MARCH 3

Esther 1: 9-11

THE ILL EFFECTS OF WINE
By the 7th day of the 2nd party, king Ahasuerus was drunk. Drinking wine or other types of alcohol, makes a person lose control over what he says, thinks and how he behaves. He could suddenly become very noisy and start speaking nonsense. He is also not able to think clearly and loses his sense of judgment. Many ghts are started because men come under the influence of alcohol and become violent or aggressive. Under these circumstances, not surprising that the king commanded his queen to parade before others. She was his prize catch, a beautiful woman that he wanted to show off . Now, bear in mind this was a wild party and all the men were most likely very drunk. Instead of protecting queen Vashti from danger or the lustful glances of men, king Ahasuerus wanted to expose her to possible harm! Why did he do this? Pride. He wanted to show off that he had a beautiful woman for his wife. When people are drunk they make wrong decisions.

Proverb 31:4 contains an instruction from a mother to her son – king Lemuel. She tells him "O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink." Kings are men in a high position that requires them to make important decisions for the country. erefore, they should not even drink a drop of wine, or it will influence them to sin and make wrong decisions. is is what happened to king Ahasuerus. But is this warning only for kings? Dear young friend, this warning is also for you! It is important for you to learn now, that as Christians, we have a high calling that requires us not to lead sinful lives or make wrong decisions. We are called to be a people set apart to worship and serve God. Therefore at all times, we must:
(Unscramble the words to find out!)
E B       B S R O E
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Drinking wine has become popular, even stylish. Many see it as a high-class way of life. Some of your classmates, even at the tender age you’re in, may actually have taken some alcohol! Dear child, don’t. Stay strong and abstain from alcohol as you grow older.

Thought: It is not for kings to drink wine. Neither is it for me as God’s child.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for Your Word that warns me about the dangers of alcohol and the sins that it leads to. Help me to abstain from all appearance of evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.