WEBVTT
00:00:01.500 --> 00:00:05.871
My brothers and sisters, walt, here with simple thoughts and simple prayers.
00:00:05.871 --> 00:00:11.792
Today we'll be covering a passage in John 2, 1-12, a Miracle at Cana.
00:00:11.792 --> 00:00:14.327
This year has been incredibly difficult.
00:00:14.327 --> 00:00:21.393
In May of 2023, my mother passed away and I've missed sharing countless milestones and achievements with her.
00:00:21.393 --> 00:00:31.118
As a devoted son, navigating through life without my mother's love, laughter and guidance has been a painful journey, though grief lingers my faith.
00:00:31.138 --> 00:00:39.786
Tradition offers a unique way to honor our departed by gathering at the church our loved one called home, we celebrate their journey of life where lived.
00:00:39.786 --> 00:00:43.152
This tradition is known as a homecoming celebration.
00:00:43.152 --> 00:00:53.046
It is a feast filled with warmth and love, a feast of soul-satisfying comfort food and a culinary symphony, a testament to life's abundance.
00:00:53.046 --> 00:00:57.691
It's a celebration of life in a tender way to honor our loved one's memory.
00:00:57.691 --> 00:00:59.643
It consists of everything.
00:00:59.643 --> 00:01:11.274
The American gospel singer, sister Shirley Caesar, would say I got greens, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, lamb, ram, hog, moll, chicken, chicken you name it.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:23.430
Reading through John 2, I was reminded of the grandeur of traditional Jewish celebrations, in this case a wedding.
00:01:23.430 --> 00:01:29.966
These celebrations typically lasted a week and required extensive planning, as nearly the entire town was invited.
00:01:29.966 --> 00:01:34.984
Both families would undoubtedly save for years to host such a lavish event.
00:01:34.984 --> 00:01:41.727
Such extravagant celebrations were common in that time, and this one included Jesus.
00:01:41.727 --> 00:01:53.391
At this wedding in Cana, when the wine ran dry, mary turned to her son, jesus, and, with the mother's heart, brought the shortage to his attention.
00:01:53.391 --> 00:02:06.974
Yet Jesus, now a man gaining headway in public ministry and notoriety, gently reminded her that his time to completely reveal that he was the Messiah had not yet come.
00:02:06.974 --> 00:02:10.889
This tender exchange reveals a shift in their relationship.
00:02:10.889 --> 00:02:16.611
Jesus, addressing her as a woman, emphasized his new role.
00:02:16.611 --> 00:02:25.568
Yet even though his role was shifting, he performed his first miracle for his mother, transforming water into wine.
00:02:25.568 --> 00:02:29.911
This act speaks volumes about his character.
00:02:29.911 --> 00:02:39.331
It demonstrates his deep care for human joy and celebration, prioritizing marriage as a sacred institution even during his divine mission.
00:02:39.331 --> 00:02:47.290
Moreover, it reveals his profound dependence on the Father as he waited for the appointed time to fulfill his purpose.
00:02:48.199 --> 00:02:51.090
Perhaps the most profound lesson is humility.
00:02:51.090 --> 00:02:57.673
Jesus, the Son of God, performed an extraordinary act, but took no credit.
00:02:57.673 --> 00:03:08.014
Instead, only Jesus and the servants, and probably Mary, were aware of the event, exemplifying selfless love and service.
00:03:08.014 --> 00:03:13.831
In this we find a powerful example to follow as we navigate our own lives.
00:03:13.831 --> 00:03:23.454
My mother's going home celebration was a profoundly sacred gathering where the Holy Spirit's presence was undeniably strong.
00:03:23.454 --> 00:03:28.370
We experienced firsthand the incredible bond of brotherhood and sisterhood.
00:03:28.370 --> 00:03:37.366
It was as if we were witnessing a modern-day miracle reminiscent of the wedding at Cana, as we sensed the miraculous outpouring of God's grace.
00:03:37.366 --> 00:03:47.668
As we celebrated her transition to eternal life, we were filled with a joy that mirrored the joy of her newfound life in God's presence.
