I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign.

Our lesson today was John 2 1-11. In it Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding.

The changing of water to wine is Jesus’ first public act in John, the inaugural “sign” of God’s presence in the world through him.

The amount of wine that Jesus produces may seem like an exaggeration to us, but this exaggerated amount is precisely why John introduces Jesus’ public acts with this story. God’s presence now fills the world “up to the brim.” As Jesus’ first public act, the changing of water to wine symbolizes the “fullness we have all received” (1:16) through Jesus’ presence in the world.

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. (verse 11)

Karen took the theme further as she talked about the great witness and involvement people have when they attend a wedding.

They are not merely witnessing the vow to each other but the vow to God to believe in each another and to Him. When we witness that vow we reaffirm our faith in God and the strength he gives to us by virtue of his love. This reaffirmation provides us with encouragement and responsibility to maintain our support for our spouse but also to the couple now vested in God.

 Signs through which he revealed his glory.

The premise of a sign from God has been used and misused on many an occasion in print, movies and songs. However it is often used very subtly. We oft think of these songs a from a place that does not respect God unless they come from a gospel singer

We spend our lives looking for these signs but often miss them as we look for some giant mind blowing event rather than the simple signs of his presence.

And the sign said, "Everybody welcome, come in, kneel down and pray"
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
I didn't have a penny to pay
So, I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine

The changing of the water to wine seems like a small act to help a wedding run smoothly, where and why should such a miracle occur? The miracle was not the changing of the water but reaffirmation of Jesus’ love for us and the power that flows through him so we may know the power and love of God.

Look not for the parting of the Red Sea but look for the little miracles every day, that show The love of Jesus and God for us as seen through the simple acts of kindness and caring. For the signs need not be in neon to be meaningful. Faith flows where we least expect it but most often is needed.

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign
No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong
But where do you belong

 Noral R.