Andrew, James, and John “forsook all and followed Him.” They just left everything behind. How often are we called to do something for God and we make excuses? I know I’ve had to pray for forgiveness several times for putting worldly things before godly things. I’ve thought about ‘why?’ and I think the answer, at least for me is that the world puts all sorts of pressure on me, on us. God doesn’t. He’s patient and kind. He’s merciful and loving. It’s such a shame the world can’t be more godly, especially the church. It’s an abomination that I treat God like that. He should be first and foremost. I keep trying.

Do you know someone who’s feeling convicted? Can you talk to them about it? If they’re an unbeliever, can you share a testimony with them? If they’re a believer, can you lift them up with Scripture?

Bible Verse of the Day

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Luke 5:4-11 NKJV

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 4:19-20 NKJV

Prayer

Lord, Father we come to you today to proclaim, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man (or woman), O Lord!” We know we do not deserve Your love or Your mercy, yet You’ve given us this free gift at a great price. Lord, we fall to our knees in repentance of our sins. Please show us the way we should go. Please, Lord, allow the unsaved to feel this conviction of unworthiness that they may realize how much they need You. Father, You are so patient with us. Show us how to treat others with lovingkindness and patience that they may see You in us. Lord, we glorify You when we do Your will when we’re image-bearers. Please remind us daily to show our love for You, just as You always show Your love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.