Prayer for a Servant-heart
2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ 4And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ 5His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. [John 2:1-11, NRSV]
One of the many fascinating truths in this first miracle performed by Jesus is simply a parenthetical statement in verse 9, “though the servants who had drawn the water knew.”
When Jesus said the greatest among us will be servants perhaps one aspect of His meaning is that those who serve will be the first to whom Epiphany is given. Epiphany is God’s revealing of Himself to us. By performing the miracle at Cana, Jesus revealed Himself and the servants received revelation of God’s glory. When we forsake servant-hood perhaps we also miss an opportunity of Epiphany.
Prayer: Father in Heaven,
When we follow your son, Jesus, we’re transformed by your grace and empowered to serve the world around us with your eyes. As your disciples, you transform us to become people who are servant-hearted and kingdom-minded. Give me your strength to serve in order that I may have the privilege of greater revelation of you and your glory. May this season of Epiphany give me more clarity of your will for my life. Today, Lord, I give you thanks for revelation of your glory. I am blessed to be your disciple and a servant to my neighbors. Amen.
Pastor Leathers