This week we continue our theme of learning how to worship. The passages are a little strange to use together. The Gospel passage is about how Jesus changed water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The other passage is about using our spiritual gifts.
John 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Even though these two passages are very different, I realized that they both talk about the kind of gifts that God gives. Jesus didn't make cheap or low quality wine, he made the very best. And, when God decided to give us all spiritual gifts, God did not go for the cheap presents. Instead, we were given the very best. If you were to keep reading in 1 Corinthians, you would see Paul's reminder to us that all the gifts are vital to the congregation. We know that God gives very good gifts. And, even more, God expects us to use the gifts we are given.
Think about the gifts that you might give to someone at a wedding or other special occasion. You would not only try to pick out something nice, but you would want to give something that the couple could use. We want people to use and enjoy the gifts that we give, and in the same way, God wants us to use our gifts too. Spiritual gifts are given not to glorify one individual, but instead they are given so that everyone might benefit.
Questions to ponder...
Why is it that the text tells us that Jesus' "water/wine" was of such a high quality?
What gifts has God given you?
How are you using these gifts?
Let us remember to thank God for all the gifts that we have been given.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
