If I wasn’t a Salvationist, and an officer, I sometimes think I might enjoy drinking wine with my meal. Heresy I know, but let me explain.
Jesus is a young man, a carpenter living in Nazareth. He’s attending a wedding with his mother and presumably his brothers according to the text John 2:1-11. Jewish weddings were a three day event and before the feast is over, the wine runs out. The reputation of the family is at stake. It is likely that Mary was helping the family and had the inside knowledge on what was happening,
She approaches Jesus with a request. Will you help them?
His response, “it is not my time”.
Jesus has many references to His time through the tenure of his ministry. And He is not willing to change the time of his ministry. And yet, who can refuse a loving mother’s request.
How did Mary know that Jesus could do something to meet the need of the family? How did she know to say to the servants “do whatever he says”. Had Jesus ever filled the food pantry at a tough time in their lives? Had he stepped in upon the death of his father, Joseph? Clearly she had reason to believe that her son could do something.
Jesus, instructs the servants to fill the jars, which are large stone containers holding some 30 gallons each, with water. The result is the best wine that the guests had ever tasted.
Of course, you don’t think that Jesus would turn water into bad wine do you?
I’ve often thought about the creation of Adam, the first man. If God is gong to make a man wouldn’t he make the very best man? What God puts his will towards, what God creates is more than just good. It is the best.
How do you feel about God’s provision in your life? Does it seem half way, does it seem wanting? God’s goodness comes in many ways And when we pray we can call upon God’s desire for goodness for us and others.
Here is a prayer for us all.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous, and all for your love’s sake. Amen.
