Unholiness Revealed

To Peter, this miracle was a greater revelation of divine power than any other he had ever witnessed. In Jesus, he saw One who held all nature under His control. Shame for his unbelief, gratitude for Christ’s condescension, and above all, the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity overwhelmed him. Peter fell at the Savior’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”HH 107.2

The same presence of divine holiness had caused the prophet Daniel to fall like a dead man before the angel. See Daniel 10:8. Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, ... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5. It has been like this with all to whom God has granted a view of His greatness and majesty.HH 107.3

The Savior answered Peter, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” After Isaiah had seen God’s holiness and his own unworthiness, he was entrusted with the divine message. After Peter had been led to renounce himself, he received the call to work for Christ.HH 107.4

The disciples had witnessed many of Christ’s miracles and had listened to His teaching, but none of them had left their former employment completely. The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been a bitter disappointment to them. If this was the outcome of John’s mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with the religious leaders united against Him. It was a relief to return to their fishing for a little while. But now Jesus called them to abandon their former life and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. On reaching shore, Jesus invited the three others, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left everything and followed Him.HH 107.5