Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010 - That Strangely Wonderful Son

     Like most mamas I know, I love to brag on my kids - all three of them. They're smart, talented, funny, beautiful, spiritually in tune, and great with people. I wonder how in the world Mary managed to contain herself when the Jewish mamas gathered at the well to brag about their kids. Can't you see her biting her lip or tongue as she lowered her head to avoid making eye contact? She wouldn't be able to explain either the twinkle or the tear in her eye, depending on what that strangely wonderful Son had done lately. The other mothers probably felt a little sorry for her, since Jesus was a little "different" and somewhat of a loner who had been seen wandering out of Nazareth alone early in the mornings with no hunting gear. Sure, he was a great kid who never caused trouble but something wasn't kosher about the boy, something made them uncomfortable. Those who pried couldn't get answers and probably assumed it was because the answers weren't good. 
     Mary must have cared deeply about the wedding hosts at the Cana wedding because she finally broke and asked Jesus to reveal His glory by helping them out of a potentially embarrassing situation. How did she know what He could do? Had they had the "talk?" If so, who said what? I'll definitely want to see the high def DVD of this part of Jesus' life when we all get to heaven. Jesus' first public miracle - turning water to wine at a wedding - led His disciples to "put their faith in Him" just as Mary had already done. The miracle, like all Jesus' miracles, was performed to help someone besides Himself. Not one time did Jesus' use His power to brag, get Himself out of a dilemma or put people in their places. I can't imagine the willpower it took to refrain from letting holy sparks fly on a daily basis much less when physical pain and emotional humiliation enveloped Him on the cross as mere humans sneered and jeered at Him. And why did He hold back and let death and His enemy win this skirmish? All for me and all for you. He saved us from having to suffer this pain and humiliation ourselves. Even though we're nothing to brag about, He saved us to share His Glory and Power with Him, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Forever, and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
   I sing praises to Your Name Lord Jesus for the 33 years You walked the earth holding back Your full Glory and Power for our sakes. Thank You, Jesus, for knowing best how to turn the world on its ear. We're blessed because You were cursed. We'll live forever because You died. We're declared pure because You overcame every temptation and ignored every attempt to undermine Your Purpose and Your Father's Will. You AMAZE me! Pour this virtue in me and help me live for others' sakes. It's like pulling out a million splinters to have You remove the pride that keeps me living for myself, but I thank You for never giving up on me. I want to be a child You can be proud of for all the right reasons.

 In the Name of Jesus, the Silent Lamb led to the Slaughter, King of kings, and Lord of lords forever and ever!
  
 "This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee.  He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.'"  John 2:11

"The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'" Luke 23:35-36

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to Your Name, O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For You make me glad by Your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your Hands. How great are Your works, O LORD, how profound Your thoughts!" Psalm 92:1-5

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