John 2:1-11
Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine."
Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."
She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."
Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.
"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.
When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"
This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Has your mom or grandmother ever “volunteered” you for something that you didn’t want to do? Maybe she told someone you would drive them somewhere… or that you would taxi her to an event you were really not interested in attending. Maybe she said, “Bill will be happy to help you move,” or “Steve knows all about computers. I’m sure he’d be glad to take a look at yours.” And just maybe, your mom or grandmother promised something on your behalf that seemed like it would take nothing short of a miracle to accomplish! Mothers (and grandmothers) sometimes exaggerate the capabilities of their children… and we dare not embarrass them by failing to deliver!
It seems that not even Jesus was immune to this. His mom noticed a problem at the wedding, and she called on her son to fix it. He protested… just as many of us may have done with our own mothers. But in the end, He delivered. And the result was not only the best wine of the party… but Jesus’ first miracle. It was also a turning point in His ministry that caused many of the Disciples to truly believe in Him.
How many times have you felt God nudge you to do something… and you protested? “But LORD,” you may have said, “there’s no way I can do that! I’m not able to accomplish this!” Or maybe you have said, “LORD, please… I really don’t want to do this!” Or you may have even suggested, “This just isn’t my thing, Father… please find someone else!”
Somehow, I think we often find it easier to refuse our Heavenly Father than our own mother or grandmother! We don’t have a problem telling God “No!” Yet He is the very One we should aim to please! When God calls on us to accomplish something, we should stand up straight, and say, “Yes, Sir!” We should realize that whatever God asks us to do – whatever assignment He gives us – He will fully equip us to complete it!
God is expecting us to serve Him in ways great and small… and He wants us to be ready and willing to do whatever He asks. Most likely, He will never ask us to turn water into wine, cast demons out of people, or bring people back from the dead… but He certainly could if He chose to! Regardless of the scale of what God calls us to do… we must be ready and willing. We can do anything God asks of us… knowing that He is with us every step of the way. What will you do when God calls on you? Will you offer protests? Or will you gladly accept His assignment? Will others recognize you as an obedient, willing servant… and see true faith in action? Will your response to God be embarrassing or disappointing… or will He be pleased and glorified? The choice is ultimately our own… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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