“Jehovah-Jireh by Mary J. Nelson is a source of hope when hope is running low. You will be encouraged as you walk with biblical characters and current-day individuals though their times of struggle and need. God was faithful then, and He is faithful today. This book will help you stay consistent in letting God lead you through difficult times. It is a book to savor. Hang out with each story, each life application and prayer. Allow yourself to marinate in the truth and the power of God’s promises … let them take root, and you will be truly blessed.”
—Kim Bushman, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Founder of Water’s Edge Counseling & Healing Center
“Mary Nelson has done it again! Jehovah-Jireh speaks both to the head and the heart … and is a rich, biblical reminder of how much God loves and takes care of His children. Full of practical advice and spiritual insights, Mary passionately shares how our Father always provides for our needs. Sharing stories of familiar biblical characters and contemporary friends, Mary has written a book that is refreshing water for burdened and weary souls.”
—Steve Hudson, CEO, Global Youth Initiative
“Mary’s insightful telling of the stories of God’s supernatural provision for Abraham, the prophet Elisha, for Jesus, and others from the Bible, as well as those amazing stories from believers in our time, comes alive and stirs the heart of the reader to see God as our Creator, sustainer, and provider of not just all of our needs, but of even of the deepest desires of our hearts. Mary weaves into each page an invitation to know God more intimately, to spend time with cultivating our relationship with Jesus, and to expect to hear from and receive direction from the Holy Spirit. When He directs our path in a certain way, and we don’t understand, we can put our trust in Him, knowing that ‘God’s ways, are higher than our ways.’ One of my favorite and most impacting thoughts Mary shares is,’ ‘God will give you everything that you need to succeed: His wisdom, His resources, His protection from your enemies, and His strength to carry out His plan!’ We commend Jehovah-Jireh as one of those books that will help you in all areas of your life’s journey.”
—Apostle Jim and Pastor Ramona Rickard, Founders IAHM–International Association of Healing Ministries, Founders RAIN–Resurrection Apostolic International Network
“Just as a compass always points toward true north, every story in Mary’s book points to Jehovah-Jireh: The God Who Provides. As you read her book, it’s like sitting with a dear friend—a friend who knows scripture, loves the Lord, and wants to encourage and bless you. Find a comfortable, quiet place to read and receive. The God of time and eternity will draw ever closer and provide you with peace, joy, wisdom, strength, and grace. Thank you, Mary, for this gift.”
—Bill Bohline, Founding Pastor, Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Author: It’s Sunday, but Monday’s Comin’
“The majority of you who read this book will come to know Mary Nelson as a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, poignant, dynamic writer and storyteller. And she is. I have been privileged to also know her as a person and pastor. I can assure you she embodies and models the words on the pages of this stirring book. She knows firsthand and trusts the God who provides—and she is passionate about helping others do the same. If you read Jehovah-Jireh with an open mind and heart, you will also become one who trusts God more as a result of her anointed ministry.”
—Ryan Alexander, Lead Pastor, Hosanna! Church, Lakeville, MN
“Renowned Christian Theologian J.I. Packer once said that, ‘the most important thing about God is what you think of Him.’ In essence, he was saying our perception of God is critical to a healthy relationship with Him. In this new book, Mary is dismantling a somewhat popular opinion in our culture that God is austere, ambivalent, and distant from the needs of humanity. Nothing could be further from the truth, and Mary convincingly demonstrates through scripture and stories that God is good and can be trusted with all of life’s challenges!”
—Tim Hatt, Kingdom Expansion Pastor, Hosanna! Church, Lakeville, MN
“While reading Jehovah-Jireh: The God Who Provides, I soon discovered how Mary J. Nelson has a marvelous way of making the Bible stories come alive, causing them to become relevant to our lives today. The more I read her devotions and prayers, the more I appreciate the way God speaks to my heart and meets the needs in my daily life. Mary has a way of gently reminding us that ‘Only You can fill the God-hole in my heart. Only You can satisfy. You are enough.’ I highly recommend this inspiring and informative book to men and women of all ages.”
—Anita Corrine Donihue, Author of the When I’m on My Knees Series and Other Inspirational Books
© 2017 by Mary J. Nelson
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To my parents, Ray and Jeanne Hangge, for a lifetime of love, support, and prayers. Thank you for everything. I love you.
