Wednesday, August 15, 2007
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
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. (John 2:1-11 MSG)
I have often wondered about this, the first of Jesus' recorded miracles. Why did he hesitate?
I wonder if a major point in this story isn't the importance that we all hold as encouragers. Mary knew her son's capabilities. She pushed, maybe even nagged a little like a "good Jewish mother" might because, regardless of what Jesus thought, she knew it was indeed His time.
It makes me wonder who in my life I should be encouraging more in their faith journeys. What opportunities in the lives of others might be missed just because I did not fulfill my role as encourager?
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. (John 2:1-11 MSG)
I have often wondered about this, the first of Jesus' recorded miracles. Why did he hesitate?
I wonder if a major point in this story isn't the importance that we all hold as encouragers. Mary knew her son's capabilities. She pushed, maybe even nagged a little like a "good Jewish mother" might because, regardless of what Jesus thought, she knew it was indeed His time.
It makes me wonder who in my life I should be encouraging more in their faith journeys. What opportunities in the lives of others might be missed just because I did not fulfill my role as encourager?
Name:
2 Comments:
Hi Todd.
Looking deeper, I feel that Mary has begun a discourse with Jesus and 'wine' and the 'wedding' are pictures that would be instantly recognisable to those reading or hearing these words, in those days, as representative of God's Wedding feast for His people.
Jesus, takes the focus from Himself and is directing it to God. His message being one of look to God-He is the One who will solve your problems.
The people cannot go on with more of what they have, they need to be renewed and God is the only One capable of doing that.
Yes, Jesus performs the sign, but it is just that, a sign of God's willingness to respond to a needy people with Grace and Compassion. He will freely give the people what is truly needed, and it will be the best thing for them.
Just Thoughts.
God Bless.
Spot-on, I am sure, Ediie! Very good. Thanks for stopping by!
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