"Whatsoever He Saith"

by J.M. Gault, Portslade | Category: General | Aug 1979

"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it" (John 2:5).

These words were spoken by Mary the mother of the Lord to the servants at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee. A crisis had occurred, the wine

having run out. Mary, who appeared to have some responsibility in the matter, mentioned it to her Son, but He did not need to be informed of the crisis. Mary then told the servants to do what He said was to be done, and waited. In due course Jesus commanded the waterpots to be filled to the brim with water. He then told the servants to draw out the water, and when it was drawn out it had become wine. In this way, in the privacy of a family event, in an obscure Galilean town, and without public display, the Son of God performed His first miracle and gave His first sign.

Mary had confidence in the ability of her Son and knew the authority which He had, so that the advice she gave to the servants was sound. To their credit, they carried out His instructions without question.

Her words are also sound advice to us to-day. Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ are expected to obey His commands. Obedience is the hallmark of the true disciple. It is easy to forget this to-day when so much is decided by consensus. It is assumed that everyone has the right to be heard in all matters affecting them. In some matters which require collective action this may be acceptable, but in the things of God His word is law.

The Old Testament is replete with evidence that God required men to obey His word. Abraham's unquestioning obedience to the call of God marked him out as the father of the faithful (Rom.4: 16). Moses, as he was repeatedly commanded, carried out God's instructions to the letter in the construction of the Tabernacle. Saul's actions, which might have been thought reasonable in the circumstances, were denounced by Samuel in the memorable words, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22). David testified to his delight in the law of the Lord. The Prophets called repeatedly for Israel's obedience to the word of the Lord, and warned of the consequences of disobedience.

It is clear that there is no room for human ideas or ingenuity in the things of the Lord. Obedience to the word of God and what it teaches is mandatory for everyone who professes to be a disciple of Christ. This obligation is not always honoured by some Christians, although not all would agree that this is so. They may not always consciously or deliberately disobey the commandments of the Lord but there is, undoubtedly, much self-choosing in Christian circles. The thoughts and ideas of men have been introduced into doctrine and practice, and erroneous interpretations of Scripture have led many away from the pattern of sound words. The divisions which exist among Christians are ample evidence of this.

Jesus made it clear by His own words what He expected from His

disciples. "If ye love Me, ye will keep My commandments" (John 14:15), and, "He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me (John 14:21). The words of Mary are a timely warning to all of us. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it". Not discuss it, nor negotiate it. Not amend it, and certainly not ignore it - but DO IT.

J.M. Gault, Portslade | Aug 1979
General