Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle Matthew. More specifically today’s passage is found in the twenty-fifth chapter. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil: for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:1-13).

 

            “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five. Talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received on went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and recknoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: and I was afraid, and went out and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it to unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:14-30).

 

            “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:31-33).

 

            “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? OR naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the last of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:34-40).

 

            “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:41-46).

 

            When you consider the words which are found in the twenty-fifth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you can and will be drawn to the incredible truth surrounding the Last Days. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the words which the Lord Jesus would continue to speak concerning the Last Days. What makes the words found in this passage of Scripture so incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about them is how these words call and draw our attention to the parables which the Lord Jesus would speak—not only concerning the kingdom of heaven but also concerning the Last Days. There is something truly unique and powerful about the words which we find in this chapter for Jesus deliberately and intentionally delivered parables unto His disciples concerning the Last Days. Within the first thirty verses of this passage of Scripture you can and will find Jesus delivering two parables unto them concerning the Last Days and the kingdom of heaven. The first parable was centered around ten virgins who were awaiting the arrival and coming of the bridegroom while the second parable was centered around a man who was traveling into a far country who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods. These parables must needs be carefully considered and understood for they help us to understand the truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and what it can and will be like in the last days.

 

            As you begin reading the words found in the twenty-fifth chapter you will find the Lord Jesus Christ describing the kingdom of heaven as being likened unto ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s that each of these ten virgins were in fact preparing to go and meet the bridegroom. You cannot read the words found in this parable and not come face to face with the fact that these virgins were indeed preparing themselves to go forth and meet the bridegroom. Undoubtedly there had been an announcement and some type of call that had been issued concerning the marriage and these virgins were invited unto the marriage. What’s more is not only were these virgins called to go forth unto the marriage but they were also called forth to go and meet the bridegroom when he came. Not only this but as you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you must needs understand the tremendous truth surrounding these virgins who were all invited to the wedding, who were all preparing themselves to go unto the marriage and who were all preparing themselves to meet the bridegroom. There is absolutely no mistaking the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for at the very heart and center of it is a powerful description of these ten virgins who were preparing themselves to go forth and meet the bridegroom who was coming forth.

 

 

            If there is one thing that makes this particular parable so incredibly unique and powerful is when you think about the fact that not only were these ten virgins invited to a wedding and to the marriage of the bridegroom but when the time for the marriage did in fact come the bridegroom himself would come forth and gather them to come unto the marriage. There is something we must needs recognize and understand when considering the words found in this passage of Scripture for the parable Jesus taught and spoke not only described these ten virgins undoubtedly being invited unto the wedding and marriage but also these ten virgins who would be waiting for the bridegroom to come forth. That which the parable reveals and suggests is the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and that which He would reveal concerning the Last Days as well as concerning the kingdom of heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ would indeed teach and reveal the parable unto His disciples concerning the Last Days and how the kingdom of heaven would be likened unto ten virgins who were all invited to the wedding and marriage and who were preparing themselves for the coming forth of the bridegroom. This is something we must needs understand when seeking to understand the Last Days for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that the Last days would indeed be days when there would be those who would be waiting for the wedding and the marriage—and not only waiting for the wedding the marriage but also waiting for the bridegroom to come and gather them together unto the wedding.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words found in this passage of Scripture and I find myself being absolutely captivated with the language Jesus used within it. Here in this passage we find the language of a wedding and of a marriage and we even find the language of the Lord Jesus concerning those who were waiting for the marriage and wedding. There is something truly unique and powerful about the words and language that is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the bridegroom’s role in the wedding and marriage. What we find in this parable is truly unique when you take the time to consider it for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of the bridegroom himself coming forth to gather these ten virgins unto himself to bring them unto the wedding. I am truly and utterly captivated when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that all ten virgins were indeed invited unto the wedding If you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you can and will be brought face to face with the fact that there was not a single virgin among the ten who wasn’t invited unto the wedding. The more you read the words which are found here in this passage of Scripture the more we can and will be brought face to face with the truly astonishing truth surrounding the wedding and marriage and how each of the ten virgins had indeed received an invitation concerning and regarding the wedding. What makes this all the more intriguing is when you think about and consider these words in direct contrast to the words which are found in the twenty-second chapter of this same New Testament gospel concerning a marriage and wedding which Jesus would teach. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the first verse:

 

 

            “And Jesus answered and speak unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:1-14).

