Just A Thought

 Over three decades ago the author heard a man give a speech titled, “Drinking at Joel’s Place.” It comes to mind often when observing our world culture as it searches for meaning. The speech was centered around an intriguing historical event recorded in the second chapter of the book of Acts. The story describes Jesus’ disciples and followers becoming so overwhelmed by God that they appeared to be drunk. It was the Day of Pentecost; the day God gave the power of the Holy Spirit to His church. St. Peter preached a sermon explaining that those people were just experiencing something prophesied by the prophet Joel four years before. Thus, the title: “Drinking at Joel’s Place.” Those first century Christians went on to change the world, in spite of living in a Roman culture that was in a moral free-fall. The world was looking for love, joy and peace, and these people had experienced it. 

In the thousands of years since that historical event, the world has continued to search for love, joy and peace. However, in spite of many great inventions, much scientific and medical progress, and much increase in knowledge, much of the world seems to ignore the source they discovered, in hopes of finding love, joy and peace without the need to commit to a sovereign God. 

So, much of the world’s population seems to increasingly drink and ingest chemicals in search of some kind of internal satisfaction. The world is becoming more and more drunk and high. Consider these statistics offered by non-religious, non-partisan groups.

“2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths, and 0.6 million deaths to psychoactive drug use. (World Health Organization)

The economic costs are staggering in America alone. “Societal costs of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use are nearly 6 percent of the nation's income — over $532 billion a year.” (The Health Policy Institute)

Why would the whole world choose to ban many mildly dangerous products like sugared drinks and red dyes but embrace, and even celebrate, substances that have proven to destroy families, cultures and nations? Why is the world getting drunk and high? Could it be that they are searching for the spiritual and emotional strength that can only come from God? Could it be that since God only gives His strength to those who make Him Lord, that many are seeking a substitute?

Thankfully, any believer can drink at Joel’s place and find true love, joy and peace, rather that ingesting the deadly substitutes. All it takes is the same kind of genuine pursuit of God as described in the Biblical book of Acts. Millions around the world are discovering it. There are no associated hangovers or health risks. It is surprising that more of the world is not drinking at Joel’s place. 

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Friday, October 25, 2024