I made a commitment yesterday. I realized that the countdown from today until Christmas is exactly thirty days. What can happen in 30 days? I am hoping that renewed passion can happen in thirty days. I miss the intensity of my Savior's embrace. So that commitment? It's to really dig in, to dig deep and really reacquaint myself with the amazing God of the universe before the world celebrates His birth.
From today until Christmas, I will be following this plan. I may not post here every day, but I do plan to post most days. It'll keep me honest, and it will help me digest what I'm reading. So, you ready?
Day 1: John 1:1-2:11 and Proverbs 1
It struck me for the first time today that John was a bit of a wordsmith. In the opening verses of the book, John manipulates the words "Word" and "Light" in such ways that while struggling not to quote such familiar passages, it can actually be difficult to read. From there, we are briefly introduced to John the Baptist and Jesus's disciples. The passage then terminates in the story of Jesus turning water to wine.
Interestingly enough, I get this mental picture of Jesus being a grown-up version of a petulant child at the wedding. His mother comes to him with the disturbing realization that there is no more wine. Jesus's response? Basically a big "so what?" Instead of admonishing Him, though, she simply turns to the servants and instructs them to do whatever it is he tells them to do. She knew He would not leave her stranded. She knew He would follow through. And He did.
There is one more part to this story I never realized: this miracle was for no one but the disciples. No one but the servants and the disciples knew what He did. The "master of ceremonies" certainly had no idea where the wine came from. Even Mary didn't stick around to watch the miracle. Only the disciples were there, and this one small miracle caused them to believe. He did not want to call attention to Himself as His "time had not yet come." But He did this one thing for those He valued most on the earth, for the chosen few with whom He surrounded Himself.
I have two thoughts on this passage from Proverbs. The first is that I love how Solomon paints Wisdom as female. hehe. The second is the fact that we are warned of our own destruction. We see it coming. We know when something is perilous, but whether because of pride or curiosity, we do it anyways. Are we really so dim? I know I am. I see the shiny surface of something and never look at the ugly rough underside. I fall for it every time. So where does that leave me? What do I take away from these passages?
I think my takeaway is the idea that Jesus loves deeply. Even when things happen "early" (or late), He steps up to rescue the day if we only seek Him out. And if we truly believe He will save the day. Also, He is not above the simple miracles for those that follow Him, especially those that leave everything in a step of faith. He gave the disciples a glimpse of who He is. Their faith was rewarded. There's that theme again....... Faith and faithfulness. And what is faithfulness if not avoiding known pitfalls? He's there, waiting to back us up, to lead us away from peril, and to reward our simple faith.
Did you take anything else away?
Blessings
