Godlike Productions - Discussion Forum
Users Online Now: 2,080 (Who's On?)Visitors Today: 800,354
Pageviews Today: 1,414,317Threads Today: 597Posts Today: 10,394
04:23 PM


Rate this Thread

Absolute BS Crap Reasonable Nice Amazing
 

Are you ready for the wedding feast?

 
dschis1000
Offer Upgrade

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 06:46 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

What is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins ? Why not share the oil ? This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. All of us must obtain that kind of oil for themselves.

This “oil” can be purchased in a very special marketplace. The currency being righteous living, tithing, righteous living, prayer, reading the Word of God. Do you share your faith or testimony with others? Are you humble? Do you help others?

So many things to do and the time is short.






May the Lord bless us all
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 9624150
United States
04/02/2015 07:00 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

What is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins ? Why not share the oil ? This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. All of us must obtain that kind of oil for themselves.

This “oil” can be purchased in a very special marketplace. The currency being righteous living, tithing, righteous living, prayer, reading the Word of God. Do you share your faith or testimony with others? Are you humble? Do you help others?

So many things to do and the time is short.






May the Lord bless us all
 Quoting: dschis1000


May God Bless you, dschis1000.
-RML
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 52621665
United States
04/02/2015 07:05 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Also, Gethsemane means "oil press", suggesting that oil flows from a forfeit of self-will, similar to olives being crushed
SaintVron

User ID: 34751624
United States
04/02/2015 07:14 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
I asked the lord for years what is the oil, this is a very good analogy, of a perplexing conundrum, well done, dschis1000.
MURK9

User ID: 47772145
American Samoa
04/02/2015 07:15 PM

Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
[link to www.npr.org]
Farewell American Samoa, the "last stop of today and just a stones throw from tomorrow"and with that said and done I stood up, standing at the end of the day and walked boldly onward into tomorrow and to the given day of rest.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 68170312
United States
04/02/2015 07:18 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept...."

We are a lazy bunch...
psalm119

User ID: 52216852
United States
04/02/2015 07:21 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

What is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins ? Why not share the oil ? This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. All of us must obtain that kind of oil for themselves.

This “oil” can be purchased in a very special marketplace. The currency being righteous living, tithing, righteous living, prayer, reading the Word of God. Do you share your faith or testimony with others? Are you humble? Do you help others?

So many things to do and the time is short.






May the Lord bless us all
 Quoting: dschis1000


bump I love your post, Brother!!!!!!!! Cant wait to see my brothers and sisters here FACE TO FACE, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING OF KINGS!!!!!
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 07:29 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
There is a trilogy on redemption that our Lord tells after the Pharisees and religious leaders accuse him of welcoming and eating with "sinners." They are the Parable of the Lost Coin, the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son. They demonstrate the relief that our Lord and the angels have when one sinner repents and we should be diligently helping to find them.

Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma coin, wouldn't light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.' Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."
— Luke 15:8–10, World English Bible
God is desperately searches for his children. He rejoices when even sinner is found and recovered into the kingdom.

He told them this parable. "Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance."
— Luke 15:3-7, World English Bible


A father gives his two sons his inheritance before he dies. The younger son, after wasting his fortune goes hungry during a famine. He then returns home with the intention of begging to be employed and renouncing his kinship to his father. Instead his father finds him on the road and immediately welcomes him back as his son and holds a feast to celebrate his return. The older son refuses to participate, stating that in all the time he has worked for the father, he did not even receive a goat to celebrate with his friends. The father reminds the older son that everything the father has is the older son's (his inheritance) but that they should still celebrate the return of the younger son. We all very glad when one of us who has gone astray then repents. Everyone in Heaven certainly does.




He said, "“A certain man had two sons. " 12 "The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ He divided his livelihood between them. " 13 "Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. " 14 "When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. " 15 "He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. " 16 "He wanted to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any. " 17 "But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger! " 18 "I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. " 19 "I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.”’"
20 "“He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. " 21 "The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’"
22 "“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. " 23 "Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate; " 24 "for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate."
25 "“Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. " 26 "He called one of the servants to him, and asked what was going on. " 27 "He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ " 28 "But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him. " 29 "But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. " 30 "But when this, your son, came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’"
31 "“He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. " 32 "But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’”"

Last Edited by dschis1000 on 04/02/2015 07:34 PM
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 68310042
United States
04/02/2015 07:29 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
hf
Chipg
User ID: 40079752
United States
04/02/2015 07:34 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
i wont come screw up your thread, the reason they can't share the oil is because they are all in different places...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 40508582
United States
04/02/2015 07:36 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Will thieves oil do?
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 07:42 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
i wont come screw up your thread, the reason they can't share the oil is because they are all in different places...
 Quoting: Chipg 40079752


