An awe-full experience

When Simon Peter saw what had happened, he fell on his knees before Jesus and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!’

He and the others with him were all amazed at the large number of fish they had caught. The same was true of Simon’s partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’

They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything, and followed Jesus. (verses 8-11)

Read Luke 5:1-11

Being in the presence of someone great can fill us with awe and leave us feeling unworthy of the experience.

When the disciples witnessed the power of Jesus as he performed the miracle of a huge catch of fish, they too were overwhelmed and full of awe. Peter even felt unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence, but Jesus’ response to him was, ‘Don’t be afraid’ .

This is also Jesus’ answer to us when we feel overwhelmed and unworthy. He tells us many times in the Bible that we should not be afraid to go to him, as he is waiting to welcome us into his presence, where we will experience his love and forgiveness.

The disciples later had many more awe-full experiences in the presence of Jesus, but they did not want to leave – they wanted to stay. Let’s pray, too, that we never leave him.

Dear Jesus, when I feel unworthy to be in your presence, your loving forgiveness makes me worthy and welcome. Thank you for this welcome. I want to stay with you always. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Guidance for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 2002)

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