It's amazing how a little sunshine can make such a big difference. At this time of the year I'm so grateful for the early daffodils and the brave forsythia that show up even though it's not actually warm yet. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus just when nature all around us comes back to life. Even the birds are excited.
Recently, I've been reflecting on the truth that Jesus didn't just conquer sin and sickness, but death itself. He brings new life. So what holds me back from acting like I believe this? Why do I catch myself trying to preserve and defend myself. I try to defend my point of view, and guard my dignity. I also entertain worst case scenarios and dread. It's like my theology and my coping mechanisms don't always line up. In John 11:40 Jesus says to Martha, "Didn't I tell you that if you will believe in me, you will see God unveil his power?" Martha had reservations about rolling away the stone from Lazarus' tomb because she thought it might stink. Jesus was gentle with her. He's like, "This is going to be good Martha, trust me." Like Martha, I have to continue to have my perspective changed. God wants to make all things new, and I'm afraid of a bad smell, or a mess, or making a fool out of myself. I believe Jesus is still saying, "...if you believe in me, you will see God unveil his power." God want to demonstrate his power to us and through us. Rather than default to fear and defensiveness, I'm resolving to be better at asking him, "What are you saying, Jesus?" "What are you thinking about this?" "What would you like me to do about it?" I'm asking for an upgraded ability to follow through in what he tells me, even if he says, "Hold your tongue." The Holy Spirit is committed to transforming us, to teach us to abide and to be brave. I'm praying the beauty of this spring season reminds us that Jesus bring new life and he's inviting us to do the same.
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There they were, attending a wedding given by friends and family. She was there with her adult son and his friends. Clearly Mary didn’t have a husband to attend with her, but I imagine that she was pleased to be at a feast with her son. After all, he was Jesus. She had on her best robes, she was sitting with him, eating and drinking and living her best life…listening to music and storytelling. I’ll bet he was a funny conversationalist. There was so little joy in daily life during that Roman occupied Israel, I’m thinking a wedding would be a much anticipated party. We also know that in those days a wedding lasted for several days so running out of food or wine would be a disaster, but that’s just what happened. Upon learning this, Mary informed Jesus, “They have no more wine.” How embarrassing it was for the newlyweds. Jesus didn’t respond in a way you might expect. He didn’t say, “I’ll see what I can do about that.” Instead, he said, “What’s that got to do with me?” It sounds almost like, “Not my problem.” Then he says, “My time hasn’t come yet.” “Mom, not now.” Unfazed, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” You realize for thirty years she’s be pondering on the meaning of his miraculous conception and the supernatural occurrences surrounding his birth. This girl has been visited by angels, shepherds and Persian dignitaries in regard to the birth of her son. She knows the messianic prayers Simeon and Anna prayed over him at his dedication. She’s been patient enough, so when she says, “Do whatever he tells you,” she’s confident that good things will happen. Jesus relents; he gives in. It’s possible that she was not only his mom, at this point she was probably his best friend, too. If you know the story, next Jesus directs the servants to fill six giant, stone, ceremonial jars with water. This household was clearly concerned with observing the Law since they had not just jugs, but ceremonial jugs, and I wonder what the servants were thinking at that point since they had to walk back and forth from a well with some type of pitchers because there were no faucets or garden hoses to fill the jugs. Did they think he was crazy? Finally Jesus instructs them to take the beverage to the master of the banquet. We are not told at what point the water became wine, we only know that the master of ceremonies was impressed with the quality of the wine. “You’ve saved the best wine for last!” he proclaims.Mary must’ve been elated with the outcome of the event, maybe even a little discreetly smug. After all, isn’t hard not to bask in the reflective glow of our children’s accomplishments? Here’s what can we learn from her: Like Mary, you’re allowed to get involved with the concerns on the hearts of those around you even about matters that seem trivial. I mean clearly there was a lack of planning on the part of some wedding planner, but instead of blaming someone, we see Mary employing her faith in Jesus to bring solutions. Mary is not only enjoying the blessing, friendship and ‘favor of God,’ she shares that favor with her newly married friends. Because we are “in Christ,” we not only have access to anointing and favor, we have the privilege of sharing the embrace of heaven with everyone we meet. “Then, by constantly using your faith the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Eph. 3:17 TPT Like Mary, we believe that Jesus has what’s needed. He’s not poor or stingy. He’s extravagant. He brings provision where there’s lack, and isn’t that what he does best? Where there has been sorrow, he’s the source of true joy. He brings the best wine, because the celebration is important to him and he’s the ultimate connoisseur. Perhaps it’s our job to not only spread joy when we can, but to also broker the miraculous presence of Jesus into the lives of needy, hurting people. We look for opportunities as daughters and sons of the Father; we look up to heaven, and like Mary we say, “They have no more wine.” |
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January 2024
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