Jerry Whipple

Imagine lying in a hammock in the warm summer sun. A slight breeze draws a contented sigh from you as you close your eyes. Within moments you're drifting off to a restful summer nap.

 

Now change the scene slightly. Instead of a hammock you're lying on an inflatable raft, bobbing along in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The alcohol you imbibed makes it impossible to stay awake.

 

Instead of sleep, you're in a stupor. And you're awakened only when the Coast Guard arrives — one mile from shore — to rescue you.

 

That last scene wasn't just imaginary; it happened to Jerry Whipple on June 24, 2010. Authorities stated in the Associated Press report that they suspect Mr. Whipple was very drunk. Jerry should thank the boaters who spotted him, still unconscious, and alerted rescue personnel. Things could have turned out much worse.

 

Mr. Whipple and many others should consider advice given thousands of years ago: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1, NKJV).

 

Many will be mocking this seafaring fellow after reading the story. But they will not be the first to mock him.

 

Another passage in Proverbs sounds almost prophetic. After noting the poisonous effects of intoxicating substances, this is added:

 

 "Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 'They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?'" (Proverbs 23:34,35).

 

Statistics vary, but all will admit that there are millions in America who are enslaved to alcohol. How many of these made a decision to become addicted? Not one; they all began drinking with the thought that they could handle their liquor. But they couldn't.

 

Like Jerry Whipple, they drifted further with each drink from being in control. How much better if they had never taken that first drink!

 

Some will argue that the Bible doesn't tell us not to drink wine; rather, it warns us against drunkenness.

 

In response we would ask that they consider 1 Corinthians 6:12: "All things are lawful for me, but a I will not be brought under the power of any."

 

Can anyone state with absolute certainty that their drinking will not lead to addiction? Why would you want to roll those dice?

 

Jerry Whipple has been rescued from the perils he faced at sea. Will he allow himself to be rescued from that which put him in the imperiled condition to begin with?

 

--Tim Hall