The Cup of Wrath

Imagine yourself having to drink an entire glass of something you don’t care for. (How about that awful mixture you have to drink before a colonoscopy – all 64 ounces of it?) Bitter wine is a word picture used in the Old Testament of the Bible for God’s wrath – His punishment – which those who have disobeyed must “drink.” Psalm 75:8 says “For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams; It is well mixed, and He pours out of this; Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.”

In Biblical times, wine was the beverage of choice because water was often in short supply or was impure. When Moses sent spies to check out the land of Canaan and they came back carrying a huge cluster of grapes, (Numbers 13:23) this was a promising sign for wine-making. Many passages in the Bible speak of vineyards, wine presses, wineskins, and drinking wine. Jesus turned water into wine as His first miracle at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), and wine was the new covenant in Jesus blood at the last supper with His disciples. (Luke 22:20)

Used as a drink, a medicine for wounds (Luke 10:34), with sacrifices (Exodus 29:40, for example), or as a remedy for digestive ailments (1 Timothy 5:23), wine certainly played a prominent role in middle-Eastern culture. And that’s why, when the Hebrews heard the warning about having to drink bitter wine, they could easily relate to it. Likewise, when Jesus prayed to God in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Abba! (which means “Daddy!”) Father! All things are possible for you; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14:36), He was referring to the “cup of wrath,” the punishment He would “drink” on behalf of the entire world. This was a punishment Jesus did not deserve at all (since He never sinned), but He accepted from God, His Father. He took the punishment (the cup of wrath) in our place. “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)

Would you drink a whole cup of bitter wine (or some other unpleasant drink, maybe orange juice that has gone bad) for someone else, so they would not have to? Likely it would have to be someone you care a great deal for, for you to do it. That is how much Jesus loves and cares for each of us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Before we enjoy the chocolate bunnies, brunch, family gatherings, baskets of candy-filled plastic eggs, Easter bonnets and new clothes, let’s not lose sight of the bitter cup of punishment that Jesus drank in our place.

So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath, the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” John `18:11


Whether it is wine or any other beverage, when you drink something, you are bending your arm and using your biceps (the muscle group on the front of your upper arm). We will work on the back of the arm another week. Bicep curls can be easily done anywhere using common objects from around your home.

A water bottle or can from your pantry work well as light weights, but if you are just beginning to strengthen your arms, you can do this without holding anything. You may sit or stand, and start with your arms straight down at your sides, keeping your upper arm and elbow next to your body.

Slowly bend your elbow to bring your hands upward, counting to four as you do so. (See the photo at left.) Hold for a moment and slowly lower to the start position, again counting to four. Your shoulders should be down, away from your ears the entire time. If you have any pain, stop. And if you are unsure about whether this exercise is appropriate for you, ask your physician.

Do four or five reps when you are first starting, and build up to ten or 12. You may do this with your palms facing outward, then repeat the set with your palms facing inward, and again with your palms facing down. This will target the three different muscles on the upper arm. You may perform bicep curls three times per week. But wait a day or two between sessions.

If this exercise is too easy, then it is time to increase the weight. You may graduate to a heavier weight, such as a jug of laundry detergent or milk. (A gallon of milk weighs slightly over eight pounds.) Hand weights can be found at very reasonable prices at Target, Walmart and sporting goods stores.

When holding a heavier weight, be sure to keep a straight line from your elbow to your knuckles, as shown in the photo at right.(In other words, do not bend your wrist.)

Arm curls can be combined with squats or done one arm at a time while on the phone, or with both arms while sitting and watching tv. It will not be long before you notice increased strength in your arms.