 

            The words which we find in this passage of Scripture are absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about and consider them for the call and draw our attention to the incredible reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and that which He taught concerning the Last Days. There is something truly unique when you read the words which are found in this passage for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely incredible reality of another parable which the Lord Jesus would teach concerning the kingdom of heaven. At the very heart and center of the parables the Lord Jesus taught and spoke was indeed the kingdom of heaven and this particular parable was not only about the kingdom of heaven but also how the kingdom of heaven was like a certain king who made a marriage for his son. Within this parable we not only find the king making a marriage for his son but we also find the king sending forth his servants to call them that were bidden unto the wedding. Please don’t miss and lose sight of this for within this parable we find the language of invitation—and not only the language of invitation but also the language of being called. You cannot read the words found in this parable and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the words which the Lord Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of heaven and how at the very heart and center of it was the principle of invitation and calling. Not only this but when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we are indeed brought face to face with the truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and how it was indeed like a certain king who made a marriage for his son and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding.

 

            YOU CANNOT HAVE A WEDDING WITHOUT GUESTS! Perhaps one of the greatest truths found within the parables which the Lord Jesus taught concerning the kingdom of heaven—particularly and especially when you consider the words He used around the concept of wedding and marriage—is that in both of these parables they involved the inviting of others. In fact you cannot read these two parables concerning the kingdom of heaven and not encounter three distinct groups of individuals who were invited to the marriage and wedding. In the parable found in the twenty-second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will initially find a group of people who were bidden unto the wedding and marriage. Jesus doesn’t tell us who these people were and provides no description concerning their identity. The only thing we know concerning this first group of people was that they were those who were bidden to come unto the wedding and that they would not come. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to consider the fact that there would indeed be this first group of people who were bidden to come unto the wedding and marriage but how they would not come. Please don’t miss and lose sight of this for there is something truly unique and powerful about the words and language that is found here and how the king not only invited those to come unto the wedding but they deliberately and intentionally chose not to come.

 

            As you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find Jesus teaching and describing this group of people who were the first to be called, invited and bid to come unto the marriage and wedding. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for when the king prepared a wedding and marriage for his son he was not willing to have the marriage without guests. What’s more is that as you read the words which are found here in this passage you will find with the bidding and invitation came a powerful declaration of preparation as the king would instruct his servants to tell those who were bidden how he had prepared his dinner and how his oxen and fatlings were killed and all things were ready. THE INVITATION AND THE INSTRUCTION! There is something truly unique about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we are not only brought face to face with the invitation given unto a group of people who were invited unto the wedding but there was also instruction given unto the servants. THE INVITATION OF THE GUESTS AND THE INSTRUCTION OF THE SERVANTS! What is truly astonishing about this passage of Scripture is the fact that this king not only sent forth his servants a first time to call those who were bidden and called unto the marriage to come but when they would not come he would sent forth his servants unto them to urge them to come unto the marriage. This time the king would instruct his servants to declare unto those who were bidden to come unto the marriage that all things were ready, the dinner had been prepared and his oxen and fatlings were killed. On this particular occasion the servants were instructed to further bid and further invite and call these who were originally called to come unto the marriage.

 

            The words which are found here in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding those who were initially and originally bid to come unto the wedding. You cannot read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not come face to face with the fact that there was indeed a group of people who were initially and originally bid to come unto the wedding. Within this passage of Scripture we find the king instructing his servants to go forth and to call and invite those who were bidden to come unto the wedding. There is truly something unique and powerful about the words which we find here in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible reality of the king who prepared a marriage and wedding for others and who would send forth his servants to call them unto the wedding. There was not only the call and invitation to come unto the wedding but there was also the incredible reality of the servants who were sent forth to invite unto those who were bidden to come unto the wedding. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the wonderful and powerful reality of those who were bidden to come unto the marriage and come unto the wedding and how the king would send forth his servants to invite them unto the marriage for the time had arrived for them to come and participate in the ceremony and event of the marriage.