Jehovah-Jireh: The God Who Provides is the second in a series on the names of God. The revelation contained in these pages came from seeking God’s heart through the good times and the not so good times, and through years of ministry with people struggling to have their physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs met. For making this book a reality, my deepest gratitude goes to:
Jehovah-Jireh: for providing everything I truly need. You are enough.
My husband, Howie: for forty years, you have been a hard worker and a faithful provider; I couldn’t do this ministry without your love and sacrifice.
My children and grandchildren—Bryan, Kelly, Sharmi, Xavier, and Lila: my heart overflows with gratefulness for the beautiful family God has provided; we are blessed beyond measure.
Hosanna! prayer, Pray for the Cure, Healing Prayer, and prayer team 3: for the honor and privilege of ministering alongside you. Your passion and heart to see people receive all that Jesus died for humbles and inspires me.
My small groups, up north gang, and high school friends: your loyalty and trustworthiness is a priceless gift and a timeless reminder of God’s provision.
Everyone whose personal quest for provision gave me the inspiration for the testimonies in this book: may your stories bring hope and encouragement to others in need and remind them to seek first His Kingdom.
My agents Ann Byle and Tim Beals of Credo Communications: for partnering with me to help bring God’s promise of provision into the lives of those who need it most.
Kelly McIntosh, Shalyn Sattler, and the entire Barbour Publishing family: for using your amazing creative talents and wisdom to glorify Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides.
Finally, to my readers: your kindness and encouragement keeps me writing. Someday, I will meet you all in heaven and thank you face-to-face.
Before You Begin
The God of Abundance
Are You Here with Me or Not?
His Very Best
Always Enough
And Then Some
Jehovah-Jireh: Jeff’s Story
Seek First His Kingdom
Our Daily Bread
A Good, Good Father
Window Shopping
Throw Out Your Net
Jehovah-Jireh: Margaret’s Story
Two Pennies
Full Barns
Well Done
Fat Cats
Rivers of Living Water
Jehovah-Jireh: Ken’s Story
Only One Thing
Hold Nothing Back
Not without God
Two Lost Brothers
His Place of Rest
Jehovah-Jireh: Amy’s Story
Take Your Stand
Shed Your Armor
Untouchable
Open the Gate
The Lord Lives!
Jehovah-Jireh: Shelly’s Story
A New Beginning
Redeeming Love
A Love Overflowing
Give It All to Him
For Such a Time
Jehovah-Jireh: Kelsey’s Story
Get It Back
Where Were You?
A Future and a Hope
Still Work to Do
Paradise Restored
Jehovah-Jireh: Patty’s Story
Ordinary People
The Walls Came Down
Rebuild the Wall!
Road to Damascus
Do the Work
Jehovah-Jireh: Suzanne’s Story
Wait for It
Eyes to See
Obedience Is Better
The Secret to Answered Prayer
Just Because
Jehovah-Jireh: Sharon’s Story
Rejoice Anyway!
Never Thirsty Again
The Secret of Being Content
All You Need
The Lord Will Provide
Jehovah-Jireh: Your Story
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
GALATIANS 3:29
“[Abraham!] Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2). What? But God! Had he heard correctly? How could this be? This promised son whom he had waited for twenty-five years to be born—the same son through whom his descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky—this miracle child his wife Sarah had birthed and nursed at her breast at the ripe old age of ninety-one—he was to sacrifice this son as a burnt offering?
Sighing deeply, he remembered twenty-five years ago when God told him to leave the comforts of his home and travel across the desert to an unknown land. He was obedient because he believed in God and he believed He would do what He promised. Years passed, not without hardship, not without doubts, and not without misguided human efforts to speed up God’s promise. Finally, when he was one hundred years old, Isaac was born. Oh, how he loved the boy! Surely, God would not take away his only son. God had promised to make him the father of a multitude of nations and to extend their everlasting covenant to all his offspring from generation to generation. How could this happen without Isaac? It made no sense. But he had learned that God’s commands usually defied human logic. Even so, he believed. God had always been faithful to him. Yes, he heard correctly. He knew God, and he knew His voice. Again, he must obey. Clearly, God had a plan and a purpose in making this outrageous request.
