FOLLOWING JESUS TO A WEDDING, PART 2: THE PRAC. CLASS
FOLLOWING JESUS TO A WEDDING, PART 2: THE PRAC. CLASS
Jesus’s new followers followed him to a wedding. Their first real-life learning opportunity was to witness a change of relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary. Second, they learned that doing what the Lord Jesus tells you—if you are completely servant hearted—is the way to a miracle. Let’s read on in this story to discover what we can learn next by following Jesus:
(John 2:6–8 NKJV) Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. (7) Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.
We are witnessing the practical class of yesterday’s theory lesson. We note that only those with a humble, submissive heart will be used for this level of “hands-on” miracle.
Can you imagine what he is asking of these servants? Put water into a jar, and then take some of it to the MC while the wedding is in progress, believing that to him it will taste like wine. The instruction was totally illogical and nonsensical; but they obeyed. After all, they were merely servants. If this went wrong, they could point to Jesus and Mary as the instigators; they were simply following orders.
This is a huge life-lesson for us; obey Jesus’s illogical instructions, and he will be responsible for the outcomes. After all, what doesn’t make any sense to our finite, human thinking may be perfectly logical when seen and processed through his infinite omniscience and wisdom, coupled with his limitless ability to do the impossible. What was the outcome?
(John 2:9–10 NKJV) When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. (10) And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”
Not only did it taste like wine; it was wine. Not only was it real wine; it was the “good” wine. I am certainly not advocating alcohol drinking, but “good” wine has to be better than “inferior” wine. Without doubt, God’s outcomes are always superior to anyone else’s outcomes; he can do things for the highest good of everyone, every time—a blessing for all involved. His instructions may not initially seem logical, but when obeyed, everyone is benefited … even our enemies. For example, Jesus instructs us:
(Matthew 5:44 NKJV) “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
These instructions certainly don’t seem logical. Yet, because of his infinitely superior knowledge, wisdom, and ability; if we obey them to the letter, the outcomes can be quite stunning for you, your enemy, and for all concerned. God really can “work all things together for good”—if we obey him completely:
(Romans 8:28 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Obedience to Jesus is implied in the “love God” part of this passage (See: John 14:15).
What seemingly illogical instruction is Jesus asking of you today through the Holy Spirit and his word? Is he instructing you to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21 NKJV)? Perhaps to you right now, he is saying:
(Matthew 5:39–42 NKJV) “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. (40) If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. (41) And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (42) Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
Many of Jesus’s instructions to us seem quite illogical, yet they are all very straightforward and easy to understand. Knowing what he is saying is not where we have a problem; we tend to balk at the humility needed, and the weakness exposed when we simply and trustingly obey his instructions. However, I am very happy to report that where I’ve seen Jesus’s illogical instructions obeyed, very good and ingenious outcomes have resulted—for all concerned, enemy and believer alike.
What is your situation today? Do you have an enemy, a face-slapper, or someone wanting you to go a mile for them? Perhaps you have someone trying to curse you, persecute you, or perpetrate evil against you. Can I humbly encourage you to read Jesus’s instructions very closely, and to simply do as he says? For example, if your enemy is cursing you, pray for him to be blessed. Be completely unreserved in this—really go for it. Don’t add any “get him” or “judge him” or “God will avenge” to the end of your prayer and declarations; just do exactly as Jesus says without guilt or regret. You will be amazed at the result.
When the humble “servants” in John 2 obeyed Jesus’s illogical instructions, everyone was blessed, Jesus was glorified, and it was a sign that impacted his disciples so much that they “believed in Him”:
(John 2:11 NLT) This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
This can happen for you more than you realize when you follow Jesus to a wedding. It begins with separate people and a desperate need; it requires some humble obedience and servant mindsets, but ends with people joined as one, and great joy—Jesus glorified, new disciples believing in him, and everybody blessed.
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