The coming of the Messianic kingdom means the restoration of

creation. The sign of this restoration is that "the mountains shall drip

sweet wine" (Amos 9:11-15). When the elements of a fallen creation

fail and run short at a wedding feast, our Lord Jesus steps in to restore

creation and miraculously changes water into an abundance of the very

best wine (John 2:1-11). With this sign, Christ manifests His glory.

The "back' of God (Ex. 33:12-23) is revealed to those who believe.

The hour will come when Jesus will again manifest His glory by taking

creation's curse into His own body to release us from its power. The

Bridegroom will give His life for the Bride (Eph. 5:22-32), and from

His side will flow water and blood, the holy sacraments by which she

is cleansed and made one with Him. Through this sacrificial love of

Christ we are enabled to "love one another with brotherly affection.

and to "outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:6-16).