The Best for Last
Scripture Reading — John 2:1-11
“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine . . . but you have saved the best till now.”
Some years ago, an advertising jingle for a popular candy asked, “Do you eat the red ones last?” There was really nothing special about the red ones. They were candy-coated chocolates, and the red ones tasted the same as all the other colors of candy-coated chocolates in the pack. But the commercial suggested that the red ones were special, or the best, and it made people think they should save the best for last.
The banquet master at the wedding at Cana did not know who had provided the new wine. He just knew that it was better than the wine that had been served earlier. He also knew that this was unusual. Most hosts served the best wine first, but at this wedding the best was served last.
Though it was unusual at a wedding in those days, this miracle of Jesus suggests something about the kingdom of God. The best is yet to come. The blessings we experience in our life with God, the goodness of God’s creation, the joy of Christmas, the consolation that comes from God’s presence, the freedom that comes with forgiveness—all these are just a taste of the new life God has promised in Jesus. As the year ends, we look forward in hope, for God saves the best for last.
Faithful God, you have prepared what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind can conceive. Help us to keep looking forward in hope to that day “when our faith shall be sight”! In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Norman Visser
Norman Visser has served as a pastor of churches in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and South Dakota. He states that while he is “not known for waiting patiently,” he is “working on it.” Norman and his wife, Marcia, have three children.
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