The first sign of the last thing
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
Read John 2:1-11
I’m at a wedding tonight. Jesus’ first sign was at a wedding. That’s appropriate because his favourite picture of the kingdom is a wedding banquet, and we are all invited.[1] In fact, I’m a fool if I don’t prepare for it.[2] And I live my life joyfully toward it when I know the bridegroom.[3] So at a wedding I’m right in the middle of Jesus’ favourite way of picturing God’s kingdom. The church I belong to, yes, the little group of worshippers I gather with, argue with, pray with, who pick me up along the way, they are the bride he is even now bathing, making up, grooming, dressing and preparing for the great day. Surely when he saved the day at the wedding in Cana he gave a sign of all this! Perhaps I have had the privilege of being one of those servants I see in the story, and I have seen, in a way, Jesus turn water into wine somewhere in the events of this day, too.
Father from whom all the families on earth take their name, I praise you because Jesus revealed your glory. He did this when he brought joy at a wedding. People could celebrate with bridegroom and bride, the pleasure of families joining each other. I know those who find sadness in family, regret in marriage, loneliness in relationship, yet still on a wedding day rejoice for the bride and the groom. I bring my varied family and friends before you for your blessing and for their joy; my church for your beautifying work among them; and I pray that you will prepare them and prepare me for the wedding banquet of your kingdom.
[1]Matthew 22:1—10
[2]Matthew 22:11—14
[3]Mark 2:19