In John 2:1-11 we read that Jesus in the early part of his ministry was invited to a marriage feast at Cana in Galilee. When the wine got finished, Mary the mother of Jesus asked Jesus to assist. The following events thus ensued:
Filled empty jars with water
After Mary had spoken with Jesus, he said his time had not come. It is not always that we may qualify for favour from the Lord. The time and circumstances may depend on God’s will. If we do not fit into God’s time schedule he would not answer us particularly if it is not a need, Philippians 4:19. However, he sometimes answers us by grace or because of the urgency, Luke 11:8. Jesus obliged Mary when it was not time because of the urgency and he would equally oblige us if we adopt the right approach and attitude even if it is not our time to receive from him.
The servants filled six empty water jars to the brim with water as Jesus instructed. Jesus could have multiplied any little wine found as he did with the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the five thousand besides women and children but he did not do so, Matthew 14:17-21. He however used a different approach. Jesus does not use one-size-fit-for-all circumstances so we must exercise patience, faith and focus on him. Our circumstance may be different in reality from others as to time, place, magnitude and God’s purpose. The empty water jars represented our emptiness without Jesus whilst the water represented life which Jesus gives, John 4:110-11; 7:38. This is what happens when we invite Jesus into our emptiness.
If we invite Jesus, we must do what he says just as the servants did. His presence is always sure to produce results beyond our expectation because he knows best. Just as the water jars were filled, Jesus will fill us with life in every facet of our situations. It took some time to fill the empty water jars and it may sometimes take us a while to reach the point where Jesus comes in to restore our situation. It is obedience that matters. Time is no barrier to Jesus’ miracles, for with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, Psalms 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8.
Turned water into wine
Only Jesus can make our lives meaningful and fulfilling if we appropriately invite him. Jesus commanded them to serve the water in the jars and they obeyed. When they served it, it tasted better than the finished wine. The servants served the water without knowledge that it had turned into wine. They were simply obedient as Mary had told them and it produced results. We do not need to see before we believe but to have faith in Jesus and what he says. Jesus said blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe, John 20: 29.
The host was likely to face embarrassment with the finished wine when the feast was not yet over. However, Jesus’ intervention changed the dynamics into fulfilment, joy and laughter. No matter how debilitating our situation may appear, Jesus can change our situation around us if we call on him. Jesus’ wine tasted differently and better and our situation will be better to the amusement of all when Jesus takes control. Jesus will surely take away our shame, our embarrassment and our inadequacy if we invite him.
How soon to invite Jesus
We must invite Jesus into every situation immediately. There is no time to waste and no place for delay. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 that come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Psalms 50:15 says call upon me in times of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Jesus said whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the son, John 13:32. All things are possible with Jesus, Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23; 10:27.
All things were made through him, and without him was not anything that was made, John 1:3. He is the Alpha and Omega and knows all our needs, Revelation 22:13. He knows all that has been hidden since the foundation of the world and nothing can elude him, Matthew 13:35. All good things come from the Lord, Isaiah 58:11. It is our choice to decide if we want him to assume the challenge or not.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, please fill us with your water of life and turn the challenges, trials or any situation that confronts us with times of freshness, joy, fulfilment and praises to your glory and honour. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
