Jesus’ first miracle occurred at a Jewish wedding in Cana and provided Him with an opportunity to celebrate marriage. Marriage was just as significant in the 1st Century as it is in the 21st Century. One of the most eloquent descriptions of this divine union is found in The Bible.
- “Haven’t you read,” Jesus explained, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)
READ
Read the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of John.
You could also read Genesis 2:23-25, Matthew 19:1-6, Mark 10:4-9 and Galatians 5:13-14.
MEDITATE
In preparation for the 21-minute period you’ll spend listening to God, meditate on the following ideas and concepts:
- Jesus attended common events like wedding celebrations
- Mary, the mother of Jesus, respected His authority
- Jesus took ordinary objects to do extraordinary things
- The master of the banquet was amazed at the quality of the wine (though he did not know what had happened)
- Jesus did not perform this miracle to call attention to Himself, but rather to honor the sanctity of marriage
- God designed marriage to be as satisfying as the water that was turned into wine..
LISTEN
Go to a place of solitude and just listen for 21 minutes. If you are struggling to be still and “wait upon the Lord”, then review the six meditation points noted above.
PRAY
After you are done listening, pray for what God has revealed to you through the power of the Holy Spirit and what you learned from God’s Word. Remember to pray for those in need, especially if it is a couple that is struggling right now.
Since one of our goals in the 21-day challenge is to reach out and spend time with people who don’t know Jesus Christ as Lord, you should pray for the people that you have met or will meet during this journey of faith.
SERVE
What did I do on day #1 to “Be the Message”?
I went and visited a woman and now a widow whose 54-year-old husband died unexpected last Saturday. I have been to a number of visitations at funeral homes and I am always impressed by the inner strength of a godly wife in these circumstances. I have no great words of wisdom in these situations, but I can listen and offer some form of comfort.
I have my weekly meeting with a group of men on day #2, so please pray that our hearts and minds will be open to God’s instruction.
I hope your second day of participating in the “Being the Message” challenge is full of opportunities to be a reflection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
