Genesis 24
The years flew by quickly and Isaac grew up; Sarah passed away.
It was time for Isaac to take a wife to live with him all his days.
Abraham called for a trusted servant to help find Isaac’s bride.
He would travel to Abraham’s people trusting God to provide.
The servant left with ten strong camels on the journey to Abraham’s clan.
His master had said that God would lead in his mission now at hand.
He pondered aloud just how he would know the one he was looking for.
He was still praying for success as he came to the well at Nahor.
The servant asked God to make it clear and erase all lingering doubt.
He wanted the girl to be at the well when he arrived from his long route.
If she were the one, she would give him a drink with an attitude pure and true.
But not only that, there was more: she would water his camels too.
Now it came about that a lovely girl—Rebecca was her name—
Was present to draw some water at the moment the servant came.
The girl was gracious, smart and humble. You could see she was a prize
Guaranteed to be attractive to any young man’s eyes.
Everything happened as he had prayed so he asked for a place to stay.
She replied, “You may stay with us. We have plenty today.”
The servant was thinking, “She may be the one. I hope there is no other.”
Imagine his joy when he found out her grandpa was Abraham’s brother.
The Bible tells what happened next as the servant repeated the story.
He told them all about Abraham careful to give God the glory.
Bethuel said, “We will give Rebecca to you, for this is a God-type thing.”
The servant then presented the gifts that Abraham told him to bring.
Soon they began the long, long journey back to Abraham’s land.
As they drew near Rebecca saw a wholesome and handsome young man.
The servant told her it was Isaac, her groom and Abraham’s son.
That very day he gave a report of all that the Lord had done.
The Bible doesn’t relate the account of their wedding feast.
It simply says Rebecca was loved and Isaac’s joy increased.
God’s grand plan is nearly complete for Israel’s first generation.
Thus we can see how Isaac was groomed to lead the fledgling nation.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Isaac’s Early Years
Genesis 21-22
When Abraham reached one hundred years, Sarah gave birth to a boy.
They named their baby Isaac because he brought such joy.*
Abraham loved his promised son, threw a great feast when weaned,
But Ishmael mocked the little boy creating quite a scene.
Sarah demanded that Hagar leave even though it seemed unfair.
Isaac was the child of promise, the only legitimate heir.
Abraham was greatly distressed, for he loved Ishmael too.
God assured him this plan was best, for Sarah’s words were true.
So Abraham rose early next morn and gathered sufficient provision.
Then he told Hagar his heart was torn, but this was his decision.
Hagar and Ishmael left their tent afraid they were facing death, But
God came to Hagar, whose heart was rent, promising Ishmael to bless.
From Abraham’s sons two nations were born destined to fight and hate.
God had promised heirs for them, but they didn’t have faith to wait.
They decided to solve their problem by taking a second wife.
Never could they have imagined centuries of war and strife.
As Abraham grew in his walk with God, the Lord kept stretching his faith.
He sent him up to Moriah, a sacrifice to make.
He saddled the donkey, split the wood, and called his son half-grown.
Isaac prefigured the sacrifice that someday would be shown.
When they arrived Isaac asked, “Father, where’s the lamb?”
Abraham said, “God will provide. We’ve placed it in His hands.”
Abraham tearfully built the altar, placed upon it his son.
He lifted his knife to slay the child and then the deed would be done.
Just then the Angel of the LORD, the pre-incarnate Christ
Called to him from heaven above, “Stop this sacrifice.”
Abraham looked and saw a ram entangled by its horns.
He foreshadowed the sacrifice of the One with the crown of thorns.
Moriah became a special place because of what God had done.
It was the place where God foreshadowed the death of his only Son.
“Jehovah Jireh” Abraham named it for the God who provides your needs.
He always has a ram in the thicket when His will we heed.
Now here’s the lesson; don’t forget it. Its message is strong and true:
The Heavenly Father gave His Son as a sacrifice just for you.
Jesus, our Lord, who died on the cross with all its agony and pain,
Was willing to suffer at such great cost your salvation to gain.
* Isaac means “laughter.” His birth brought joy and fulfillment to Abraham and Sarah
When Abraham reached one hundred years, Sarah gave birth to a boy.
They named their baby Isaac because he brought such joy.*
Abraham loved his promised son, threw a great feast when weaned,
But Ishmael mocked the little boy creating quite a scene.
Sarah demanded that Hagar leave even though it seemed unfair.
Isaac was the child of promise, the only legitimate heir.
