Depart From Me

Toward the beginning of His ministry, Jesus told Peter to go back out on the sea and to throw his nets in the water for a catch of fish. Peter did not really want too but he obeyed. The Bible tells us that when he pulled the nets back in, he had so many fish that he had to signal for help. Peter then turns to Jesus and says, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Jesus tells Peter not to be afraid but that he would now be a fisher for men.

Later in His ministry, Jesus comes upon a man who has been possessed by many demons. Jesus commands the demons to come out. They leave the man only to go into a flock of pigs which then run into the sea and drown. Those from the town, hearing about the pigs and the possessed man, come out to see what is going on. They see the man, no longer possessed and they see the shepherds standing there with no pigs. They become afraid so they turn to Jesus and beg Him to leave. Jesus turns to get back in His boat, but the man who had been freed of demons begs to come along. Jesus denied his request but tells him to return home and to tell everyone about all that God had done.

Two times Jesus was asked to leave by people who were afraid of their situation, once by Peter and once by the people of the town. The first time Jesus did not leave, the second time He got back in His boat and sailed away. So what is the lesson? What is Jesus teaching? Peter saw the greatness of God and was afraid because he knew he did not measure up. The people of the town saw the greatness of God but were afraid because they had to change their lifestyle. Peter feared the Lord, the people were afraid to make Him Lord! To Peter, He calls Him to serve. To the people of the town, He leaves. BUT NOT UNTIL HE EMPLOYEES A MISSIONARY. The man who had been freed was more than happy to OVERFLOW about the greatness of God!

All too often I find myself asking God to leave certain areas of my life. Sometimes it is because I do not measure up to His greatness, but other times it is because I do not want to change my lifestyle. Sometimes Jesus stays and other times Jesus will leave that area, but not until He has employed someone to OVERFLOW in my life and to encourage me to life-change! What about you? Do you fear and reverence God because He is so great? Or are you afraid of God because He is asking you to change? Are you willing to OVERFLOW into the lives of those around you? There is not greater calling!

Smile Always,
jason