Joy and satisfaction in obedience

John 2:8-10 And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” What an amazing experience this must have been for Mary as well as the servants who had exhausted themselves filling and transporting the six waterpots. They obeyed Jesus and became participants in Jesus’ first miracle of His ministry. This underscores the importance of bringing our problems to Jesus and obeying Him as we walk with Him. I’m reminded of verses 8-9 in chapter 5 of Hebrews. “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.” Jesus becomes the source of salvation to everyone who obeys Him. The obedience spoken of in that case is to believe in Him by entering God’s finished work through Jesus Christ as our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16). However, in this story, we see an example of the fruit of obedience daily, situation by situation. If we draw near to God through Jesus Christ, any time we need mercy or grace to help in time of need, we can be confident He will give us what we need on time, just like He did at the wedding. Mary brought the need and the servants to Jesus. They obeyed Him, and He was faithful to deliver them out of the predicament. This will happen to us as well if we will abide in Him, receive what He gives us to do, and do it with all the strength and wisdom He gives us. Living to love with Jesus is an adventure of fullness. We become participants in the miraculous work of God in this world. We will experience His faithfulness, and as a result, our faith and love will grow. Let’s notice that when we obey in faith what He gives us to do, He always supplies abundantly. In this case, the host and guests were fully satisfied. Additionally, I’m sure they had a lot of great tasting wine left over, just like there were many baskets of fish and bread left over when He fed the thousands. We may expect God to do above and beyond what we could think or ask if we will surrender our lives to His service of love. There is great joy in living with such purpose and obedience to Christ. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.