Revelation

...he revealed his glory...



"Jesus performed this first miracle in Cana in Galilee; there he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him." (John 2:11)

I love it when the camera is able to reveal something that is normally almost invisible to my eye.  No matter how many times I might have watched birds landing on a tree, wire, or some other object, I don't think I've ever witnessed the particular wing movement in the picture that allowed this little fellow to fly at breakneck speed in a snowstorm and land suddenly and safely on a tiny perch.  Wow !!!!  

Life can often take some interesting turns when things are revealed to us . Many times a revelation brings joy, wonder, and thankfulness, but sometimes the revelation brings pain and suffering, like the news of something physically or emotionally hurtful that we learn for the first time.  Sometimes it's difficult for us to allow ourselves to experience a revelation because of our fear, stubbornness, or even apathy.  I am particularly frustrated these days when teens hear one of my "teen depression" seminars and then email me to ask for help because they tried to "reveal" their pain to their parents and were met with disbelief or derision.  When the parents refuse to acknowledge the teen's attempts to reveal their pain, the teen can be condemned to further suffering. 

My sense is that not everyone who was at the wedding in Cana with Jesus that day experienced the glory of God being revealed when Jesus changed the water into wine.  I suspect that some missed it and lost an opportunity.  However, we do know that the disciples present did experience the revelation of God's glory and their lives were changed. The Bible says after they experienced it they, "believed in him,"  and they followed Jesus.

Revelation can bring needed healing and change.  What is God waiting to reveal to us?  What might we need to reveal to one another?  I pray that God will keep me open to and searching for new revelations.  How about you?

Blessings and Peace,
Gary
Pastor, Sand Hill United Methodist Church
Boaz, West Virginia



Help save lives! For more information on my new book, "A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression," visit www.survivingteendepression.com.

Check out my new video, "Teens Surviving the Storm"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1hSpxC_G24