 

            I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the awesome truth surrounding the invitation and instruction as it pertains to the marriage. In the parable Jesus taught concerning the marriage which was prepared by the king for his son we not only find those who were invited unto the wedding but we also find the instruction that was given unto the servants who were sent out by the king. There is something truly astonishing and captivating when you consider the words found in this passage of Scripture as it calls and draws our attention to the truth of the marriage and both the guests and the servants. There is something absolutely wonderful to notice when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture as it calls and draws our attention to the fact that there is a clear contrast between the guests and the servants. There were those who played their role in obeying the instruction and command of the king while there were others who were expected to respond to the invitation of the king. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand as we read the words found in this passage it’s that both the invitation and the instruction required response. We cannot read the words found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the truly astonishing truth surrounding the invitation of the guests and the instruction of the servants requiring a response from those who were asked of the king. There were those who were asked of the king to invite others to be the marriage while there were others who were asked to respond to that invitation and actually come unto the marriage.

 

            In all reality I cannot help but encounter and come face to face with the wonderful and incredible reality of the parable and words the Lord Jesus spoke unto His disciples concerning the marriage for there is a great emphasis on the response to the king’s word—and not only the king’s word but also the king’s preparation and the marriage itself. If there is one thing we must needs understand it’s that not only was there a response to the invitation but there was also a response to that which the king had prepared for his son. It’s imperative we understand that the king did not prepare this marriage for himself but for his son—and not only this but issued an invitation unto those who were bidden to come unto the marriage. We dare not and cannot afford to miss this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding our own need to respond to the invitation given unto the marriage. These parables concerning the marriage and the wedding must needs be understood for when you come to the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you can and will be brought face to face with the truth of a wedding that can and will take place at the end of the age. This wedding and marriage is unlike anything that has ever been planned and prepared for it is the wedding and marriage that will take place between the eternal and only begotten Son who is the bridegroom and His bride. What makes this all the more is that Jesus’ first recorded miracle did not take place in the Temple nor did it take place in the synagogue but rather in Cana of Galilee at a wedding. The very first miracle Jesus performed after being publicly manifested at the Jordan River was turning water into wine at a wedding when the wine ran out. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

 

            “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set six waterpots of stone, after the manner of purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (But the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when the men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (John 2:1-11).

 

            We must needs pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that Jesus’ first miracle in which He manifested His glory took place not in the Temple nor in the synagogue but rather at a wedding. Jesus’ first miracle which He had performed in the midst of the earth would indeed take place in the midst of covenant and intimacy as He would take that which was of the natural world and would completely and utterly transform. TRANSFORMED IN THE PLACE OF INTIMACY! TRANSFORMED IN THE PLACE OF COVENANT! TRANSFORMED IN THE PLACE OF RELATIONSHIP! We dare not and must miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with the wonderful reality of Jesus’ manifesting His glory unto His disciples and those who were aware of what took place at a wedding. Jesus could have done something grandiose for His first miracle in which He manifested His glory and yet He chose to make His first miracle turning water into wine. Of course we know that turning water into wine is not a small feat for there are none among us who could do such a thing the way Jesus did. It’s important to note that Jesus could have raised the dead for His first miracle, or opened the blinded eyes for His first miracle, or caused the lame to walk for His miracle. Instead of Jesus doing something like this he would deliberately and intentionally chose to make this first miracle one of transformation. How absolutely wonderful it is to read the words found in this passage and to consider the fact that the Lord Jesus would indeed and would in fact make this first miracle that of transformation—and not only transformation but transformation in secret.

