The Life and Ministry of Jesus
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!” Luke 5:6–8
Peter confesses his failure; he is not even a good fisherman of fish due to his lack of faith. When Simon said, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord,” he was saying, “Lord you called me to be a fisher of men and I failed. I went back to fishing for fish—I thought I knew that kind of fishing better, but I find that I don’t! Depart from me. Let me alone. I am a sinful man. You should find someone upon whom you can depend.”
The Lord, however, did not intend to get rid of Simon Peter. He was going to use him, and this applies to us also. All we have to do is recognize that we are not very good fishermen—recognize our failures and faithlessness. When we are willing to depend on Him, He will not put us out of the fishing business, and He will not throw us overboard. He will use us. This is an encouraging truth! 1
Personal Encouragement
You can get everything you want in this world and still sink. Do you pursue the Word of God with the same ambition that you pursue your vocation?
I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. Psalm 77:12
Success is the humility to recognize our failures–and His faithfulness.
A Prayer
Lord, keep me from the emptiness of fruitless pursuits.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Luke) (electronic ed., Vol. 37). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
