Actual Encounter

Luke 5:1-11
We have a wonderful account of Simon Peter's encounter with Jesus, his actual encounter.  Peter must have some kind of knowledge of or acquaintance with Jesus prior to this because when Jesus initially speaks to him in this passage Peter refers to him as "Master" (vs. 5).  And he follows Jesus in obedience to his instructions.  Peter has enough knowledge and confidence in Jesus to obey him, despite Jesus' instructions appearing foolish and against Peter's better discretion (vs. 5).  If we encountered a person who referred to Jesus as master, and followed him in obedience, disregarding his own will, we would immediately label this person saved, a Christian, one who had encountered Jesus in a saving way.  But we may be too quick in this judgement.  Because in verse 8, Peter changes his tone and posture before his "Master", falling on his knees before Jesus, asking him to depart from him because he is a sinful man, undeserving of Jesus.  This is the real encounter, where Peter touches the divinity and holiness of Jesus, showing him his own sinfulness and separation from God.  And how incredible that upon this real encounter Peter does not then pray to receive Christ, but actually asks Jesus to depart from him (vs. 8)!  Jesus' holiness and perfection are too great for him to bear and Peter feels so unworthy and undeserving of Jesus that he cannot remain in his presence.  And this is not unique, it is the same when Jeremiah encounters God (Jeremiah 1:5-10), when Isaiah encounters God (Isaiah 6:5-7), when Moses encounters God (Exodus 3), when Job confesses before God (Job 42:3-6), when the people hear Peter's sermon after Pentecost (Acts 2:37).  When one actually encounters God there is a revealing of sinfulness and wickedness that overwhelms and leads to complete repentance and desperation, not a casual consenting to salvation through a simple prayer, which seems so inadequate.  Whereas before Peter knew Jesus and was acquainted with Jesus, now he has actually encountered Jesus, the Holy Son of God, the same that Job says (Job 42:3-6).  Note also how his language has changed, now referring to Jesus as Lord, not simply Master (vs. 8).  Peter did not choose Jesus, as we saw earlier, he actually asked Jesus to depart.  It was Jesus that chose Peter, Jesus that called Peter and the rest of the disciples (John 15:16).  It is only after this true encounter with his divinity that Jesus then calls Peter out to follow him in obedience, informing him that he will no longer serve his own interests, but those of his new Lord (vs. 10).  And this heart-change and actual encounter of Jesus as actual Lord is further verified by their immediately leaving everything at that moment to follow their new Lord in complete obedience (vs. 11), which is typical of every actual follower of Jesus (Luke 14:33).  So we must ask ourselves if we have actually encountered Jesus and his holiness, as revealed by our seeing our endless wickedness and unworthiness, or are we simply knowledgeable of Jesus and acquainted with him?  Do we feel unworthy of his salvation, asking him to depart from us for we are wicked, as Peter and the others we listed did, or do we feel entitled to his salvation because of the steps we have taken and the deal we have made with him, obligating him to save us?  Have we repented in dust and ashes, despising ourselves, or simply admitted our guilt, as though we have been caught?  Have we followed him in all his commands in complete obedience and renunciation as these others did, or chosen to follow him in some commands in mediocrity and indifference as the rich, young ruler did (Mark 10:17-22)?  Which have we experienced: an encounter or an acquaintance?