5. Such powers are there in God; powers which the
methods of our reason cannot comprehend, but of which our faith, on the
sure evidence of His action, is convinced. We shall find
instances of this action in the bodily sphere as well as in the
spiritual, its manifestation taking, not the form of an analogy which
might illustrate the Birth, but of a deed marvellous yet
comprehensible. On the wedding day in Galilee water was made
wine. Have we words to tell or senses to ascertain what methods
produced the change by which the tastelessness of water disappeared,
and was replaced by the full flavour of wine? It was not a
mixing; it was a creation, and a creation which was not a beginning,
but a transformation. A weaker liquid was not obtained by
admixture of a stronger element; an existing thing perished and a new
thing came into being. The bridegroom was anxious, the household
in confusion, the harmony of the marriage feast imperilled. Jesus
is asked for help. He does not rise or busy Himself; He does the
work without an effort. Water is poured into the vessels, wine
drawn out in the cups. The evidence of the senses of the pourer
contradicts that of the drawer. They who poured expect water to
be drawn; they who draw think that wine must have been poured in.
The intervening time cannot account for any gain or loss of character
in the liquid. The mode of action baffles sight and sense, but
the power of God is manifest in the result achieved.