but you have kept the good wine until now

{image credit: scottdm}

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine” . . . Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

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.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
(John 2:1-11)

I imagine that the bride and groom at Cana would have been quite happy with cheap wine, so long as their guests had something to drink. They weren't looking for divine glory--they just wanted a fix for the problem.

But God doesn't do shabby miracles.

In fact, shabby isn't even in the cards. When God acts, we know it will be the best imaginable. His perfection shines in His every deed. He is not satisfied with "good enough." God's works are superior to all.

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
(Mark 7:27)

Why? Because He is Himself superior to all.

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne . . .

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame,

who make their boast in worthless idols;

worship him, all you gods! . . .

For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;

you are exalted far above all gods.

(from Psalm 97)