Bask in Him

So this morning I had one of those encounters with scripture that brought tears to my eyes. I quickly flew to the computer. I was talking with my husband about the call of the first Disciples. You know, when they were fishing and Jesus saw them and told them to put their nets in deep water and let down their nets. Simon knew that they had been fishing hard all night and had not caught anything yet, but because Jesus said so, they would let down their nets. If you remember how the story goes you know that they caught so many fish that their nets began to break, and the boat even began to sink it was so full. I absolutely love what Simon Peter says to Jesus. "When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" At this moment Peter knew who Jesus was, he witnessed the miracle and could not even handle being in Jesus presence. He knew of his sin and could not even handle being near Jesus. He must have felt filthy, embarassed and unworthy. Sound familiar? Ever tried to keep your distance from Jesus because of your sin? I know that we all have. I know that Jesus died on the cross for me but please, don't ask me to get too close to him. My sin is just too ugly. Even my attitude stinks. Jesus is so holy, so perfect - I feel terrible just thinking of letting him see my crap. Oh, some of it I will ask him for forgiveness for, but I'll ask quickly for forgiveness but not really expose it too much or face the truth.

Now hear what Jesus says to Simon Peter. "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." Did you catch that first part? Don't be afraid! He knew how Peter felt. He connected with him right away to let him know, it's ok Peter. Don't worry about your sin, I still want you. Don't be afraid to be near me, I still want YOU. Just you. Despite your sin Peter, you will still follow me, I love you so much. You will spread the gospel to many others Peter, don't be afraid of the sin in you. I just love you. Your sin cannot separate you from me.

This is so important for all of us to allow to sink deep within us. I love when scripture brings me to tears. I know that God is revealing something to me.

Bask in his love for you and don't be afraid to seek intimacy with your creator. He longs for you! He will not give up on you. As in marriage we become one with our spouse so we should be one with our creator before anything or anyone else. Long for him and never give up seeking him.