Because FC’s vision is Christ, we are studying the Red Letters. What are the red letters? They are Jesus’ words, and we want to know Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our first time of hearing Jesus was when He was twelve. Last week we learned how “The gospel spreads best through relationships.” This week we learn from Jesus’ first miracle.
Mary, Jesus’ mother, was attending a wedding in Cana, to which Jesus and His disciples also
went.The family was wise to invite Jesus to the wedding, and it is wise for us to have Jesus in
the center of our marriages and relationships. Pastor Josiah stated that when he stopped
seeking a wife and started seeking the LORD, life was better for him. For in Matthew 6:33, the verse reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you.” (NKJV) In Pastor Josiah’s life that is exactly what happened.
Next, he advised us to “Build your relationships with others around your relationship with
God.” In other words let God be the foundation of your relationship instead of a visitor in it. Not only does “equally yoked” mean to have two believers in a marriage, but even more, equally yoked means to be connected with one that keeps the same pace that you do. In other words, a jack rabbit and a turtle are not good yoking partners because their paces are entirely different. May the person with whom you marry be as passionate about the LORD as you are. Look for people who are as enthusiastic about knowing Jesus the Savior as you are. Look for people who want to serve Him as much as you do.
In Genesis 1:3 “Then God said,’Let there be light….”
Genesis 1:6 “Then God said,’Let there be a firmament….’”
Genesis 1:9 “Then God said,’Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together….’”
Genesis 1:11 “Then God said,”Let the earth bring forth grass….’”
Genesis 1:26 “Then God said,’Let Us make man in Our image, according to our
likeness….”(NKJV)
In all of these verses and more in Genesis 1, they stated “God said.” God the Father, who is in
relationship with God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, spoke. “Relationship was always
God’s original design for us.” As we thrive in our relationship with the LORD, it will be
manifested in our relationships with others. For what you think is reflected in what you say and do. That fact is evident in the wedding in Cana where Mary told Jesus that the family had run out of wine.
“‘Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied.
‘My time has not yet come.’
But his mother told the servants,’Do whatever he
tells you.’” (NLT)
Though Jesus told His mother it was not His time, He responded to the need. His relationship made the difference as did His mother’s faith in Him.
Your faith can move God to act. For example, many people sought the LORD:
*blind Bartimaeus shouted out to the Jesus,”Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Mark 10:47 (NIV) Bartimaeus wanted to see, and the LORD replied that his faith had healed
him. Mark 10:52
*the centurion sought the LORD to heal his sick servant, whom the LORD healed because of his
faith.
*the woman bleeding for twelve years knew that if she touched the hem of His garment she
would be healed. Her faith moved the LORD to heal her.
What did these three have in common? FAITH. Jesus was the connecting point, but faith in Him made them well. May we adore and believe in who the King is. May we not just wave palm branches because we think He will straighten out society, but may we authentically worship and adore Him because He came, lived, died, and defeated death so that we could be saved and have eternal life.
We will watch God move in San Diego because of our individual and collective faith. Faith
activates God’s plans as seen in Mary’s faith which moved up the timeline. What is God
intending to release ten years or twenty years from now here at FC?
The Paramount Point is “Don’t underestimate what the key of faith can unlock.”
For instance in John 2,” Jesus told the servants,’Fill the jars with water.” John 2:6 (NLT)
We like the servants at the wedding are to fill the jars. We can participate as we obey the
LORD’s instructions which we may not understand, but God… You may just ask someone out to lunch or coffee. That might be a first step in feeling free to share your Savior with a friend.
As we partner with Him, the kingdom works. We may pray with and for the sick. When we obey and do what He calls us to do, He responds to our faith. “Don’t let the last step paralyze you from the first step,” Pastor Josiah stated. In other words, when we look at the ultimate step, may our eyes not discourage us. We may think that we cannot achieve that last step like Moses did, but we have the LORD who wants that “none should perish.” May we be willing to take the small steps first and fill the water jars.
Finally, “There’s greater things on the horizon than in the rearview mirror.” May we not be
rooted too deeply in the past that we don’t serve and act as He commands us in real time.
When FC’s sanctuary was being renovated, the pews and rug were removed. The sanctuary
floor was down to the cement. One Sunday after service, we were invited to write out significant verses on the cement floor. After the carpet was installed, we would be walking on the significant verses on the floor. Pastor Josiah wrote on the platform,”The glory of the present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty.”
Haggai 2:9 (NIV)
May we continue to fill the jars with water. Then we can be salt and light in this troubled world.
Written by
Larry & Annette Linthicum
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