“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” – John 2:11
The miracle referenced in John 2:11 was Jesus turning water into wine. Yes, the first miracle Jesus performed in His life as a man was to ensure that a wedding celebration did not go without, and that the smiles and laughter would not cease because of a bride’s family’s financial inability to provide enough wine for their guests. Let us not glance over this miracle, as celebration and rejoicing are at the heart of our existence as Christ followers.
For after all, isn’t our desire for a joy filled life at the core of every person? When it comes down to it, we are less concerned about the details of life if it means we simply get to be happy. It is true that it is far more common to grasp at happiness in every direction other than God, but that does not change the fact that God created happiness, He is the source of happiness. and He placed a longing for happiness in our hearts that will never fully be realized until we enter Heaven. Although He does not grant us His complete happiness this side of Heaven, He does call us to much more than mere survival here and now.
The Westminster Catechism, approved back in 1648 and still one of the leading documents declaring the doctrinal beliefs of Christianity, declares at the top of their list that “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” And the word of God certainly makes it clear that we are called to celebrate, rejoice, and be happy that God has created us and redeemed us. “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation,” (Is. 12:3). “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people,” (Luke 2:10). “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). In our day-to-day experience we need look no further than the universal longing for happiness and the universal experience of laughter and a smile. He knit happiness into the fabric of our being as humans and the first miracle Jesus performed as a man was to ensure the smiles and laughter would continue at the humble Jewish wedding of a family friend.
Not only was God giving us another bit of evidence that our rejoicing and celebrating are important to Him, but this miracle caused His disciples to believe in Him even more, and it was one of the many ways that “he revealed his glory,” (John 2:11). Let us see His glory in this miracle as His disciples did.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for changing us through your miraculous work, as you changed the water into wine. Help us to be filled with joy, compelled to rejoice, and eager to celebrate that You love us and have redeemed us.
Susanville Christian Fellowship 