Listening to the Word of the Lord at a Wedding Reception

“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:1-5

When the wine runs out at the wedding in Cana, it is Mary, our Lord’s mother, who speaks up.   What prompts Mary to come to Jesus and make him aware of the predicament?  What led her to believe that He was more than capable of doing something about the situation?  After everyone has drunk freely, St. John notes that this was the first of his signs, but Mary was confident that Jesus could help.  “Do whatever he tells you,” are her instructions.  Since the visit of the angel and the events of His birth to adulthood, Mary trusted the Word of the Lord and she knew her Son to be her Lord.  The obvious instructions from Mary are “Listen to him and do what he says!”

Whether the problem we face is small or large, the example of Mary is instructive for us.  We constantly face matters of little consequence to those of “life and death,” the response of the people of God is the same.  We listen to the Word of God.  Now God’s Word does not tell us “Barbecue” or “Sushi,” it does conform our hearts and wills to be like that of heavenly Father.  The Word of God, whether spoken by angels or modern-day heralds, read from God’s Word or by a fellow saint, is just as powerful in accomplishing God’s will as when our Lord turned water into wine.  That is why it is good for us to heed Mary’s instructions to hear our Lord’s Word and to even do what He says.”  For He was the One who simply speaks the Word to still the storm, raise the dead and forgive sins.  His mighty Word continues to accomplish what He intends in your life and amongst your family as the saints of God gather around that Word.

Dear friends, there is no shortage of the Word of God.  Congregations are hosting Bible studies in person and online.  Ask your pastor for a recommendation of a devotional book for your family to use at home.  In the miracle at the wedding at Cana, may we be reminded of the power of God’s Word in the lives of God’s people.  Thanks be to God for His Word that sustains us through every trial and every season of life.

Prayer - Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan