Alignment Gets the Answers

Is anybody else feeling out of whack? A little odd or off? Are things not lining up the way that they should? Maybe it is just me. This year the church is focusing on alignment. We are being challenged to clearly hear God’s voice and respond accordingly. While hearing His voice is great, it it not enough. We are to be hearers AND doers. And lately, I have been much more of a hearer. Maybe that is why I feel so off center…a little odd…off. Thankfully Sunday’s sermon gave me some practical advice and answers. It’s time to dive into a sermon recap.

The message from Sunday centered around John 2:1-11. Jesus, His mother Mary, and the disciples were all invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. I love a good wedding. Don’t you? I can hear the hum of conversation, smell the tantalizing aromas of a good meal, see the fabulous outfits, and let’s not forget the wine. Wine was a symbol of celebration in Jewish wedding feasts, and it also signified a husband’s ability to take care of his bride. The wine was a big deal. And unlike a modern American wedding, Jewish wedding feasts lasted for days. And the groom was expected to provide enough wine to last for the duration of the festivities. Well, at this particular wedding feast, on this particular day, the wine ran out.

If this was a movie, this is when the record would screech, and everyone would look towards the camera. This unnamed newly married couple is in big trouble. When Mary realizes the wine is gone, she does not cause a big scene or gossip with fellow wedding guests about how poor the groom is. She turns to Jesus. If anyone can help, He can. She is interceding on behalf of the couple without their permission and without their approval. She sees a need and goes to the One that can surely meet that need. And if this was a movie, Jesus would instantly produce wine. The music would resume, and the wedding feast would commence. But the story doesn’t proceed like that. Jesus lets Mary know that now is not the time for Him to step in.

This feels off…odd…out of whack even. My God, my personal Lord and Savior has the means to provide. His mother asks for provision, and he says it’s not His time??? That ruffles my feathers. But Mary gives us a great practical response to resistance from Jesus. She turned to those near her and tells them to do whatever Jesus says. She wants to do what is necessary to help the couple that is in need. So, she pulled other people into alignment. Not only do they need to listen to what He says, they need to actually DO what He says.

Okay, we are finally getting somewhere. It’s miracle time. Right? Except… Jesus tells them to get water. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Mary asked for wine. Not water. Despite the fact that the assignment did not seem to match up with the request, the servants gathered the water. They filled six water pots that would hold twenty or thirty gallons of water to the brim. They drew some of the water out and gave it to the master of the feast and when he tasted it…it had been transformed to wine. Mary’s request had been granted.

I don’t know about you, but my life is definitely not like a movie. I mean, the answers don’t come in pretty packages. The soundtrack doesn’t stop when big life altering moments occur. I find that I have to keep on keeping on, much like Mary did in these scriptures. Mary saw a couple in need and interceded for them until change occurred. She aligned herself and others with God’s word and it did not return to her void. The couple got the wine…the celebration…the result of Jesus intervening, and they never asked for the help.

My ability to align myself with God’s word not only impacts my life, but it impacts the life of others. How amazing is that? How scary is that? Someone is depending on your obedience for their breakthrough. That challenging family member that gets on your nerves? The co-worker that causes all kinds of strife? Your children? Your spouse? Your neighbor? Pray, hear, and then do what the Lord says. It doesn’t have to make sense to you. Look at Mary. Alignment gets the answers. #wepreach

Thoughts to Ponder:

Who are behind the scenes people in your life that have helped you become who you are?

Have you consistently prayed for someone that you know is struggling with an issue without being asked to? Why or why not?

What is the last instruction that God gave you?

Have you followed through? Why or why not?

Pray for one person this week that you know is in need of help.