Of coarse they are. That's why it's up to all of us to our little bit. If everyone does a bit then it passes on and the Kingdom becomes a bit larger. Eventually, it encompasses everything. It's those little acts of righteousness, prayer, kindness that get the proverbial ball going.
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 07:43 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Will thieves oil do?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 40508582


I think that one will be up to Jesus
WhiteAngel
also known at WA

User ID: 34086898
United States
04/02/2015 08:03 PM

Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
I remember the little children church song "this little light of mine." there's a part of it says that you can't hide it under a bush you want to let the light shine for the world to see
Isaiah 5:20 KJV
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Thread: Being Prepared - Updated Basic Food List On Page One
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 68688277
Australia
04/02/2015 08:10 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?



[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 08:11 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
I remember the little children church song "this little light of mine." there's a part of it says that you can't hide it under a bush you want to let the light shine for the world to see
 Quoting: WhiteAngel


I've been thinking about some of the old children's songs lately my self. Thanks for that one Brother!


Anonymous Coward
User ID: 42002742
United States
04/02/2015 08:13 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

What is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins ? Why not share the oil ? This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. All of us must obtain that kind of oil for themselves.

This “oil” can be purchased in a very special marketplace. The currency being righteous living, tithing, righteous living, prayer, reading the Word of God. Do you share your faith or testimony with others? Are you humble? Do you help others?

So many things to do and the time is short.






May the Lord bless us all
 Quoting: dschis1000


So, who are the virgins, or they the Bride or are they the bridesmaids?
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 08:23 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Hosanna to our Gracious Lord!

Brothers and Sisters we have much work to do. Our faith and love is expressed through our works. Our works are how the world sees us.

Grace is given as a free gift! We must show and tell it to the lost


3 "“Blessed are the poor in spirit,"
"for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
4 "Blessed are those who mourn,"
"for they shall be comforted."
5 "Blessed are the gentle,"
"for they shall inherit the earth." *
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, "
"for they shall be filled."
7 "Blessed are the merciful,"
"for they shall obtain mercy."
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart,"
"for they shall see God."
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers,"
"for they shall be called children of God."
10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, "
"for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 08:26 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

What is the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins ? Why not share the oil ? This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. All of us must obtain that kind of oil for themselves.

This “oil” can be purchased in a very special marketplace. The currency being righteous living, tithing, righteous living, prayer, reading the Word of God. Do you share your faith or testimony with others? Are you humble? Do you help others?

So many things to do and the time is short.






May the Lord bless us all
 Quoting: dschis1000


So, who are the virgins, or they the Bride or are they the bridesmaids?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 42002742


Could be either. Depends on who you ask. The point being that they weren't recognized by the bridegroom and they were shut out of the feast. I personally think they were the Bride, but it could either way.

We should ensure there is oil for our lamps

Last Edited by dschis1000 on 04/02/2015 08:28 PM
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 08:32 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Also, Gethsemane means "oil press", suggesting that oil flows from a forfeit of self-will, similar to olives being crushed
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 52621665


By submitting to the Holy Spirit and letting Him guide our daily life

Blessings Brother
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 52394673
United States
04/02/2015 08:53 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
christians are not the bride. if it had meant to single them out it would not be as something as silly as bride. it would have been brethren or children.
they tried to steal the doughter of zions wedding dress. it would have looked terrible on the menfolk,lol.
ya all need to settle down and humble yourselves.
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 08:56 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
christians are not the bride. if it had meant to single them out it would not be as something as silly as bride. it would have been brethren or children.
they tried to steal the doughter of zions wedding dress. it would have looked terrible on the menfolk,lol.
ya all need to settle down and humble yourselves.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 52394673


What's your interpretation of the parable then?
M1.618

User ID: 61275893
Canada
04/02/2015 09:02 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
bumpbump




Matt 22

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

4 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.

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

10 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.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

13 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.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Last Edited by M1.618 on 04/02/2015 09:49 PM
wmMmw
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 57304844
United States
04/02/2015 09:21 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept...."

We are a lazy bunch...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 68170312



as even His apostles slept while he prayed before His crucifixion, sigh
Dr. Wicky Whacky
User ID: 68589250
United States
04/02/2015 09:36 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept...."

