John 2:1-11
"This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him."
"Manifested his glory." Has Jesus every manifested his glory in your life?
We had an awesome Easter celebration yesterday. Everything was clicking. The music was great, the banners were beautiful, the crowd was large. We even shared the Lord's Supper, which is my favorite thing to do with my church family.
If you were there, I think you would probably attest to the same. It was an exciting day. I caught myself, however, thanking God for giving us such a great time of worship. And then this question came to mind: Was great music, beautiful banners, and a large crowd evidence of an authentic worship experience? Is that the formula that tells us whether or not we have experienced the presence of God? Does it mean that without all those things we can not really have a true worship service?
I imagine, if you're like me, we all desire that kind of celebration every Sunday. We long for that kind of a feeling. We long for Jesus to manifest his glory among us, and pray He will do it "next Sunday."
But notice in the passage this morning...where was Jesus? He was at a party. He was with his family and friends. "And his disciples believed in him." This wasn't the invitation to close a powerful "worship service" with banners and choirs and brass; it was a party where the glory of Jesus was manifested.
Are you getting this? Do you see what is happening? Do you suppose that we might have it all wrong if all we do is wait for Jesus to show up at church? HE'S ALREADY AT CHURCH! (Wherever two or more are gathered in my name...) A matter of fact, he's everywhere all the time (we call it omniscience). And besides--we are the church, even when we are not "at church."
Or, should our sights be on Jesus manifesting his presence...oh, I don't know...at work? at school? at our homes? at our fellowships? at the park? Or how about at the coffee shop the next time you sit with a lost friend? How about at the next office party when you are trying to not laugh at the crude jokes? How about...
That's how the world will come to know about Jesus. They will not come to know if all we do is wait to see if they will show up next Sunday at "worship." Jesus manifesting his glory has more to do with real, everyday, nitty-gritty life than it does our nice & neat, suit & tie box we try to fit Him in.
I'm praying He will manifest His glory in your life today! Better get ready; somebody might want to get saved!
