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Sunday 19 January 2025 Epiphany 2, Second in Ordinary time
The promise of transformation
Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Context: a service of the Word for a congregation of mainly older, retired adults, very little racial or cultural diversity but mixed economic backgrounds – in a small seaside town
Aim: to explore how God is breaking into our lives now, not just at the end times
Today, we encounter three very different portions of scripture, that invite us to reflect on ‘The Last Things’—a theme steeped in the promise of transformation. These readings from Isaiah, Corinthians, and the Gospel of John, though diverse, connect deeply with the theme of eschatology, which is commonly mistaken to be only about the end times, but reveals to us in the present how God’s ultimate purposes are breaking into our lives here and now.
A NEW NAME AND ENDLESS JOY
In Isaiah, we hear a passionate declaration from God about his people. The Lord refuses to remain silent for the sake of Zion and will not rest until her righteousness shines out like the dawn. Here, Zion is promised a new name and identity given directly by the mouth of the Lord. Just as a young man marries a young woman, ‘and as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you’.
What does this mean for us today? Well, it tells us how God is actively involved in our lives, transforming our identity and relationship with him. It’s about how God sees us, not as we are, with all our faults and blemishes, despite our best efforts – but as we can be. The ultimate promise of salvation and redemption – foretold in eschatology – is not a distant, future thing – it is unfolding in our lives today.
GIFTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, we are introduced to the diversity of spiritual gifts bestowed upon us by the same Spirit. Paul emphasises that these gifts, whether prophecy, service, teaching, or miraculous powers, are given by the same Spirit for a common purpose - to build up the Body of Christ – of which are all part.
Paul reminds us that the fullness of God’s kingdom is built up through the varied gifts he plants within each of us. These are not for personal benefit but are meant for the common good, to bring the kingdom of heaven to reality on earth. All gifts are needed for different kinds of service, but none are superior to another for they are all serving the same God. What gift do you have? How are you using it for the kingdom?
THE BEST WINE AT THE LAST
In the Gospel of John, we find Jesus at a wedding in Cana, revealing his first sign, at the instruction of his mother, by turning water into wine. But it isn’t just any wine; it is the best wine, brought out when the party thought their celebration had come to an end.
Here, Jesus reveals a foretaste of the kingdom to come. It speaks to the renewal and abundance that Christ brings into our lives – often when we least expect it, and sometimes when we think the wine has run out – the best is indeed yet to come. As Christians, this should assure us of hope, that death is not the end. There is more to come, a transformed life in the presence of God, free from the trials of earthly life. It is also a reminder of timing, patience, and seasons. Even Jesus said, ‘My time has not yet come.’
CONCLUSION: LIVING IN HOPE
Today’s scriptures remind us that these teachings are not just about waiting for what will come. Instead, they are about living today in the light of God’s promises for tomorrow. They are about realising the transformation awaiting us throughout our daily lives and beyond, utilising our gifts for the common good, the betterment of ourselves and others and always trusting that God has more in store for us.
Let’s embrace our new identities in Christ, use our gifts for the benefit of all, and always be prepared for the surprising abundance God provides. For in the fullness of God’s time, all things will be made new – not just in the heavens, but right here among us. And whether now or at the end, we are and always will be beloved children of God.
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