Look for Clues
Last week I encouraged you to read your Bible like an archaeologist, digging slowly, methodically, and carefully through every verse and passage of Scripture. Look for treasures that connect the transforming power of Scripture to everyday life!
Just one example is found at the end of John 1 when we hit an artifact about Jacob’s ladder in Genesis, which we might otherwise miss if we’re quickly speeding past to get to the familiar stories.
A familiar story, like the wedding at Cana that immediately follows in the next chapter. We all know that Jesus turns water into wine, but even in this Sunday school story are hidden treasures that we might otherwise miss if we do not mine for them. So, I would also encourage you to read your Bible like a detective, searching for clues that solve the beautiful mysteries in God’s Word.
The story in John 2 ends with this statement in verse 11:
“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
When you read this story, you need to ask yourself, “Why did the disciples believe in Jesus? What would cause them to give up their life and follow him?” The clue is one word: glory.
Have you ever paused and meditated on the glory of Jesus turning water into wine? What kind of sovereign control must you have over every molecule of creation to command the molecules of water to transform into the molecules of wine? Only the Creator of the universe could do such a thing!
While there is no direct Old Testament connection like Jacob’s ladder, this story should make us think of the story of Jonah. Remember everything God appointed to intervene in the life of a runaway prophet? He:
• “Hurled a great wind upon the sea” (1:4)
• “Appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah” (1:17)
• “Spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land” (2:10)
• “Appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort” (4:6)
• “Appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered” (4:7)
• “Appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint” (4:8)
In the same way, Jesus, who turned molecules of water into wine, is the glorious Creator who, with words, spoke the physical universe into being. He has the right, authority, and power to command creation to do whatever he wants to do.
Jesus of Nazareth is Lord Creator, and this is why the disciples believed in him, followed him, and entrusted their lives to him.
Can you say the same today? Sure, you have declared to follow Jesus for your entire life, and your eternal life is secure in Christ, but in the mundane moments of everyday life, we don’t always believe, follow, and trust Christ.
This New Testament story of Jesus turning water into wine, and the Old Testament story of Jonah, should be an encouraging reminder to you today of the power and glory of your Creator. His power and glory should remind you to believe once more, follow once more, and entrust your life to him once more.
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).
As the glorious and powerful Creator of everything that exists, there is nothing he cannot do for you. Rest in the glory and power of who he is! Believe him. Follow him. Entrust your life and soul to him. He is faithful.
This is what is possible when you search for clues in your daily Bible reading like a detective!
A Prayer for Today: Lord, I’ll admit that in the mundane moments of everyday life, I don’t always believe, follow, and trust you. I’m tempted to look elsewhere for excitement, encouragement, and fulfillment, but anything apart from you will never satisfy. May you give me the grace to rest in the glory and power of who you are, and may I forever respond to your glory and power with faithfulness and gratitude. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen
God bless,
Paul Tripp
Discussion Prompt for Children
• What do you think it means if someone is powerful? What does it mean if someone is glorious? God is described in the Bible as glorious and powerful—what does that mean?
• Is there anything God cannot do for you and me?
• What do you think it means to “rest in God”?
Reflection Questions
1. If you had to define the term “glory” in everyday language, how do you think you’d do that? What does it actually mean that God is glorious? Why is the miracle of turning water into wine something that highlights the glory of Jesus?
2.How does the story of Jonah help you understand and appreciate the story of Jesus turning water into wine? How do the two stories help you understand the power and glory of God more intimately? Why is Christ’s power over creation significant to you personally?
3. When going through the mundane moments of everyday life, what could help you believe, follow, and trust Christ more proactively? Why is Jesus worth laying down every part of your life, even when life seems dull and average?
4. What do you think it looks like to practically entrust your life and soul to Christ, believing that he is faithful? Take some time to write down a few specifics.