The God Who Shares
I’ve always been intrigued with Jesus’ first and famous miracle of turning the water into wine. You can read about it in John 2:1-11.
I love the opening verses…
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine. And Jesus *said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet come. His mother *said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” John 2:1-5 (NASB)
Did you see that? Something happens between verse 4 and 5—in one moment Jesus declares it’s not yet His time to unveil His glory, but then Mary starts the process of the act that would in turn unveil His glory. Interesting! Although there is quite possibly a plethora of things going on, I personally believe that in other-centered self-giving love, Jesus supersedes His own concern (“not yet my time”) and in turn, heeds the cry of his mother. We all know that Jesus loves to hear the cry of His beloved. In light of this, I believe that the Father remembered Mary’s YES, as she was able to move the heart of God from “it’s not yet my time,” to “fill the pots with water.”
I believe this became the first of many signs of His glory not only because of His power to turn water into wine, but also His heart to turn a premature moment into a party. The glory revealed was that Abba and His Son tend to prefer others over themselves.
JESUS INCLUDES PEOPLE
There is also something very interesting that happens in the story; although He could’ve stolen the show, Jesus shares the moment of breakthrough by heeding Mary’s request and by having the servants to help him:
“The MOTHER of Jesus said to Him…” (2:3)
“Whatever He says to YOU (servants)…” (2:5)
“THEY filled them up to the brim…” (2:7)
“He said to THEM, ‘draw some out now, and take to the HEADWAITER…” (2:8)
The fact that Jesus included the servants doesn’t point out their strengths, but rather the goodness and kindness of Abba. To include humanity in the process while allowing earthen vessels to participate in the unveiling of the Son—this is grace in action. This is honor and glory!
“…for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers (koinonos) of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NASB)
Partakers is koinonos meaning “participant”—it’s closely related to koinonia meaning, “fellowship.” In other words, it’s God’s nature to share in life with us—it’s just Who He is!
“So we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard about this Life-Giver so that we may SHARE and enjoy this life together. For truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One.” 1 John 1:3 TPT
He has been sharing His Life with mankind since the beginning:
Yahweh prepared a promised land of milk and honey for His children to enjoy.
Although the Lord could’ve caused the dead bones to live, He had Ezekiel prophesy to them.
Jesus sent out the 70 to represent Him, then calls us to “greater things.”
The old covenant tells us that “He will not share His glory with another,” but relationship in the new speaks up and says “you’re not another, you are beloved.” The voice of beloved and belonging, sharing and delighting overcome the lie of separation and exclusion.
In Paul’s epistles, he tells us that we live, suffer, die, inherit, and reign with Him (Romans 6:8; 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Corinthians 7:3; Colossians 2:12-13; Ephesians 2:5-6). Life in the Father is definitely one of sharing.
Enjoy the dance!
Pray this with me: Father of glory, I pray that You would open my eyes to see Your kind and caring heart to involve me in the process of revealing Your glory. I am overwhelmed by Your invitation to share in life and today, no matter where I am or how I feel, I accept the invitation to share in life with You. Amen!
-RA
