Fishing for Men – Part 3

Broadcast

                       Fishing for Men - Part 3
                               Luke 5:8
                              07/23/2025


        8    But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at
             Jesus' knees, saying, ``Depart from me, for I am a
             sinful man, O Lord.''  (ESV)

        Jesus had been using Simon Peter's boat as a pulpit.  After
   teaching the crowds, Jesus asked Peter to row out into the deeper
   part of the lake, during the heat of the day, and let down his
   nets.  Although the best fishing was at night in the shallower
   water, Simon Peter reluctantly agreed and did as Jesus asked.

        The results were not what he expected.  After all, Simon and
   his partners had fished all night with no results.  They were
   tired, frustrated, and had just finished cleaning their nets.
   They expected the daytime fishing to be futile.  They caught so
   many fish that both boats began to sink.

        When we are confronted with the truth of God's power, we
   stand humbly and in awe.  We are not worthy to witness His
   majesty.  After all, we are sinners who deserve God's eternal
   wrath and punishment.

        ``But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus'
        knees, saying, `Depart from me, for I am a sinful man,
        O Lord.'''


        Simon Peter is not alone in confessing his sin when he
   realized that he was in the presence of the Almighty.  Isaiah
   said much the same when he saw the throne room of heaven.  Most
   of the Old Testament prophets, including Moses, claimed to be
   unworthy of the task given to them.

        God calls sinners to proclaim His Word, to bring to sinners
   the peace which passes all understanding.  Each person God calls
   responds in much the same way, ``I am a sinner, I am not worthy
   to do as You request.''  They are right, it is only by the power
   of the Holy Spirit that men can proclaim God's love.  May our
   Lord grant that as we behold His glory, we also confess that we
   are unworthy sinners in need of His mercy.  Amen.