 

I fully realize I am deviating from that which is found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew, however, I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the truth surrounding this miracle of the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus would indeed make His first miracle one of transformation which was present in the midst of the earth during those days. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would make His first miracle that of transformation in the secret and private place. I find it absolutely astounding that those who partook of the wine and even the ruler of the feast himself which drank the wine did not know of the transformation which took place in the secret place. What an absolutely wonderful and powerful reality is found in this passage when we consider that transformation took place in the place of intimacy in the secret and private place. How incredibly powerful it is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and to consider the fact that Jesus’ first miracle was transformation—and not only was it transformation but it was transformation in the secret and private place. It is absolutely no coincidence the apostle John wrote how the rulers of the feast had tasted the water which had been made wine and knew not whence it was. How beautiful it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider the fact that Jesus’ first miracle would indeed be one of transformation and that transformation would take place in the secret and private place away from the eyes of men. What a truly blessed truth is found here in this passage as it calls and draws our attention to the amazing reality surrounding the miracle of transformation which takes place within our hearts and lives.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the fact that Jesus’ first miracle would indeed take place in the place of intimacy, fellowship, communion, covenant and relationship, and yet it would ultimately take place in the secret and private place. No one at the wedding would have any clue of what had taken place among them in their midst for Jesus didn’t perform this miracle with pomp and circumstance. Jesus could have announced and proclaimed what He was doing unto all those who were present and even called on them to give heed unto Him as He turned water into wine. What’s more is Jesus Himself could have turned the water into wine and made a big spectacle of it in the sight of all those present. Despite the fact that this was the first miracle in which Jesus manifested His glory which would cause the disciples to follow Him He would not do it with fanfare and accolades. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the truth that is found in this passage of Scripture—namely that Jesus performed a powerful miracle of transformation and did it without drawing any attention to Himself. Stop and consider the absolutely wonderful and beautiful truth that is found in this passage of Scripture for the Lord Jesus could have very easily performed this miracle in the sight and hearing of all those who were present on this occasion and yet he chose to move and operate in the secret and quiet and private place.

 

            The more I think about and consider the miracle which is found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the truth that Jesus’ miracle and work of transformation on this particular occasion would take place away from the eyes of men. We know that Jesus gave the instructions unto the servants to fill the six waterpots of stone to the brim with water and then to draw water forth from the waterpots. We know that Jesus instructed these servants to draw water out of the waterpots and bring it unto the governor of the feast. Perhaps one of the questions I can’t help but ask myself when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is whether or not the guests which were invited to the wedding drank and partook of this wine. We know that Jesus provided instruction unto the servants to draw forth water and deliver it unto the governor of the feast and that he drank of the water turned into wine, however, there is absolutely no mention of any of the guests partaking of the water which was turned into wine. The apostle John makes it very clear that the servants knew what had happened and were made aware of the miracle of the water being turned into wine for they were the ones who would deliver the wine unto the governor—perhaps even the guests themselves.

 

            The words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John are incredibly unique and powerful for they call and draw us to recognize and understand the truth surrounding Jesus’ miracle of transforming and turning water into wine. If there is one thing we must needs understand concerning this parable it’s that it did in fact center upon transformation—and not only transformation but also transforming that which had never been transformed before. Up until this point in time there had never been any mention of water being turned and transformed into wine and yet on this particular occasion water would be turned into wine for the very first time. What’s more is that I have not heard of any instance or occurrence of water being turned into wine from that time even until the present. I would dare say there might have been those who would have laughed Jesus to scorn and even ridiculed Him if He had announced that He would turn and transform water into wine. There might have been countless men and women on this particular occasion who would have thought Jesus was absolutely crazy and out of His mind had He told them He could and would turn water into wine. What we find in this passage of Scripture is an absolutely incredible picture and glimpse into the nature and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Within this parable we find it wonderfully and beautifully displayed that what had previously not been transformed would and could be transformed in the sight of the Lord Jesus. There would indeed be those who would and could taste of the water which was turned into wine and would have never thought that such a transformation could have taken place.

