#4260 – Be Near Me

Good morning people God loves

Luke 5:8-11 NIV When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.

Simon Peter’s response is the same as many people’s today when we catch a glimpse of Who God is.

Simon was confronted with his humanity; his sinfulness. Have you ever been in that place? I know we all have. Our response, like Simon’s, is to feel unworthy to be near God. There is a sense that we need to withdraw from His presence.

It sounds humble, but it’s wrong thinking.

Jesus’ response is wonderful. He doesn’t rebuke and correct Simon. Rather His first words are “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus’ first response is reassurance, not rebuke…and then He gave him a new purpose in life; a divine destiny.

And so it is with you and I.

In our unworthiness, Jesus beckons us to come to Him. “It’s ok”, He says as He gives us a new reason for living. Jesus is so much nicer than we often think.

So if you feel afraid and unworthy today, Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid – I’ve got a new life for you.”