We are celebrating a wedding in 6 days. I’m all aflutter! I’ve driven past my exit on the freeway; I’ve missed appointments and I’ve shown up for ones I didn’t have. At night I’ve woken up going over lists in my head, just one more time to be sure. Some mothers of the bride probably know what I’m talking about!
After rescheduling the venue three times because of California’s crazy covid rules this momma is so excited for her girl to finally have her day. And while I know every detail in the schedule, what I don’t know is what God is creating. When I think about Jesus’ first miracle—turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana—I am struck by His majesty. A casual reading of John 2 and we might think oh how nice! Jesus didn’t want the family to be embarrassed socially because they ran out of wine. And sure, that’s probably true. We could also think, He was launching His ministry with a symbol of celebration, unity, and community. Ok, that would make Him the hit of all the parties in Israel. But was there more to it? I’ve always glossed over the idea that He made one liquid turn into another liquid. But when we really think about it, water H2O, doesn’t contain the molecules found in wine. For the master of the ceremony to exclaim wow you saved the best wine for last it had to taste, smell, and feel like a wonderfully complex wine (almost certainly a red). Jesus’ first miracle paralleled Genesis 1. He created something out of nothing (ex nihilo). Jesus makes all things new! I’m so happy in this marriage of my precious Miranda and her wonderful Gabe, God is also creating something entirely new and amazing.
I recently learned that a common wedding tradition demonstrates the Biblical concept of covenant. In Genesis 15:9-10 a blood covenant began with sacrificing an animal, splitting it in half on the ground, and leaving a pathway between the halves. The two parties making a covenant, or commitment to one another, would walk through the middle which was considered holy ground. In a wedding, family and friends of the bride and groom traditionally sit across the aisle from one another to create a holy ground pathway of the center aisle. This symbolizes the blood covenant. The bride and groom then join right hands, promising everything they are, and everything they possess, in a committed, covenant relationship. They are to leave their families, forsake all others, and become an entirely new thing.
So, in 6 days we will squeeze into our wedding clothes that fit a little better a year ago and we will raise our glasses and cheer kiss! Kiss! My terrible dance moves will come out and we will surely have a fabulous time participating in this holy and timeless moment. And God will create a new and amazing family!
That’s it from me for the next few weeks. If you want to pursue this line of thinking a little further, consider what it means that we, the church, are called the bride of Christ. Talk about making all things new! Blessings to you, dear friends. Be sure to get my book, Gracious Living, creating a culture of honor, love, and compassion anywhere books are sold.