Platforms vs. PillarsSample

Do you know that feeling when you think you have one more bite or sip left, but then you realise you actually finished it and are left unsatisfied, still craving that last bite or sip?

I can imagine that’s how the bride and groom felt in the story from John 2:1-10 when they ran out of wine.

Imagine a wedding in India that runs out of biryani or curry. Instead of remembering the lovely ceremony, it’d be all anyone talks about!

In Jesus’ time, running out of wine at a wedding was deeply embarrassing. The newlyweds would have been considered cheap or bad hosts–not a positive way to start your marriage.

Mary intervenes and involves Jesus. His response is one I don’t suggest using on your own mother 🤭:

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” – John 2:4

His mother insists, and Jesus obliges; His first chamatkar is turning water into wine. When the new wine is brought to the banquet, the master of ceremony has no idea where it came from (verse 9), and the groom gets all the credit for saving the best wine for last (verse 10).

This is a ‘pillar chamatkar’–Jesus does not use this opportunity to create a platform for Himself but acts quietly, sparing this young couple from shame on their wedding day. He doesn’t even take credit for it.

We may not all get platforms, but we can all be pillars.

We can’t turn water into wine, but we can look for moments to step up and serve quietly, ease burdens and prevent others from shame or pain without making it a platform moment.

What can you do today to be a pillar? Maybe it’s as simple as forwarding this reading plan to someone who needs encouragement.

Hey! You are a Chamatkar

Cameron Mendes