Take Him With You Wherever You Go!
John 2:1-12, NRSV
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.
Traditionally, late Spring to early Fall is considered wedding season. While people can marry at any time of the year, many people in the US marry between May 1 through September 30. Why this is so, I’m uncertain. Perhaps one reason is that weddings tend to be a social event, and people are more likely to take off from work and/or are off from school in the spring through the fall. Therefore, it increases the likelihood of family and friends being to attend and affirm the nuptials. Who knows though?
In any event, some people find it fascinating and foolhardy that other people still marry. Based on observation or experience, some people are sour about or scared of even the idea of marriage — let alone the reality of marriage. Despite the fact 50% of couples who marry will divorce within the first seven (7) years of marriage, couples still seem eager to tie the proverbial knot. Some, who marry for the first time, do so with wide-eyed and full-hearted hope that they will beat the odds by staying together and growing together as partners. Others, for whom this is not their first marital rodeo, proceed with caution and conviction that R & B group Shalamar was right: The second time around is so much better. Still, others that tie the knot, having lived and raised children together, act on the wisdom of Jagged Edge: “We ain’t gettin’ no younger, we might as well do it…let’s get married.”
Whatever the motivation for marrying — be it sensible or shaky, John 2:1-12 has some sound advice for newlyweds. For that matter, John shares in these verses anointed, ancient, and actionable wisdom that still works. These divine directions work for all believers — single, married, and common-law — who will hear and heed them. The Lord’s teaching on the topic can be helpful to anyone, but especially to those who are embarking on some new experience. What’s that advice? Quite simply:
- Whatever you do, don’t leave Jesus behind. Take him with you wherever you go. (Vss. 1-2)
- Whatever you do, expect things to go left at some point. We know things will go left from our past experiences – whether the Lord is present or not. (Vs. 3)
- Whatever you do, put things in The Lord’s hands, not anyone else’s. However, don’t expect to be off the hook. He’ll ask you to help make the “left” things go right. (Vss. 4-8)
- Whatever you do, anticipate and appreciate the results The Lord achieves. Still, look deeper at what he has done for you, catching a glimpse of the greater revelation of who he is and invitation to deepen your discipleship. (Vss. 9-12)
Thought For Today: Whatever you do, take Jesus with you. Better yet, let him take you with him.
