out of the ordinary | the waters

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. For the next few days we are looking at the waters. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

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. John 2:7-11, NIV

I often find myself quoting Romans 2:4 because I love that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.

We see something of this modelled by Jesus in his first miracle. In it, he uses water - an everyday item everyone takes for granted -  and turns it into high quality wine - something everyone at the wedding wants and the hosts need! Clearly this miracle signals his divinity to his disciples, but it also tells us something of how we can present the gospel and tell the world who Jesus is. Because Jesus doesn't have to perform this miracle - in fact he says it's really not the right time for him! - but he does it because he loves and respects his mother, the wedding hosts, and guests, and determines to bless them. Jesus is so kind.

Of course, turning water into wine doesn't lead everyone at the wedding immediately to repentance but it does show something of the Father's heart for them. We can follow Jesus' example and show the kindness of God to whoever we are with, whatever the occasion. If we do that before anything else, we will repeatedly find ourselves doing exactly what Jesus does.

Let's pray
Jesus, make me kind. Fill me Holy Spirit and help me find ways to be kind so I can witness to the goodness of God. In Jesus' name. Amen.