Wine & a Whip

Written By Betty Predmore

John 2:1-35 (May 1)

I love weddings! They are such sweet celebrations of love and families joining together. Exactly one year and one day ago, we celebrated my daughter's wedding. I did my very best to make sure the day was as perfect for her as it could be (despite the torrential downpour).

In today's scripture we find ourselves at a wedding. They must have been enjoying the festivities because they soon found themselves out of wine. (Stop the music! We are out of wine!)

But Mary's thoughts on the situation were ... "Have no fear, Jesus is here."

Jesus wasn't quite ready to reveal himself yet, and said so, "Dear woman, that's not our problem. My time has not yet come." (verse 4)

But it seems, like a lot of us mamas, Mary won't take NO for an answer. I have been "guilty" of "persuading" my children to do a lot of things! And just think...Mary KNEW who her son was. Don't you think she wanted to show him off just a wee little bit? ( I have certainly been guilty of that too!)

So, being an obedient son, not just to the Father, but also to his mama, Jesus performed the first of many miracles. (Buckle up, the race has started)

Fast forward a few days. Jesus and his group of merry men end up at the Temple in Jerusalem in preparation for the the Jewish Passover.

Jesus sees all the chaos going on in the Temple... all the vendors selling their animals and the money changers. It was like a huge swap meet going in in the Temple.

This didn't go over well with this Miracle Maker. Actually he got quite angry! Taking a rope, he braided a whip. (I wonder how well he would do a French braid?)

Taking that whip, he drove the debauchery out of that place of worship. "Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!"

One thing I think worthy of taking notice of is that he didn't IMMEDIATELY act in his anger. He took the time to fashion that whip out of a rope.

TRANSLATION... he took time to get control of his emotions. He gave himself a minute to pray about his response to what was going on.

Friends...do we take time to braid our cord when we are angry? Or do we respond out of our emotion, without taking time to get control of ourselves, pray & ponder?

We would all do well to take a cue from our sweet Savior...take time to braid your cord!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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