Day 2

Highlight

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.” (John 2:1-9)

Explain

This story documents the first miracle that Jesus performs during His time on earth. While at a wedding, Mary comes to Jesus with the problem at hand – there was no more wine. During that time, running out of wine was a large social mistake and could bring shame on the couple for a long time. Jesus does what only He can do and He takes what is available to Him, invites the servants into the miracle, and provides the “best” wine.

Apply

This story shows me what elements make space for Jesus to do a miracle in my life. First, just as Jesus was invited to the wedding, I must invite Him into my life. Second, just as Mary comes to Jesus with the problem, I need to be in constant communication with Jesus and tell Him where I need Him to work a miracle in my life. I need to bring Him my worries, fears, and frustrations no matter how big or small they may seem. Third, just as the servants were obedient to the directions Jesus gave, I need to be obedient to any direction Jesus gives me even if it seems silly or doesn’t make sense. Last, I need to have faith and trust that in the end, Jesus will do what is best. He may or may not do exactly what I was praying for, but I can trust that whatever He does is because of His perfect plan and His best will for my life.

Respond

“Father, I’m so grateful that when You are invited into my life, You show up and do Your best work. There are so many areas where I desperately desire to see You move so first off, I invite You into my life and into those areas. Please come and take over, because I know what You will do is far better than what I can do. When You give me direction, please give me the faith and courage to be obedient and do exactly as You have called me to. And last, thank You that no matter what, You provide what is best. You know exactly what I need even when I don’t, so I trust that even if the miracle looks different than I expected it would, it is what is best for me and best for Your Kingdom. Thank You for being a part of my life and for inviting me into the miracle. Amen.”

Highlight

Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. From the passage of Scripture you read, highlight one or two verses that stick out. Write them down, and even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.

Explain

Make some basic observations about the scripture you just read by asking these questions:

• Why was this written?
• To whom was it originally written?
• What is the author trying to communicate?
• What does the Scripture passage teach me about God and humanity?

Apply

After taking some time explaining the highlighted scriptures, begin to think about how they apply to your life. Ask yourself these questions and spend some time writing down your thoughts:

• What do these verses mean today?
• What does this verse(s) mean for my life?
• How does this verse challenge my thinking and actions?
• What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?

Respond

Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You may describe how you will be different because of what God has said to you through the Bible verses. You may indicate what you are going to do because of what you learned. You may respond by writing out a prayer to God. For example, you may ask God to help you to be more loving, or to give you a desire to be more generous in your giving. Keep in mind that this is your response to what you have just read.