I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
Today we focus on the hope we have in Christ.
As we wrap up our week focusing on the Wedding at Cana and how the individuals then in that story, share a blessing with us in 2025; let's see how the Hope of Christ impacts us today.
This day.
Have you ever watched a dramatic movie – one that you know will keep you on the edge of your seat and possibly produce multiple tears? In the first 10 minutes of that movie, have you seen glimpses of the ending – a foreshadowing in character connections, visual clues and symbolic elements? I enjoy searching for those clues as I watch any movie, and I love when something I notice shows up "as the plot thickens" and I feel so satisfied when the beginning and the end have connection and fulfillment. I say aloud with pride, "I knew it!"
When I read John's account of the Wedding at Cana I get those same feels. When it starts off with "on the third day" I start to feel it… "oh, boy" I know this phrase, I feel its significance stirring. When Jesus calls his mother, "Woman," I am immediately transferred to his last words to her on the cross "Woman, here is your son." Jesus gives secret instructions to the lowly, he turns ceremonial water (Old Covenant) to the best wine (New Covenant). I want to jump up and down with my hand raised to point out "It's His blood! Symbolically it's His blood!" His role as our Bridegroom pops up as he provides a way for this particular Bridegroom to be credited with offering the ultimate best. As he recalls the moments from his earliest days with Jesus, is John using this as an intentional "book end"? Is a great storyteller doing what I've enjoyed through our modern-day auteurs? Possibly. Regardless, here is where I find hope.
I am in a story – one that has stalled a little bit. While blessed beyond measure and given so many opportunities; I am a bit lost in the weeds. I think we all experience chapters and seasons like this. I am not alone. I am not the only one waiting for a miracle or even a juicy plot twist. When I remember that I am a part of such a greater story I can thankfully get those "feels" again. I may not understand the middle of the story with all its joys and tragedies; yet I can feel hope. God's provision in the moment is just a small foreshadowing of his eternal abundance.
Like David in Psalm 139, I am comforted that God's presence and knowledge of me and my whereabouts – literal and figurative – is omnipresent and omniscient. While I call on God's intervention to "slay the wicked" as I "count my enemies" I am also able to ask Him to "search me" and "know my anxious heart." And the beautiful blessing is Hope. Because I will and do see God's "goodness in the land of the living" even when I feel lost.
As you move throughout today; be reminded that all is not lost. While we are waiting, there is goodness. While we are searching for clues and trying to make sense, He is there. His gospel is true, the ending is oh so satisfying, and our hope will be made complete.
For further encouragement, read:
by Kris Thulson
