God Has Issued His Warning
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 28 and Psalm 119:73-80 (NIV)
(Tony Tng from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Isaiah 28:1-11 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In this chapter, God issued a stark warning to the people of Judah (v14). God would address the sin of Ephraim (Northern Israel) and warns Judah of their own sinfulness. Specifically, God identified the sin of pride of a people brought down by overindulgence in wine and alcohol. Pride and drunkenness are equally sinful in the eyes of the Lord (v1). The once prosperous and beautiful city will soon fade when the Lord sends His judgement upon the city led by proud and drunkard leaders (v7) who have no place in their hearts for God (v9-10). In Judah, the people mistakenly boasted that any judgement from God can never touch them because they have made a covenant with death and rejected God (v15). But God will lay a sure foundation in Jesus Christ only for those who put their trust in Him (v16). This foundation is a precious cornerstone for our lives, a secure and stable foundation that will last forever.
APPLY:
After seeing the rampant abuse of alcohol in English society, John Wesley became a strong advocate against the consumption of hard liquor. While he did not prohibit it, he advocated moderation in the drinking of beer and wine. Alcohol abuse has been a big problem in many societies, ours included. Excessive consumption of alcohol can give us a false sense of control and confidence. Our behaviour can become irrational and uncontrolled.
While I am not a frequent user of alcohol, I still remember an unpleasant experience of indulging in too much alcohol. I was at an event where there was free flow of whiskey and beer. As the evening dragged on, one glass became many. While I was not totally drunk, I somehow knew that I had one too many. My gait was unsteady and my speech became a bit incoherent. I cannot remember most of the things or words that I might have spoken but I recall that it was not a pleasant morning the next day with the alcohol hangover. Losing control of myself was no fun. That was the first and the last time that I consumed that much alcohol. I have learned to control the urge to over-indulge lest I do or say things that may displease God.
DO:
I may have an occasional glass but I will never again allow excessive alcohol to control my mind and behaviour.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my weakness and strengthen my will to resist the temptation of excessive alcohol consumption. A little drink may be medicinal but an excessive amount will lead to action that can be regretful and sinful. Help me not to fall into temptation but keep Your precepts close to my heart. Help me to always remember that the wine that You have given me is for joyous enjoyment and not for over indulging. In Your mercy, hear my prayer. In Christ’s mighty name, I pray. Amen.
