“But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” and James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon, were also likewise amazed….And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”” Luke 5:8, 10 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/luk.5.10.LSB

Peter encountered the kindness and generosity of God and felt unworthy. Rather than run to the goodness of God, he asked God to run away from him! How often do we do the same? Encounter God, then ask Him to leave because we feel unworthy of His presence. But God doesn’t leave. Instead, He invites us to Himself and His purposes. Being with Him and doing what He does brings us fulfillment, joy, and great reward. God is not appalled by our sinfulness but uses us to reach other sinful men bringing them the hope we have received that the Holy God is love and wants a relationship with broken and sinful men. God’s method for saving men is not to overwhelm them with His holiness but to persuade them that He is love through reconciled people whose brokenness was not a barrier to His acceptance of them. God is not running from us but running toward us. Our shame and sin cause us to run away from God when we should be running to God for cleansing, healing, and restoration. This is the message of the gospel. Come, everyone, to Him Who loves us and gave His life for us so that we could be restored to God, Who loves us for all eternity. This good news is to be proclaimed by sinners saved by grace, proving God’s message is true.