Woe Was Me
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the Lord, or see the work of his hands.” (Isaiah 5:11-12, ESV)
I’m reading through Isaiah lately. It’s seemed like an intimidating book and I was wondering if I might be able to understand any of the prophecies. But considering I’m a Christian and the Holy Spirit is given to me to help in understanding it, and I have shelves full of commentaries in this computer, I figure I should give this book of Isaiah an honest try. This verse above stuck out to me because for a period of my life my days actually match this description.
Not only did I go late in the evening, but I even rose early morning for strong drink. The reason was because I would sometimes be hanging out all night drinking in downtown San Jose. Past 2 am the corner store stops selling alcohol. So as soon the stores were open for liquor again, we would go for a walk down to the corner store, get some snacks and another 40 ounce bottle of Mickey’s or whatever. Yeah, those were some crazy nights. And you can imagine, just as the verse in Isaiah suggests, I had no regard for God. Although God had given me life, and by his grace I had the the enjoyment of the fruits of the land that He made, in the form of shelter, drink, food, clothing, yet I paid no attention to Him. Woe was me indeed!
