Continual Burnt Offering: Daily Meditations, July 17 (5:8)
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord”— Luke 5:8.
THE miraculous draft of fishes told Peter that he was in the presence of the Creator. This at once manifested his own sinful state and led to his taking the place of repentance at the Saviour’s feet. Though he cried, “Depart from me,” it was grace drawing him to the only One who could meet his need. Instead of departing Jesus met him in loving-kindness and compassion, and gave him the word of assurance, “Fear not.” It is those who own their sinfulness who find mercy. Peter had joined the goodly fellowship of Job, David and Isaiah, all of whom, when consciously in the presence of God, took the place of self-judgment and found forgiveness and cleansing. The place of confession is the place of blessing.
—A. Midlane.