Water to Wine: Saving the Best for Last
Jesus’s first miracle was to turn water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). When the wedding hosts ran out of wine, Mary told Jesus, “They have no more wine.” Jesus asked the servants to fill six stone jars with water. After they filled the jars to the brim, Jesus sent some of the liquid to the banquet’s host. The master tasted the water turned to wine, called the bridegroom over, 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 2:10 NIV).
Saving the Best for Last
I will experience both the joy and the sorrow of another birthday this month. Joy because I’m alive and healthy, sorrow because the sand is quickly trickling through the hourglass. And to borrow a theater term, I’m in Act III. Aging is on my mind.
Just as Jesus brought out the best wine last, does He also save the best gifts for us until the end? The spiritual benefits I’m reaping during the third act are pretty amazing.
Four Amazing Gifts
1. True Peace: Jesus has changed my attitudes about life. I’ve let go of lots of self-imposed and taught rules. The things I used to worry about don’t matter much anymore. I’m less rigid with myself and others. I’m at peace.
I’ve experienced God’s peace before, but it would come and go. Now, it’s constant.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
“Until you have peace with God, you will never experience true peace in this life.”
Charles Stanley
2. Capacity to Love: Letting go of rules and expectations enables me to love others more freely. More like Jesus loves me. Unconditionally, with no reciprocity in mind. The Holy Spirit points out my partiality, and I strive to love one and all.
Jesus desires us to become more like Him as we go through life. That includes the way we love others, above all else.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us… (Ephesians 5:1 NIV).
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”
Saint Augustine
3. Fearlessness: There’s not much I fear anymore. After years of experience, I’ve learned that my God never forsakes me or my family. He sees us. He gets us. He takes care of us. He is Emanuel—God with us.
Looking back on Acts I and II, I can see the Potter at the Wheel. The Designer at the Drawing Board. The Creator Who Makes No Mistakes
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4 NIV).
When we have God in clear focus His powerful presence eclipses our fear.
Charles R. Swindoll
4. A Deeper Faith: I’ve been a believer a long time but haven’t known Jesus as well as now, or felt as known by Him. Years of hindsight clearly reveal God’s work in my life, erasing any doubt.
Jesus wants a deep relationship with us: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV).
When we fully open the door, Jesus opens His arms and welcomes us into an intimate relationship. Sharing a meal is not only about eating, it’s about trust, communication, and bonding.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).
It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to walk more intimately with Him.
Oswald Chambers
Your Turn. How is God gifting you these days, whether you’re in Act I, Act II, or Act III of life?
Thanks for reading! Wishing you and yours the best New Year yet.
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
I fully relate to what you’ve shared here. My confidence in Jesus has grown through the years. Because I know Him better, I trust Him more. This means I experience less fear and more peace. I don’t know quite how to put it into words, but I’m at ease with his sovereignty in my life. Your words have blessed me. Happy New Year, Candyce.
Terri, you have put it in words very well. All those gifts you mention are interconnected. We don’t have one without the other,
Blessings to you for the New Year!
Candyce, as a woman also in Act III, I can relate to your feelings. I appreciate the 4 gifts you shared. I especially like this one: “I’ve been a believer a long time, but never known Jesus as well as now.” I say ditto. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Barbara. May we continue to reap the spiritual benefits that come with wisdom and knowing God.