The year 2016 is our year of Divine Manifestation. Divine Manifestation is the expression of God—His might, glory, power and splendor—in a man’s life or amidst men. Though God is everywhere, He does not manifest everywhere. One can be in the midst of God’s people and never experience God’s manifestation. We, as an assembly, have set apart some days to fast and pray over various issues where we earnestly look forward to God for His manifestations as it concerns our nation, the church of God, the Word Alive Ministries International and our personal lives.
The Holy Bible is an account book of events containing the manifold acts of God dating back to the Old Testament all through the New. One of such delightful act is written in the gospel of John chapter two where the first earthly miracle of Christ was reported—the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. By this miracle, God manifested Himself in the following ways:
Firstly, He rolled away the shame that the bride and groom would have been faced with if the wine hadn’t been supernaturally provided. God gives us double honor for our shame. “Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 NLT
Secondly, He provided more than enough of what wasn’t originally enough. 12 water pots make for 150 gallons of wine equivalent to almost 600 Liters! By so doing, God showed up as the God that is more than enough! Just like He did when He fed the multitude with five loaves and two fishes.
Thirdly, He suspended the natural laws of the process of making wine. God isn’t limited by the laws of nature like man. He suspended the sun at Joshua’s request: He can therefore suspend natural laws for the sake of His people, if we ask and believe Him for it.
His fourth manifestation is that He gave the guests at the party what was far better than the couple gave. Whatever God gives always far outweighs in quality and in quantity compared to whatever man has.
Finally, He manifested His glory by ensuring new wine when Mary called on Him to help. Jesus’ provision marked a new beginning. Therefore, the failure of the wine was an opportunity for God to perform a miracle. As long as we struggle only with the effort of man, we are not yet ready for a miracle. God can begin again where the help of man ends. Man’s extremity is Gods opportunity!
