By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
The Sign of His Glory
John 2:1–11
Social media and its effect on our society is immeasurable. A measure of good can be found online, but it seems to get lost in the shuffle of the meaningless, lewd or ridiculous. The hope of instant stardom is the bait many cannot avoid. “Influencers,” as they are referred to, seek attention and a following. The goal is to be seen, believed and liked. The influencer may or may not be qualified or an expert in a given field or profession, but that does not mean they won’t disperse information. The number one objective of the influencer is self-promotion.
Now, take Jesus as an example. Jesus’ miracles, ministry and mission were to point others to the Father and the atonement He provides. The source of many of our personal troubles and church struggles is when we desire undue attention for ourselves. God does not share in His glory with anyone. Consider how much we do with the possibility of recognition or personal pleasure. Therein lies our prideful nature and impure motives. God’s glory is for His good and our redemption. There are no selfish or sinful reasons behind any activity by God.
Throughout the Gospels, we read of various signs performed by Christ. They serve as markers, pointing to Jesus’ messiahship. Without these signs, we would be lost in our search for a meaningful relationship with God.
Trust God to work in His timing. (1–4)
Every one of us could benefit from a dose of patience. It may be as small as waiting at a traffic light to change or, more importantly, medical results. I have discovered that when I need patience, it is instant, not later on. This is when we must trust God’s timing. The challenge we face as impatient people is being assured that God is at work even when it may not be visible with our physical eyes. In this instance, Jesus was informed by His mother at a wedding celebration of the need for more wine.
She was inclined by her belief that Jesus could remedy the situation. Jesus informed His mother that He was on a divine schedule and would not be forced by anyone. He was not showing disrespect to His mother by His words.
Do what Jesus tells you to do. (5–8)
How much more blessed would our lives be if we obeyed Jesus? Obedience to God and His word demonstrates trust and love.
These verses are central to this story and key to a proper relationship with Christ. Our culture is constantly bombarded with voices and noises vying for our attention and loyalty. Only the voice of Jesus will lead us to true and lasting fulfillment. Could it be you need to revisit the most recent time Jesus told you to do something and follow through?
See Jesus’ glory through what He does. (9–11)
Jesus’ power and glory are not dependent upon our obedience. In His grace, He chooses to use us as instruments. In this case, He used the servants at the wedding as an avenue for a miracle. It is important to note that all miracles performed by Jesus are to point to His power and glory, not the miracle itself.
So many want the miracle, not the Messiah who can perform supernatural work. Our lives, churches and obedience should point to the glory and beauty of Christ. Anyone we come in contact with, we can influence. The question is, will our influence point them closer to Christ or further away?
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