Cooperate With the Master
by Joan Vetter
"Whatever He says to you, do it" the mother of Jesus whispered to the servants. She seemed to have an inside track on the first miracle Jesus would perform.
This paved the way for them to listen when Jesus said, "Fill the water pots with water." Then He followed with the instruction, "Draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." They didn't argue and tell Him it was only water, but they did as He requested. Possibly it became wine on the way to the master?
This first miracle may seem pretty minor to you. Hey, there were lepers in that day that needed healing and all manner of needs. However this miracle is recorded, and as we study it we see some principles. First Jesus needed people to cooperate with Him. He didn't fill the water pots. He didn't take the water to the master.
Most of us probably believe that we ask God (prayer) and then wait on Him to answer. Could it be that sometimes He is waiting on us? One example is the time when Jesus asked his disciples to pass out food for four thousand hungry men (plus the women and children) out in the middle of nowhere. Jesus took the seven loaves and the few fish He had gathered and gave thanks. Then He distributed them to His disciples and said, "Hey, fellows, you make this miracle happen." They passed out the bread and fish and actually ended up having leftovers. What if they would have studied the meager provisions and said, "No way - we can't begin to feed all these people."
Another time the disciples were fishing all night and caught nothing, but Jesus comes on the scene and tells them to go into the deep water and let down their nets. Peter did answer back, saying, "We've toiled all night and didn't catch a thing." However, to his credit, he added, "Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." He ended up with a catch that practically broke his net. Note that Peter was the one who had to trust Jesus and choose to let down his net again.
Repeatedly the Bible reveals the principal of man in cooperation with God. God gives the instruction and man carries it out. In Judges 7:18 we read of Gideon defeating the Midianites. When Gideon blew his trumpet, along with all of the men in his company, he commands the men to say, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon."
It's the same with David. God gave him the courage and ability to slay Goliath. God didn't kill the giant himself.
I loved listening to a friend speak of their Jewish tour guide when she went to Israel. He would tell them things like, "Don't buy in this shop - they will cheat you", or "the merchandise here is not good quality." Of course it would be foolish to not listen to his knowledgeable advice. She said this dark haired, caring man reminded her of Jesus Himself giving instructions, and caused her to desire to listen more closely for His voice.
I just returned from a memorial service for Linda, a dear friend and one of God's cooperative friends and servants... As I listened to the stories of how she has affected so many lives, my desire to leave a greater legacy grew. However I fully realized Linda's goal was not to leave a legacy - it was simply to know the Lord, to learn His Word, and to pray and minister to others. In doing so she left many people with very touching memories of her influence. One of the women who shared about Linda described a painful day. She was crying out to God and saying to Him, "I can't see any light at the end of this tunnel" - and not sure she could make it. She lay down to try to sleep and forget when the phone rang. It was Linda. She was astonished to hear Linda say, "The Lord told me to call you. He says you will make it and there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
Come, Lord Jesus. Thy will be done in us and through us on earth as it is in heaven. Yes, whatever He says to you, do it! And prepare yourself to see the miraculous!