00:03:47.668 --> 00:03:59.739
It's a powerful reminder that such joy is a gift from God, growing through our connection with Him and with one another as our hearts find peace in His presence.
00:03:59.739 --> 00:04:09.740
As we rejoice in our eternal life with Christ, we also celebrate it with one another, the newfound life in our shared faith in Jesus.
00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:13.336
It's crazy how death can make life so clear.
00:04:13.336 --> 00:04:21.516
On that note, I give you this benediction Ephesians 5, 15 through 21,.
00:04:22.458 --> 00:04:23.360
Walk in wisdom.
00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:35.403
So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
00:04:35.403 --> 00:04:41.060
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
00:04:41.060 --> 00:05:09.211
Do not get drunk with wine in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks for all things In the name of our Lord, jesus Christ, to our God and Father, and subject yourselves to one another In the fear of Christ.
00:05:10.273 --> 00:05:10.913
Let us pray, heavenly Father.
00:05:10.913 --> 00:05:11.675
You come before your throne of Christ.
00:05:11.675 --> 00:05:12.576
Let us pray, heavenly Father.
00:05:12.576 --> 00:05:18.583
We come before your throne of grace, acknowledging your sovereignty and your love for us.
00:05:18.583 --> 00:05:31.454
As we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the divine comforter and counselor, allow us to experience a vibrant fellowship with one another, united in love.
00:05:31.454 --> 00:05:36.783
May your spirit bind us together in unity, fostering a community of support and encouragement.
00:05:36.783 --> 00:05:43.504
Lord, we surrender our lives to your guidance and direction.
00:05:43.504 --> 00:05:50.250
Fill us with your wisdom and discernment as we navigate through the challenges of this world.
00:05:50.250 --> 00:05:59.829
May your fruit of love joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control be evident in our lives.
00:05:59.829 --> 00:06:05.281
Give us peace to guard our hearts and minds, and may your joy be our strength.
00:06:05.281 --> 00:06:08.978
Allow us all to seek first the kingdom of God.
00:06:08.978 --> 00:06:12.720
It's in Jesus' mighty name we pray, amen.
00:00:01.500 --> 00:00:05.871
My brothers and sisters, walt, here with simple thoughts and simple prayers.
00:00:05.871 --> 00:00:11.792
Today we'll be covering a passage in John 2, 1-12, a Miracle at Cana.
00:00:11.792 --> 00:00:14.327
This year has been incredibly difficult.
00:00:14.327 --> 00:00:21.393
In May of 2023, my mother passed away and I've missed sharing countless milestones and achievements with her.
00:00:21.393 --> 00:00:31.118
As a devoted son, navigating through life without my mother's love, laughter and guidance has been a painful journey, though grief lingers my faith.
00:00:31.138 --> 00:00:39.786
Tradition offers a unique way to honor our departed by gathering at the church our loved one called home, we celebrate their journey of life where lived.
00:00:39.786 --> 00:00:43.152
This tradition is known as a homecoming celebration.
00:00:43.152 --> 00:00:53.046
It is a feast filled with warmth and love, a feast of soul-satisfying comfort food and a culinary symphony, a testament to life's abundance.
00:00:53.046 --> 00:00:57.691
It's a celebration of life in a tender way to honor our loved one's memory.
00:00:57.691 --> 00:00:59.643
It consists of everything.
00:00:59.643 --> 00:01:11.274
The American gospel singer, sister Shirley Caesar, would say I got greens, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, lamb, ram, hog, moll, chicken, chicken you name it.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:23.430
Reading through John 2, I was reminded of the grandeur of traditional Jewish celebrations, in this case a wedding.
00:01:23.430 --> 00:01:29.966
These celebrations typically lasted a week and required extensive planning, as nearly the entire town was invited.
00:01:29.966 --> 00:01:34.984
Both families would undoubtedly save for years to host such a lavish event.
00:01:34.984 --> 00:01:41.727
Such extravagant celebrations were common in that time, and this one included Jesus.
00:01:41.727 --> 00:01:53.391
At this wedding in Cana, when the wine ran dry, mary turned to her son, jesus, and, with the mother's heart, brought the shortage to his attention.