He got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and set out for the long journey from Beersheba to the land of Moriah with two of his servants and his son. Before leaving, he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering. They traveled most of the way through the rugged terrain in silence, he in deep thought and clearly troubled. I don’t understand, God. I waited all these years for this son You promised. I have been faithful to Your commands. All for this?
On the third day of their journey, he looked up and saw Mount Moriah at a distance. He knew this was the place. “Stay here with the donkey,” he told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” Oh God, surely we will return together! Then he placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he carried the coals for making the fire along with the knife. He thought ruefully about the knife he had used many times to kill sheep for the sacrifice. I am to use this same knife to kill my own son? But God!
As the two of them walked together, the boy asked, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” he replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” Isaac said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” Looking into Isaac’s troubled face, he replied, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son.” Surely God, You will! They walked on together in silence, Isaac pondering his father’s answer, and Abraham growing more agitated as they came closer to the place God had told him to go.
When they arrived, Abraham busied himself by building an altar and arranging the wood. When all was ready and he could stall no more, he looked at his son. It was time. Wideeyed and motionless, Isaac stood staring at him as Abraham began to bind the boy with rope. Curiously, Isaac didn’t object, even when he laid him on the altar on top of the wood. Gazing into his son’s eyes, Abraham saw an odd combination of confusion and childlike trust, the look of a son who trusts his father even when he doesn’t understand the circumstances. When Abraham could no longer bear it, he turned his eyes away, picked up the knife, and lifted it over Isaac’s head. At the very moment he was about to lower it, a voice called out to him from heaven: “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” he replied eagerly. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the voice said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from Me even your son, your only son.”
His knees buckling, he stumbled back from the altar as a myriad of emotions flooded his heart. Oh God, oh my God! Just then, he looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. The sacrifice! Untying and releasing his precious son from the altar, he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in his place. He named the place Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “the LORD will provide.”
Before leaving the mountain, the voice called out to him once more: “Because you have obeyed Me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by My own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed Me.” Making their way down the mountain, Abraham was filled with wonder at the faithfulness of God and what had just happened. Indeed, on the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided. (Based on Genesis 22:1–19.)
Four thousand years ago, Abraham faced severe testing and seemingly insurmountable circumstances and probably the greatest test of faith in human history. But his obedience opened the door for God’s provision for all who put their faith in Him (Galatians 3:7). At a time when the people were required to offer animal sacrifices to atone for their sins under ancient Levitical law, he had the faith to offer his own son as a sacrifice even though God had told him Isaac would be the son through whom his descendants would be counted. Now, by this stage in his life, Abraham had a long history with God. He had learned many difficult lessons about obedience and God’s faithfulness. He reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again (Hebrews 11:17–19). God only wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart, making it clear that he indeed loved Him above all else.
And because he withheld nothing from God, Abraham found that God returned more than he could have ever dreamed. He not only gave Abraham an entire nation of descendents through Isaac, but He promised this nation would be blessed wherever they went and in whatever they did. They would have victory over their enemies, abundant prosperity, and blessing over their lands and their work. He would care for their every need at the proper time and promised that the entire world would stand in awe of the blessings He would pour on them. All He required was devotion to the one true God and obedience to His ways (Deuteronomy 28:1–13).
Two thousand years later, on the same mountain God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in place of his son, the Father offered up His own Son as a sacrifice for us all. On the mountain of the Lord, He provided the solution for our sin problem forever. As followers of Jesus, we have been grafted into Abraham’s family tree and receive the same blessings God promised him (Romans 11:17). We are God’s children, and everything He has belongs to us (Galatians 4:7)! He will certainly supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides (Genesis 22:14). When you put Him above everything else—even when it makes no sense, or it means giving up something you want or doing something you don’t want to do—He will surely give you everything you need and then some.
In this book you will find compelling teaching on promises of provision in the scriptures, prayers for seeking God to meet your every need, and powerful Kingdom stories that will encourage you to trust in God alone as your provider. Whatever need you may be facing today, my hope is that you withhold nothing from your God and come to desire Him more than any blessing you receive from His hand. I pray that His love will overwhelm you and He will always be enough to fill your lack. Because you belong to Christ and you are a true child of Abraham, all of God’s promises to him belong to you. May He bless you wherever you go and in whatever you do, and return more than you could ever dream. On the mountain of the Lord, in that deep place of intimacy, may you receive everything you need from the God who provides.
I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food.
