How We Ask
Have you ever been given a task to do that seems so overwhelming you are not sure that you can get it done? Mary, the mother of Jesus, probably knew how we feel when we are faced with what seems like an impossible ask. Yet, she had a certain disposition, call it an infused character trait, that gave her a willingness to do what was asked of her - a solid trust in the God of the impossible - even though she had no idea of how it would get done. Her heart's attitude of humility is seen through her response to the angel Gabriel,
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. ¹
Now, let's fast forward about 31 years to a wedding that Mary was attending. The celebration took place in Cana, which was located in Galilee, the region where Mary's hometown of Nazareth was. The supply of wine at the young couple's happy day had been depleted (certainly not good news for the bride and bridegroom!) Mary would likely have been feeling distressed in seeing these newlyweds, just starting off, about to hear some very embarrassing news. Such a failure in planning would have put a dark mark on their reputation and memories.
It is likely Mary knew the couple well; so, she looked to Jesus for help and after some conversation and push back from him, she turned to the servants and settled with this concluding comment,
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ²
Mary’s attitude, even after more than 30 years, remains beautifully humble. And notice who she calls to herself and gives instruction to: fellow servants - those who carry the same heart and attitude as herself. She is well aware that even though she carried the Son of God in her womb, she was still a servant. Her elevated assignment didn’t create an elevated ego. Her heart was a heart of submission and her request to Jesus was posed from that heart, not the stance of a spoiled and entitled potent demanding their own way.
Her request spoken in conversation with her son was simply stated, “There is a problem, Jesus.” It was as if she was introducing the problem to the Lord of creation: “Jesus, meet Problem; Problem, meet Jesus.” It was as if she understood who was in charge and who was Lord, and knowing that, left the situation in his capable hands. She didn't demand, she didn't declare, she didn't attempt to manifest her desired result ³; no, she cast her cares on the one who cares for us.
The Valley of Vision, a devotional Puritan prayer book, offers a simple and powerful prayer that I believe aligns with Mary’s heart,
“I would choose to refer all to you, for you are infinitely wise and cannot do amiss, as I am in danger of doing. I rejoice to think that all things are at your disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.”
Mary’s attitude was, “His will, not mine.” She trusted the Son’s next move, and why not? She had known as a young teenager the risk of a trusting submission; and she lived that trust out in a very big way. Being betrothed and pregnant (not by her fiancé) would have been extremely challenging and possibly dangerous in the culture of her time. It would have been harrowing, even terrifying, especially to a teenage girl. But recorded again, an event 30 years before the wedding at Cana, we see the heart of a willing servant who knew who was truly Lord,
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” ⁴
We can leave all of the "ran outs" in his hands; all of the “I have no more’s” at his disposal. We can know that our prayers will one day turn into praise, and when they do, oh how we shall praise him! But until that glorious day, what shall I do with all his benefits so freely given to me? Well, I’m going to enjoy them, because I believe that honors him. I will enjoy the gift and honor the Giver.
One more thing, an important thing to recognize about Mary’s prayer, her prayer was for others, not directly for herself: “They have no more wine.” She was concerned about those who would be impacted by the impending realization and embarrassment of lack. And we do well to remember others (along with ourselves) in our praying and leaving of the "no more’s" in his capable and wise hands.
References
¹ Luke 1:38 NIV
² John 2:5 NIV
⁴ Luke 1:46-48a NIV
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