Reflecting on John 2:1-12“The first of the signs through which he revealed his glory.” (John 2:11)
When Moses asked to see God’s glory (Exodus 33:18ff), God revealed this:
“The compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7)
These words to Moses reveal the greatness and power… of God’s love.
I used to think that God’s glory was His greatness and power.
While this is partially true, I think it goes way beyond that.
Jesus is not showing off God’s power by turning water into wine.
The glory of Jesus in this story is His kindness and generosity.
Jesus, like God, blesses abundantly, beyond our expectations.
“We have seen His glory… full of grace and faithfulness!” (John 1:14)
If we want to reveal God’s glory, we should be excessive in generosity.
We should not ‘serve wine’ like everyone else; we should bring out the best.
The church today seems more focused on greatness than on generosity.
Yet we do not represent God well when we do not show over-the-top love.
This reveals God’s glory, and ours: when we serve gracious love the way no one else does!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may our name (reputation/character) reveal the glory of Your compassion, grace, patience, abounding and extensive love, faithfulness and forgiveness! May this be our glory too!
Too often as of late I find myself ‘giving’ or ‘responding’ out of obligation or well, it’s just ‘what we’re supposed to do, or even worse ‘to ease my conviction of lack of doing something’….. I have truly misplaced my joy AND my source of giving / serving / responding. LORD, fill me to overflowing with a spirit of love, compassion, joy and generousity for Your glory!
They will know we are Christian by our love shown by the fruit of the spirit. I need to be like Christ unto others. That shows the power of God working in and through His people. What a mighty God we serve.