Be Still, and Know That I Am God # 3

At Cana of Galilee

It might be thought that such illustrations are limited to the Old Testament, and are therefore very remote from our own circumstances. A study of the Gospels will show that the same principles obtained in New Testament days, and that the Lord Jesus called on men to obey the psalmist's command to be still and know that He (Jesus) is true God.

The first of these which will spring to the mind of Bible students, is the turning  of the water to wine at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11). Once again human wisdom and resource were at a discount. We are told that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present, but it seems probable that she was more or less in charge of the proceedings. At least she knew of the lack of wine when even the ruler of the feast was unaware of it, and it was she who felt impelled to urge the Lord Jesus to do something for them.

Doubtless her words were well intentioned, yet they met a rebuke from the Lord. He could not work under her, nor would He act in compliance with her suggestions. His hour could not come until she had ceased from all such efforts and handed the whole affair over to Him. And this she did, with such happy results. "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it", she ordered the servants, making it clear that she was no longer in charge, nor need they expect any more orders from her. "It is better to leave the matter in my hands", the Lord Jesus had told her (v. 4). It is indeed, but how hard for our chafing spirits to accept that rebuke! How difficult it is for us to be still! By God's grace, Mary was able to do it, with the result that she and the disciples had their first glimpse of Christ's glory - they knew that He was God. So may we. First, though, we have to learn to cease from our own fretfulness and fuss, our own attempts to solve the problem, even from telling the Lord what we think He ought to do. Then, and only then, does His hour come, and His glory is seen.

~Harry Foster~
(continued with # 4 - (In the Wilderness)