Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Living with Both Hope and Humility

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’  For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.” (Luke 5:8-10 NIV)

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (I Timothy 1:16 NIV)

These two passages reflect a fine line of how we are to view ourselves. Upon being in the presence of the Divine, Peter knew he was totally unworthy, recognizing how far short he came to the glory of God.  This was before he experienced His grace and he was scared and wanted nothing to do with Jesus.  

Paul also had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and was rattled by His presence, knowing what a rebel he truly was. Yet he, too, experienced the mercy and grace of Jesus and, like Peter, was invited to join the Lord in His ministry to the lost on earth.  

What draws all of us to Jesus is the combined knowledge of our own sinfulness and His grace and mercy in spite of it.  Yet, it is a temptation to forget the sheer depth of our sinfulness once we cross over into grace.  It is easy to become prideful and look down on others who have yet to experience the freedom and forgiveness Jesus offers.  Thus, the judgment and condemnation of people and lifestyles that so often comes out of churches.  Or to go into the opposite direction and, because of the grace and mercy of our Savior, gloss over how offensive sin is to God as if it is not that big of an issue.  

The image of Peter’s fear in the presence of the Lord is a good reminder of how serious and deep our sin is.  Yet, Paul’s declaration that he, the “worst of sinners,” is an example of the depth of God’s mercy, is a proper counterbalance to the reality of our sin.  We need not despair, but we can never forget our need for mercy.  Thus, we can live lives with both hope and humility.

Today, never forget the depth of your sin and your desperate need for the Savior.  Yet, never forget how much He loves you and wants you to be a part of His redemptive work in the world.  Both are necessary in living a life following Jesus.

© Jim Musser 2017

No comments: