“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” (John 2:3 NIV)
We’ve been watching The Chosen as a church family and last night’s episode was ‘The Wedding Gift’. Jesus attended the wedding at Cana. Why? Because He was invited. And somewhere in the midst of the evening’s festivities, the wine ran out.
I have long loved this run of scripture in John. I can remember my mom preaching on it while I was still in junior high. Her observation has stayed with me: obedient servants can expect a miracle. Looking back at the last thirty years of my life, I have tested and proven that theory.
It’s pretty simple: when we do as God asks, He does the impossible. Obedience lays the foundation for the miraculous. Interestingly enough, I very rarely hear hyper-charismatic movements draw the connection between obedience and miracles. But I’m telling you, every miracle I have witnessed has had a preface of obedience.
So I love this story. But last night the emphasis was different. The Lord led me to a new place with a very familiar text. He had me think about miracles in the midst of marriages. In ‘The Wedding Gift’ episode, four couples are represented at four different stages of relationship: courting, marrying, established and empty-nest. Yet we note that Jesus brings new wine to all four couples. When Jesus steps into the center of any marital relationship: it is sweetened and strengthened.
Perhaps the miracle you are most in need of and is most impossible is amidst your marriage? Go ahead and trust God for the impossible. It’s actually what He does best. Invite Jesus into your union: remember, He goes where He is invited. Be obedient with whatever He asks you to do. (He may lead you towards the love dare, or daily scriptural prayers, or even just simple kindness extended to your hardened spouse.)
Don’t be surprised when the act of obedience is arduous, ongoing and seemingly pointless. Consider the task of filling ceremonial water jars mid-banquet: it was wet, sweaty, hard work. The servants spent considerable effort on what seems to be a fruitless task. What, would they serve water to wedding guests? But Jesus often uses our lack of understanding to wow us, doesn’t He? I’m convinced that obedience without comprehension delight’s God’s heart and lays the groundwork for whatever He wants to do next. Even difficult things take on new meaning when they are done in Kingdom obedience.
Lastly, we wait with an expectant heart. God is going to move and He’s going to make new wine. It’s going to be strong and sweet and dull the memory of the painful places that preceded it. He tends to save the best for last. Ask me how I know. 🙂
“Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after th guest have had too much to drink; but you have said the best till now.” (John 2:10 NIV)
Lord, we thank You for coming into every place You are invited. We invite you into our marriage. Give us instructions and a heart of obedience, May we be quick to do as You ask even when we don’t understand. May we trust You for possible needs in our spousal relationship. And may we give You all the glory when the new wine begins to flow. Thank You for saving the best for last. Amen.