Based on John 2:1-12 (New King James Version)
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.”
Through this passage, and also throughout the whole Bible, we can observe an essential principle for life itself: obedience. In reality, there is no other more important concept that can be found in the Bible. The Bible’s foundation in its entirety and to be able to have and cultivate a relationship with God Himself is through obedience. There can be nothing without obedience. The basis for everything in life and in the universe is obedience.
To start, the fall of man was because of disobedience, by not following God’s instructions. God said what He said to man, that he should not eat of the forbidden fruit because he was simply going to die; spiritually and also carnally. The fruit had an element that changed man forever. And that disobedience is what has formed part of every human being until this day. God instructed man so that he could live, so that he could avoid exactly what happened. God warned him of an evil, and if he would have obeyed, things would be very different now.
To continue, salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift, but at the same time, it’s an obedience. The Word explains it in the following passage: “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.” Romans 1:5. Why is it an obedience? God is God, whether you believe it or not; it’s a reality. Jesus Christ is God and is the Only Begotten Son of God, whether you believe it or not. The only way to the Father is Jesus Christ; there is no other way, whether you believe it or not. Accepting the fault for our sins is accepting a reality, whether you believe it or not. So then, the power to obtain a personal relationship with the living God is based on believing and accepting with all of your heart a reality. You are not doing God a favor, instead, you are simply acknowledging a reality. And through that obedience by accepting a reality, you are doing yourself the good of obtaining eternal salvation.
We have been given the treasure of the Scriptures, the complete counsel of God for man, so that we not only know them, but more importantly, so that we obey them. For it is written: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If there is no obedience, then the good effect of the Scriptures in man can never occur. If they are not obeyed, then there is no blessing, no life, and nothing good. Because obedience implies receiving instruction and following them; it implies action. For it is also written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.
This is what every human being must understand: we are created beings. And when you are a created being, then you were made for obedience. You must follow something. You are navigating a reality based on established laws. You don’t have the power to alter any of those laws. And also, as a created being, it is part of your creation to obey, no matter how independent or powerful you might think you are. It is part of your nature to obey something. In other words, if you do not obey God, then, because of your rebellion, you are obeying Satan and the sin that lives within you. By not following one side, then by virtue that you are a created being that cannot change what is established, then you are following the opposite. There are no other ways. There are only two ways. So then, if you do not obey one, then you are obeying the other. You are obeying “something” because that’s how things are, and there is nothing you can do about it.
But, I hope you understand this, for your own good. As we read in today’s passage, Mary did what was right by running to the Lord in a moment of need, even though she was announcing something unpleasant to Him. She went to Him so He could do something. The other good thing she did was to leave established that they do everything He told them to do. And the servants obeyed, even though there was no human logic in it. But, as a result of their subjection and obedience to Him, a miracle happened. Their collective obedience fixed the situation. We all need God’s help, and maybe even miracles from God. We need divine intervention in every aspect of our lives. So then, if you have already noticed that obeying sin and Satan has brought you nothing good (because that is what happens when you don’t obey God), don’t you think it’s a good idea to obey God, so you can see good, and maybe even see God’s miracles happen in your life? Lord bless! John