Though the subject of drinking is not generally taught in churches, I will touch on this matter today. To be plain as day, people that are continually drinking wine and other strong alcoholic drinks are not doing the will of God. To follow after these things is wrong. Isaiah taught, 1“woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink.” If you read Isaiah 5, a big reason why people of Israel got in trouble with the Lord was because of alcohol. Isaiah said, 1“woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.” What Isaiah is speaking of is twofold. There are people that think they are strong enough to resist the urges to drink more alcohol than they should. Others that drink all the time, even in the morning till night. Both circumstances fall into addiction. Please know that drinking clouds our vision and makes us do stupid things. So what is the consequence of doing such things? It is hell fire. Isaiah said, 1“therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” Surely, those people that delight in what is evil will spend their time in the most vial pit of all, hell, after death. Only repentance will save their soul from eternal pain and destruction.
If you are among such people that are known for drinking wine and other strong alcoholic drinks, then beware for your soul, for it is at stake. You are walking on a very thin line and if you are not careful and repent today, you may just die in your sins and no more mercy or grace will be for you. As Isaiah recorded, I also say, 1“woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Surely, the world makes drinking seem totally fine with its advertisements and not a sin at all. This makes people justify their actions and then start to make what is evil appear to be good as Isaiah said. Surely, what was said in this chapter was not just for the people of Israel but for all people. Isaiah concludes, 1“therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them.” Surely, the Lords hand can be for our good or for bad. He will smite the wicked but usher in His love and peace to those that come unto Him and turn from their sins. Think about this before you take your next drink. It is better to be on the Lord’s side then to be against Him.
Let us pray:
Lord God, thank You for helping me stay far away from alcohol. I have seen alcohol kill marriages and tear families apart and I am so happy that You have helped me steer clear from this. However, I know that many people in this world are caught up in drinking. Even so-called Christians are in this mess. My heart breaks for these people and I pray that they will turn from their sins and repent today. I know that Your mercy is for those that allow You to change their lives. However, I also know that Your wrath is real and these people that follow in their sins till death will be smitten. With Your presence in my life I know that following Your will is the most important thing ever. It is wicked to live by our wants and desires and leave You out of the picture. Calling evil good is never good and this almost destroyed my life, as You know God. If I had not called Your Name in prayer those many years ago, my life would be in shambles and I’d probably be dead and suffering in hell right now. I know that Your mercy endures forever but I also know that Your judgements are for real. Thank You for leading me out of a life of sin and into Your love. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I am so grateful to be on Your path and straightway to heaven. I want to be with You Lord. You are my light and my strength. Take my life and do as You please. I love You more. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Isaiah 5:11-25 (KJV)
11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.
13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
16 But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.