on leave
"They caught such a great number of fish that their nets were at the breaking point." —Luke 5:6
When Peter witnessed Jesus work the miracle of the great catch of fish, he experienced the fear of the Lord and recognized God's glory. Aware of God's holiness, Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and could not leave (Lk 5:8). However, he also knew he was sinful and unworthy in Jesus' presence. Therefore, he could not stay. So Peter could neither leave nor stay. All he could say was: "Leave me, Lord. I am a sinful man" (Lk 5:8).
Peter assumed Jesus would have to leave him because of his sinfulness. However, Jesus surprised Peter by staying. He doesn't have to leave Peter because in Him Peter will be able to leave sin and then stand in holiness before Him. Jesus promised He would not leave us orphans (Jn 14:18). Yet we must leave sin orphaned, leaving it behind, leaving all behind — jobs, nets, boats — everything (Lk 5:11).
Jesus will not leave us, but will we leave Him? We either leave everything behind, or leave behind the Creator and Lord of everything. We cannot serve God and the things of this world (Mt 6:24). Cling to Jesus; leave everything.
Prayer: Father, may all who read this "attain full knowledge of [Your] will through perfect wisdom and spiritual insight" (Col 1:9).
Promise: "You will lead a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him in every way." —Col 1:10
Praise: George had once put his trust in his education and his job, but has since learned to trust only in his Lord.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007
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