Half Bottle (Jeremiah 23:24)

“Thank you for your order. And would you care for any wine this evening?”

My friend and I glanced at each other and our wives and nodded. “We would love to try a bottle of this one. You have a half bottle so we will have that.”

“Very good.” The server gathered our menus and quickly returned with the bottle. As he prepared to open the bottle, my friend stopped him. “Wait. We ordered a half bottle, not a full bottle.”

The server smiled and continued opening the bottle. “Yes sir. We do not have half bottles so we simply ask you only to drink half the bottle and leave the unfinished bottle when you leave.”

We looked at each other in disbelief and then at the server. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“Ok. Thanks.”

As the server left, we all stared at the open bottle of wine. “Wow, that’s a first!” Laughing, my friend’s wife said, “But what if we drink only slightly more than half?” She held up her thumb and index finger leaving a small space between them. “Maybe just a few ounces? How will they know?”

We enjoyed our meal, doing our best to estimate what was a half bottle, and left the restaurant. We still all laugh when we recall the incident, particularly when we dine together and see half bottles of wine on a menu in other restaurants.

The request to leave the half bottle of wine was a humorous example of the honor system. There are many situations in life when one is asked to abide by the honor system. While most do their best to abide, violations can easily be found. It may be as simple as ignoring the proper receptacle for recycling or as complex as plagiarizing a report. An honor system is only as effective as its participants’ honor. If one does not honor or respect the system giver, it fails. Knowing this, why do some still believe they can still sin and not be found out by God?

Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth? says the LORD. 

Jeremiah 23:24 (NLT)

God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. Adam and Eve attempted to hide their first sin from God. Cain denied knowing about the murder of his brother Abel. In each situation, they did not respect or fear God. It continues for all of us. What is the solution? We need God’s grace and mercy through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us of our sins.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.