Future Gathering of Israel

Jesus turning water to wine brought the host and attendees of the wedding great joy.  In an even greater celebration, God will one day rejoin Himself to the nation of Israel at the inauguration of Christ’s millennial reign.  Just as those at the wedding feast experienced joy in the wine, Israel will experience joy at her regathering and regeneration (Hos. 2:14-23; Isaiah 54; Joel 2:21-27; Amos 9:13-14).

The coming of the Messiah is inextricably tied to His joyful millennial reign.  If Jesus was to be the Messiah, He must demonstrate that He possessed the power to bring the promised conditions of that kingdom.  Joy (Isaiah 9:3-4, 30:29, 65:18-19; Zech. 10:6-7), and prosperity (Isaiah 62:8-9; 65:21-34; Jer. 31:12; Ezek. 36:29-30; Joel 2:21-27; Amos 9:13-14) are two characteristics of the Messiah’s millennial reign² .  A common theme in many of these old testament passages is the abundance of wine to symbolize the joy, prosperity, and satisfaction of the nation.  Indeed, “the mountains will drip sweet wine…they will also plant vineyards and drink their wine” (Amos 9:13-14).  Thus this miracle of transforming water to wine attests to Christ’s power to inaugurate the kingdom promised to Abraham and confirmed to David.