Last week I wrote about sticking with the familiar, brand
names, the tried and true—even how we “get branded” by how we act and what we
do.
But what about all of those brand names that deceive us with
false advertising. What about when the brand DOESN’T stand the test of time,
the test of God, or even the test of science? (“For more pure pleasure, have a
Camel” and “Winston tastes good, like a cigarette should”)
I find that I must often be tested before I really begin to
search for, taste or seek the “better part.”
So do I continue to believe the “Marlboro” man? Or am I ready
to look for healthier options, new wine, and new brands? (GNC, Weight Watchers
and Curves.)
In Sunday’s gospel of the Wedding Feast at Cana (Jn 2:
1-11), Jesus miraculously delivered new wine—a wine which tasted better than
the wine drank earlier that wedding day.
But new wine appeared only AFTER the wedding party was tested
and ran out of wine. Then they looked to Jesus, through Mary, to find something
better—then they sought new wine.
Imitators are deceptive—they look fine, until we finally
taste the new wine. Then just like those brands that have been exposed (like
cigarettes), the imitators, which spoke of pleasure and getting what an
individual wants, they become tasteless because we now know something better.
Then we wonder HOW we could ever have been so deceived.
Since the
children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through
death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and
free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their
life. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to
help those who are being tested. Heb 2:14-18
Because he himself was tested, Jesus was given the power to
destroy the deceptive. And through our union with Him on the cross we have also
been given the power to expose the deceptions, to choose the new wine, to
choose His help.
It is in our nature that if we see evil, we will choose
good. But the devil likes to work in secret, hiding behind a sham of deception—just
like the Marlboro man.
So what might we be missing, how might we be deceived by
the devil in today’s culture? Is there a deception in the ideas that “sex” is
free and “it is better to have no child, than to have a child who will live in
poverty?”
Christ was born the poorest of the poor—in a stable—and
he grew up the greatest of kings. Which kings, which leaders, have we killed
and will we allow to be killed, because we don’t, won’t, or think it is too
much of a burden to help our neighbor?
So I wonder as the anniversary of Roe vs Wade nears – is
this the year God will fully expose the evils of abortion? Is this the year
that the March for Life will expose Planned Parenthood and the devil working
silently within, under the disguise of maternal health?
Will every ear hear the testimonies of those who have
worked for, witnessed and been affected by the death of a child (like Abby
Johnson)?
Will every mindset change and every eye opened to a “new
wine” in the design and miracle of Christ’s creation brought by marital love
that is faithful, given freely, and open to bear His fruit?
On December 14, 4026 children were killed. Yet we only heard
about 26. The other 4000 were killed by
abortion, hidden behind closed doors, too tiny to bleed. Are we as shocked and
horrified by the 4000 as we are by the 26 at Sandy Hook? Where is the
advertising to keep the 4000 as safe as the 26?
Millions visit the Holocaust memorial, shocked and horrified
by the 5.5 million Jews who were killed during WWII by the Nazi’s. Are those
same visitors as shocked and horrified by the estimated 55 million innocent
babies killed by abortion since 1973?
"Everyone
serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior
one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the
beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in
him.” Jn
2: 1-11
Abortion: hidden and silenced by the devil; deceived as “Planned”
parenthood; legalized by our government. As women we should be angered that
someone/anyone could convince us that our babies are not alive inside of us
(although science and those who have survived abortions can prove otherwise.)
Heavenly Father, YOU are THE new wine. Help me to taste
and be filled with Your truth, by answering Your call, by doing Your will. May
the sanctity of life be exposed and revealed like the taste of new wine. Surround
all those who have been affected in any way by abortion with Your loving mercy.
Give all young mothers the courage to turn to You for their peace and strength,
and help me to do my part in taking care of those who don’t have the means to
care for themselves. Amen.
It is my responsibility as a Christian to do what Jesus
asks—just like the disciples did at the wedding feast—without knowing for sure
what will transpire from that obedience.
It is my responsibility to taste the new wine—for I have
the free will to drink when it is set before me.
And it is my call as a Christian to share the new wine
with others.
May your week be filled with New Wine. Taste and see the good news of the Lord.
Ps 34:9
Blessings,
Charlotte 
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