PASTOR BLAINE'S WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
January 23, 2026
“Whatever”
The other day, in my Bible reading, I came upon a phrase, an idea, that caught my eye. It was in the story, in John’s Gospel, at the beginning of chapter 2, where Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding. In John’s Gospel, it is the first miracle that Jesus performed. As far as miracles go, some might consider it a minor one; you know compared to say making someone walk, or calming a storm, or raising someone from the dead. But we should never dismiss any work of God, no matter how small it might seem. To receive what is needed, when it is needed, especially when it is beyond your means to do for yourself, is no small thing.
The story is simple enough. Jesus’ was just getting going with his ministry. He has a couple new disciples. He is invited to a wedding and he goes. (By the way, that shows something that he takes the time to share in someone’s life, even with all that was on his plate.) While there, a situation arises with the wedding that most aren’t aware of, but that will mar the event. They are running out of wine. It could have just as easily been running out of food. Either way, the hosts, the bridal couple and family were not going to be able to provide hospitality to their guests. Mary, Jesus’ mother finds out and drags Jesus into the matter. She has to do a little arm twisting with Jesus, and then, without Jesus agreeing to do anything, she tells those who were serving, “Do whatever he tells you.”
That is what caught my attention. “Do whatever he tells you.”
How many people find themselves in a situation that is beyond them and desperately want God to do something for them? How many people are there that believe in God? I’m pretty sure the number is about the same. There will even be those who don’t really believe, but kind of do, who will give it a shot and throw up a “Hail Mary” prayer in their time of need, “Lord if you are there, could you just …”. Logically, we know that God isn’t a genie. He isn’t in the business of granting wishes. But, if we are nominally aware of God, of Jesus, we know that miraculous things are possible.
So how do we tap into that when we need? There is more to it than this, but I think this story gives us a place to start. If we would see the power of God, the power of Jesus at work in our lives and around us, first of all, “Do whatever he says.”
As a child, can you remember something like mom telling you, “Grandma has a treat for you, follow her.” The treat doesn’t come on its own. It was received by at least some small act of obedience. So many long for this or that from God. They want, they need, something, big or small, but they are not willing, or see it necessary to take even one step toward God. As a child, you are outside playing, or you are all alone feeling sad or hurt, and then mom, or grandma says, “Come on inside and we will have milk and cookies.” You come inside for milk and cookies. You don’t sit outside, refusing to come in, demanding to have your milk and cookies anyway. God through Jesus Christ offers you forgiveness, new life, peace and contentment; you do what he says; whatever he says. Even, when like with the servants at the wedding in Cana, you don’t understand because it makes no sense. When we do as God tells us, we receive what God promises. And, sometimes, we receive even more. Sometimes, when we need it most, unexpected things happen, more than you dreamed possible, because first, we listened to Jesus and did - whatever …
It shouldn’t be that hard, really. Why? Because, today, we know so much more than what those first believers did. We really have a simple choice to make. Will we act on the faith we say we have? In times of obvious need, and all the others, will we pay attention to Jesus and “do whatever he tells you”?
Don’t overthink it. Trust. And obey.
Grace, Mercy and Peace,
Pastor Blaine
Ruhl's Church
4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim Pennsylvania 17545
Phone: 717-665-3400 office@ruhlschurch.org
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