December 20, 2024 – Not Meant For Royalty

Not Meant For Royalty
December 20, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 11:13-16
 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    In church, we sing a song: “I’m a Child of the King, A Child of the King, with Jesus My Saviour, I’m a Child of the King.” Children of the king are called Princes or Princesses.

 

    In the next few weeks, people all over the world will be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s at parties and family gatherings. Many of these gatherings will include alcohol. Sadly, many church members will also be drinking at these parties.

 

    The Bible teaches that Children of the King, whether a prince or princess, should not consume alcohol. Why? “Lest they drink, and forget the law.” This is not just the law of man but also the law of God. I can hear some of you now saying, “We’re not under the law,” and you are right. However, when you were saved, you were saying, “I love you, God, and will obey your commandments.” We obey the law now not because of the law itself, but because of our love for the Lawgiver, God.

 

     Our text also says we might, “pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” In a single night, we can tarnish our testimony for the rest of the year. When those who are not believers see us engaging in the same behaviors as they do, they often think, “Why do I need their God? I’m just like them.”

 

    Who should use alcohol? In ancient times, medical professionals used it to alleviate the suffering of those who were near death or those who were burdened by deep sorrows. (Please note that “heavy hearts” here does not refer to the lonely or sad, so if you were thinking of using this as an excuse to indulge, think again.) The Hebrew definition for “heavy hearts” is “Bitter of Soul.” Should a Christian have a bitter soul? Absolutely not. The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always and to celebrate Christ, our Saviour.

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    This year, resolve to end the year on the right note. Let us not allow Satan to tarnish the testimony we’ve worked so hard to convey to our lost friends throughout the year. Stand up for Jesus. Leave alcohol to those who are not believers. Act like royalty. We need to live for Christ and truly enjoy this Christmas season.

 

Are you a child of the King of Kings, or not?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: December 20, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  1 Peter
  Proverbs 31:4 – 7

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Habakkuk
  Revelation 14-15