Belonging (S2) : WK 3 - THU
(John 2:9-10 NLT) [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!"
I can’t imagine the master of ceremonies tasting, “the water that was now wine.” In the midst of possible chaos for this master of ceremonies, he experiences abundant grace and provision. Just when he thought his reputation and acceptance among his relatives and those within the village and community where he lived were about to be devastated, God does the impossible, and he is surprised by grace.
I love thinking about the servants in this story. I like to imagine myself as one of the servants interacting with Jesus and contemplating what it would be like to fully let go of my fears and do whatever He says. The text doesn’t tell us exactly when the water turns to wine. It is possible that it didn’t change until the master of ceremonies drinks it. What if when the servant dipped some out and took it to the master of ceremonies, it was still water? Talk about feeling anxious and freaking out! But you’re trusting Jesus. Remember, he did not yet have a reputation for miracles. This was His first one! But then it happens, and you are so relieved. You can breathe now. The master of ceremonies must have had an expression on his face that revealed incredible astonishment. So much so that he calls the bridegroom over to honor him because he thinks he has saved the best wine for last. But, in reality, he had come up short and had run out of wine.
One of the things I have learned and experienced in my life as I ‘increase in years’ is remembering the many times I have come up short, but God… But God showed up and provided a life I didn’t deserve. Provided love I hadn’t experienced but longed for. Provided for needs I couldn’t figure out how to address. And not just barely, but over and beyond what I thought could be possible.
I can’t imagine the master of ceremonies tasting, “the water that was now wine.” In the midst of possible chaos for this master of ceremonies, he experiences abundant grace and provision. Just when he thought his reputation and acceptance among his relatives and those within the village and community where he lived were about to be devastated, God does the impossible, and he is surprised by grace.
I love thinking about the servants in this story. I like to imagine myself as one of the servants interacting with Jesus and contemplating what it would be like to fully let go of my fears and do whatever He says. The text doesn’t tell us exactly when the water turns to wine. It is possible that it didn’t change until the master of ceremonies drinks it. What if when the servant dipped some out and took it to the master of ceremonies, it was still water? Talk about feeling anxious and freaking out! But you’re trusting Jesus. Remember, he did not yet have a reputation for miracles. This was His first one! But then it happens, and you are so relieved. You can breathe now. The master of ceremonies must have had an expression on his face that revealed incredible astonishment. So much so that he calls the bridegroom over to honor him because he thinks he has saved the best wine for last. But, in reality, he had come up short and had run out of wine.
One of the things I have learned and experienced in my life as I ‘increase in years’ is remembering the many times I have come up short, but God… But God showed up and provided a life I didn’t deserve. Provided love I hadn’t experienced but longed for. Provided for needs I couldn’t figure out how to address. And not just barely, but over and beyond what I thought could be possible.
- Is there something happening in your life right now where Jesus is inviting you to trust Him like the servants did?
- Can you reflect on a time when you have been surprised by God’s grace in your life?
- How do you sense Jesus would like to fill the vessel of your life with His life and presence?
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