Sunday Devotion- Who brought the good wine?

Janet Rubin

This morning I read the account of Jesus’ first recorded miracle—turning water to wine at that wedding in Cana. Although it was the first miracle written about in the gospels, I doubt it was the first miracle He’d performed. The way Mary acts when she finds out about the dilemma suggests she’d witnessed some earlier wonders. Perhaps she overheard the servants murmuring in the corner, perplexed and embarrassed. Someone had under-estimated the amount of wine needed for the crowd. How could the festivities continue with no open bar?


Mary immediately goes to Jesus and tells him about the problem, and I’m fairly certain she wasn’t suggesting He run to the packy. Perhaps wanting to show off her over-achieving child, she tells the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Jesus doesn’t disappoint his mother. In moments, He’s transformed water into wine. And not the discount-rack-screw-top kind of wine nor the kind that comes in a cardboard box, but the good stuff. In fact, when the master of the feast takes a sip, not knowing about the miracle, he pays the servants a compliment, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”


When I read this story today, it occurred to me that I’d never given much thought to the servants. How did they feel getting that praise? Pleased, I’m sure. Perhaps even proud. For it is always tempting to take credit for something that puts us in a good light. I wonder how they answered. Did they lift their chins and say, “Well, you know, it’s a special day. We wanted to break out the good stuff. Really spoil your guests.” Or did they shrug and say, “Oh, it wasn’t us. In fact, we didn’t have enough wine. We ran out a while ago and we weren’t sure what to do, but Jesus over there, He took care of things…”


Made me wonder how many times I take credit for things Jesus is responsible for in my life. My writing has a long way to go, but sometimes someone tells me that something or other that I’ve written has touched him or her in some way. I’m always pleased and encouraged to hear that, but it’s tempting to want to take full credit—for the writing, the message, and the blessing.


If I could see Jesus’ face when these proud thoughts come creeping in, He’d probably be wearing an expression of amusement, one that said, “Oh yeah, you’re really something, aren’t you?" And looking at that face I’d remember where I got the gift, Who gives me the ability to think and inspires my writing, and Who works in a heart of a reader to encourage, convict, teach, or comfort. Not me. Not me. Not me. I offer barrels of water. He turns them into wine.


Lord, We are your servants. Please take the water we offer and transform it into wine. Help us to remember to give you all the glory. For You are worthy. Amen.