Sinners and the Savior: 'Depart or Deliver'

“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” These were the words of Peter as they, at the request of Christ, had pulled in a miraculous amount of fish. Often times the glory of the Messiah brings about an acknowledgment of our self-sufficiency. God prompts us do something outside of the bounds of our self-sufficientcy and we stand stagnant in unbelief. And when God finally gives us a holy kick in the rear we are amazed at what supernatural plans he had all along. He desires to glorify himself by doing great things through incapable people. In these moments we are made aware of the pride of our unbelief. We are often tempted to respond as Peter did, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man...". However, when Jesus is on the scene there is no need to depart, but rather there is a need for deliverance. Here in Luke 5, the God-Man is dwelling with sinners. He is moving toward them. He is interacting with them. He is teaching them. He is befriending them. He is calling them. He is using them. The infinite condescention of God to man is one of deliverance and mercy. May it not be that we flounder in sin telling God who has drawn near to 'depart'. But rather may we flounder in the mercy that is ours in Christ who has drawn near and shedd his blood for the forgiveness of sins.