The Stone Singing Jars

“Fill the jars with water”

Patient Jesus gently said,

When at wedding banquet joyful

All the wine had quickly sped.

Now the servants in the kitchen—

Those whose service stayed the feast—

Did just what the Teacher asked them

Since they were the last and least.

So they filled six jars to brimming

Then they hoisted high the ware

And to banquet master singing,

Brought the drink with tenuous dare.

What went through their minds in transit—

Perhaps they’d lose their heads?

When they poured this “gold” in goblet

Would tomorrow find them dead?

Just as Friday-Nailed-to-Stone

Would be hailed for things unknown

So this first of Jesus’ signs

Pictured life from ransomed bone.

 

When the wine from stone was freely poured

“The best is last” was hailed,

As the kitchen servants’ hearts adored

This new Man, with gifts still veiled.

The lessons many from this text

Will yield rich truths profound—

May those who serve behind the scenes

Find joy in daily round.

As for you dear people of Black Notes*

Who labor late at night—

Know that Jesus gives you special peeks

Into mysteries so Bright.

As you serve up fare for churchly meets

With great love and joy and cheer,

With you Jesus sings in notes so sweet**

In love, his strength is near.

© Nancy Gerst, April 22, 2011 
for the Choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 
Charlottesville, VA

*i.e. church musicians

** “He will quiet you with his love, 
    he will rejoice over you with singing.” 
                       Zephaniah 3:17

Referring to John 2 . . . 

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”   NIV 1984