S) "10 and *said to him, 'Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.'"
John 2:10 (NASB)
O) This is the result of Jesus' first miracle, and this verse is all about exceeding expectation. He was invited to a wedding, present with His mother and disciples. When the wine ran out, Mary gives Jesus over to the help (see vv.3-5). Up until that point, remember, Jesus had never performed any miracles. So, it's a little unclear what Mary was expecting of Jesus. It's entirely possible, that she simply expected Him and the disciples to go out and buy more wine. Maybe she wasn't even sure what to expect, and simply wanted Jesus to help however He was asked. But, I think it's safe to say that Mary didn't expect Jesus to solve the problem like this. Beyond immediately solving the problem of no wine, and beyond simply solving the problem of no wine, Jesus' first miracle is one of surpassing goodness. This miracle was not just better than expected, but unnecessarily good, too. The problem of no wine, was not a vital problem. This was the first-century equivalent of a #firstworldproblem. Weddings run out of wine all of the time - but not this wedding, not when Jesus was there. It wasn't even like there wasn't enough wine to go around; the people had drunk freely. But, God blesses in the middle of blessings. He is good in the middle of goodness.
A) There is a fine line between hope and entitlement, and I think sometimes in (American) Christian culture, there is a reaction to entitlement that makes people recoil, and the effect is a loss of hope. We are approaching Christmastime, and one thing that I love about this season, is the hope that is there. I have, in my younger days, experienced a lot of need. However, at during Christmas, my mother strove to give me gifts of absolute frivolity, even in the midst of great, real need in our lives. She wanted us to understand that hope for things that are not vital is okay. This is who our God is, as our Father God. He loves to give good gifts (see Matthew 7:11) - not just gifts we need, but gifts we want. Not even when we want things we can't, or don't have. He will bless us on top of things with which He has already blessed us! He will give us some, then even more, until we have an abundance (see Matthew 25:28-29). It's important that I do not put a limit on what God can, or will do, or what He wants to do. Equally important, and vital to prevent entitled feelings, is to remember that it is still His will, not mine, that determines His action. This is exactly as it should be, as He is God and I am man. There are a lot of ways that God has blessed me, and it's okay for me to ask that He blesses me more in those ways. I realize He may choose not to do so, but that part is not for me to decide. If I would like a gift, it's okay to ask for it, even if it's not a need. Even if I already have some of what I'm asking to receive.
P) Father, You have been exceedingly good to me. It feels silly, sometimes, to ask for anything from You. Really, my focus should be on what I can do for You. But then, I remember two things. First, You existed a long, long time, and never needed my help. Second, You are a holy and good Father God, the likes of which the world has never known. I am still learning that part, Father God. Open my eyes and ears, to better understand who You are, and how You view Your children. Increase my faith, to be bold enough to ask for things, even if You've already blessed me with them. In everything I receive - everything in my life - be glorified, Lord. Let others see my life and immediately recognize Your undeniable hand upon me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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