“Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim” (John 2:7).

Jesus' mother learned that the wine at the wedding in Cana had run out.  Who knows why the wine ran out.  Maybe some theologian can tell us, but here’s my kitchen-sink theology: with everything there is to remember when planning a wedding, there was either an oversight in the wine delivery plan, or an underestimation of the wine consumption.  Here’s another situation.  The disciples had two baskets of fish and bread to feed five thousand followers who became unexpected dinner guests.  Or what about the widow who had enough flour in the bin and oil in the jar for herself and her son, but not for her guest, Elijah.  She was told to feed him first and then her son and herself with what was left over.  They all ate leftovers until the Lord sent rain. 

There is a poem by William Barclay.  It begins, “Lord of all pots and pans and things…”  Jesus is indeed Lord of pots, pans, baskets, jars, and bins.  He knows what’s in the bin and what’s not in the pot.  He knows we want to have enough of the right stuff to feed our guests, and He knows that we don’t always.  Never mind if it’s because of an oversight or an unexpected guest. 

I needed this reminder the other day when I was tempted to defend myself because of embarrassment.  My son and his friend came looking for lunch, found little, and left.  In his friend’s kitchen, there was food, not just ingredients.  That day I learned the difference, and purchased fo-o-od…prepared and packaged, cooked and canned…and filled the “waterpots” to the brim!  I try to keep them filled up, but they do run out. 

Jesus tells us what to do next.  Often His requests are as every day as bread and water; “Fill the waterpots.  Stretch the meal.  Serve the leftovers.”  The servants, disciples, and widow did what the Lord said and He is faithful to His own intent.  Their faith was helped and, in the same way, so is ours.