It is no secret, and certainly no scandal, that North Carolina is swimming in craft beer, regional wines, and now even
Mayberry Moonshine ! What would Otis think? These wonders go along with our ever increasing desire for recreation and escape from today's troubles.
The most famous regional wine came from Cana, and was made by Jesus from bathwater. It was so good that the headwaiter at a potentially disastrous wedding thought it was the best (the best he'd ever tasted?) This headwaiter fortunately didn't know that it was made from bathwater and served out of one of the nasty stone pots. He complimented the host for "keeping the best wine until now" when most people with common sense serve the best wine first, so people who are inebriated won't notice the quality of the wine dropping as the feast progresses.
This first sign of Jesus is filled with intent and symbolism, and still speaks to us today if we have ears to hear.
The sign shows us that Jesus' ministry was intentional, not haphazard or some "plan B" situation. Jesus is giving a semi-private sign that is designed to build faith in the disciples prior to beginning his public ministry. Jesus' divinity, confirmed by the miraculous wine-making, is the fact
that created faith among the disciples, enabling them to later be called
Apostles.
The miracle at Cana shows us that Jesus' ministry had a point besides the miracles and miraculous, which was the climactic crucifixion in Jerusalem (the ultimate eschatological event).
Jesus is teaching everyone that He has the power to take their lack, their nothing, their bathwater, and turn it into the greatest things, the most needed things, those things which bring glory to God. Jesus redeems even impossible situations. Where something looks hopeless, through our prayers (like the Mother of Jesus asking for his help) He will give us hope and provision.
So how is your bathwater? Are you drinking the "lesser wines" of this life? Do you fall for the trendy promotions of merchants offering distraction from the real issue (that the wine has literally run out)?
In the words of Dr. Herman Ridderbos, "Jesus is the good wine, reserved until now." Drink freely.
