A TREE BY THE SEA

When you ask me to turn water to wine and I tell you it is not yet my time, do you understand who I am and what I must do? 

Can you see the cross ahead of you? 

You know Mother, even now I can see your cheeks streaked with tears, hear the anguished sound of your soul being pierced. 

I told you one day your enemy would be ground to dust and scattered in the street. I would tread on the head of the one by whom you were deceived.

Our victory will come though, at a high cost. Can you bare the crushing and accept your loss? 

Dear Mother as I change this water to wine my passion and pain is clear in my mind.  

Do you know precious woman the son who you birthed, whose blood is wine to cleanse the earth, will be a source of water to satisfy your thirst?

Don’t be afraid, I know that without the Helper this is too hard, but don’t fear sweet Mother we will fill your heart. 

Because the Father and I are one, we will abide with you when the Holy Spirit comes. 

So this water to wine is not just a sign but my gift. Savor the sweet taste on your lips. 

You will remember the fluttering of new life in your womb when I am laid in a tomb. 

You will think of the swaddling clothes that you wrapped me in, when you bind my body in clean linen. 

And you will recall the the rush of water just before my first cries as you watch the soldier pierce my side.

When blood and water is pouring from my flesh after taking my final breaths you will think of the new baby who suckled at your breast, his slick dark hair still wet, and your heart will feel like it’s being ripped from your chest. 

Light in the darkness can’t be overcome, the dawn of my brightness will shine like the noonday sun. 

So when the skies go black as my life fades and you feel the rumblings of an earthquake your words “let it be to me according to what you say” will whisper in your mind and test your faith.  

But Mother I know I will ask our Father to take this cup from me, and your prayer will be echoed, planted in my heart like a kernel of wheat. 

Kneeling in complete submission, “Not my will, but yours be done.” The obedient words of an obedient son. I will drink from the cup. 

Yes, I will turn this water to wine. Baptism through fire will come in time and you, Mother, will be sanctified. So let your heart be glad as you dance with the bride. I can’t help but smile at the joy in your eyes. 

I will remember this night as I struggle through the street the heavy beam of the cross making it impossible to breathe. This memory of your laughter will resound clearly and give me a glimpse of the joy set before me. 

So enjoy this wine that I’ve prepared for you now, for the day is coming when my life will be poured out. 

My beautiful Mother, daughter, and friend, my sister my bride, Eves descendant. 

Woman who bore the seed. Woman who held the hope of humanity, the One who came to set the captive free. This wine is your destiny, so sit down and have a drink with me. 

All will be restored. All will be made new. And the burden of the sin you bore will be lifted from you. 

You will laugh, leap, dance, and spin in the joy of the Lord when I have risen. 

The Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings and we will despise the shame of our sufferings. 

What was meant for evil will be turned for your good, when hell comes in like a flood, the enemy will be met by my blood. 

So let’s drink together from this cup, the smoke of our offering rising up. 

The blood of God mingled with man in perfect submission to the Father’s command. 

Forever before the throne on a heavenly alter to atone for every offense. To cleanse, to make holy, a just defense.

From the first violation to the desires brewing even now in your heart. This cup, this wine, my blood, will set you apart. 

Make you holy. Make you free. Freely I give, now freely receive. 

Simply believe dear Mother that I am the first and the last. The pain of this life will surely pass. 

I will meet you one day as your heavenly son running to you and shouting out well done! 

As we embrace I will again be face to face with the woman who agonized with me, feeling my pain.

We will remember again this day that I turned water to wine. The evening that I was revealed to the world through a miraculous sign. 

The night the servants filled six jars with water, knowing there was no wine to offer, clear and fresh, pouring it into pots meant for purifying the guests.

Dipping their hands into the jar they knew what you had asked, they drew a drink out to find the good wine would be served last.

On the day when you step into my kingdom washed and living in freedom we will share another glass…

You will be spotless, the stains of life lifted from your soul, healed and perfectly whole. 

By my blood your crimson sins made woolen white. Yes, Mother I will turn this water to wine.