DCLM Daily Manna 21 June 2024 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Better Wine
TOPIC: The Better Wine (DCLM Daily Manna 21 June 2024)
KEY VERSE: “And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10).
TEXT: John 2:1-11 (KJV)
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
MESSAGE:
Weddings in ancient Israel were elaborate and expensive affairs. The ceremony lasted seven days and there was supposed to be unlimited wine and food for the guests all through. Any shortage of either wine or food was perceived as a sign of divine disapproval; in the eyes of the guests, it portended a bad omen for the marriage.
The disaster of the finished wine in the text occurred while the ceremony was still on. Therefore, it is not hard to imagine how the groom and his family would have entered panic mode. Something had to be done fast before the guests noticed. Then Jesus came! He turned their panic to praise by turning their ordinary water into the best quality wine mankind ever tasted. It was a miracle both timely and timeless; timely because it saved a desperate situation and, timeless because it is still applicable in your own “finished-wine” situations today.
Lives and marriages often face similar situations. Joy fades, hopes dim, purposes are disappointed, there is an overwhelming sense of failure and life seems over. The ever-increasing suicide rates, the mental health crisis and the frightening divorce statistics being reported across the world are sad testimonies to the darkness and despair that have engulfed many lives. The “wine” is finished, and nothing seems well-placed to fill the gap. In desperation, many drown themselves in alcohol, drugs, endless partying, and weird sexuality but the emptiness persists. The search for meaning goes on. But there is hope in Jesus.
Jesus is still the solution for desperate situations. He is the Provider of the “better wine”. Pardon for sin is available through His death and resurrection. Surrender your heart to Him by faith and you will be glad you did.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If your life is getting drained of joy and meaning.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
2 Timothy 1-4
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria
