QT: Wine & Wines Ephesians5:15–18 Week 40: 28/09/2023. Thu
Wine & Wines
https://www.esv.org/Ephesians5:15–18
Week 40: 28/09/2023. Thu
It was an unforgettable experience at the wedding dinner of a Christian couple, when a guest shouted vulgarities at us sitting at the same table.
Carbon, hydrogen & oxygen molecules in various forms contribute to wine and other alcoholic chemicals. Like all things that God has created, it was part of the "good" evaluation in Genesis 1. Furthermore, it was in John 2:9 that "the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine", in Jesus' "first of his signs" (John 2:11). In fact, Jesus instituted a religious sacrament/rite with "this fruit of the vine" (Matt 26:29).
Nevertheless, we see again in this fallen world that a positive/neutral thing can become a "killer" when abused. One statistics of a big country had >50% of domestic violence being alcohol-related, with 1/3 of traffic accident fatalities linked to drunk driving.
Ephesians 5:15–18 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (ESV))
REFLECTION: Paul's main point contrasts two alternatives, and priorities in our lives. All of us have 24 hours of time—are we "making the best use of the time"? His exhortation to believers at Ephesus was to be filled with the Spirit, in priority to getting drunk or high or whatever utilities drinks might bring.
