Whatever He asks

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”                  John 2.5

This is quite an amazing statement. Jesus’ mother had informed Him that the wine had run out at the wedding feast. His reply had been to say, virtually, “That’s nothing to do with us!” Yet she had responded with this instruction to the servants. Despite His words, she felt sure He would act. She knew He would do something. Her confidence was so strong that she prepared the servants.

And in her words to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” I find a challenge. These words arrest me, and raise questions. Would I do whatever He asks of me? Would I do it without question or hesitation? Has He, perhaps, asked something of me and I have not responded? If I deny Him, will He give me a second chance? How much am I willing to do for Him?

Further impact is made by the reality of verse 7: Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

They did what He had asked of them without demur or complaint. Could they not have retorted, “It’s wine we’re short of not water”? “What good will water be when the guests are looking for wine?” “How foolish will I look in what you’ve asked me to do?” No, none of these things is mentioned. And, when He tells them to draw some of the water (wine?) and take it to the chief steward, they simply comply. What an amazing example.

Indeed I have gained two valuable insights through this reading. One is, to expect Jesus to act when there is a need. And the other is to be willing to do whatever He asks of me.

Precious Lord Jesus,

I pray that, like Mary, I will hold the utter conviction that You will act when there is a need. I pray also that I will respond, willingly, to do anything You ask of me. May I hear You clearly, and may I be moved to respond without question or hesitation however impossible the request may seem.

For nothing is impossible with You. Hallelujah!                                           Amen.

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