Do you believe in magic?

I have been intrigued lately as I have listened to people pray. Now before you jump all over me for “judging” people’s prayers – hear me out. I love it when people pray. I love it when we talk to God.

Public prayers are interesting sometimes, however. People reveal a lot about their theology when they pray. One interesting phrase I hear often is, “just be with [insert name here], Lord” or “may [name again] feel Your presence in a special way during this time.”

Last week, I spoke at a great church. I have been reading the book of John, so I decided to use John 2:1-11 as my scripture. It is the story of Jesus’ first miracle when He turns water into wine at a wedding. Here’s the verses:

1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."

5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

8Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

There is a lot here, but I am particularly interested in Mary, Jesus’ mother. Besides the funny way she ignores Jesus, isn’t it fascinating that she just assumes that Jesus will employ the servants in His solution? It’s almost as if the woman, who 30 years before found herself to be a pregnant virgin, simply understands that God uses people to accomplish His miracles in the world.

Perhaps we are praying to a magician instead of a miracle maker? Magicians make things happen out of thin air, instantaneously. “God, would you please make that homeless man’s next meal appear out of a hat?” “Jesus, will you wave your wand and heal my broken relationship?”

Instead, let’s hear Mary’s words, “Do whatever He tells you” and watch the miracles happen – both in the world and in our hearts.