The
millions who drink are part of a long and storied history dating back over
3,000 years to a man named Noah. History
records him as being the first person to plant a vineyard, make his own wine
and booze it up until he became humanity’s first drunk.
The
biblical story recounts Noah as drinking alone in his tent, where the alcohol
overtook him, then he disrobed and passed out on the floor without a stitch of
clothes on. The incident caused
embarrassment and division within the family.
Let
me point out, this was Noah, the one whom God chose to be His voice to the
world during the 40-day global flood. He
was the one about which the Bible says, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless .
. . Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9)
It
does not matter if you are a well-respected clergyman, are in constant trouble
with the law or somewhere in between, anyone can fall prey to the temptation of
the bottle.
I
firmly believe no one takes the first drink with the intention to do something
embarrassing or harmful. Instead their
reasoning may be, “It goes good with my meal,” “I like the taste,” “I just want
to have some fun with a few friends,” or “It’s been a stressful day and I just
want to relax.” Then one drink, turns
into two, three and soon they are feeling tipsy, buzzed, and then drunk.
God
says about alcohol, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is
led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs
20:1)
Have
you ever been a little woozy or totally drunk more than once or many
times? Are you able to go a day, week or
month without a drink and have no physical symptoms? After drinking have you ever quietly passed
out like Noah, or became loud, obnoxious and abusive around others?
I
urge you to please stop. The practice of
drunkenness is condemned by God.
According to Him, drunkenness is when alcohol hits the blood stream and
it begins to intoxicate you, affecting your mind and body. God’s view of drunkenness is much different
than ours.
You
do not have to be a slave to the bottle.
You can be free, and freedom begins with Jesus. He died and rose again that through Him you
might overcome. If you need help,
contact me and I can point you to some resources, but the place to start is
with Jesus.
A
prayer for you to pray– Lord God, I
confess that I have let alcohol affect me.
I have allowed myself to become drunk and disobeyed your Word. Forgive me.
I also confess I am a slave to alcohol.
Thank you for opening my eyes to this.
I cannot end it on my own. I need
your help. Come and rescue me from this
sin that is controlling my life. In Jesus’
name. Amen.”
