November 5 – John 2:1-12
Fill, Draw and Take
Mary sees that there is a problem, and she brings it to Jesus immediately telling Him there was no more wine. Mary knew who Jesus was. She had a visit from an angel who told her before He was even conceived. She knew her pregnancy did not happen the normal way. I wonder if there were many miraculous things she (and Joseph) witnessed as He grew up in their care. I’m thinking the answer is yes, as she looked to Him to solve the problem. Jesus’ response was, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” I don’t know why He answered her this way, but He did comply after she told the servants, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” She was so confident He could do something about the wedding hosts running out of wine that she instructed the servants to simply do what He told them to do. The servants obeyed, and their task was simple. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water,” so, they filled them to the brim. Then He told them, “Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.”
They did nothing more and nothing less than what Jesus told them to do. He was the one who did the work of changing the water to wine. The wine He produced was the best of the best, served up when the original wine was depleted. The new things created by Him are so very much better than anything we can produce, and His timing is perfect.
So many times, I have felt as though I wasn’t doing enough for Him – particularly when it comes to reaching His lost sheep. He doesn’t need my help. What He wants is for me to offer myself as a vessel daily through which He can work. What He asks of me will never be too hard or something I cannot do. It may be a bit scary, weird, and out of my comfort zone, but not above my ability. “For this commandment which I command thee this day is not hidden unto thee, neither is it far off.” Deuteronomy. 30:11
He is the One with the power and has given us everything we need to live according to His will. He is the One who called us, and He is the One who must receive ALL the glory (2 Peter 1:3). He loves and cares about the lost and desires that no one would perish, but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
When life seems like too much or gets too hard, causing me anxiety, I need to just stop and evaluate my situation. Am I doing what He HAS NOT asked me to do? Am I doing what He HAS asked me to do? Jesus bids us to: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
Oh Lord, may I be attentive to Your voice each day and not my own. Help me discern what You want me to do and simply follow Your instructions – nothing more or less. I truly want to be Your vessel in bringing others to repentance.
