WHATEVER HE SAYS DO IT

WHATEVER HE SAYS – DO IT!

John 2:1-5

2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

           Whether she was in charge is not clear but Mary felt somehow responsible for the refreshments at this wedding reception. She misdiagnosed the thirst of this crowd and ran out of wine. Jesus offers a mild rebuke explaining that she was treading in a region from which all creatures were excluded. Yet he responded to her statement to the wine stewards: “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” It was a statement of submission and an acknowledgment of his position.

           The statement itself is what grasps our attention this morning. Whatever – no matter what – he says to you, simply obey! Whatever He says will be right. Now the voice of Jesus is an inner voice. It is the voice of His Holy Spirit and it speaks to our heart and our imagination and not our ears. The spiritual voice of Jesus can be recognized by three signs.

1. He is decisive and imperative!

           Jesus does not ask for a consensus opinion as to what should be done. He knows what he will do. He commands that the water pots be filled with water. I rather like the response because it says they filled the pots “up to the brim.” This is the way Jesus wants us to interpret His commands.

2. It is never unreasonable nor impossible!

           Jesus commanded them to do something that was physically possible. It could be done Fill the pots with water. Now draw out the contents and take it to the governor of the feast. Can you imagine the concern of the servants who were about to carry only water where there should be wine? But they obeyed anyway

3. It calls for a sacrifice of our own will and ways!

           While the voice of Jesus is never unreasonable it often, if not always, challenges our own will and wisdom. We will be required to surrender. It will often, if not always, cost us something valuable to us. Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Luke 5:5-6

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

Dear Lord, help us to hear your voice clearly and obey promptly. AMEN