I read today about Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding of Cana.  And as I read I imagined the scene of this unexpected unveiling of the miraculous.

Bible scholars talk about the importance of first mentions.  It is a rule that says that when something appears in the Bible for the first time it is significant.

And the wedding at Cana is a significant miracle for sure.

Turning water into wine was a miracle full of symbolism and a Jewish wedding was the perfect backdrop.  Jesus was using this moment to announce that there was a new way, a more perfect way to come to God.  This new way would bypass middlemen and temple sacrifices and lead us straight into grace.

I love weddings.  I love everything about them.  I love the poignancy and the fuss and the beauty.  There is just something so special about getting all fancy and spending the day with people you love to celebrate a new marriage together.

In truth, Jesus could have done a wine miracle or sermon almost anywhere. But He chose a wedding.

I like to imagine Him celebrating, laughing, eating and dancing.  Jesus was a local Galilee boy and this was His community, His friends and family.  Everyone was there.  It was a meaningful milestone, part of the social fabric of people’s lives.

And I can feel the embarrassment of the host when the wine ran out.

But there was good news.  Jesus was there.

He wasn’t off in some monastery on a mountain.  He was invited to the party and He came. And because He was there, the miracle was possible.

Long before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be called, ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us.’

God’s plan of salvation was never going to be just set in motion from a distant seat in heaven.  The plan was always about a near Saviour, a God who is with us.

God came to us so the miracle was possible.

And He is still here by His Spirit.

The salvation that Jesus came to bring is for now, today, in the midst of mundane routine or beautiful celebrations and everything in-between.

If we keep Jesus for Sundays, we are missing out. God is not bored by the ordinary and the earthly.  He happily accepts the invitation to join us in whatever we are doing, whether that is a wedding or washing up.

In Psalm 46.1, David describes God as our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Another way to say that would be that God is our  ‘help at hand.‘  He is near, available, present, on-call.

And because He is here with you, a miracle is possible.

So, don’t be tempted to limit God to religious activities or to save Him for emergencies.

This God of new covenants and best-saved-for-last miracles is here with you right now.  He is interested in your life.  You are precious to Him.  So, invite Him.

And He will join your celebrations, your milestones, your loss and your grief.  He is just as comfortable in your Monday morning ‘blahs’ as He is in your Sunday morning best.  Empty pots don’t worry Him.  Disappointments and doubts are safe in His hands.  There is no need for pretence so don’t waste the time.  Be real.  Ask Him for what you need.

He is God and He is near.  You are loved and the miracle is possible.