Filled to the Brim

Jesus' first miracle at the wedding feast is a beautiful example of the changes God makes.

"Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said unto them, 'Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.' And they took it to him. And when the headwaiter tasted the water which had now become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, 'Every man serves the good wine first, and when men have drunk freely, then that which is poorer; you have kept the good wine until now." John 2:6-10

Before Christ used the waterpots to meet needs and display his power, He instructed that they be filled to the brim. It's probably also significant that the waterpots were for purification. They already held 20 to 30 gallons each, but for Christ's purposes they needed to be full. How does this reflect the way God works in our lives as well?

If we are Christians, we have partaken of the living water, and indeed, the living water... the Holy Spirit... is within us. However, God's Word tells us that we, too, should be filled in order for God to use us as He wills. Ephesians 5:18 tells us, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."

Why did Paul contrast getting drunk on wine against being filled with the Spirit? Perhaps because in both situations or conditions something else besides ourselves is in control of our behavior. Both conditions can produce a boldness. In every instance that someone in the Bible was "filled with the Spirit," they were speaking out for God and were bold in their efforts.

Are we wondering why God isn't using us in a might way to exhibit His glory and power? Perhaps we need to ask to be filled! Are we clean? Are we almost empty? What a joy to present ourselves to God as waterpots to be filled and transformed and used to meet a need for God's glory!