Live 4 The LORD

I am a sinful man. (Luke 5:8)

Today’s readings describe the dramatic encounters with God that Isaiah, Paul, and Peter each experienced. Isaiah “saw the Lord” in the Temple (6:1). Paul was on his way to arrest Christians when Jesus “appeared to me” (1 Corinthians 15:8). And Peter recognized the holiness of God in a miraculous catch of fish that he hauled in at Jesus’ word. Each of these men realized that he was in the presence of the all-holy God, and each was cut to the heart. 

There is something convicting about the holy presence of the Lord. We are a mixture of good and bad, but God is completely good, faithful, and pure. And in the presence of such purity, all of our illusions of self-righteousness melt away. Isaiah cried out, “Woe is me! . . . I am a man of unclean lips!” (6:5). Paul called himself “not fit to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Peter pleaded, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). Like these men, when we realize how holy God is, we can’t help but see our unworthiness.

We may not have dramatic experiences like these every day, and it can be easy to lose sight of God’s holy presence in the busyness of the day. But God’s holiness can and should fill us with reverence and awe. He can break through our fog anytime: when we are praying, like Isaiah, or during our work, like Peter. He can even reveal himself when we are intent on doing evil, like Paul! How will we respond when he does? With gratitude for his mercy? Or will we reject the grace he is offering us? 

Every Sunday we pray, “Lord, I am not worthy.” Today, as we stand before our all-holy God who loves us, let’s speak those words with humble hearts. Let’s turn away from our sins and receive his forgiveness.

Don’t let your unworthiness keep you from Jesus. Don’t let it stop you from doing his will. 

“Thank you, Lord, for your mercy!”