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In John 2:5, Jesus uses the common respectful term for any given woman who he may be speaking with. The word “gunai”. Not a term usually used by sons addressing their mothers (“meter”), but at the same time not disrespectful. Simply acknowledging perhaps, that there is a new relationship here. That as He is moving into a new phase of His life, and has now become “Son of Man”, as opposed to hers alone.

The same word is used in John 19:26, when Jesus “saw his mother (metera) and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, and said to his mother (metri) “Woman (gunai), here is your son.”

Jesus isn’t denying that Mary is His mother, but is offering a new emphasis to their relationship….which no longer views her maternal relationship as the most important role. But also understanding in that moment that Mary now needed a son (to take care of HER), he offers this disciple saying in verse 27 “Here is your mother (meter). And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”

I recognize that a large part of this is unique to Jesus becoming “Son of Man”, etc. But there is another aspect that strikes me as a parent. I don’t think my children will ever address me as “Man” in word. But there will hopefully come a point in their maturing where they recognize there is something larger about the way we relate. The part that older parents often get close to tears when they talk about, when their children no longer come to them for cuddling. No longer “need” them the way our girls currently need us in many ways.

Someday, my daughters will look at me and say “I’m moving forward with something big.” They will step into a new phase in their life. Maybe a long-distance career. Maybe a husband/family. Maybe simply a new job near us (crossing fingers). But it will come.

Perhaps if I begin praying for my response to that moment now, it might help just a little when it finally arrives. If anything, it will help me appreciate the small moments that can easily be taken for granted…

“I’m a theologian, who wants to be a believer.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in “Saints and Villains”

We forget sometimes, how simple yet huge it can be, to experience the Spirit of God. We have promises all throughout scripture that God has given us the same Spirit that was given through Jesus Christ, and that when that Spirit comes on us, we will receive power to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). We hear even Jesus himself promise us we will do “even greater things than these” as the Spirit continues the work that has begun long ago. (John 14:12)

But so many times, we get caught up in a sort of “spiritual hunt” for some sort of “authentic spiritual experience” that can somehow prove in a miraculous way so that we can exclaim audibly for others to hear “THERE! There is the Spirit of God doing something!!!!”.

Well, those experiences are neat, and they make great movies and inspirational testimonies to pass on through our families and church families. They’re definitely encouraging. May we never cease being thirsty and expecting such experiences that blow our minds, and redefine the realm of “what can happen” in the name of Jesus.

But we forget verses like 1 Corinthians 12:3 that say to us, “..and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.” What a miracle and Spirit-enabled thing it is for someone to even speak/live with Jesus Christ as their “Lord”. Not money, not systems/hierarchies of this world, not any other power, or voice, or source of influence. Jesus. The Jesus who spoke of a new way of existing. Who promised and offers a new, true version of life to its’ fullest. Who calls us to care for others before ourselves. Calls us to live vulnerably, knowing we’ll probably get hurt, and to Love without reserve.

Sure, someone can throw the words “Jesus is Lord” out there, without any Spiritual backing.

But for someone to actually say “Jesus is Lord” with their life…THAT is miracle. Spirit-filled, creation-transforming, healing, redemptive life-bringing “Word becoming flesh” type stuff. And I believe I’ve just made myself a bit hungrier for it. You?

Come, Holy Spirit…

Isaiah 62:5b says “as a bridegroom rejoices over a bride, so your God will rejoice over you.”

I remember our time of being engaged. I proposed to Sarah in August of 2001 and our wedding date was set for December 21st, 2002. It was a LONG engagement.

Such a long engagement seems like perhaps it would get dull after a while. There are only so many times you can gaze into the others eyes and think “wow, we’re getting married!”, right? But somehow, the anticipation/excitement over becoming one with this woman only continued to build.

Then the day finally came. December 21st, 2001. The day I was able to publicly take on vows with this woman before God and before our families and friends. I remember the deep love, friendship, such emotions that escape the ability to be captured easily in language. It was a whirlwind of busy-ness. The decorations. The friends from all over gathered. The horn that got stuck as I drove all the way across town with people staring at me, wondering why I was honking incessantly.

Then seeing her. My bride. Walking down the aisle, smiling, tears welling up (good tears, so hush). She was beautiful. Her eyes beaming. Thinking to myself, “wow…I love this woman soooooo much.” The deep sense of giddy-ness of knowing I’m beginning a life together with her. Whew. It was, and continues to be, an amazing gift. I’ve not always deserved it, but we continue this road together. I love her.

But to think back on that moment, watching her walk down the aisle. To imagine God viewing us as the Church in the same way. It feels good. I’ll end with a few old-school lyrics from “The Waiting”: