The Wednesday Word 3.09.2022

 

John 2:1-11 New Living Translation

2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

I worked for a renowned local caterer for many years, creating some of the most prestigious and lavish events in town. I know firsthand what it feels like to have that moment of utter horror to think that you may run short. One fun event was an hors d’oeuvres party for 3,000 guests at a local mall. There was an enormous buffet topped by a model, dressed in a Bob Macke mermaid costume, stretched above 15,000 jumbo shrimp. About an hour into the event, it was clear that the shrimp would be gone long before the event would end. Fortunately, we had connections and a few thousand more pieces were dispatched to the site. But that didn’t hold a candle to The Divine Connection at the wedding at Cana!

This was not exactly Jesus’ plan for the day. He knew that once news of a miracle spread, the time for preparation was over. Because all the servants knew the circumstances surrounding the shortage of wine for the banquet, it couldn’t possibly escape notice. Even though Jesus wasn’t planning to “go public” just yet, he responded to the request of his mother and turned water into wine. In watching “The Chosen,” we get a better sense of the impending catastrophe for the hosts that was salvaged through Jesus’ intervention. His loving nature was made clear from the very first. Knowing that we are loved beyond all measure is the sweetest gift of all…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.