Jesus and the Brews

So this is something I've thought about before and since this here blogosphere is about beer and the Word, I thought it would be appropriate to bring up. Jesus and alcohol. Those can become quite heated items depending on one's background and culture.

I was watching this reality show one time about a big family and the oldest kid was getting married. One of the camera men was asking the father of the bride if there would be alcohol at the wedding or the reception. He proceeded to say no, because alcohol is sinful. In fact, he even said that when Jesus turned the water into wine, it was really grape juice. For some of you, you've probably heard this before. That is a ridiculous statement. Here is what the text actually says.

"On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.* Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” John 2:1-10 ESV

Now does that sound like Jesus was making grape juice? Now, if someone chooses not to drink alcohol, I have no issue with that. The issue I have is when someone is uncomfortable with scripture, so they change it to fit their worldview. Let scripture speak for itself and don't impose your agenda on it. If the guy on the show had said that they choose not to drink and so they won't be serving alcohol, I have no problem with that. In fact, I would respect that. However, to change the meaning of scripture to fit your agenda...That I have a huge problem with.

But here's a fun passage from the Old Testament in regards to alcohol to look at. Show this one to your pastor and see his reaction...

“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. 23 And before the LORD your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. 24 And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the LORD your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God chooses, to set his name there, 25 then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the LORD your God chooses 26 and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household." Deuteronomy 14:22-26

So there you go. If it's too far to travel to tithe, buy some meat and booze and have a good time rejoicing unto the Lord.

Really the main point I want to make is this: Alcohol is not evil. It is a blessing from God when used in moderation and not abused. Now alcohol isn't for everyone, however it is important to let the Bible speak for itself and not impose your worldview on the text. So I'm going to brew some tasty beer and rejoice unto the Lord for the blessings he has bestowed upon me and my family. To quote the great theologian (sarcasm!!!) Benjamin Franklin..."beer is proof that God loves us and he wants us to be happy."

So since Jesus was a homebrewer (and a dang good one at that), I am honored to get to follow in my Savior's footsteps and make some beverages to enjoy!