Tuesday March 12, 2024

Today is Tuesday, March 12 and we are reading through the second chapter of the Gospel of John.

Holy and loving God, I come here to listen for your voice speaking to me from the sacred words of the Holy Bible. Remind me of the truth of your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. As I read from the Gospel of John, let me hear the message you have for me today. Amen.

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:5-10

A wedding banquet is a frequent image used for the kingdom of God throughout the Biblical witness. Christ invites us to a final feast at a heavenly marriage to celebrate God’s coming kingdom. The new wine of the kingdom is saved for last. The old wine of Judaism is transformed into the new wine of Christianity. God builds on the past and offers the very best for our future.

In ancient Israel, large amounts of water were used for the ceremonial washing of hands before meals. These large stone water jars were kept clean and utilized for that purpose. Water was part of the normal everyday routine and washing was a common ritual. Jesus takes something ordinary and transforms it into the extraordinary. Jesus takes what is common and changes it to the exceptional. Jesus takes what is standard and turns it into something surprising. Jesus takes what is normal and makes it noteworthy.

He can do that in my life too. Whatever I expect in my upcoming day, Jesus might bring the unexpected. Whatever I have placed on today’s agenda, Jesus might make it a little sweeter, a bit brighter, and a tad finer. Regardless of my plans and purposes, Jesus has the capacity to transform them into something far greater. No matter what goodness there is inside of me, Jesus can increase and strengthen it. He can take my ordinary soul and set it apart, grow me in holiness and sanctify me in grace. Whatever the intentions of my heart, he can alter my motivations, making them more pure and far more interesting. Jesus can take my heart, my mind, my soul, my relationships, and recalibrate them for good. He can hallow the common and bring forth the uncommon – even in me.

Ask: How can I trust Jesus to make significant changes in my heart and life? How can I be attentive to the transforming power of Christ at work in me and all around me?

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, and enter the lonely banquet room of my heart. I offer what is empty and lacking and ask you to fill me full to the brim with your love and joy. Take all of me and all my life, as I consecrate myself to you. Transform me, body, mind and spirit through the extraordinary power of your amazing grace. I am thankful that you are not done with me yet and continue to work patiently in me for good. Amen