What does "drink it and drain it" symbolize in a believer's life? Verse Under Study Ezekiel 23:34 — “You will drink it and drain it; then you will gnaw its sherds and tear your breasts. For I have spoken,” declares the Lord GOD. Context Snapshot • The verse addresses Jerusalem (Oholibah), warning that she will receive the same judgment as Samaria for persistent idolatry. • The “cup” is the LORD’s chosen image for His righteous wrath poured out on unrepentant sin (Ezekiel 23:32-33; Psalm 75:8). • “Drink it and drain it” speaks of consuming the cup completely—no shortcut, no remainder, no escape. Key Words Unpacked • Drink — actively take in what is given; not merely taste but swallow. • Drain — finish it to the last drop; total, exhaustive experience. • Cup — in prophetic language, a vessel of either wrath (judgment) or blessing, depending on the contents (Isaiah 51:17; Psalm 116:13). The Symbol in Scripture 1. Full reception of judgment ▪ Psalm 75:8 — the wicked “drink it down to the dregs.” ▪ Revelation 14:10 — those who reject God “will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured full strength.” 2. Substitutionary fulfillment in Christ ▪ Matthew 26:39; John 18:11 — Jesus resolved to “drink the cup” the Father gave, taking wrath on Himself. ▪ At the cross He “drained” that cup so believers will never taste divine condemnation (Romans 8:1). 3. Ongoing call to wholehearted obedience ▪ When a believer partakes of the Lord’s Supper, the cup now represents covenant blessing (1 Corinthians 11:25), yet Paul warns we must “examine” ourselves (11:28). ▪ Refusing known sin is choosing Christ’s cup of salvation; clinging to sin invites painful discipline (Hebrews 12:6). Personal Application Today • Receive Christ’s finished work – Because He drained the wrath-cup, the only cup offered to the believer is grace. Receive it with gratitude (Psalm 116:13). • Reject half-measures – “Drain” the cup of devotion: no partial obedience, no divided heart (James 1:22). • Own consequences quickly – Ongoing sin will still bring temporal, fatherly discipline; better to confess early than be forced to “drink” bitter outcomes later (1 John 1:9). • Persevere in trials – Life’s hardships are not wrath for the believer but refining. Drain the cup, trusting God’s good purpose (Romans 5:3-5). Cross-References for Deeper Study Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17-22; Jeremiah 25:15-16; Matthew 20:22-23; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 16:19. Takeaway Truths • “Drink it and drain it” pictures total experience—either of judgment outside Christ or of wholehearted surrender inside Him. • Jesus drained wrath so you can drain grace. • A believer’s call: leave nothing in the cup of obedience, and nothing of unconfessed sin at the bottom. |
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