Resting in Him

February 19

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. 

John 2:2-4 

As a young woman of perhaps fourteen or fifteen years of age, Mary had become miraculously pregnant by the Spirit of God. Yes, she was highly favored by God and blessed among women. But she also must have become the subject of speculation and slander, raised eyebrows and wagging tongues. Thus, for thirty years, she had lived with the knowledge that her character had been unjustly maligned.

Is it not possible that at this point, she looked to her Son not only for wine, but for vindication, thinking that if people could only see Who He really was, perhaps they would at last see the truth about her as well?

‘Woman ... Mary ... Mother...’ Jesus said in response,

‘I better than anyone know you have been waiting.

I better than anyone know how you have been hurt.

I better than anyone understand your situation.

But it is not time to rectify everything ...

Not quite yet.’

So too, oftentimes, I think we ask the Lord to do something which will get us off the hook, or make us look a little better; smooth our road, or lighten our load. Like Mary’s, our requests might sound very noble, very generous, very altruistic — but in reality, they’re self-centered. And in such instances, Jesus might whisper in our hearts, as He did to Mary, ‘What have I to do with thee? This is not the hour. This is not the time. This is not the place. The problem will be solved. Your reputation will be salvaged. The provision will be made. The healing will be enjoyed. But not yet. Mine hour is not yet come.’

Daniel was in a place of prominence and tremendous authority in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Then, when he was about sixty-five years old, Nabonidus came into power and Daniel was removed from office. For twenty years, Daniel is not seen in the narrative given to us in the book that bears his name — until the day Belshazzar called for him to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall (Daniel 5:13). When Darius the Mede seized control of the kingdom shortly thereafter, Daniel was placed in a position of prominence once again. Thus, for twenty years, Daniel was not used in ministry, nor did he hold a position of responsibility. But Daniel, being a man of integrity, did what we must do: he remained ready.

Be like Daniel. Don’t say, ‘I’ve been saved for two years now,’ or ‘I’ve been walking with the Lord for five years, and nothing’s happening, so I think I’ll just go to the movies, join the city softball league, or take up bird watching.’ Folks, it is your job and my job to be ready — to walk with the Lord, spend time in the presence of the Lord, learn about the Lord so that when Belshazzar says, ‘What does this mean?’ like Daniel, we can say, ‘I’ll tell you, because for twenty years I’ve been in touch with God. For twenty years, I’ve been in the place of prayer. For twenty years, I’ve been close to the Lord.’

Radical transformation will occur in your walk with the Lord when you realize He’s the Master and you’re not. He’s the King, and you’re the subject. He’s the Boss, and you’re the servant. Your job is not to order Him, or even to make suggestions to Him. Your place is to be ready for Him, and to rest in Him.

This Daily Devotional is an excerpt from the book "A Days Journey" by Pastor Jon. "A Days Journey" is a collection of 365 short devotions from the New Testatment.