Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, after considering the Baptism of the Holy Spirit last week, we have gathered again to reflect on "God’s Signs and Gifts."
We are familiar with road signs, and as a frequent traveler nowadays, I have come to appreciate these signs because of the immense benefits of guiding us on the right path to the right destination.
From creation to redemption, God’s work is marked by signs that guide us on His path and lead to His glory, His gifts equip His children for His mission.
Whenever I see a rainbow in the sky, I remember the covenant promise of God with humanity saying; "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:13). This is a sign that comes with a message from God.
God gives amazing gifts by grace. Peter says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10). Through the power of His Spirit, we get access to these incredible gifts from Him had them planned for us all along.
Our gifts are not there to maximize ourselves but to maximize God by bringing His grace to others. You’re a manager - the “steward”- of the gifts you’ve been given. God’s purpose in giving them to you is to pass out His grace to people around you.
1. The Faithful Love of God
The psalmist praises God’s steadfast love flowing from His grace, "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5). This psalm paints a picture of God’s love and faithfulness as boundless, priceless, enduring, and life-giving.
He puts qualification on who deserves this continuous gift of love from God by saying, "Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart." (Psalms 36:10). My question to you is, do you know God, and does He know you?
The description of God’s care—finding refuge under the shadow of His wings and the abundance of His house—reminds us that God’s gift of blessings is not given in small quantities. In this, we see a sign of His character: He is the fountain of life, and in His light, we see light (v. 9). Every sign of His love invites us to trust Him more deeply for everything we so desire is in Him.
In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by signs of God’s faithfulness to us, for instance in the beauty of creation, the gift of relationships, and the joy of worship in His light. Pause, to recognize and give thanks for these signs and gifts. How do they draw you closer to God?
God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are evident in creation and in His care for us.
2. God's Gifts for the Common Good
Apostle Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that God equips His people with diverse abilities for a shared purpose. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts to each individual by His own determination, and they are all given for the common good (v. 7).
As we receive the Holy Spirit baptism, the Spiritual gifts become the revealing signs of God's manifestation. Some are gifted with wisdom or knowledge, others with faith, healing, or discernment. These gifts are signs of God’s presence among His people and are meant to glorify Him and build up the body of Christ.
Each child of God has been given gifts by the Spirit. Have you discovered yours? Are you using them to serve others to the glory of God? As 1 Peter 4:10 urges us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
The Spirit’s gifts equip us to participate in His work, building up the church and serving the world.
3. The First Sign of Jesus’ Glory
The wedding at Cana marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. His first sign, turning water into wine—a miracle that reveals His glory and leads His disciples to believe in Him (John 2:11). This act is more than a display of power; it is God's sign that points to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the abundance of God’s gifts to humanity.
Notice the abundance in this miracle. The six stone jars hold vast quantities of water, and the wine Jesus creates is of the highest quality. This abundance reflects the generosity of God’s gifts and His desire to bless His people richly.
In this narrative, there is the key element of obedience with all humility amid uncertainty. Filling water jars - "the Jews for ceremonial washing," when we need wine for guests doesn't sit well with human logic. But as Mary said, "Do whatever He tells you." It is in total obedience that God's sign and gift of abundance manifested. Are you committed to obeying God's word? We will not see God's signs and gifts in our lives if we despise His word.
Like the servants at the wedding, we are called to obedience, even when we do not fully understand God’s plans. You may be that unimportant vessel left out there, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit will fill you with gifts of benefit to all. You shall be useful and wanted at the manifestation of God's signs and gifts. Beloved, may God turn the "water" in your life into “wine” for His glory, Amen!
The signs of Jesus’ ministry reveal the abundance and joy of God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
As we reflect on God’s signs and gifts, let us respond with gratitude and faith. Let us look for His signs in our daily lives, use the gifts He has entrusted to us for His glory, and trust in the abundance of His love.
Shalom aleikhem...
