Peter’s Story wk 2 – an unsettling revelation
The inner life of Peter is so fascinating! Last week we began following the train of Peter’s personal journey answering the question, what were the biggest events of Peter’s life? What shaped him into being the disciple he was? In other words, “what made Peter, Peter?” First, we saw the role of ‘holy discontent’ fueled by circumstances along with the words of John the Baptist conveyed by Andrew, his brother.
This week, we see the next event that left its mark on him! Lk 5 gives the details. In this encounter, the Lord instructs a tired fisherman “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Peter objects, then – probably out of respect – does what Jesus asks. The results are beyond astounding! So much so that Peter called his partners in another boat to come help and even then, both boats began sinking with the weight of the catch!
The record is that Simon was overawed! He fell at Jesus’ feet saying, “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man.” This marks a significant milestone in Peter’s story! Prior to this, Peter saw Jesus as a gifted prophet and teacher – someone he is glad to be associated with; after all, Jesus holds celebrity status. And even though Jesus went to Peter’s home, he is still a kind of guest; a friend of the family but on par with a distant relative.
So THIS is the moment it all hits home – he is suddenly in the presence of a sovereign Someone who bends the laws of nature; He stands face to face with unapproachable LIGHT; He clearly sees in contrast the darkness of his own soul: the pessimism, doubting unbelief, pragmatic mind and strong will, and the reluctance to submit. His stubborn heart is on display.
His real self is ‘caught in time’ before the Son of Man; In his own words, “a sinful man” stands in the presence of HOLINESS. Peter may be a ‘normal guy’, but against this backdrop, he feels his wretchedness. It’s convicting. And it is too, too much to bear. It brings him – a big man – to his knees. An unsettling revelation! This is event #2 in his story! iOi
Skye
PS. Is there some of Peter’s wretchedness in me?
WHO IS JESUS? https://www.ioutreachinc.org/jesus/
