Filled to the Brim

There are times when life drains us to the point that we are running on “empty”? And sadly when we do we let life rob us of our joy.

But I brought some “joy” with me this Morning, (a bottle of JOY dish washing detergent, an Almond Joy, and a Joy Stick). What happens when you run out of “joy”?

You have an empty bottle … all you have left is an almond or an empty wrapper… or a video game that doesn’t work. Life just isn’t quite as good when you run out of “joy” … Am I speaking the truth?

Maybe you are here today, and you have lost some of your “joy”. Something is troubling you … something is bothering you.
You have a worry that impacts your very being. You have been disappointed, hurt, or grieved. You are running on empty. You’ve lost your “joy”.

John tells us how Jesus restored “joy” to those who attended a marriage celebration in Cana of Galilee.
He can do the same for you today. How can Jesus restore your “joy”?

(I) First and foremost BE WHERE JESUS IS – 2:1-2

It is the “third day” – 3 days earlier, Jesus had just called His first 5 Disciples. And I am convinced that when John mentioned “the third day”; he was also giving us a hint, a glimpse of our Lord’s resurrection.

Well soon thereafter they were invited to a marriage celebration in Cana of Galilee. You think it is expensive today to have a wedding and it is.

Back then a Jewish wedding Feast lasted for a full week.
They would begin with a parade, and the father of the bride would bring his daughter to the groom’s house.
The whole town would join in on this parade … it was a huge celebration for the family. When they arrived at the groom’s home, the marriage ceremony would take place at the front door.

THEN … the feast began … which lasted for 7 days (paid for by the groom’s family).
There was no honey-moon … they had an “open house” for a week … lots of food and wine … a week-long celebration.

Jesus & His 5 Disciples were invited to this wedding feast. Just think of the CHANGE for the Disciples. At least 2 of them had been disciples of John the Baptist.

And John the Baptist wasn’t what you would call a socialite … ate grasshoppers & wild honey … wore animal skins for clothing … lived in the wilderness. John the Baptist probably would not be very comfortable at a wedding feast.

Jesus was distinctive! Jesus cherished being with people… He enjoyed social occasions … He was a much sought-after dinner guest. Most people were very comfortable around Him.
In fact He was even criticized by the Religious leaders for His love of life and of people.

Listen to their unjust accusations. Matthew 11:18-19 –
"For John (the Baptist) came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ’He has a demon!’

[19] (But) "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ’Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!”

Jesus brought JOY into people’s lives … that’s what happens when you are where (Pause) Jesus is.
The further away you are from Jesus in your spiritual life, the further away you will also be from the fullness of joy. The closer you are to Jesus…. the more joy you will experience.

The Prophet Nehemiah put it this way: Neh. 8:10 – “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

If you’ve lost some of the “joy”, then you need to spend some time with Jesus. (Pause)

(II) Be where Jesus is and 2nd