Covid-19: The White Horse

[quietthinker]

Realize this has nothing to do with the topic. I do not mean to derail the thread but could you briefly give any thoughts you might have on: 1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

The word 'wine' was used for both alcoholic and non alcoholic grape products. Alcohol in itself has no nutritional value, in fact it is a poison. Unfermented juice on the other hand has a lot of nutritional value.

 

[icxn]

Realize this has nothing to do with the topic. I do not mean to derail the thread but could you briefly give any thoughts you might have on: 1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Timothy, being very well versed in the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15) was likely violent (Matthew 11:12) with himself by means of fasting and abstinence from strong drink (Numbers 6:3), in imitation of many other holy men of the Old and New Testaments. It is not unreasonable to assume that such abstinence might have been the cause of his sickness, which is why Saint Paul suggested that he eased his labors and taken care of his health by drinking a little wine. Such moderate use of wine would have also helped him avoid the temptation to pride that follows spiritual accomplishments, very much like Saint Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Wine, like any other of God’s creations, is not evil, drunkenness is. Having a small glass of wine doesn’t make one drunk.

Now, while the above may have been Saint Paul’s intent, it doesn’t mean that we can’t weave a spiritual contemplation around this verse - I'm guessing that is why you asked. Those who give themselves over to bodily labors for the sake of virtue (especially chastity), fuel their zeal with the warnings and threats contained in the scriptures (water) and the bitter recollection of their past sins. While this may be well and good in the heat of the battle with evil thoughts, too much of it can cause stomachache (heartache, i.e. sadness) and even despair (ailment). In that case, by focusing our mind to (drinking as it were) the mercy of God, His great love for us and the shedding of His blood (wine) for our salvation, we can ease our pain (Proverbs 31:6-7).

 

[VictoryinJesus]

too much of it can cause stomachache (heartache, i.e. sadness) and even despair (ailment). In that case, by focusing our mind to (drinking as it were) the mercy of God, His great love for us and the shedding of His blood (wine) for our salvation, we can ease our pain (Proverbs 31:6-7).

You quoted it! (Proverbs 31:6-7). Almost posted that same verse last night with the question since it was what brought up again 1 Timothy 5:23

Thank you! Proverbs 31:6-7 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery (anguish) no more.
Makes me think of: Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. [21] A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. John 16:20-21

 

[icxn]

...Makes me think of: Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. [21] A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. John 16:20-21

That’s how it is with our soul (woman). Through faith she received the bridegroom’s seed (Christ’s teaching) and by means of labors*, temptations, illnesses, persecutions, the scorn of men, any kind of tribulation and sorrow for God's sake, she brings forth Christ in us.

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* literal, spiritual and maternal