Epiphany Moments - The Least Qualified

Epiphany Moments – The Least Qualified is a lesson in God’s methods of outreach. God reminds us that the least qualified are the first ones sent. This seems like a bad idea at first blush, but God knows what he’s doing.

Peter’s Shoes

First we have to look at Peter’s reaction. Place yourself in Simon Peter’s shoes for a moment as I read that last couple verses of our text and tell me if your reaction would be the same? 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” That strikes me as being a little out of place doesn’t it? Wouldn’t a hearty thank you or Alleluia and Hosanna be better? Two things.

Frustration

All fishing jokes aside the last twenty-four hours for Simon Peter were not fun. Simon Peter probably didn’t feel like praising God. We can relate. We get skunked at our jobs, in schools, in our relationships; we don’t always feel like praising God. We get frustrated and tired. Peter wasn’t even in the mood for Jesus’ miracle! I’ve heard you, my flock say, “I know I should be happy to show up on Sunday morning, anxious to rip through my Bible after work or when the kids go to bed, to go to him in prayer but I’m not…” I’m not either all the time. That’s just our attitude. It’s at these low points emotionally that Satan waves the smelly fish guts of our sin in front of our noses, “God could never love you.”

Fear

When Simon Peter was reminded that he was sitting next to the Lord Almighty, by a sinking boat and a bursting net, he was terrified. “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” When my parents saw me fail or disappoint them after I disobeyed a “because they said so…” command, at times they pointed out how they were right and why they were right and how I shouldn’t do that again. I’ve done that on occasion with my kids too. Listen to Jesus’ response. “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” The first phrase could be read “Stop being afraid.” Simon Peter stop it. You’re going to fish with me for souls. Your net will not be braded rope, but beautiful words of comfort. I know all about your sin and weakness and I want you. From now on you will catch men because I said so.

Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message take from our series Epiphany Moments – The Least Qualified.