Today’s scripture: John 2:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
On a vacation many years ago, my family stopped at an Old West gold mining operation. The gold vein had long been mined-out, but it was still fun for tourists to have a go at prospecting. I remember swirling some soil in a tin pan underneath cool water running through an angled trough. Every so often, a few tiny flakes of sparkling gold would appear; how exciting!
I try to read the Bible with the belief that as I take the time to mine its words and meanings, there will be golden lessons from God to me. Today’s passage was especially enjoyable for this exercise.
I believe there was no coincidence in Jesus choosing these particular vessels to hold his soon-to-be-created wine. The fact that the waterpots were originally intended for a ceremonial washing custom, and Jesus re-directs their use, speaks volumes to me.
With Jesus, there’s no more need for ceremonial washing (“Jesus Christ… washed us from our sins in his own blood” – Revelation 1:5 KJV). The fact that our sins are forgiven thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice is completely mind-boggling to me.
On the cross, Jesus supplied his real blood. In today’s passage, I see some foreshadowing via the wine that he created. How fitting that he chose to have it poured out of jars which were formerly used by people to ceremonially cleanse themselves with mere water by their own effort!
Some might say I have a habit of reading meanings which don’t exist into situations. But, as with gold prospectors and their hunts, I believe the Bible is full of treasures still waiting to be discovered.
One worth-defining rule I abide by on these “Is it treasure or trash that is running through my mind?” treks while Bible-prospecting, comes from Galatians 5:22:
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
If an idea is in line with the Holy Spirit, it is a treasure.
Thought for the day: What can I see that’s new and golden in the scriptures, if I keep the “panning for gold” method in mind? What accumulated silt do I need to let be washed away?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
A message from Pastor Jeff for those who live far from our Church