Today's Reading: John 2:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Romans 7:1-20

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. (John 2:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus could have chosen anywhere for His first miracle. The Jordan River or the Red Sea. A cemetery or hospital. The temple in Jerusalem. The wilderness or some mountain top. But Jesus chooses a wedding where a man and a woman are brought together and declared one.

You say you and God are like Mars and Venus? Or maybe oil and water? You don't mix? You're always questioning God? Doubting His Word? Convinced someone, or something else, is in control? You don't fear God's threats or trust His promises like you should? You are often unfaithful in your calling as a son, daughter, student, or neighbor? At times you are even angry at God? Well, you are no different than I am, then.

Good News, fellow Martian: Just like Jesus' birth, just like Jesus' death, just like Jesus' Resurrection, and ascension, and Word, and water, and Supper, Jesus' first miracle promises you that you and God are together, now and forever. Declared to be at one with each other, in Jesus. 

For all that Mars and Venus, or oil and water business? Yeah, God knows all about the unbelief and sin in us that separates us from Him. That makes us all damnable sinners in His sight. But here's the Good News: God put that on Jesus when Jesus went to the Cross for you. He became the Martian, the sinner, the "you" for you. And His blood now covers it all.

And to teach you to trust this Good News, Jesus adds His Word to water in Baptism today, preserving your union with God as holy and pure. All God sees when He looks at you now, in Jesus, is His blameless and righteous child. Jesus even adds His Word to bread and wine, making sure the wedding feast continues at the Supper: "Take, eat; take, drink; My Body, My Blood, for you, for the forgiveness of sins." 

Sounded crazy when Mary told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." But it worked out well for everyone, didn't it? It will for you, too, as Jesus tells you with His first miracle. "Fear not. Trust Me. You and God are one now, in Me. Together now, forever." In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany)  

-Rev. Bradley Drew is pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch