Scripture
Readings: Deuteronomy
8.11-18 and John 2.1-12
These passages strike me as a reminder that God’s laws
for us are signs he loves us, and when we follow them, we are showing we love
Him.
In the Old Testament verse, the Hebrews needed constant reminders
that God was their deliverer; it was not through their efforts that they
reached the Promised Land, or were allowed to defeat their enemies. In the New Testament verse, Jesus, by
changing water into wine, reminded the wedding guests that they needed help,
and Jesus represents God saving His “best” for last (verse 10), by sending
Jesus.
I was unchurched as a kid, and I felt left out often,
when attending funerals or weddings, and I would see that most others were
familiar with the rituals (“The Lord’s Prayer”, for example). With no background to help explain, I still
instinctively knew that some sense of obedience to a Higher authority was
present in most people I met. I could
also tell that those who had it seemed to have some sense of belonging or
confidence that I did not have. As I got
older, and my own struggles with life came into more clear view, I was aware I
could not always find strength to cope within myself. After meeting my wife, and seeing her faith
experience, I began to yearn for “something else” in this faith arena.
I knew I did not have all the answers.
I found a faith experience at First Church, joining and
being baptized in my 30’s; BUT, I also found that having that faith did not
shield me from wants or cares.
Like the Hebrews, in my early faith journey I wanted to
have God deliver me MY WAY, or to take care of my problems MY WAY. Silly me, I did not realize that sometimes,
if not often, my way is just not going to happen. AND, also, sometimes, if not often, my way
would not have been best. Being unable
to fix everything or everyone, including myself, is the human condition.
The Old Testament verses say we should not let our hearts
“become proud” so that we “will forget the Lord your God”. Deut. 8:14.
The New Testament wedding story showed Jesus’ power to meet our every
need. God will provide, I suppose, is
the message, and He may do so using something ordinary like water, or even
using humble people like us. Frankly,
the older I get (now 60), the more I am perfectly happy to let God handle my
biggest problems, HIS way. I guess that
means I am slowly getting the message; at least I hope so.
Mike Holloway, 2013 Church Council Chair, Chancel Choir, Class Etc. & 1stEco Team member
