Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 12, 2023
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.” 4 Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.” 5 His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. 9 The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. The headwaiter called the groom 10 and said, “Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” 11 This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Good Morning. Rejoice, Rejoice, the time is near!
On this day, Jesus is required to do something that will start a ripple of events to come. He knows this, but he chooses to do what is necessary at this moment despite the future challenges.
This is one of those hard decisions to which we can all relate. The wine was needed to save the host’s standing in the community. No matter how much we plan, unexpected events happen, and we have to meet the needs of others at an unplanned time. This trajectory would be started at some point, but on this day, Jesus performed his first miracle that put the ball in motion. He put the needs of others ahead of his own.
The overflowing cisterns of wine represent the neverending love and grace that God sends to us through Christ.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. May we share as abundantly with others as You do with us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s forgiveness and love are always available.
God’s love overflows! Pastor Liz
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