Jesus first “sign” recorded in the Gospel of John is the changing of water into over 150 gallons of wine for a wedding celebration. That the coming Kingdom is characterized by joy and abundance is hard to miss in Jesus’ actions. That we are continually surprised by this–that the life of faith is not a life of drudging sacrifice–speaks to how we too often encounter the world, or “get encountered” by it. Here is Rev. Kent’s prayer from Sunday’s service. May it be a blessing and strength.
How we have misjudged you, Lord! Thinking you demand austerity, we find you offering joy in abundance. Thinking a life of following you is “giving up” we find that it is full of just “giving.” When we are tempted to think that other’s joy is of no concern to us, or when scarcity and smallness of spirit prevail in our feelings, change our watery ways into the flowing wine of gifts for grace, healing, teaching and love. Just when it seems like we might run out of compassion, fill us over and over with the best of what is old and new in your heart. Your sign to us is celebration. In your name, help each one here be a living sign of transforming joy this week. Amen. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
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