We are a lazy bunch...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 68170312


What is abuse?
1) Does an abuser make you feel worthless?
2) Does an abuser tell you that you'll never be good enough?
3) Does a abuser manipulate you?
4) Does the act of the abuser leave you confused and conflicted?
5) Does an abuser hold out a carrot for you to chase thinking that the abuse will end if you obey?
6) Is it abusive to have killed MILLIONS of people just because they could not or did not live up to your standards?
7) Would an abuser allow a human sacrifice unto himself and actually allow it? (Judges 11:29-40 )
8) Would an abuser tell you how much he loves you then hurt and punish your not for a few weeks but for an eternity if you did not agree with him?
9) Would an abuser confound you by not speaking clearly and when you fail blame you?
10) If an abusive entity created you and you failed is it your fault or the abusive entity that created you?
11) lastly you are nothing, your righteousness is as filthy menstrual bloody rags, you cannot win without the abuser...
12) Would you feel abused if the one who said they loved you flooded all the Earth killing billions of innocent children and babies and blamed you for it instead of themselves who created all? Then the abuser says he repented of ever creating mankind, like it is our fault and we deserve death and cruel punishment because we were born to fail.
13) Does an abuser ever accept 100% accountability responsibility for fault or error?

Does absolute power corrupt absolutely? Duh!

Rant
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 64483693
United States
04/02/2015 09:39 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Will be ready when I can find a place that will make a cake and another place to order pizza.
dschis1000  (OP)

User ID: 64674993
United States
04/02/2015 09:40 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
this is a little story that was inspired by the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11)
[link to onlineministries.creighton.edu]

It was such a wonderful wedding feast! The music, the dancing, the food and wine. There was a burst of joy just then and Mary looked over at a table where Jesus and his companions had gathered. Jesus had finished his story and the whole table had dissolved in laughter. Mary shook her head with a smile. He captivated people with his stories.

She leaned against the tall, empty water jars as she watched. Her heart filled with such love as she looked at him.

She remembered how thirty years ago, she and Joseph had carried the newborn into the temple in Jerusalem. An old man named Simeon had come up to them and asked to hold their child. With tears in his eyes, he held the baby aloft, thanking God. “I have seen your salvation!” he prayed. Anna, one of the temple ancients, had heard Simeon and joined them. She, too, prayed aloud in thanks, and then began waving bystanders over to see the child. Mary and Joseph exchanged glances and wondered again at this child.

But the other words Simeon had spoken that day were words she prayed with each morning. That long ago day in the temple, in that small crowd around Anna and Joseph, Simeon had turned to Mary and said quietly, “This child will be the cause of the fall and rise of many in Israel.” Then he touched her shoulder gently. “And you, dear mother, will have your heart pierced in pain.”

She and Joseph had talked about this after they left the temple and in the years after. They knew that Jesus was sent by God. She remembered the words of Gabriel. But he was also just … Jesus. He was their little boy who had played in the sawdust of the workshop, run through the streets of their tiny town with the other boys and learned his scriptures.

Since that long ago day in the temple, Joseph had died, and Jesus had been her support and companion. They knew each other’s hearts so well. She watched as he often left the house, wandering out into the desert to pray. She, too, asked the Lord each day to open her own heart. “I know you have called him for a special reason,” she would pray each morning. “Let me be willing to let him go. Let me recognize when it is his time.”

She had not pushed him into marriage, even though most of his friends were long since married. She would love grandchildren. Jesus would be such a good father, as Joseph had been. But as she prayed for freedom in her heart, she knew she could only follow the choices Jesus made. And so a few months ago, Jesus had left home, saying he needed to teach. She had blessed her son and sent him out with a prayer.

Since he left home, she had heard from some of her kin the story of Jesus’ baptism at the River Jordan and the clouds parting and the voice saying, “This is my beloved son. With you I am well pleased.” They were astonished at it, but when Mary heard the story, the truth of it rested quietly in her heart. Of course.

She was suddenly brought back from her memories to this wedding feast by the whispers next to her as the groom looked wildly around. “Out of wine? How could that be?!” he asked. He knew that it would be a dishonor on his bride and her family to run out of wine at their wedding feast. He looked frantic and lost.

Mary saw Jesus stroll outside into the courtyard and she walked out to join him, stopping him with a little hug. “Joshua,” she said tenderly, using his childhood nickname. He wrapped his arms around her and put his cheek to hers.

“Imma,” he said warmly, using the most familiar form of Mother. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked. She nodded at him and searched his face and the warm, dark eyes she knew and loved so well. Today she sensed something different in him and in herself. She felt divided. She wanted to keep him close, to protect him, to be with him. She didn’t want to let him go.

It was her old struggle with fear. Was she protecting him – or herself too? The words would come back to her: Your heart will be pierced…. But as she did over and over each day, she turned her spirit to the Lord. “Open my heart. Give me the freedom to let him go. Let me not be afraid.”

Then suddenly, she knew. Standing there in the courtyard embracing her son, she understood. It was his time.

She looked up at him. “Joshua … they have run out of wine.” It was all she said.

He looked past her into the house at the family and saw from their discomfort that it was true. Their host was having whispered conversations with headwaiters, servants and uncles all at once.

