"Ladies and gentlemen, children and youth, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining together of....." So begins familiar words that signal we're present to one of life's greatest celebrations: The Wedding. Moods are expectant. The energy of love fills the air. The ceremony and the celebration to follow is one of life's most magical moments.
And Jesus loves celebrations! Early in the Gospel of John (John 2: 1-11), Jesus and his disciples - his friends - and his mother are having a good time at the wedding in Cana.....til the wine runs out. Considered a miracle, but what is really a sign directing our attention to God, Jesus turns the water into wine. In other words: Party On!
And Isaiah 62: 1-5 reinforces this sense that God loves a good celebration. God declares: "I will not keep silent...I will not rest. You (Israel; God's followers) shall be called by a new name...You shall be a crown of beauty...a royal diadem in [my] hand...you shall be called 'My Delight.'" If God delights in us, surely this is cause for celebration.
But returning to the wedding in Cana, notice who knows the One who turns their water they've filled into the 120-180 gallon jars. Jesus! It is the ones who serve who know the secret of the best wine provided for the guests.
So, as we serve, are we part and parcel of the knowing of who Jesus Christ is? What is it about serving that draws us close enough to the center of the action to be aware of the ministry of Christ? In 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11, the Apostle Paul calls us to discern, recognize, and offer up our spiritual gifts. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Cor 12: 7) We each are gifted in various, diverse ways, but the combination of our gifts and the offering of ourselves through our gifts is where the kingdom of God resides.
When we worship we celebrate God's presence. When we serve others, we proclaim that the kingdom of God is alive and well among us. Party On, Servers of God!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley
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