WHEN PLANS GO WRONG! (2 OF 10)
by Roger Thomas
Scripture: JOHN 2:1-11
This content is part of a series.
When Plans Go Wrong! (2 of 10)
Come As You Are
Roger Thomas
John 2:1-11
February 11, 2001
Some unknown author penned this apt description of the world we live in: "The paradox of our time in history is that we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; more medicine, but less wellness. We read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul."
(Excerpted from a 1999 internet chain mailing).
Living in such a world often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, like life is out of control and there is nothing we can do about it. It is to just such a world that Jesus speaks. He promises to all who follow him a life that is under his control. He termed it "life in abundance" (Jn 10:10). It is not a life without problems or hurts, but it is a life that is never out of his control. That's a good thing to remember when our barrel runs dry and our plans go working. That's exactly what happened to the wedding planner in our text.
John specifically calls the turning of the water to wine the first miraculous sign performed by Jesus. Once his disciples witnessed this event, their entire perspective on their teacher changed. He was no longer just a good rabbi. He was obviously something far more. He still is!
I want to do two things this morning. First, I want to examine the story and then apply its meaning to lives that sometimes feel out of control. A study of this miracle always raises some problem questions. These issues are like sta ...
There are 16220 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
