Unworthy
By Susan Klein
“But when Simon
Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, ‘Depart
from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’”
Luke
5:8b (emphasis added, NASB)
Simon
had been fishing all night, only to bring in empty nets. Discouragement over
his tiring-yet-profitless night likely settled in as he neared shore. Then, the
One whom everyone was following - - the One who spoke wise words to the
multitudes - - approached him. Give it another try, He persuaded. Though
doubtful, Simon followed the Master’s bidding. No sooner had he let down the
nets than they were bursting at the seams with fish, so much so he had to
enlist the help of his partners in another boat to take in some of the massive
quantity. Reality hit Simon like a ton of bricks! This was no ordinary teacher
of wise words. This was the Lord, Jesus Christ! Humility took him to Jesus’
feet proclaiming his unworthiness of such a great gift.
Sometimes,
I feel like Simon. I feel so unworthy, not only to have His blessings lavished
upon me, but to even be in His presence,
especially when I’ve sinned. Like a little child, I want to run and hide,
almost in fear of His Almighty-ness. I don’t want to face Him in my shame and
have my ugliness exposed. Yet, our Lord replies, “Do not fear.” He wants us
near Him in all of our brokenness and incompleteness. Not only does He forgive
us and desire to be near us, but He also has a plan for us. “Do not fear, from
now on you will be catching men,” He told Simon. Wow! A broken and battered
fisherman was going to become a fisher of men, equipped by the Lord Himself.
Does “fear of unworthiness” ever keep you from drawing near to God? Do
you ever wrestle with the fact that He truly wants to use you, just as you are,
with all your flaws and failures? He does, you know. His love for you is
limitless; His mercies are new every morning. None of us are “worthy” of His great love, but He gives it so freely
and with no strings attached. He doesn’t ask us to earn it, just to accept it.
Next
time you are feeling like Simon, instead of retreating, try running full force
into the waiting arms of the One who adores you!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
What hinders you from spending time in His presence?
2.
Have you spoken with Him recently about how He wants to use you?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is a We Women
Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy
tutoring and working with inner-city youth.
