A Wedding To Remember

Introduction

I’ve had the privilege over the years of officiating many weddings. Some large gathers, some quaint intimate family gatherings (my favorite), and many somewhere in between. On one occasion, at an outdoor wedding, the skies opened with a sudden thunderstorm as the ceremony was about to start. The bride, the groom, the guests, (and me) were completely soaked! Wedding ceremonies it seems, are accidents waiting to happen. Something unexpected typically occurs during the ceremonies. And frankly, that’s what makes each one so memorable! It’s those little things, those small details which we all remember. It’s the ordinary things like a rainstorm, which make events and memories extraordinary. And if we are patient, well those wonderful experiences will happen for us…the best things are saved for the last. Today, let’s look closer at a wedding ceremony in Galilee. I invite you to join me in reading John 2:1-11.

READING

John 2:1–11 NIV

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 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.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Little things in life

It’s the little things that make our everyday lives fulfilling isn’t it? The new buds on the trees in the springtime. The familiar “hello” from a friend. The embrace of a spouse at the end of a long day. Those little things really allow us to experience life so much more fully.

Jesus is concerned about the little things of life. How easy it would have been for Him to ignore the dilemma faced by the wedding party. And yet, realizing that this was a celebration, He miraculously turned water into wine allowing the celebration to continue. The miracle at Cana was Jesus first sign, or symbolic act. Numerous miracles occurred during His earthly ministry, and this “little thing” was offered up to the wedding guests. An event they will never forget

Something Ordinary made wonderful

How often do we turn our backs on the simple requests from those around us? Selfishly, we put our own needs and desires ahead of those who reach out to us. How much easier would it be to put our own material needs aside, and reach out…offer a hug, hold open a door, say hello to a lonely neighbor. Let’s show kindness to a world longing for miracles.

"I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness." Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Let’s do the things God intended us to do. The ordinary everyday things we can do for each other will make wonderful, lifetime memories for all. All it takes is a conscious effort to make a difference, and before long those little things will become second nature, become a habit. And suddenly, you’ll see that those around you will do the same. And suddenly, the world won’t seem so dreary, so distraught, so worried about every issue. Suddenly, all the ordinary events, encounters, experiences will be made wonderful.

Don’t be silent, don’t remain quiet, but get our their and do the simple ordinary things God intended us to do.

Isaiah 62:1–5 NIV

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

The best comes last

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NIV

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Conclusion

“The miracle of turning water to wine reveals Jesus as: One who honors the bond of marriage; One who bestows His gifts lavishly; one whose infinite love is made effective by His equally infinite power; one who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory.” William Hendericksen, New Testament Commentary

Let’s share the little things of life together. Let’s remember the ordinary things in life because they are quite extraordinary. Let’s live out the plan God has made for our lives, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Prayer

Psalm 36:5–10 NIV

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.