 

            What a truly powerful truth it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider how Jesus would take that which had not been transformed before—at least not transformed like this—and would transform it into something entirely different. We know that water can be turned into ice and even steam,  however, I have never personally know of water to be transformed into wine. Tell me when the last time was you personally witnessed and beheld water being turned and transformed into wine as the composition and makeup of it would be entirely and altogether transformed. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when we think about transformation for when we speak of transformation it is necessary for us to understand that true transformation completely alters and changes the makeup and composition of that which its process is taking place within. When we speak of transformation we must needs understand that transformation does indeed and does in fact take place within the realm of that which might very well seem impossible. I am sure there would have been a number of men and women who would have thought the Lord Jesus was utterly crazy if He announced that He could not only turn water into wine but also that by doing so He could change and alter the makeup and composition of the water itself. We know that water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen and yet what Jesus would do on this particular occasion is take hydrogen and oxygen and completely and utterly transform it at this wedding of Cana in Galilee. Oh pause for a moment and consider the true beauty that is found in this passage of Scripture and how what we find here calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding the glory and power of the Lord Jesus.

 

            I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth of transformation which not only takes place in the secret and private place but transformation would indeed take place within something that had not previously experienced such a transformation. I am absolutely convinced there are countless men and women among us who might be viewed as that which would and could never be transformed and be altogether changed. There are men and women among us who have been utterly written off as being altogether unable to be changed and transformed. What I so love about this passage of Scripture is that it reveals how that which had not previously been transformed could be transformed in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with the undeniable truth of transformation and how transformation not only takes place in the secret and private place where and when no one is watching but it also takes place if and when no one is expecting it. There is not a doubt in my mind that there was not a single person at this wedding who was expecting water to be turned into wine. I do not believe for one minute there were any men and women at this wedding who even thought within their hearts and minds that water could be poured into six waterpots and filled to the brim before servants would draw that water out and it would be transformed into wine.

 

            I absolutely love the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the amazing reality of transformation and how transformation does indeed and does in fact take place when no one is expecting it. The Lord Jesus wonderfully and powerfully demonstrated on this particular occasion that He could transform that which had never been transformed before that time. Jesus was given the opportunity to transform stones into bread in the wilderness to satisfy His own desires and needs and yet He would resist the temptation to do so. When, however, we come to the wedding we find Jesus allowing Himself to turn water into wine—something that had never been done before. It is in fact true that stones have never been turned into bread and that up until this point in time water had never been turned into wine. What we find in the wilderness was Jesus unwilling to take stones and turn them into bread—something which had never been done before—and yet what we find at this wedding in Cana of Galilee is Jesus taking water and turning it into wine. Jesus took that which had not been transformed and turned into wine and that which many would not even think could be transformed into wine and would completely and entirely change its composition and makeup. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the beautiful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and the power of transformation that is found within Himself as He demonstrates and manifests His glory.

 

            The language that is presented before us in this passage of Scripture is incredibly unique and powerful for it calls and draws our attention to transformation taking place in the place of intimacy and covenant, transformation taking place in the secret and private place, and transformation taking place in that which had not experienced transformation before. There is something we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with these three incredibly powerful truths concerning transformation. We cannot afford to miss this for if we do we might very well miss how transformation does indeed take place and how it is manifested within our hearts and lives. On this particular occasion we encounter and come face to face with the remarkable reality of Jesus performing transformation in a place of covenant, relationship and intimacy. This is something we must needs understand concerning our own hearts and lives for if we want to truly experience transformation within ourselves it must needs take place in the realm of intimacy and covenant—not only within the realm of intimacy and covenant with the living God but also within the realm of intimacy and fellowship with others. Not only this but transformation must needs take place in the secret and quiet place beyond the watching eyes of man as more often than not the greatest works of God are indeed manifested in those places which are completely separate and independent of the eyes and ears of spectators and observers. What’s more is transformation is best understood as taking that which might have been perceived as being completely and utterly unable to be changed and transformed and demonstrating that it can indeed and can in fact be changed in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

