John 2:2-11
Most of us have probably heard the ancient Greek proverb: “The gods help those who help themselves.” Although this is not completely true, there is a great deal of truth in it. Examples of God helping us humans are, of course, found throughout the Bible. The question is on what basis does God decide to help people? Without wanting to over simplify a complex subject, let’s take a look at an example from Jesus’ ministry.
In John 2, we have the narrative about Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana. When the host had run out of wine, Jesus’ mother Mary came to Him and asked Him to help out. This, of course, implies that she knew something of who He was and what power He could command. She tells the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Now here is the thing which caused me to take particular notice (even though I’d read and studied this numerous times). Jesus tells the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water.” Jesus didn’t cause the waterpots just to miraculously be filled with water. Jesus didn’t cause the waterpots just to miraculously be filled with wine. I believe He could have done either of those things. He had the servants fill the waterpots with the water which He would turn into wine. So here’s my thought. Jesus did not do for them what they could do for themselves. Does that make sense to you?
As I reflected on the events in scripture in which God or the Lord Jesus helped humanity in some miraculous way, it seemed to me that this was always a guiding factor. When Israel faced desperate situations and massive armies, God intervened. The Red Sea crossing and the Assyrian army’s defeat by the plague come to mind. Jesus healed the blind, lepers, the lame; He cast out demons. Mankind could not do any of this. The ultimate example is the salvation of the human race. Since we could not save ourselves, God intervened through the sending of His Son Jesus who is Savior of all.
Let me know your thoughts about this. (More next time.)
><>Jeff