Today I’m challenged with a part of our spiriual live that is often neglected. Celebration. (Please read John 2:1-12-) Often, especially in non-Catholic Churches, we forget that having a good time occasionally can encourage growth with God. Growing up I was often told that Jesus didn’t really turn the water into wine as we know it, I’ve always had a problem with that though. Wine is wine. But this isn’t the big issue since wine was accepted in the culture He lived in. The issue is the party. Jesus knew how to have a good time in a proper way, and in the Jewish culture wine as an important part of any gathering. When the wine runs out so does the party. If having an tme to let loose was wrong Jesus would not have changed the water instead He would have started teaching.
The one’s I identify with today is the bride groom. His social status in the community revolves around this party celebrating his wedding. He must have known that he didn’t have enough wine purchased, and was probably somewhat worried about it. I’m sure he was a very well respected younger man in the community but how well respected was going to change. Jesus gave not only wine but the best wine. This man had God’s favor he was about to receive higher respect from his peers. Why am I identifying with this man? Maybe because I like having a good time but can’t afford it. Maybe its because I am younger and wanting to make a difference in the community.
I like having a good time. I love spending all day on Sundays just hanging out, talking, watching movies, or playing games. I understand the situation because when the Dr. Pepper runs dry our Quaker communion is over! Fellowship is lubercated with beverages it doesn’t matter what type of drink it is. When we gather to talk we drink and when we drink fluids we talk…and eat.
This weekend I encourage you to celebrate with Christ. See how much you grow in relation to God and others when we gather not only to have fun but to glorify God.
Have a blessed weekend.
Jesus sees us where we are at and calls us into something greater. As I prayed today I identify with Nathanael, in John 1:43-51. He spoke as a real person. The first thing out of his mouth is a sterotype of the culture. I laugh at that because we all do it. Its not right I know, but it is part of the deal with being human. Jesus didn’t take offense. He understood who Nathanael was. So what made Nathanael change? Jesus understood and saw him without the masks of society. Nathanael is hiding behind his culture, trying to keep up with the image accepted by most. Yet Jesus saw through all of it and recognized that he was a true Israelite.
Nathanael accepted Jesus as the Messiah on the spot! When I seek Christ and He meets me where I am do I respond that quickly? What do I do when I have heard? I often wonder about how much I miss, I know it isn’t a very good thing to dwell on, but how often do I miss an oppertunity because I prejudge the situation? Nathanael didn’t do what I usually do, he responds quickly. He takes his friend’s word and starts the journey, prompted by the inner desire to be close to God. Then he is quick to openly accept the Word and the Light who is Jesus Christ.
Now I wonder what was going on under that fig tree. As you pray imagine just what types of thing Nathanael would have been thinking about there in the shade, and examine your own life. What would you need to be shown to follow Christ unrestrained? Be open to see the answers that are given. Trying not to be to quick to judge it as some random occurence, but as God showing His love and grace. I encourage you to keep track so you will remember what you prayed and you may also make note of how he fulfilled it. Then be quick to act and share what He has blessed you with. I pray that I will grow deeper in my friendship with Christ and be quick to respond to His calls, and to better able to discern His voice over all the other distractions our culture lend. I pray also that this happens for you as we’ll.
Again I find myself sitting in camp with the disciples and Jesus in John 1. If you are walking in this journey with me you will find that often certain passages require more time or attract more attention. That’s good because God is speaking through that passage to you! Often I find that only after revisiting a passage a couple of time in prayer do I fel lead away again! Kindof like the Israelites in the wilderness being lead by a cloud and fire, they only moved when God moved. So feel free to reflect and revisit every so often when you pray using scriptures, it is encouraged to deepen your devotion and to see where God has taken you. You may also wish to write down leadings, thoughts, and emotions as you pray to help you remeber where you were before.
The other day I considered the scene around a camp fire with Jesus and the two disciples of John. Today I am wondering what the conversation would have been. From earlier in the chapter John the baptist said that he saw the Spirit coming over Jesus as a dove. Did they discuss this? I think they probably did, and if I was one of them I would have asked “what’s up with the Lamb of God thing?” I imagine Jesus probably had a few good laughs this first day of school.
They were in school. They called Him rabbi, or teacher. And in that era a rabbi had a talmid following his every step trying not to miss a single word that the teacher might say. they wanted to hear what Jesus had to say…but I think Jesus probably only talked. Talked about John, fishing, why they followed John. Because that’s where friendships always begin, in the exchange of stories.
Where do you stay? Come and see. It is often said that we are the product of experiences. I spoke of one of my experiences the other day, and how it changed my life. Jesus in this time of just friendly conversation was getting to know them, getting them comfortable to speaking with him as a friend not just a rabbi. I am challenged today to speak to Christ not as my teacher or God, but as my friend. Why don’t you try too maybe you’ll find prayer is easier.