When the Wine Runs Out

Blessings, my friends! I know you're thirsty. I am too. So let's see if God will satisfy that thirst today. Our conversation with him will center around the event in John 2:1-11, where Jesus provides the best wine to a thristy bunch of wedding guests.

The wedding party running out of wine is a picture of life. Wine, in scripture and in secular writings, is a symbol of pleasure, joy and prosperity—all of which have a way of running out on us. Have you noticed? I've been there--dry and wondering where I miscalculated, standing there embarrassed and empty.

But Jesus steps in. He turns water to wine! On one level, this is an act of compassion to help this bridal family who is about to suffer a terrible embarrassment at such an important event. Jesus cares about common people and their every day problems. He cares about me and he cares about you. Even after he makes it plain to Mary that he’s not operating on her agenda, she is so confident that Jesus’ compassionate heart won’t let him stand by and do nothing that she tells the servants to wait for his instructions.

Yet, Jesus acts on a much greater level. It isn’t just about one family’s shame being turned to joy; it’s about everyone’s. His concern is mainly to reveal life in God. The sign that Jesus did points to him. Jesus—as the winemaker, the full expression of God—is the real source of joy. His joy never runs out. And he gives it in big supply—180 gallons worth here! The joy he gives is the best joy of all—which is the signif. of the banquet coordinator’s exclamation:

"...you have saved the best till now." (v. 10)

Jesus can take unfiltered well water and transform it into fine wine. More importantly, he can take a joyless life and transform it into one brimming with joy. But how?

Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water, and they didn’t just fill them part way or most of the way. John says “they filled them to the brim.” If we want the life Jesus promises, brimming with joy, we have to take our trust and obedience to brim level too. If I want the miracle, if I want my staleness turned to joy, I have to turn over control and, like the servants, take Mary's advice:

"Do whatever he tells you." (v. 5)

Jesus, thank you for bringing heaven's party to my life! Thank you for the celebration of knowing you, experiencing your love, your goodness, your grace and the freedom that you alone bring to my heart. When my joy runs out, you're always ready to fill the empty jars of my life with your best wine again. I'm yours to command, Lord. Just show me what you want me to do! Amen.

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