January 14, 2006, Epiphany 2

Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

Just a note – I did not actually preach this day. I had come down with a bronchial infection. Here are my reflections on today’s lessons. Nan+

Let the party go on

When I was a child, my mother would have occasional parties, and invariably she would turn to me at some time during the evening and say something like, “Nan, play your new piano piece for my guests.” “Ah, Mom, do I have to?” I see Jesus somewhat in this light. His mother has asked him to do something – it is not something that has to be done – no one’s life hangs in the balance. But doing this one little insignificant thing allows the party to continue. And my mother’s parties – nothing dramatic hinged on whether or not I played my latest piano piece – but it allowed the party to go on.

I remember when Sam and I were first married and I remember also the first argument we had. I “volunteered” Sam to sing a solo at the Baccalaureate service where I was teaching high school. Sam didn’t feel like his voice was up to singing a solo and felt insecure. He was also miffed that I didn’t consult him before offering his services. But he got over it, and our marriage survived. He sang the senior class song “When you walk through a storm,” and the party went on.

These are not earth shattering events – in the great scheme of things, they probably do not matter at all. But the principle behind this idea – the idea of obedience is what is important. Jesus was obedient when his mother asked him to “perform.” He came through and did what she wanted – even though it didn’t really matter.

My children were always amazed that they often had more freedom that some of their friends. As they proved to be obedient and trustworthy, they were given more and more freedom.

I think that God wants us to be obedient in the same kind of way. He gives us little things to start out – sort of lets us practice being obedient – and as we prove faithful, then he gives us bigger and bigger tasks. This story is the first miracle of Jesus in John’s gospel. Later Jesus does bigger and better things. Next he heals people from their illnesses, and then he multiplies the loaves and the fish. He drives out demons and finally he raises Lazarus from the dead. If we prove faithful in the little things, God can take that faithfulness and use it and multiply it and bring about great miracles from one small act of obedience. What small act of obedience has God asked you to do lately?

Amen.

Please feel free to email me with comments at nan@doerrworks.com