            There is something within this passage that strikes at the very core of transformation within the life of an individual—something which more often than not is overlooked. If there is one thing I find myself gravitating toward when reading this passage it’s not only that transformation took place in the secret place away from watching eyes and listening ears but it also took place in something that up until this moment had never experienced transformation before. What’s. more is that as you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that transformation doesn’t always come with trumpets and the sounding of bells and whistles. Transformation isn’t always broadcasted upon the mountaintops when it takes place within the hearts and lives of men and women. More often than not transformation is something which does indeed and does in fact take place quietly and without others being aware of what is even going on. What’s more is that I am convinced that even while the transformation that was taking place in the stone waterpots the servants themselves weren’t aware of what was going on. There is something to be said about this for it brings us face to face with the powerful reality of transformation within the life of an individual at the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is one thing I absolutely love about this passage it’s that transformation was occurring and the servants didn’t realize it until they had brought it unto the governor of the feast. Transformation took place before their very eyes and yet I would dare say that they weren’t even aware of the transformation until they brought that which was transformed to someone else.

 

            Stop and consider how absolutely remarkable this truly is when you spend time contemplating it for it speaks a powerful word concerning transformation. There are times when transformation does in fact occur behind the scenes and away from watchful eyes and listening ears and is not even made known until and unless it is brought unto another. What is so incredibly powerful about this passage of Scripture is that the transformation was brought unto the governor of the feast who didn’t even know what had happened. The only thing that he spoke of was the quality of that which he was presented. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s that the quality of what is presented and the quality of what is transformed by the Lord Jesus is always superior and vastly greater than anything others have tasted and experienced. Transformation within our hearts and lives is something we must needs recognize and understand for when true and genuine transformation takes place at the hands and work of the Lord Jesus there is something unique and powerful that takes place unlike anything that happens anywhere else. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when we read this passage of Scripture we find that which was transformed brought unto the governor of the feast who didn’t even know the transformation had taken place. It’s absolutely incredible that the governor of the feast was only aware of the quality of what was presented to him and not the transformation that took place in what he was offered. The governor of the feast was able to participate in the quality of the wine that was presented unto him and thought it was wine that was specifically reserved for that moment. The truth of the matter, however, is that this simply isn’t the case for this was not wine that was reserved but wine that was transformed by the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for to do so would be to miss out on something truly astonishing regarding the power of transformation within our hearts and lives.

 

            BRINGING TRANSFORMATION TO OTHERS! The words and language that is found in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about it. Stop and consider the fact that those servants who did exactly what the Lord Jesus instructed them to do had absolutely no clue they were going to participate in Jesus’ first miracle—and not only participate in Jesus’ first miracle but the first manifestation of His glory within the earth. There was absolutely no way those servants could have known what was going to happen and yet when they not only obeyed the words of Jesus to fill the waterpots with water but also to draw some of the water out of one of them and brought it to the governor the water had been turned into wine. There is something truly powerful about this passage of Scripture when you consider it for contained within it is a powerful revelation concerning transformation. The words which you find in this passage of Scripture bring us face to face with the transformation of something had never been transformed before and something which up until that point in time men would have considered absolutely impossible. Of course we also know that such transformation has not happened since for I have not heard of another instance where water was turned and transformed into wine aside from the miracle of the Lord Jesus in Cana of Galilee. With this being said there is something truly powerful about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for that which the servants did was bring what was transformed unto the governor of the feast. As if this weren’t enough the governor tasted that which was transformed and wasn’t even aware of the transformation that had taken place—only that what he tasted was perceived to be the best wine.

 

            Stop and consider the fact that the governor of the feast had perhaps tasted wine throughout the wedding and yet when he tasted this wine he immediately noticed something different. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words which the governor spoke for when he tasted and partook of this wine he immediately compared it to the previous wine. When the governor of the feast tasted that which was brought unto him the only context and framework he had for it was set against everything that had gone before it. The governor of the feast tasted that which was transformed and brought unto him and proceeded to declare how the best wine was preserved and saved until that point in time. Little did the governor of the fast know and realize that what he was tasting was actually that which was transformed and was previously water. Take some time to think about how absolutely incredible this is for when you read the words found in this passage you will find these servants bringing that which was transformed unto the governor of the feast and his declaring and proclaiming how that which he tasted was the best wine. Not only this but the governor of the feast proceeded to declare how they had saved the best wine for last. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the transformation which took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee—a miracle of transformation in which that which was partaken of during the wedding was perceived as being the best wine which was saved for the last.