“Imma,” he said then paused with an imperceptible shake of his head. “I’m not …. It’s not….” He stopped and looked into the dark eyes that matched his own. “Not yet,” he hesitated.

Her struggle was over. She smiled at him in peace and left him in the courtyard to pray to his abba, as he always did. Mary was not sure what this all meant; only that she had to say to him, “They are out of wine.”

She walked back into the house and said softly to the servants, “I know you need some help. Just do whatever Jesus asks you to do.” They looked bewildered but nodded their heads.

After a while, Mary saw Jesus return to the house with a deep serenity in his eyes. He walked up to two servants and gestured to the water jars lining the walls. “Fill these with water.” They were confused – the ceremonial washings were already over. Who needed more water in these jars? But they did as he asked.

“Now, draw out a cup” he said gently, “and take it to the headwaiter.” He walked back to his table. It made no sense but they remembered Mary’s words and so carried a brimming cup to the headwaiter. He took a sip, glanced over at their full jars and smiled for the first time today. “Where did you get this?” The two servants looked at each other open-mouthed but the steward didn’t wait for an answer.

Mary watched as the headwaiter called the groom over and chuckled in relief. “You have this magnificent wine – and you saved it? When I serve a wedding, I usually use the best wine at the beginning but this is a perfect taste – and you saved it for so late in the feast!”

She watched the bridegroom’s puzzled face but the steward had already turned away, giving orders to the servants to serve the wine. The music began again and the bridegroom shrugged and rejoined the festivities.

Mary felt joy and peace. As she moved to rejoin the women’s table, she glanced over at the servants. They were whispering to other servants and pointing to Jesus. It had begun. His life would never be the same. Neither would hers.

She sat on the end of the bench and paused for just a second, quietly opening her hands on her lap, whispering, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” Then she turned back to the women at the table.



Even in his miracle the Lord demonstrated how faith through him can transmutate an ordinary substance in something else..something much better.

It is faith in Him that transmutates our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. All we have to truly believe in our hearts.

Just as Christ told us the power of true belief we can make a mountain throw itself into the sea.


Blessings
steveo

User ID: 68589250
United States
04/02/2015 09:41 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
"Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept...."

We are a lazy bunch...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 68170312


What is abuse?
1) Does an abuser make you feel worthless?
2) Does an abuser tell you that you'll never be good enough?
3) Does a abuser manipulate you?
4) Does the act of the abuser leave you confused and conflicted?
5) Does an abuser hold out a carrot for you to chase thinking that the abuse will end if you obey?
6) Is it abusive to have killed MILLIONS of people just because they could not or did not live up to your standards?
7) Would an abuser allow a human sacrifice unto himself and actually allow it? (Judges 11:29-40 )
8) Would an abuser tell you how much he loves you then hurt and punish your not for a few weeks but for an eternity if you did not agree with him?
9) Would an abuser confound you by not speaking clearly and when you fail blame you?
10) If an abusive entity created you and you failed is it your fault or the abusive entity that created you?
11) lastly you are nothing, your righteousness is as filthy menstrual bloody rags, you cannot win without the abuser...
12) Would you feel abused if the one who said they loved you flooded all the Earth killing billions of innocent children and babies and blamed you for it instead of themselves who created all? Then the abuser says he repented of ever creating mankind, like it is our fault and we deserve death and cruel punishment because we were born to fail.
13) Does an abuser ever accept 100% accountability responsibility for fault or error?

Does absolute power corrupt absolutely? Duh!

Rant

 Quoting: Dr. Wicky Whacky 68589250


Wait... you mean you don't like being a sacrificial scapegoat? C'mon admit it you fantasize about 50 shades of abuse! Otherwise why stay in a abusive relationship unless it turns you on and you like it?

jihad
If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got.
ParadigmShift

User ID: 68467244
United States
04/02/2015 09:47 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
Great post
SaintVron

User ID: 24398210
United States
04/02/2015 09:52 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
So, who are the virgins, or they the Bride or are they the bridesmaids?
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 42002742

The Virgins are you, husband wife and children who go into the wilderness and wait for Jesus without the Mark of the Beast. SaintVron

Last Edited by SaintVron on 04/02/2015 10:06 PM
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 68753108
United States
04/02/2015 09:57 PM
Report Abusive Post
Report Copyright Violation
Re: Are you ready for the wedding feast?
i wont come screw up your thread, the reason they can't share the oil is because they are all in different places...nnoint
 Quoting: Chipg 40079752


The oil is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It can not be purchased. It is freely given from God. The virgins are the bride. All Believe BUT Only Half HAVE The Holy Spirit. The other half were not deserving and were cast away.





GLP