cchrisholland

Have you ever faced a problem without a clear solution to pray for? Jesus’ Mom did. Her friends were out of wine at their wedding feast (which was a substantial issue considering the structured nature and social implications of such celebrations). She knew who to go to, but she asked nothing. She didn’t ask Jesus to go buy more or to help calm the quests; she simply said, “They have no wine.”

Then Jesus replied: “Woman, what does your concern have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

And Mary declares: “Whatever He says to you, do it.”  – John 2:3a-5b NKJV

At this specific point, the solution was still unclear. Even after Jesus gave the instruction to fill the pots with water, it still wasn’t clear, because the miracle of the wine didn’t happen until they drew out of the pots. Sometimes, life can present us with similar moments. Situations can arise where there isn’t a clear direction to pray for and those are the times to simply share with Him, then wait for the next word. And the next word may be something less-than-miraculous like; “get up from your desk and take a walk”, “text _________ and say hello”, etc. After that, the solution may come, but you have to draw the water first, then wait for what’s next.

We all have questions. Even Jesus asked questions. As a matter of fact, He asked a lot of questions, but not for need of more information. His questions were for the listeners’ benefit. In John 1, we find:

“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” – John 1:35-39a NKJV

What were they seeking?

Since these two men (John & Andrew) were already disciples of John the Baptist, they were obviously interested in spiritual things, but throughout the gospels the disciples dreamed of a glorious earthly kingdom. One-by-one those desires had to be slowly set aside to “follow” Jesus. He directed them to:

“…seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matt. 6:33 NKJV

What are you seeking today? Are your prayers and goals kingdom-oriented? “Seek first His kingdom…”

When John the Baptist began preaching about the kingdom, his words were received in different ways. He preached about repentance and a lifestyle that reflected a change of direction. Specific groups of people even asked what the “fruit of repentance” was for them (tax collectors, soldiers, etc. Luke 3:10-14). However, with the religious leaders, the conversation was different and John spoke directly to the heart of the matter:

“And do not think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 3:9-10 NKJV

The leaders’ problem was a sense of entitlement. Throughout the gospel accounts, the spirit of entitlement would prevent many from hearing Jesus’ message clearly. From the religious leaders wanting to maintain their positions, to the people wanting a David-type kingdom; the listeners often heard only what they wanted to.

The message of the gospel and the journey of a disciple is all about heart issues; but it’s not just about feeling better either, it’s also about being better…doing better…in Christ. Are you hearing everything He’s saying, or just the parts you want to hear? What’s He leading you to do today?