The first Sign... part 5...

This will be the closing thought on the first Sign, and I am thrilled to get to the next segments of this already exciting study.  Also, this will be, by far, the shortest of the thoughts from the first Sign... but it is loaded with meaning, and perhaps one of the most important and impactful things we should all take away from this passage of John.

You see, using the same verse from yesterday (2:9a), we see the people who were aware of what actually happened.  We also see in verse 11 that the disciples must have seen it, because they began to believe IN Him.  But, out of curiosity, did you notice who wasn't there to witness this Sign?  Clearly, the chief servant didn't see it happen, and the happy couple must not have known.  The guests were most likely all oblivious to the happenings of the day, as well.  Most importantly, though, is that the Sanhedrin was not present.

The Jewish elite had become quite corrupt, and they had gone from looking to God for their law to making the law their god.  The status quo had become what really mattered to the leadership, and all they were truly concerned with was maintaining their levels of importance and lifestyle.  In that vein, they did and said the things that leaders are supposed to say and do, and they were filled with "apparent" conviction in each and every action and statement.  But their practices, policies, thoughts, and dreams were not for the things of God.

So when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, decided to perform such a Sign, he did so in view of only a few normal people, and none of the leaders of the day.  And this teaches us all that no matter how loudly you pray or sing or preach, no matter how obvious it is that you are in church every Sunday and you fast and you tithe and you live according to the Commandments, if your heart is not set upon the things of Heaven... if your heart does not belong to Christ... then it's all just a show.

Give thanks, friends, that your time today and every day can be spent in the presence of God, like the servants at the wedding.  Say a prayer of thanks that you can witness the most subtle of signs, and know that Jesus is Lord of all!

God bless you all!!!