 

            I have to admit there is something truly wonderful and intriguing when you consider the narrative of the wedding at Cana of Galilee and how it was there at the wedding of Cana of Galilee where transformation would indeed take place. There in Cana of Galilee—there in the place of intimacy and covenant—the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed and would in fact perform His first miracle. Not only would Jesus perform His first ever miracle but that miracle would manifest His glory and would do so through transforming water into wine—something which up until that point in time had never even been thought possible. Stop and consider this in light of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand men not including women and children and the miracle of feeding the four thousand also not including women and children. Up until this point in time no one thought loaves of bread and fish could be blessed, broken and multiplied and be used to feed such great multitudes. This same Jesus who refused the temptation to turn stones into bread in the wilderness before the tempter would turn water into wine and would take loaves of bread and break and multiply it—not only that all might be fed and full but also that there might be baskets of the fragments being able to be picked up afterward. What a truly awesome and powerful truth is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful revelation of that which the Lord Jesus did in turning water into wine and breaking and multiplying bread. What a wonderful Jesus who can not only turn water into wine but who can also bless, break and multiply bread that it might feed the multitudes and crowds of people which came unto Himself.

 

            As you consider the words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you can and will be brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding marriage and specifically the marriage supper and feast. In the twenty-second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find Jesus delivering a parable concerning the kingdom of heaven and how the kingdom of heaven was indeed likened unto a king who made a marriage for his son and sent forth his servants to bid those who were called to come unto the marriage. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that those who were called not only despised and rejected the invitation once but they also despised and rejected it a second time. Jesus described how those who were called not only ignored the first invitation but how they also ignored the second invitation. What’s more is that Jesus goes on to describe how some went to their farms, how others went to their merchandise and how the remnant which remained slaughtered and killed the servants. As if it weren’t bad enough for them to despise and reject the invitation given unto them to come unto the marriage there were actually those who slaughtered and put to death the servants which were sent by the king, thus provoking the king himself. There is something truly wonderful and powerful about this passage of Scripture—particularly when you consider it in light of that which is found in the twenty-fifth chapter of the same New Testament gospel.

 

            When you come to the twenty-fifth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will find another parable of the kingdom of heaven—and not only another parable of the kingdom of heaven but a parable of a wedding and marriage. Within this parable we find Jesus likening the kingdom of heaven unto ten virgins which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. That which we must needs understand when reading the words contained within this parable is how the Lord Jesus described five of them as being wise and five of them as being foolish. If you continue reading you will find Jesus presenting unto His disciples the fundamental difference between the five foolish virgins and the five wise virgins—namely that the five foolish virgins took their lamps but brought no oil while the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Both the five foolish virgins and the five wise virgins were invited unto the marriage which had been prepared and were waiting and preparing themselves for the time when the call would go forth to come unto the marriage. There was not a single virgin among them who knew at what hour the bridegroom was going to come forth and bid them to come unto the marriage. The only thing these virgins knew was that they were invited unto the marriage and that they must needs be ready and prepared for that time when the bridegroom would come forth and call them unto the marriage. What makes the language contained within this parable so absolutely astonishing when you think about it is when you consider how the ten virgins were all watching and waiting for the bridegroom to come. Scripture seems to suggest that there was not a single virgin among them who was not watching and waiting for the bridegroom to come forth and bid them to come unto the marriage.

 

            The more you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more you can and will encounter and come face to face with the incredible truth surrounding these virgins who were invited to come unto the marriage. In reading the words and language Jesus used you will find five of the virgins being foolish and the one fundamental element that made them foolish was not bringing oil with them. These foolish virgins had the oil which was in their lamps and their lamps shone for a period of time. We have to assume based on the words which the Lord Jesus described in the parable that when these virgins were preparing to meet the bridegroom they all had oil in their lamps and each of their lamps were burning and shone forth light. What we find in this parable, however, is that while the bridegroom tarried all of the virgins slumbered and slept. At midnight, however, the call and cry was made that the bridegroom was coming and all who were invited needed to go out to meet him. It’s interesting to note how all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps, however when the five foolish virgins trimmed their lamps they realized they didn’t have enough oil to light their lamps to go forth to meet the bridegroom. These foolish virgins would indeed and would in fact entreat the five wise virgins concerning the oil which they had for their own lamps and asked to have some of their oil.

