ELSEWHERE?

ELSEWHERE?

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Luke [NLT] 21 [Jesus explained] … “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

  Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

  “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” …

  Due to childhood exposure, adult observation, Union service, 2Corinthians 5:11-21 ministry, I sincerely believe imbibing alcohol and/or drugs is motivated by the desire to escape. Is not this how pictured in ads? Some use the term “relaxing from the cares of life”. Drunkenness is simply when alcohol or drugs become The Out of Control Great Escape.

  (One embedded memory: Chevrolet Inn was a few blocks from work at the corner of Broening Hwy. & Holabird Av. Not having enough time to get coat from locker or car from parking lot, escapers would punch out lunch time, hurriedly walk to front exit, regardless of weather, heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, ice, run down sidewalk, on tab gulp down boilermaker, 2 shots & a beer, gobble hard-boiled egg or pickled sausage on returning run/walk, and often punch back in just as whistle blew. Broke by Monday, some borrowed a dollar or two a day from coworkers for supper, then paid us back on Friday payday.)

  But escape mindset may not necessarily involve alcohol at Dew Drop saloon or Happy Hour at the Ritz or at home or by drugs acquired at signed street intersections. Christian dissipation of effective living can simply be a matter of Rapture and/or Advent fixation.

  This is not my idea, but truth taught by Jesus; we are not to be preoccupied with Rapture deliverance or His ever-imminent return. As hard as it may be at times we are to not escape reality of life here but are to occupy until we die or He returns prior to our expiration. (Lk.19:13; 21:8, 36; Acts 1:6-11)

  Ours is to live here and now fully as we participate in and nurture self then others in the rite of this present moment with Word-grounded godly words and deeds.

  Rather than seeking elsewhere by whatever otherwise means, let us as servants of the Most High God “Act like people with good sense and not like fools. These are evil times, so make every minute count.

Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do. Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life. When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart. Always use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to thank God the Father for everything. Honor Christ and put others first.” (CEV Eph.5:15-21)  EBB4

PS: Nowhere in God’s Word is partaking of alcohol prohibited. It is the risk that is highlighted.