Esther 1:10-11

New International Version

When King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him…to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.

For Meditation

I remember my high school days and the silliness of my drinking. I thought I was having the best time in the world. Everything in those situations said I was the best-looking, best dressed, best driver, best dancer, and most liked person on earth. Of course, I had alcohol — my counselor — with me to advise and strategize with. How else would I think that way? And when I got into trouble, it deserted me.

With no intention of glorifying the evil one, I slaved under his authority to do the unthinkable. I was a fool, doing senseless things, yet I thought I was the best until Christ Jesus showed up.

His word revealed the deceitfulness of my heart (Jeremiah 17:9) and the danger of hell before me (Romans 6:23). Faith locked me in the grip of grace, and I cried my way into the kingdom of His dear Son, forgiven and free (Colossians 1:13-14). Rescued from the dominion of darkness, I could see my way in His light. Joy filled my heart, and I now live for God in Christ.

The control of alcohol and its carnage is immeasurable. Yet Satan has veiled this from the world.

Noah got drunk and laid exposed in a way that brought a curse on his grandson (Genesis 9:20-25). The two daughters of Lot got their father drunk and slept with him to father their children (19:38). Millions have slept with their children, and more continue in this shameful and destructive sin without remorse. But there is more.

Think about the many decisions people have made under the influence of alcohol. It has ruined marriages, destroyed homes and careers, futures, and wrecked contracts. Xerxes was in high spirits from wine and made a decision that ruined his marriage to Vashti (Esther 1: 10-11). Nations have gone to war and decorated homes with widows and orphans. So, why is the alcoholic industry still so profitable?

The main reason is that wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1), and the enemy does his best to deceive with it. My people will characterize it as a benefactor and a slayer. It entices people with its smooth taste to delight the heart, then turns to drop its captives into regrettable spaces.

However, there is a greater delight in Christ Jesus. When He comes into a life and blesses it with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the joy He gives is incomparable (Acts 2:1-4,13). So, Paul commands Christians not to waste themselves on wine but to drink the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:.18-20). When the Holy Spirit moves His people to speak to one another with psalms and hymns and to sing and make music from their hearts (19), they can only thank God the Father for everything in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We give all glory to His exalted name (Philippians 2:9-11).

So slay the mocker today before it slays you shamefully and at an unforeseen place, you will live to regret the rest of your life.