Water into wine

We are back in Holland following a mostly cold week in Arizona with our recently retired friends Tony and Dee Vis. Though chilly we had a warm, enjoyable time. It was good to talk retirement and the goodness and faithfulness of God in our ministries and lives. Recognizing the presence and provision of God in life is most crucial for the title of my blog "soul work". I have not got it all figured out that is for sure but I keep in pursuit of that which God desires for me. (Paul said something to that effect in the book of Philippians. So I'm in good company, right?)

I trust you all enjoyed reading the gospel lectionary lesson last week which was John 2:1-11 the first sign/miracle of Jesus in John's Gospel. This is one of my favorite stories from the life of Jesus. I remember Biblical commentator William Barclay saying something like "This miracle is not about something Jesus once did in Cana of Galilee many years ago but about that which Jesus does whenever he enters a person's life." There is an abundance of joy which never runs out.

Another favorite statement from that passage is from the lips of Jesus' mother to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." You can't go wrong when you follow that advice. The Spiritual Formation Bible comments on that statement:
"Sometimes the things God asks us to do just don't make sense! Jesus says, "Fill the jars with water."  But why fill up the jars with water when it is wine that has run out? Even though it seems to make no sense, the servants do as they are told. The water becomes premium wine. The hosts experience honor rather than shame.
You nay ask, "What am I running out of? What shortages are my family, my faith community or my neighborhood likely to encounter?" Tell Jesus abut them. What does Jesus ask you to do in response? What act of obedience does Jesus ask of you so that the situation might be transformed? What do you envision Jesus doing as you cooperate with him?"

Much joy and peace to each of you as you grow your soul.