00:01:53.391 --> 00:02:06.974
Yet Jesus, now a man gaining headway in public ministry and notoriety, gently reminded her that his time to completely reveal that he was the Messiah had not yet come.
00:02:06.974 --> 00:02:10.889
This tender exchange reveals a shift in their relationship.
00:02:10.889 --> 00:02:16.611
Jesus, addressing her as a woman, emphasized his new role.
00:02:16.611 --> 00:02:25.568
Yet even though his role was shifting, he performed his first miracle for his mother, transforming water into wine.
00:02:25.568 --> 00:02:29.911
This act speaks volumes about his character.
00:02:29.911 --> 00:02:39.331
It demonstrates his deep care for human joy and celebration, prioritizing marriage as a sacred institution even during his divine mission.
00:02:39.331 --> 00:02:47.290
Moreover, it reveals his profound dependence on the Father as he waited for the appointed time to fulfill his purpose.
00:02:48.199 --> 00:02:51.090
Perhaps the most profound lesson is humility.
00:02:51.090 --> 00:02:57.673
Jesus, the Son of God, performed an extraordinary act, but took no credit.
00:02:57.673 --> 00:03:08.014
Instead, only Jesus and the servants, and probably Mary, were aware of the event, exemplifying selfless love and service.
00:03:08.014 --> 00:03:13.831
In this we find a powerful example to follow as we navigate our own lives.
00:03:13.831 --> 00:03:23.454
My mother's going home celebration was a profoundly sacred gathering where the Holy Spirit's presence was undeniably strong.
00:03:23.454 --> 00:03:28.370
We experienced firsthand the incredible bond of brotherhood and sisterhood.
00:03:28.370 --> 00:03:37.366
It was as if we were witnessing a modern-day miracle reminiscent of the wedding at Cana, as we sensed the miraculous outpouring of God's grace.
00:03:37.366 --> 00:03:47.668
As we celebrated her transition to eternal life, we were filled with a joy that mirrored the joy of her newfound life in God's presence.
00:03:47.668 --> 00:03:59.739
It's a powerful reminder that such joy is a gift from God, growing through our connection with Him and with one another as our hearts find peace in His presence.
00:03:59.739 --> 00:04:09.740
As we rejoice in our eternal life with Christ, we also celebrate it with one another, the newfound life in our shared faith in Jesus.
00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:13.336
It's crazy how death can make life so clear.
00:04:13.336 --> 00:04:21.516
On that note, I give you this benediction Ephesians 5, 15 through 21,.
00:04:22.458 --> 00:04:23.360
Walk in wisdom.
00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:35.403
So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
00:04:35.403 --> 00:04:41.060
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
00:04:41.060 --> 00:05:09.211
Do not get drunk with wine in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks for all things In the name of our Lord, jesus Christ, to our God and Father, and subject yourselves to one another In the fear of Christ.
00:05:10.273 --> 00:05:10.913
Let us pray, heavenly Father.
00:05:10.913 --> 00:05:11.675
You come before your throne of Christ.
00:05:11.675 --> 00:05:12.576
Let us pray, heavenly Father.
00:05:12.576 --> 00:05:18.583
We come before your throne of grace, acknowledging your sovereignty and your love for us.
00:05:18.583 --> 00:05:31.454
As we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the divine comforter and counselor, allow us to experience a vibrant fellowship with one another, united in love.
00:05:31.454 --> 00:05:36.783
May your spirit bind us together in unity, fostering a community of support and encouragement.
00:05:36.783 --> 00:05:43.504
Lord, we surrender our lives to your guidance and direction.
00:05:43.504 --> 00:05:50.250
Fill us with your wisdom and discernment as we navigate through the challenges of this world.
00:05:50.250 --> 00:05:59.829
May your fruit of love joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control be evident in our lives.
00:05:59.829 --> 00:06:05.281
Give us peace to guard our hearts and minds, and may your joy be our strength.
00:06:05.281 --> 00:06:08.978
Allow us all to seek first the kingdom of God.
00:06:08.978 --> 00:06:12.720
It's in Jesus' mighty name we pray, amen.
