Perhaps you recall such memories. But Weddings always end in joyful celebration. Far too often, though, the wine of joy seems to run out in many marriages. If you need the joy restored to your marriage or you anticipate an upcoming wedding, take some lessons from Cana’s wedding. (John 2:1-12)

First – INVITE THE LORD JESUS TO YOUR MARRIAGE. Most couples send out beautiful invitations to the guests. This bride and groom made sure Jesus was invited. Little did they know who he really was and how significant he would be to their wedding day. After all, the Eternal Word presided over the first marriage, in the beautiful Garden of Eden. “’It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a help mete for him,’ said the Lord” (Genesis 2:18). “Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib and he brought her to man” (Genesis 2:10-23). “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife and the two are united into one” (Genesis 2:24).

Jesus saved this couple at the wedding of Cana much humiliation and heartache. Jesus won’t come uninvited. Invite him today. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens unto me, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). What a delight to daily fellowship with Jesus, He who turns water into wine.

Second – INVOKE THE LORD’S BLESSING. Many times a rabbi, priest, or pastor will bless a marriage with an invocation, wedding prayer, and benediction. Often times during the wedding reception, honored guests will make a toast to the bride and groom. How much more should we invoke the Lord’s blessings. When Jesus blesses, there is prosperity and multiplication. (Genesis 12:1-3; Revelation 22:7)

Third – INTEGRATE JESUS’ INSTRUCTIONS in your life and marriage. When the wine ran out at Cana’s wedding, it left the couple in a potentially humiliating situation. In that culture hospitality was highly valued. Mary immediately went to Jesus for a solution. Would to God that all couples would go immediately to the Lord when the wine of joy runs out. Mary told the servants to do exactly what Jesus told them to do. When they did, they saw a miracle.

God has given us the best marriage manual in the world – the Bible. In God’s Word we are instructed on right relationships, attitudes, finance, sex, family, children, and abundant life in Christ. Priorities, power, purpose, peace, and eternal life are given to us as by faith and obedience we integrate God’s instructions into our lives and marriages.

The servants who followed the Lord’s instructions possibly thought it strange to pour water into pitchers, but when they obeyed, the water was turned into wine. (John 2:1-12) “Jesus said, ‘If you love me, obey my commandments’” (John 14:15).

Fourth – INTEGRITY OF HEART will keep the wine flowing. David realized this. “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. (Psalm 119:1-2; Psalm 51:10) Keep a clean, honest, transparent heart before God and each other.

Cana’s wedding ran out of wine. Standing nearly were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. The Jews had an outward ritualistic purification, but they needed a pure heart. In marriage, resentments, offenses, and sins will cause the wine of joy to run out. The Word of God tells us to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. (Matthew 6:12-15; Colossians 3:12-15) The water in those stone jars can also speak of the washing of the Word of God that is so needful in husband and wife relationships. (Ephesians 5:21-33) Without the water of purification there can be no miracle of new wine. But we have the assurance, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Fifth – INTOXICATED WITH THE LORD’S NEW WINE. When the servants bore the water that had been turned into wine to the master of ceremonies of the banquet – what a surprise! The master of ceremonies exclaimed, “Most people serve the best wine first and then when the guests are full they serve an inferior wine. But you have served the best last!” When you make Jesus Lord of your life and marriage, the best is last. The longer you are married, the more the joy of the Lord can be yours. The Lord’s wine of joy is not like the world offers. The Lord’s new wine does not result in sorrow, silliness, shame, or sin. God’s Word teaches us how to have a constant supply of new wine in our life and marriage. “Don’t be drunk with wine because that will ruin your life. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20 NLT).

Worship God together – be intoxicated with the new wine of the Holy Spirit. He will keep your marriage flowing with the joy of the Lord. Learn the lessons of Cana’s wedding.