Saturday was the big game in Jacksonville, the one everyone talks about and waits for each year, the Florida-Georgia game. This game is always played here at Alltel stadium, home of the Jaguars, or as we locals still call it, the Gator Bowl. Next year it will be called the Georgia-Florida game, technically, but we don't care as long as the Gators win !! As they did this year, beating the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs 14-10.
Sadly, like last year, a Florida student died. Last year, a 19 year old male was so drunk from partying at the Jacksonville Landing, after the game, that he walked off the ledge of a parking garage. His body was found several days later in the space between two buildings, and near where his car had been parked. This year, a 23 year old male student, Tom Brown, died after being beaten up by 3 - 5 men, ranging in age from 18 - 22. Obviously, alcohol played a factor in both of these deaths. Which leads to the question: when are we going to start holding the breweries of this slop responsible for these deaths? Not just these two specific deaths, but thousands upon thousands of deaths, caused each year by alcohol. From drunk drivers killing innocent victims, to self-inflicted death in an alcoholic stupor, we need to start pointing fingers at the alcohol industry. This has gone on too long. Why do bartenders or servers allow people to continue drinking when they are already vomiting? Why are fans so drunk they pass out during the football games allowed to stay in their seats? (We witnessed this at the Jaguars game in person) Why do these people drink beer like it is water? I will never understand an addiction to alcohol myself, since I have never even tasted the slop, and cannot stand the smell. Why do these people "drown" their sorrows in alcohol?
Well, we know the real answer is because there is a void in their life. God is missing and the true happiness from "knowing Christ" cannot be found in the bottle. We can pray and encourage them as we have the opportunity and try to help them find their answer in Christ, only if they are willing to listen to us.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Isaiah 5:11
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
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