PSALM 132:15 NIV
Sighing heavily, she closed the door. The merciless debt collector had delivered the final blow. Tears pooling in her eyes, she longed for her dear husband, a man of God and one of Elisha’s prophets. He loved the Lord and served Him so faithfully! And then he died, leaving her with a mountain of debt and ruthless creditors like this one beating at her door. Her sons had been her only hope against a future of begging on the streets. And now this creditor wanted to take them away, too. I must find Elisha, she thought as she gathered herself and hurried out the door to the place where the Lord’s prophets gathered. When she found him, she dropped to her knees and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the LORD. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”
“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked calmly. Just as hope began to well up within her, he asked another question. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” Thinking of her bare shelves and everything else she was forced to sell to keep the creditors at bay, she responded forlornly, “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil.” The seriousness of her predicament overwhelmed her all over again. And how can one paltry flask of olive oil possibly make a dent in the insurmountable debt I must pay off to keep my sons? It would never satisfy the creditor, and I’d be foolish to think it would. But Elisha was clearly undaunted. “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors,” he ordered. “Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.”
Set each one aside when it is filled? My flask will fill more than one? She didn’t understand, but she quickly moved into action. The Lord had spoken through His prophet and, when the Lord spoke, she listened. She did exactly as she was told. She sent her sons out to borrow as many empty jars as they could find from all their friends and neighbors. When they had finished gathering the jars, she shut the door behind them and filled the first jar to the brim. Marveling that there was still plenty of olive oil in the flask, she filled the second. And the third. Still oil in the flask? Amazed, she filled the next one and the next. Her sons kept bringing the borrowed jars to her, and she filled each one full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said with excitement to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And at that moment, the olive oil stopped flowing.
Standing back in wonder, she looked at her flask of olive oil and the rows of jars lining the walls of her home that were now filled to the brim with oil. I must tell Elisha! She ran to the place the prophets gathered and told the man of God what had happened. Nodding and smiling, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” (Based on 2 Kings 4:1–7.)
In Old Testament times, the law allowed people to sell themselves or a loved one into slavery to pay their debts. But the law also commanded creditors to show mercy to people facing extreme circumstances. While the creditor extended no mercy to this woman, Elisha showed her that God’s compassion was greater than both the law and her dire situation. Even though Elisha’s instructions made no logical sense to her, she took the only thing she had left—a simple flask of oil used for cooking, fuel, and lamps—and did exactly what she was told. She humbled herself and reached out for help from her neighbors and friends. Then she shut the door behind her to be alone with the Lord and watch His miracle unfold. God rewarded her faithfulness and her willingness to obey. The oil flowed freely from the flask as long as there were enough jars to hold it.
God never runs out of blessing, but how often do we run out of the faithfulness to receive? Beloved, like this widow, you may have desperate needs today. Be faithful and obey, even when it makes no sense. Keep bringing Him your empty jars and watch His blessings overflow. He is indeed a God of abundance.
Lord, thank You for the promise that You will bless me with provision and satisfy my practical needs! When I am tempted to doubt Your ability to provide, remind me of this widow and her bare shelves. Lord, You didn’t run out of oil; she ran out of jars! Your provision was as much as her faith and her willingness to obey. Help me not to limit Your blessing by my lack of faith and obedience. Lord, You know all my needs today. I bring you my empty jars! Fill them to overflowing with Your unlimited oil of provision!
But Lord, in spite of my need, You are far better than all the practical blessings that come from that flask of oil. Only You can satisfy the deepest longings of my heart. Thank You for always offering free refills when I humble myself in the stillness of Your presence. I am empty, Lord. My soul thirsts for You alone. Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord. You are all I need.
Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”
EXODUS 17:7
He went from being the son of a princess to a sheep herder in the desert until God called him from a burning bush to rescue His people from bondage. For four hundred years, the Israelites had lived in Egypt under Pharaoh’s rule until their numbers had grown two million strong. Now, he was God’s chosen one to lead this mass of humanity to their Promised Land. He had argued with God, but to no avail. Yes, for some reason, He chose me. At God’s direction, he had confronted Pharaoh, until finally, through a series of deadly plagues and broken promises, Pharaoh finally relented. But even though God had shown them His love and His power many times over, these wretched people complained incessantly! How could they possibly long for the days in Egypt where their slave masters whipped them into submission and worked them to near death?
