ILC Devotion - 14 January 2013

Immanuel Lutheran Church Weekly Devotion

Monday 14 January 2013

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^NJB John 2:1-5  On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. ³ And they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the feast had all been used, and the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ ⁴ Jesus said, ‘Woman, what do you want from me? My hour has not come yet.’ ⁵ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

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If we are entertaining guests, it is a bit of an embarrassment to run out of food or beverages. Anyone planning a for a gathering of people would rather have a bit too much left over than not enough. Susan is very good about making sure we have plenty to offer everyone when we are entertaining. It is a sign of good hospitality to share one’s abundance with others, and to make sure everyone has plenty to eat and drink.

Jesus, his disciples, and his mother are three days into a wedding - when the wine runs out. In Jesus’ time, this is not an inconvenience, it is a catastrophe. The wedding will be going on for another 3 days. Jesus’ mother, tells him about this situation. Apparently the mother of Jesus is well aware of what God can do through him. Jesus is a bit reluctant, but the servants do as he tells them - a simple task, fill six jars with water. This is the first sign Jesus offers the people. Devine acts in the Gospel of John are not miracles, but signs of the power of God at work through His Son, Jesus. The six jars of water are turned into wine, and not just run of the mill wine, but the best wine, about 150 gallons worth. Jesus provides an abundance of the best - Jesus does not offer us second best; Jesus gives us the best - God’s love, Good News, and ultimately himself.

      The next time we see the mother of Jesus is at the foot of the cross, where her son is crucified. His hour has come. Jesus gives of himself so we can have an abundance of God’s grace and mercy. We, who usually are clueless and unworthy, are given the best God has to offer. How do we respond to this gracious abundance of God’s love for us? Do we share this abundance with others so they may see the sign of God’s abundance in their lives? God’s love is something we will never run out of, it is never be second rate - it is the best.

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We pray: Dear Lord, we thank you the sign of your abundant blessings given to us through your Son Jesus. Empower us to be open and recognize your gracious mercy given through your Son Jesus and share your abundant love with others. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.