 

            What makes the words which are found in this parable so incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it is when you consider how the five foolish virgins would proceed to ask the five wise virgins for some of their oil. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words which are found in this parable it’s that these five foolish virgins actually thought they could take of some of the oil of the five wise virgins. Perhaps the greatest truth that is found within this parable is that of the oil which the five wise virgins brought with them being unable to be shared with the five foolish virgins. The five wise virgins realized and recognized that if they gave of some of their oil there would not be enough for either of them as they prepared to go forth to meet the bridegroom. This is something we must needs understand for oil cannot be shared. OIL CANNOT BE SHARED! OIL CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED! There is something absolutely wonderful and challenging about this parable when you take the time to read it for as you read the words and language contained within this parable you will find the incredible revelation that oil cannot be shared. The oil which I myself have and the oil which I myself have brought I cannot share with you and the oil which you have and brought with you cannot be shared with me. The five wise virgins had oil in their vessels and when the five foolish virgins proceeded to ask them for some of their oil they were not only told the oil could not be shared but they were also advised to go and buy oil into the town and buy oil for themselves. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention—not only for the need for us to have oil within our lamps but also oil within our vessels.

 

            THE VESSEL AND THE LAMP! The more I read the words which are found in this parable the more I encounter and come face to face with the incredible revelation that it is not only about the lamps themselves but also the vessels which were brought by the five wise virgins. It wasn’t enough for the five wise virgins to have their lamps and to have oil in their lamps for they also needed an extra vessel that had oil contained within it. We must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth for within this parable there seems to be the suggesting that the five wise virgins anticipated the possible need for extra oil for their lamps. The five wise virgins didn’t merely have their lamps and the oil which was contained within their lamps but they also had oil in their vessels if their lamps went out and they needed to ensure that it was able to shine at the appointed time. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is when you consider the fact what made the five foolish virgins so incredibly foolish was that not only could their lamps not shine when the time came but when the bridegroom came they were found wanting and thinking the bridegroom would wait for them. The five foolish virgins realized that when the cry for the bridegroom coming came forth their lamps would and could not be able to shine because they had no oil. What an incredible tragic picture this is of countless men and women among us within our generation and during these Last Days whose lamps might have shone for a period of time, however, when the time came for their lamps to truly shine they were found wanting oil.

 

As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the incredible truth found within this parable—not only surrounding oil but also surrounding lamps which are able or unable to shine. That which made the five foolish virgins foolish was that they had their lamps, they had oil in their lamps and their lamps did in fact shine for a period of time. While the bridegroom tarried, however, the lamps of all the virgins—both the wise and the foolish waned with oil and light. When the call and cry for the bridegroom came forth in the midst of that city and/or town all the virgins trimmed their lamps. It was when all ten virgins trimmed their lamps the five foolish virgins realized they had no oil for their lamps. When the call of the bridegroom came forth the five foolish virgins were found wanting and lacking and their lamps were unable to shine. I am absolutely convinced this is an incredible picture of many within our generation during these Last Days who are going to be in for a rude awakening when they realize their lamps are not only unable to shine but do not shine because they didn’t have oil in reserve If there is one thing we need to understand when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s the importance of having oil in reserve that our lamps might be able to shine at all times. There is not a doubt in my mind the lamps of all the virgins shone when they initially went forth to meet the bridegroom and perhaps even shone while they slumbered and yet when the time came for them to go forth to meet the bridegroom they realized they did not have oil in reserve and that their lamps would not shine. Oh that we would recognize and and understand this and the incredible need for us to not only be those who have oil in reserve and at the ready when the time comes but also that our lamps might shine—even at the time of the coming of the bridegroom.