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 married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood.