He could understand the first time they complained. After releasing them, Pharoah quickly changed his mind and mobilized all the forces in Egypt to chase them down. Trapped between the mountains and the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, they forgot how the Lord’s mighty power had rescued them from their captors. “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?” they lamented. “Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!” But he encouraged them. “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” And the Lord did. He opened up a dry path through the sea and destroyed the entire army of Pharaoh in the process.
In spite of witnessing this incredible miracle, their incessant grumbling continued. They complained when Moses led them away from the Red Sea into the desert and the water was bitter. Again, he cried out to God on their behalf and God made the water good for them to drink. As he led them farther into the desert, they complained of no food. “If only the LORD had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” But again the Lord provided. In the evening, He sent quail for meat and every morning, bread from heaven covered the ground. Each family would gather their allotted amount of this strange white substance, grind it like grain, and make it into honey cakes.
Yes, God had been a faithful provider to this community of two million as they moved from place to place to reach their promised destination. And now, they were complaining again? This time, there was no water at Rephidim, the place where they were camped. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded. Moses reached his limit. “Quiet! Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the LORD?” But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” Frustrated by their lack of faith, he cried out desperately to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!”
Again, the Lord provided. “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff … and call some of the elders of Israel to join you,” He instructed. “I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” Again Moses did as he was told. With the elders looking on, he struck the rock with his staff and, just as the Lord had promised, water gushed out for the people to drink. Will these people ever learn? Don’t they know by now that God is with us and He will provide? He named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with him and tested the LORD by saying, “Is the LORD here with us or not?” (Based on Exodus 14; 15:22–27; 16; 17:1–7.)
God heard the cries of His people for deliverance from their harsh Egyptian slave drivers. He knew of their suffering and came to rescue them and lead them into a land of their own, flowing with milk and honey. He provided a leader, a plan, and a promise to be with them through the entire journey and meet their every need (Exodus 3). Time after time, He made good on His promises. But every time they encountered danger, a shortage of some kind, or an inconvenience, they doubted He would provide this time. Instead of turning to God who had faithfully orchestrated a plan for their freedom, they grumbled, complained, and even yearned for their old familiar chains of bondage.
How often do we do the same thing? Our dire circumstances can lead to stress, fear, or even panic, and complaining to God or anyone who will listen becomes our natural response. We demand to know, as they did, is the Lord here with us or not? For them as well as us, the real problem is not the current thing we lack; it is often our lack of trust in God. When you are tempted to choose complaining and doubting, rather than praying and trusting, remember all the times God has been faithful in your journey through life and all the ways He has provided for you. Remember the times you felt trapped and He parted the sea, the times He made a way when you could see no way around your circumstances. Can He meet your needs this time? Turn to Him again; let Him show you He is with you!
Lord, there are times when my circumstances overwhelm me. My needs are great and I see no way out of the mess I find myself in. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my cries for help! I know You promise to provide for my every need. Forgive me when I forget all the ways You care for me every single day! Thank You for a roof over my head; for food on the table; for family, friends, employers, and others You have put in my path to love and care for me. Forgive my ungratefulness! I’m so sorry for grumbling and complaining and making my case to everyone but You. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness!
Lord, help me to focus my eyes on You and trust in Your provision, even when I don’t understand Your ways. Thank You for grace and for redeeming my past mistakes. Remind me that when my circumstances seem impossible, nothing is impossible for You; even if I can’t be certain about my next paycheck or my next meal, I can always be certain of You! If You can part the sea, provide bread from heaven, and make water gush from a rock to sustain two million people in the wilderness, You can provide for me! Today, I bring my needs before You, Lord. May I never again wonder whether You are with me or not!
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
JOHN 2:11
Her eyes panned the large crowd gathered to celebrate the marriage of one of the townspeople. Her son and His disciples were invited to the celebration along with the whole village of Cana. She thought about all the food and drink necessary to host a crowd of this size for the customary week-long celebration. So much had been consumed already. And this was only the third day! Will there ever be enough?
