But 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 (ESV)
The start of all good things comes to those who know that they are sinful and should be separated from God. Those who grasp this truth are firmly in the position to grasp the deeper truths of mercy and grace.
To those who are given much, much will be required, and those who were given clarity to their sinful status, and see the damage this has caused, are the ones who have received the most in this life, and therefore, should have the most required of them.
Jesus expected much from Peter, and He worked with him until he “got it.” The journey for Peter was tough, for he was often left confused, angry, and powerless.
Finally, after his seemingly biggest failures, the denial of Christ and the abandonment of his calling, Peter began to understand that the church Jesus was asking him to begin was about God and His abilities, and not Peter, for if it were about Peter, it would have surely failed.
As much as things have changed, nothing has changed, and what was important back then remains vital today.
What a blessing that in light of our faithlessness, Jesus remains faithful to work with us until we "get it." Lest I not take advantage of that fact, rather, like Simon Peter, realize that it is about God and His abilities, not my own.
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