“…but thou hast kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10).
JUST GIVE ME YOUR BEST!! I’ve heard this in huddles and dugouts many times over the years. We all love and are inspired by those who give it their all. The athletes and actors who go all out to accomplish all they can are incredibly inspiring. Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg are absolute monsters when it comes to routine, structure, and schedule. I am convinced that is how “The Rock” can make a movie every other month. He is incredibly disciplined and determined. These men give every second of life all they have.
Now please don’t stop reading! This blog is not about getting up at 4 am or eating 32oz of grilled chicken every day. But if you would like to read one, here you go https://www.robinsharma.com/blog.
It is about living up to our potential. It is about God making the best wine anyone had ever tasted. It is about God taking us from the trash heap and making us into a trophy for His grace. This is about what the Holy Spirit can do and should do in and through you.
God was not going to allow the wedding party to enjoy cups of water that were full of bacteria. God was not interested in letting the wedding party have satisfactory wine. God only does and gives the best! “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father…” (James 1:17). He gave us the best heaven had to offer! (John 3:16).
God continues to do the same for you! He has given us His best by giving us His indwelling Spirit. The Spirit of God, the power of God, the person of God is within us! Paul says in Colossians 1:27- “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
At first glance, it makes absolutely no sense to read what Jesus told his disciples in John 14-16. Christ was prepping his disciples for his departure and letting them know what was to come. I honestly think that is why Jesus “breathed on them the Spirit” for this future preparation (John 20:22). In their minds there was no way Jesus leaving them made any sense. We would think the same thing.
Imagine having Christ there. To listen. To bounce things off of. I’m sure having Christ there came in handy with Peter and his marriage! Christ was there; in their homes, on their boats, at their get-togethers, and in their worship!
I would miss Him when he was across town. I would hate it when he wasn’t available to talk while he was by the shore. It would be frustrating when my schedule wouldn’t allow me to be with him for weeks at a time.
This is why Christ had to leave. This is what he was trying to convey to the disciples. This is what He wants us to understand today. Far more significant than Christ with us sometimes, is Christ in us at all times. You see, Christ is in our worship every Sunday. Christ is there while my kids are taking a test and in my wife’s fourth-grade room during phonics. Christ can never leave us nor forsake us. Christ is in us! Christ goes through chemo with us and is there when you head out on vacation.
If one could wrap his mind around this truth it would drastically change his life. Just consider the fact that you are “filled with all the fulness of God.” What more do we lack? What more do we need? How can I ever consider myself “not enough,” when I am more than enough in Him?
God did not save you to be average. God did not put His Spirit inside of you to do just enough. God has not called you out of darkness for you to hide from the light. God has done a mighty work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure!
Christ in us gives us a great advantage. We don’t have to be the big name to be big for Jesus! His presence in me is enough. You can be in the hills of West Virginia teaching ten kindergarteners the difference between their right hand and left and be pure awesome. God has given you amazing abilities and gifts to do this in you. You might not end up with the promotions and accolades some others do, but you are known, loved, and celebrated in Him.
You have been changed from water to wine! You are God’s best! You are full with the fullness of God. Now go and make others stand in awe of the Holy One within you!