"And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, 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: 5-8)
I recall preaching on this passage many years ago when I pastored Haws Run Primitive Baptist church here in North Carolina, probably around 1980. I focused on the words highlighted above.
It is a thing worth thinking deeply about. Why in the world would Peter say to Christ, especially after such a display of power and miracle, "depart from me"?
Surely Peter was not thinking rightly when he uttered these words. (Peter often spoke before he thought, being one of his faults) Peter obviously thought that it would be better for him if Jesus were no longer there with him. But, Christ’s leaving the boat would not have helped Peter. Luke adds this commentary on the words of Peter, words which truly cry out for explanation: "For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken." In other words, Peter's astonishment led him to speak hastily and to utter what was not right. Peter on another occasion spoke in such a manner.
On the mount of transfiguration he saw the glory of Christ and the appearing of Moses and Elias and spoke foolishly and his utterance also called for an apology, which was given in these words: "For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid." (Mark 9: 6)
Do we ever, in any way, find the presence of Christ and truth unbearable so that we pray for its departure or seek its riddance? Think upon this deeply and God bless you in doing so.
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