READ: John 2:1-11

There is so much in this story speaks to me. I love it that Jesus’ first miracle is performed in support of a huge party, a wedding celebration. I ponder the empty jars, re-filled with sweet fresh water that, with a simple unspoken, unknowable command from Jesus, became the best wine ever. It is a mark of God’s work that the only ones who really knew what happened were the kitchen workers, those in the background. And, even though only those in the background knew the genesis of this delicious wine, everyone benefited!

But today what really speaks to me is this ‘in the flesh picture’ of a God who knows, who hears our concerns, and who acts on behalf of those who appeal to Him. As I read this today another passage of scripture came to mind. Take a look at Exodus 3:7-8. This passage comes at a time when Israel was under severe oppression and had been for hundreds of years. Prayers and cries and groans of help were rising to a God who for many years had appeared not to hear. But in this passage God makes it clear that He does hear; He sees; He is concerned; and He comes down to help. Sometimes God’s timing is hard to understand. Sometimes we just need to keep praying and trust – even when the waiting season is filled with pain and hardship.

In the story of water into wine, Jesus seems clear that his ‘time has not yet come.’ But then, in what I see as a great show of compassion, he moves into meeting the need of the wedding party. Had the groom and bride even realized the shortage of wine yet? There is no indication of that. Mary took note and approached her son with the need. “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24. I had a personal experience of this yesterday when I went late to set up for the Bible study group I lead. I’m under the weather and wasn’t sure where the energy would come from to be ready for the group on time. Two of the Bible study participants showed up a full hour ahead of time and lent a hand. I was so blessed! I didn’t ask – honestly didn’t think to ask – but this felt like an in the flesh experience of Isaiah 65:24. What a blessing from the hand of the Lord and these two sweet women!!

Why do answers sometimes take forever – maybe not even appearing in our lifetime? Why do answers sometimes come before we even know to ask? I can’t begin to understand the mind of God in this. The key thing to know is that God DOES see and hear; His heart is moved, and He does come down to save. We can trust in a God who sees. We can trust in a God who cares. We can wait knowing that we are visible to Him.

Lord, borrowing the words of Psalm 6:9, I declare “The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.” I know that You hear the articulated cries of my heart and I realize that You hear even the cries of my spirit of which I’m not aware. How I bless You and praise You for Your attentive love. In faith, with deep certainty, I wait on You for Your timing and answers.