“Bread! That this house may never know hunger. Salt! That life may always have flavor…And wine! That joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
George and Mary’s blessing on the Martinis’ new house
Today, we continue our lessons from,“It’s a Wonderful Life” and how this part of the story teaches us about God’s righteous character found in the extravagant love of Christ. George and Mary’s sacrifice [giving their honeymoon money to assist others] helped to bring hope and freedom to many people in Bedford Falls. The Bailey’s have consistently been conduits of out-flowing grace; they are joyful and celebrate when good things come to others not just themselves.
Before moving into their new house, the Martini family meets outside with George and Mary Bailey who take turns proclaiming a blessing for a new beginning in this home built with love. The Martinis’ are beneficiaries of grace. Mary lifts up a loaf of bread, a jar of salt, and George adds a bottle of wine. These symbols represent the hope of spiritual transformation: 1) Jesus is the Bread of Life that satisfies the spiritually hungry; 2) Jesus is the Salt that gives life flavor so we can influence other lives; and 3) Jesus is the Wine—blood—that provides forgiveness of sin and connects us in the spiritual vineyard and care of the Father. A blessing we should celebrate forever!
At the end of the movie, people begin streaming into the Bailey house with financial gifts. They want to bless George and his family and pay off the debt that was created when evil Potter hid and kept the money that belonged to the Bailey Building and Loan Company. George is so overwhelmed he cries out, “Mr. Martini, how about some wine!” George wants to celebrate the goodness of God. Now, he is a beneficiary of grace.
George is a new man; he has left the old life behind and has a renewed vision for the future. He celebrates the LIFE of grace. Remember, the first miracle Jesus performed was to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). Our Savior loves when we praise and celebrate his goodness! Every believer is commissioned to celebrate and share the grace of our Lord with others.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Matthew 5:13 NLT “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
John 6:35 NLT “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.”
Matthew 26: 27-28 NLT “ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant [new] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”
Prayer: Lord, you are so good to us all the time. Thank you for rescuing and redeeming us, for the many ways you have vindicated us, and the pure love you consistently impart to us. Your grace is enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.