The first Sign... part 1...

We're getting started with the Signs today... and the first one is going to see is at an amazing event.  We're going to go through these in multiple posts, and there will be several points on each that we can look into and learn from.  To say the least, I'm excited!!!

Sign #1 - Water to Wine

"On the third day, a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee."

John 2:1a, HCSB

We're going to start at the beginning, and look at some serious symbolism here.  First off, this "transformation" is happening on the third day, and all Christians know that there is significance to that timing.  It is similar to the comparison of the time period of forty days in both the Old and New Testaments.  And, honestly, if it were not important, and had been just any other day, the author would probably have just mentioned that they were at a wedding, not including what day it was.

Secondly, and the main focus of our time today, is that this Sign occurs at a wedding.  Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom, and we (the church) are the bride He comes to take.  And the transformation of the water into wine, going from one thing to entirely another, mirrors the transformation of two individuals becoming one flesh in marriage... they go from one thing to an entirely different thing.  It's a pretty big deal, you know?

Ephesians 5 covers the importance of the marital relationship from both aspects, male and female... husband and wife.  The wife, the bride, is to honor and respect and submit to the groom.  This does not in any way imply indentured servitude or slavery... it's being respectful to follow the lead of the groom.  And for the groom, the instruction is to hold the bride up as BLAMELESS, taking all the responsibility for all actions... the model is Christ, and the way He stood in the path of God's wrath for all of us.

So let's start today with the simple truth that of all the places this Sign could have happened, it happened at a wedding.  John uses this first moment as a beginning to the pointing toward Jesus as the Messiah, Emmanuel, the Son of God, through His earthly ministry.  And in the act of providing better wine than what is currently available, Jesus shows His immense love for the people around Him.  Also of importance here is that since He knows everything about these people, and all of them (like us) are undoubtedly sinners, He is providing the best wine possible at an opportune time to those who certainly do not deserve it... and that defines the exceptional grace that pours onto us all!

God bless you all!!!