Daily Devotional: Water into wine

When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern I that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” … Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. — John 2: 3-4, 11 NRSVUE

In the past, I preached a series of sermons on the Miracles of Christ. It seemed logical to begin the series with the first recorded miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

I was raised in a denomination where “thou shalt not drink” was considered the 11th Commandment. This particular miracle seemed an embarrassment, best ignored or explained away.

So why did Jesus begin with this miracle? Why not a miracle we could all support as one proper for Deity? Why not heal someone? No one could get angry with that … oh wait! Jesus got into hot water healing people on several occasions, didn’t He?

Ok, raise a good person from the dead — restore a good citizen to the community. No one would … oh wait! After He raised Lazarus, they decided to kill Jesus and Lazarus too, didn’t they?

I’ve learned that those looking for a reason to reject, doubt or criticize will always find a way.

So, why this miracle as His first? Could it be because His mother asked Him?

Prayer: Lord? Forgive me when I forget to ask. You really are the only place to start.

Books of Devotions, such as "Avocados for Breakfast," written by Rev. Dr. Michael Sanders, are available locally at Ken’s Village Market in Indian River.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Daily Devotional: Water into wine