Scriptures are God's direct commands

Scripture reveals many things. There are direct commands from God. There are word pictures of how a believer is to live. There are examples from the lives of others, both good and bad - all there that we might know God, and knowing him, live according to his will. The Bible tells us that in Jesus Christ is the fullness of God in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). As I think about that I find Jesus did some interesting things.

John 2:11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

What was Jesus' first miracle? What great sign did he give to reveal himself as the Messiah? What did he do that his disciples would put their faith in him? Jesus turned water into wine.

I think that's great, the first miracle Jesus did, is that he blessed people at a wedding by helping out with their lack of preparation and their desire to celebrate.

If you have never read this account, let me give you the run down. Jesus was at a wedding in Galilee. Some of his disciples and his mother were there also. When the party was about to end, because there was no more wine, someone told Mary about this dilemma. Mary in turn tells Jesus, "They have no more wine." To which Jesus basically says, "Its not my time, why are you telling me?"

Then Jesus goes out of his way to provide for these people. He tells some servants to fill up six water jars, that were over 20 gallons each. I think we can assume that this wedding was a big deal or - these people could really put down the wine. But, that's another story.

Then Jesus instructs the servants to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. That is where it all gets interesting.

John 2:9-10 The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now."

Not only did Jesus bless these folks with something that was not necessary for life, but he did it in such a way that it was the best.

As we begin a new year, I want to remind you - that God is good. Jesus Christ came to bless, to provide a way to God. When mankind was in the darkness of sin, when all the world has strayed away from God like sheep, God sent the Good Shepherd to provide what we did not deserve, the atonement for sin and blessings we do not need. Let's finish this article with a psalm that speaks of the blessings that God has provided to those who trust in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 103:2-5 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

n Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of Carson Valley Ministers' Association.