The First Miracle Jesus Performed

THE THIRD DAY AS A DAY OF REVIVAL AND AN INFILLING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

John 2:⁶ Now there were six water pots of stone standing there, as the Jewish custom of purification (ceremonial washing) demanded, holding twenty to thirty gallons apiece. The symbolism in this portion of scripture is so rich. The first thing we see is that there were 6 stone jars that were used for various purification rites including the washing of hands, feet and in some instances a full water immersion. It is commonly agreed by bible scholars that 6 is the number of man. These stone jars carrying water for purification can be seen as mans futile attempts at keeping themselves spiritually clean through the use of different rites and rituals. The thing about these rites is that some were performed daily. 

The Word tells us that we are to read the word because there is a washing that the Word of God does. It renews our mind and reprograms us to walk in the spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. The washing of the Word also acts like a mirror in which we can observe ourselves and see the areas that need Gods work and the principles and tenets that will deliver us by His Spirit.  The word of God is the most powerful agent of deliverance. There are certain things that fall off us as we get into the word. Deliverance is not always about demons being cast out, foaming at the mouth etc. As illumination comes by the word, there are certain strongholds that break. Remember that the Spirit in the Word [Jesus] is the deliverer.

John 2:⁷ Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the water-pots with water. So they filled them up to the brim.’ In verse 6 we can see that the vessels were not full. Different vessels had different measures of water in them. Then when the Lord came in His power the first thing He did was make sure the vessels were full. What does this say to you and me beloved? In order to operate in His might and His power we need to be FULL of His Word. Watch what He did next. Beloved, if you want to be full of the Spirit of Jesus eat the word, study it, meditate over it. Set it before your eyes. Listen to it. Tape yourself reading scripture on your phone and listen to it. You can buy one of those dramatised versions of the bible in whatever version you feel comfortable in. Memorise it.

Let me tell you why by giving you a simple example form the scripture. Let us look at Paul. He wrote many books in the New Testament. Have you ever asked yourself why and how he had such deep revelation? Prior to his Damascus experience Paul was engaged in persecuting Christians in an effort to maintain the all that was written in the law (Old Testament). That is why the bible tells us that the letter killeth but the spirit brings life. When the word is read without the Spirit of God who authored it all sorts of misinterpretations and demonic doctrines can emerge. Many lives have been destroyed by the spirit of dead religion. 

Back to Paul, he knew the word intimately but He lacked the Spirit of God that brings illumination. Post Damascus Paul went through a 14 year period where the Holy Spirit took the raw material of the word in him and brought illumination, understanding wisdom, power etc. In the same way there is no short cut to obtaining the power of God. I am not talking about fake demonic powers. The power of God always operates within the boundaries of His word so that as believers we can discern what is genuine and what is fake. So beloved, before Jesus can turn the water (the word) into wine (His Spirit) you first have to be full of the word.

John 2: ⁸ Then He said to them, Draw some out now and take it to the manager of the feast [to the one presiding, the superintendent of the banquet]. So they took him some.⁹ And when the manager tasted the water just now turned into wine, not knowing where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew—The second thing I want you to notice is that as soon as the water was turned into wine. It did not stay in the jars. Often times we are filled and equipped by God to do His will but have become complacent, discouraged or just plain afraid to step out in faith. Jesus commanded the servant to draw from the supply He had provided and give it to the master of ceremonies with the intention of it being shared with all the guests. So go out beloved share your gifting. There is a lost and dying world in need to hear and receive the wine (Spirit of God at work in you), we all have a part to play. 

Please let us be real for a second. Lets us think about this scenario carefully. You are at a wedding banquet as part of the staff. The wine has run out. You are told to follow the instructions as an employee. No questioning allowed by the way. The guests want more wine to continue their celebrations. All that is available is a lot of water. Big problem! I can only imagine what the servants were thinking. I am sure you can too. The bible does not say Jesus stood over the pots and started commanding the water to turn into wine. In fact He did not do anything to call attention to Himself and what He was doing. He gave two principle instructions to the servants, fill the vessels and go to the MC.

At times we believe when we do things in faith it is on our own heads to ‘perform’ the miracle. There is a powerful principle here. When God instructs you to do something that may seem “impossible” in the natural, obey HIM. Just step out in faith despite the fear you might feel. It is up to Him to make it come to pass beloved. It is His Power that will work in and through you. This working of His power is mostly not seen but its final product is ALWAYS tangible. Amen. Just trust Him and believe Him. His Word never fails. When He releases a word it never comes back void (empty) but is ALWAYS accomplishes what it is purposed for. Amen. 

Stir yourself up in the most holy faith. Again, how does faith come? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God. Not just anything but specifically the WORD of GOD. That is why you need to be full of the Word to be able to obey His instructions in and by faith. When you are full of His word you become full of the Spirit of Jesus and the Faith of the SON of God [not your faith].  Doesn’t that remove the pressure from you? The Lords burden is easy and His yoke is light, ALWAYS. When it starts to get heavy you need to stop, recalibrate by getting back into the Word so that he can fill you again for His service. 

Remember Jesus is the Word of God made manifest. God honours His word above all, above His own name. That is why God is not man that he should tell us lies. If God says something, He will surely do it in His time. Walk with God. Don’t go ahead of Him or trail behind Him. Walk with God and you will avoid disappointment. I know it is not easy; sometimes we lose our way. But our Father is faithful to always draw us back. He will not put you to shame or let you stumble.  Can you stir your faith to believe this God of ours? Beloved He is not only faithful but He truly is able. When God says yes, nobody can say no. When God opens a door, no devil in hell can shut it. If God be for you, tell me who can be against you? NOBODY!

John 2:^9b he called the bridegroom.¹⁰ And said to him, Everyone else serves his best wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then he serves that which is not so good; but you have kept back the good wine until now! When you stick with Jesus your walk with Him will just get better and better. He will take you from Glory to Glory. I am not saying challenges will not come, they surely will but guess what? When you have the Word of God in you, He will always bring you through.