During the Lord’s earthly ministry, His most malicious enemies were not common men or even the Roman government. His greatest enemies were the religious leaders charged with maintaining the spiritual purity of the people of God. How could those most religious create discord with the very One who gave them the dictates for the Jewish religion they claimed to defend? The answer is simple. It was envy! According to John 11:48, the religious leadership of Israel determined that they could not allow Jesus to continue teaching, preaching, and ministering to others. These leaders realized that all men would believe on Him causing the Romans to demote them. They would not allow this to happen. How far would they go to keep their place and nation? The Bible reveals that they would even cause the crucifixion of the innocent Son of God.
There are many stories of those overcome with a sense of embarrassment resulting from their actions while under the influence. As they increasingly yielded to the power of strong drink, they did things they later regretted once sober. This is what the Bible means about alcohol when it says it causes men to “stumble in judgment.” No doubt many of God’s people like Noah (Genesis 9:21-25) and Lot (Genesis 19:31-36) had regrets as they became sober. The Bible tells of Nabal who “was very drunken” and foolishly refused to help king David (1 Samuel 25:1-17, 36). When he came to himself, Abigail told her husband all that had transpired during his drunken stupor. After he heard of his foolish actions, the Bible says that “his heart died within him” (1 Samuel 25:37).
The world has falsely presented alcoholic consumption as a thing pleasurable, similar to the now politically incorrect cigarette advertisements of a few decades ago. Contrary to the one marketed to the world, the Bible presents a completely opposing portrait. Though changes subtly occur, alcohol eventually takes control of those who choose to continue their early participation. The Bible says, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” (Isaiah 5:11). Drinking may begin as a source of pleasure and stress reduction but it rarely, if ever, ends there. The ultimate outcome of the intake of alcohol is its consumption by a person from daytime until he drinks himself silly at night. The Bible describes some of the physical effects of this practice as contentions, babbling, and redness of eyes. It also describes some of the by-products as woe, sorrow, and wounds without cause. A sane world obedient to God would reject such outcomes if only they knew, understood, and obeyed the truth.