It wasn’t long before her concerns were validated. When she realized the wine supply had run out, she hurried to find her son. It would be considered inhospitable for the host to run out of wine. Where would they find enough wine at this hour to spare the host such humiliation? She spotted her son enjoying the company of some of the guests. As she approached Him, she beckoned Him to the side and said in a hushed tone, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” He replied. “My time has not yet come.” She looked intently into the eyes of the son whom she had miraculously conceived over thirty years ago; this same son who held the salvation of the entire world in His hands, whose destiny she had treasured in her heart for so many years. Certainly a little wine shortage was not beyond His power to accommodate the pressing need of this family. But they both knew if He solved this problem, His ministry would be officially launched. His identity would be exposed for all to see, and His destiny would begin to unfold. There would be no stopping it. Yes, there was no need for words. She turned to the servants standing nearby and, nodding toward her son, she said, “Do whatever He tells you.”
The servants looked over at Him, awaiting their instructions. Still looking at His mother, His eyes slowly turned toward six stone water jars that were lined up against a nearby wall. The jars were used for Jewish ceremonial washing and each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. That should be enough. “Fill the jars with water,” He told the servants. Immediately, they dispersed to find the containers they needed to carry out their assignment. After several trips back and forth from the well, the jars were filled to the brim with water. Then He told them, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So again, the servants followed His instructions.
Holding the ladle in his hand, the master of ceremonies raised it to his lips and tasted, not knowing where the wine had come from. Mary watched for his reaction, confident he would be pleased. “Come,” he gestured to the bridegroom, calling him to his side. Putting his arm around the bridegroom’s shoulder, he said in a loud voice for all the guests to hear, “A host always serves the best wine first. Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
Satisfied, she looked over at her son. This miraculous sign at Cana was the first time He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. But it certainly wouldn’t be the last. She would be blessed to spend a few more days with this son who changed water into wine. And then He would go out and change the world. (Based on John 2:1–12.)
It may seem odd that Jesus would choose a wedding feast to reveal His glory and perform His first miracle, and even more strange that His mother’s encouragement compelled Him to do it. Perhaps He wanted to make sure she was ready for all that would come to pass. By mingling with these wedding guests and providing them with more wine, Jesus showed He wasn’t dull, boring, or opposed to enjoying life. On the contrary, He came to be with the people, celebrate in their festivities, and share in their joy. His disciples believed when they witnessed this first miracle, and He used this event as a foundation for how He would do ministry moving forward.
This miracle, like the countless others He would perform, demonstrated the power and authority we have in Christ. Prepared through the scriptures, intimacy with His Father, and empowered by the Spirit, He would go on to help those in need and restore a fallen world. By changing water to wine in the same jars used for ceremonial hand washing, He symbolically replaced the purification ritual the people followed to wash away the unholy influences of the day with the spotless blood of the Lamb that would wash away the sins of the entire world. Cleansed and transformed, His followers would go into the world with the same mission—to help the needy, restore the broken, and advance the Kingdom of God.
Jesus had compassion for this bridegroom, and He has compassion for you. Your needs today may seem no greater than a lack of wine at a wedding feast, but if it matters to you, it matters to Him. You have access to the same resources He did. You have His Word, His death and resurrection gave you direct access to His Father, and His Spirit dwells within you! Surrender your life to Him and He will not only meet your every need, He will give you His very best and more.
Lord, when I look at others who are worse off than I am, I have often wondered if my needs aren’t important enough to bring to Your attention. Thank You for reminding me that You are a God of abundance, and You care about all the details of my life. If it matters to me, it matters to You! Nothing is too insignificant to bring before Your throne of grace. You are a good and generous God!
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word, the power of Your presence, and Your promise to provide for all my needs. Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord. Fill me to the brim! Help me to surrender all that I have and all that I am to You. Lord, You know my needs before I ask. I trust You will provide for me. I trust You will give me Your very best and then some! Help me to walk in Your footsteps and become the world-changer You created me to be. Help me bless others through the overflow of Your presence! To You be the glory!
For no matter how much they used, there was always plenty left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah!
1 KINGS 17:16 TLB
Elijah was the first in a long line of prophets God would send to rescue the people from their moral and spiritual decline. It was a difficult and dangerous assignment, and it would grow more so as time passed. He was obedient and brave when the Lord sent him to confront King Ahab, one of the many wicked and unfaithful kings who led the people astray. “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!” he warned the king. But Ahab only scoffed. His army was strong, and he worshipped Baal, the god of the rain and harvest. Surely, his priests would save them from this threat.
Lord, I have been obedient to You. I have survived on food from unclean birds, and now there is no water!