Idioms are an Italian staple. Those of us who have Italian grandparents, or who’ve visited that ancient country know the truth of it. Italians can hardly speak without saying something that makes no sense to the rest of the world.
So, then, what does the wineglass of the stirrup mean? It has little to do with saddles, riding horses, or cowboys. It takes its meaning from a full cup handed to a newly arrived guest, one offered before they dismount. It was consumed while their foot was still in the “stirrup.”
So, when an Italian is headed off on a trip, and someone calls, Il bicchiere della staffa, it means, One for the road!
Paul must have been very Italian. Read his words in 1 Timothy 5:23:
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
Proverbs 31:6 suggests there’s a time for everything:
“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.”
Yet, as in all things, moderation is more important than our freedoms in Christ. We have to be careful about drinking too many for the road.
The Word of God reflects this truth.
Proverbs 20:1 tells us that:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Ephesians 5:18 encourages us with restraint:
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
1 Timothy 3:8 groups drunkenness with greed:
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”
Isaiah 5:11 tells us it’s extreme behavior that God abhors:
“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!”
Titus 1:7 places our restraint on a higher mark for the leaders in the church:
“For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.”
Do we have “one for the road,” or do we consume to excess? These verses may reference wine, but this essay is about more than wine. It’s about life. It’s about moderation and considering others. It’s about living a life that’s above reproach before the world.
It’s about seeing the lives we live in the light of God’s Word, and ordering our days accordingly.
When we keep Christ in our sights, we won’t need to indulge on the world to get through our days.
Copyright © 2015 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.G.05.15.vp.esv