by Darcia Kunkel

God’s Plan for Abundance.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.”
Isaiah 25:6, English Standard Version

A friend brought us this gift, of Luther Porter beer, while visiting Wittenberg, Germany during the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, and his wife,  were known to brew their own beer and wine. Some say they started the first craft beer revolution.

The use of hops as an alternative to brew beer became popular during Luther’s time, because the Catholic Church controlled (and taxed) the herb blend used to make the majority of the beer at the time. Often very witty in his comments, Luther stated, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”

Do I think Martin Luther advocated drunkenness and debauchery? No, but I don’t think he would outlaw wine or beer either. He was also quoted as saying, “Do you suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused? Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we then prohibit and abolish women?’

I often enjoy a good glass of wine, while my husband prefers a flavorful IPA. What does the Bible say about the consumption of alcohol? Wine and beer are mentioned frequently, as signs of God’s provision, reward, wealth, and bounty. However, we are also warned against drunkenness, becoming a stumbling block for others, and using our dependence upon it to replace God.

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 20:1, English Standard Version

Though Jesus himself turned water into wine at a wedding feast, and God promises well-aged wine in his ultimate feast with him, we are not to base our whole lives around it. Martin Luther enjoyed beer and wine. I do as well.

Lord, may I always be reminded of your loving abundance. Fine wine and beer are to be enjoyed, but let me always do so in moderation, lest sin gain a foothold.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado