"When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine…. [he] called the bridegroom and said to him, '....you have kept the good wine until now.'"--John 2:9-10 One of the joy-giving truths that we learn from Jesus’ first miracle (turning water into wine) recorded in John 2:1-11 is that in Christ the best is still to come. Listen to 16th century London Pastor John Gill comment on this passage: The Gospel, which may be compared to wine for its purity, pleasant taste, and generous effects, in reviving drooping spirits, refreshing weary persons and comforting distressed minds, as also for its antiquity, was published before the coming of Christ, in the times of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets, but in a lower and weaker way; at sundry times, here a little, and there a little, by piecemeals, as it were; and in divers manners [Heb. 1:1], by promises, prophecies, types, shadows, and sacrifices; and was attended with much darkness and bondage: but under the Gospel dispensation, which is compared to a marriage feast, it is more fully dispensed, more clearly published, and more freely ministered. The whole of it is delivered, and with open face beheld; and saints are made free by it; it is set in the strongest and clearest light; the best wine is reserved till now; God has provided some better thing for us, Heb. 11:40. And so with respect to the future state of the saints, their best things are kept for them till last. They have many good things now; as the Gospel, Gospel ordinances, the blessings and promises of grace, the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, the presence of God, and communion with Christ, at least at times; all which are better than wine: but then there is an alloy to these; they are lowered by other things, as the corruptions of the heart, the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God’s face, and a variety of afflictions; but they shall have their good and best things hereafter, and drink new wine in Christ’s Father’s kingdom, without any thing to lower and weaken it. They will have full joys, and never fading pleasures, and shall be without sin and sorrow; no more deserted, nor afflicted, and shall be out of the reach of Satan’s temptations, and with Christ for evermore. Happy are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! (John Gill, An Exposition of the Gospel According to John (Newport Commentary Series, Particular Baptist Press, Springfield, MO, 2003), 60) Even now by faith in Jesus, we know and experience the blessings of God; our hearts are forgiven, free, and full. But one day at the marriage supper of the Lamb we will share the experience of the master of the feast: “You have saved the best for last!” “Keep on” weary Christian. “Stay true” tempted Brother. “Rejoice” tested Sister. The best is yet to come. In great love and joyful anticipation your Bridegroom is saving the best for last! “Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure’--for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”--Revelation 19:6-9
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AuthorChuck Cook is the pastor of Grace Bible Church - Rolla. Archives
April 2020
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