Chapter 17: A Society of Joy
We all yearn for more, but when we get it, we yearn for even more. Deep down, what we are yearning for is the eternal joy that comes from knowing God. And the good news of Jesus is that the yearned-for joy is already here and that we can have it now.
WEDDING WINE AS SIGN. "Wine is to weddings what a tree surrounded by presents is to a family Christmas, what fans are to a sports contest, and what discovery is to a search. Without wine the wedding falls flat; the joy vaporizes. Without joy a wedding is just not a wedding." By turning water into wine, Jesus returns the joy to the wedding.
MIRACLE AS SIGN. The water in the jars that Jesus turned into wine was for ceremonial washing. It was sacred.
- Of Joy. Jesus transforms the water of purity into the wine of joy, eternal joy. Jesus didn't just make a little joy. He made an abundance of it (120 gallons or about 500 bottles!)
- Of Jesus. In this sign (miracle) Jesus reveals his glory.
POTLUCKS AS SIGNS OF THE SIGN.
SURPRISED BY JOY. "When Jesus transforms the waters of purification into the wine of celebration he is saying that the daily grind of yearning for joy through purity has come to an end. “You need search no longer,” Jesus is saying, 'the wedding wine is at the table, drink it, all of you. Drink of me, for I am the wedding wine of joy, for the forgiveness of sin. I am what you yearn for. I make all things pure.'”
Chap. 18: A Society with Perspective.
As followers of the Jesus Creed, we have perspective on life that should change the way we act.
WORSHIP OR SOCIETY? Some Christians argue that heaven will be eternal worship of God. Others that it will be a perfect society. Some say that heaven we prefer is like the vacations we choose. But, we don't have to guess. Jesus tells us.
JESUS AND HEAVEN: A BIBLICAL SKETCH.
- First the Judgment… There will be some kind of bodily resurrection and then judgment.
- Then the fellowship. There will be an enormous banquet of fellowship.
PERSPECTIVE: THE END IS THE BEGINNING. We are to life the Jesus Creed ow because it is the eternal plan of God and it will be the modus operandi in heaven.
KNOWING AND LOVING GOD.
FELLOWSHIP IN THE KINGDOM SOCIETY OF JESUS.
Quotes from Mcknight, Scot (2009-10-01). Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others (p. 163). Paraclete Press. Kindle Edition.