The Good Wine
We polished off dessert, my family and our charming company. While finishing my Turkish coffee I noticed my glass of dinner wine had not yet been emptied. That last swallow of Riesling caused me to recall this verse:
And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" (John 2:10 NKJV)
God created wine for many blessings. In biblical culture, while grain was a necessity for bread to sustain life, the wine of grapes indicated the pleasant life. The grapevine required a level of care one could afford only if already well fed. The cistern water was more healthy if purified with the alcohol of wine. Wine at a celebration could not be enjoyed unless all else was well. Betrothal and marriage covenants were sealed with wine.
Throughout the Scriptures, wine was commended as a gift from the Lord to indicate prosperity and well being.
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the service of man,
That he may bring forth food from the earth,
And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man's heart.
~ Psalms 104:14-15 (NKJV)
Like any blessing, in biblical culture or modern, wine is perverted when used wrongly. Cheap wine in particular is likely to be purchased in greater quantity which invites drunkenness, while fine wine is sipped and savored at a quantity and pace which discourages excess.
Jesus' first sign at Cana mirrored His last sign at Calvary. Good wine introduced the good news of His arrival when presented near wedding feast's end, inviting it to be savored and remembered. At His last supper's end, our Lord offered wine in departure, saying He would not again enjoy the fruit of the vine until He celebrated it with us in His kingdom. He called that last wine His blood, sealed His new covenant with it, and introduced the Good News of salvation with it.
Whenever we eat the bread and drink the wine of Christ's covenant, we proclaim the death of the Lord Jesus, we signify our commUnion with Him and one another, and we look forward to the wine Jesus will one day share with us.
Yet again, Jesus is saving the very best wine for last.
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Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: vineyardrobertdouglas.com
Amen sis.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Can't wait to share a glass with Him!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are not one of those who went to one extrem forbiding to drink wine. Glas of wine is not sin as long as doesn't finish in drunkenness.
ReplyDeleteGreat look at a sometimes sensitive topic. Wonderful spiritual insights too. Thanks Anne.
ReplyDeleteI liked that distinction between expensive wine and cheap and the implications. Got me thinking. :)
ReplyDeleteDenise ~
ReplyDeleteGod's shalom to you. Take good care of yourself, dear.
T ~
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine drinking the wine at Cana created by Jesus? Our wedding is coming!
Natasa ~
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe that most things Christians struggle with are simply something good taken too far or enjoyed in the wrong time or place. I think it usually takes more discipline to use self-control than to abstain altogether.
Jason ~
ReplyDeleteThanks. I continually seek to bring balance to biblical truths.
Laura ~
ReplyDeleteHow often is it said that we sacrifice the best by settling for the good? Who knows how much 'best' we might attain in bypassing the 'good' ...