Abraham was greatly distressed, for he loved Ishmael too.
God assured him this plan was best, for Sarah’s words were true.
So Abraham rose early next morn and gathered sufficient provision.
Then he told Hagar his heart was torn, but this was his decision.
Hagar and Ishmael left their tent afraid they were facing death, But
God came to Hagar, whose heart was rent, promising Ishmael to bless.
From Abraham’s sons two nations were born destined to fight and hate.
God had promised heirs for them, but they didn’t have faith to wait.
They decided to solve their problem by taking a second wife.
Never could they have imagined centuries of war and strife.
As Abraham grew in his walk with God, the Lord kept stretching his faith.
He sent him up to Moriah, a sacrifice to make.
He saddled the donkey, split the wood, and called his son half-grown.
Isaac prefigured the sacrifice that someday would be shown.
When they arrived Isaac asked, “Father, where’s the lamb?”
Abraham said, “God will provide. We’ve placed it in His hands.”
Abraham tearfully built the altar, placed upon it his son.
He lifted his knife to slay the child and then the deed would be done.
Just then the Angel of the LORD, the pre-incarnate Christ
Called to him from heaven above, “Stop this sacrifice.”
Abraham looked and saw a ram entangled by its horns.
He foreshadowed the sacrifice of the One with the crown of thorns.
Moriah became a special place because of what God had done.
It was the place where God foreshadowed the death of his only Son.
“Jehovah Jireh” Abraham named it for the God who provides your needs.
He always has a ram in the thicket when His will we heed.
Now here’s the lesson; don’t forget it. Its message is strong and true:
The Heavenly Father gave His Son as a sacrifice just for you.
Jesus, our Lord, who died on the cross with all its agony and pain,
Was willing to suffer at such great cost your salvation to gain.
* Isaac means “laughter.” His birth brought joy and fulfillment to Abraham and Sarah
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Sad Result of Living in Sodom
Genesis 19:30-38
The tragedy of his foolish choice has now befallen Lot.
Two of his daughters escaped with him, but sadly his wife did not.
Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, so he went to a mountain cave.
What happened next, I’m sorry to say, was wicked and depraved.
Lot’s daughters were there, living in despair, a man they could not meet.
The ability, therefore, to preserve their line was looking very bleak.
The older daughter said to her sister, “I know how to save our line.
In order to be successful, we’ll have to give Daddy wine.”
The oldest gave Lot much wine to drink until he was intoxicated.
Then she went in to lie with him, and a baby they created.
The second daughter followed suit in this evil degradation.
Both had been taught to abandon truth by Sodom’s dissipation.
It makes me sad to see our nation accept immoral distinction.
Unless we repent and change our ways, we’re headed for sure extinction.
TV productions and motion pictures, which encourage illicit sex
Glorify the very behavior God said to reject.
There is a reason Lot and daughters learned to live this way:
Lot had failed to renew his devotion to his God each day.
Everyone wonders just how and when the devil finally got ‘em?”
Sadly, my friend, it all began the day they moved to Sodom.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
The tragedy of his foolish choice has now befallen Lot.
Two of his daughters escaped with him, but sadly his wife did not.
Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, so he went to a mountain cave.
What happened next, I’m sorry to say, was wicked and depraved.
Lot’s daughters were there, living in despair, a man they could not meet.
The ability, therefore, to preserve their line was looking very bleak.
The older daughter said to her sister, “I know how to save our line.
In order to be successful, we’ll have to give Daddy wine.”
The oldest gave Lot much wine to drink until he was intoxicated.
Then she went in to lie with him, and a baby they created.
The second daughter followed suit in this evil degradation.
Both had been taught to abandon truth by Sodom’s dissipation.
It makes me sad to see our nation accept immoral distinction.
Unless we repent and change our ways, we’re headed for sure extinction.
TV productions and motion pictures, which encourage illicit sex
Glorify the very behavior God said to reject.
There is a reason Lot and daughters learned to live this way:
Lot had failed to renew his devotion to his God each day.
Everyone wonders just how and when the devil finally got ‘em?”
Sadly, my friend, it all began the day they moved to Sodom.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18-19
On the plains below the Dead Sea were cities totally depraved.
Up to their ears in immoral sin, their citizens were enslaved.
They had already once been spared when Abram rescued them,
But now the patience of Almighty God was coming to an end.
Abram thought of his nephew Lot and all his family around.
He asked God to judge them not if ten righteous men were found.
God is willing to forgive and bless those who repent, but
Sodom was worthy of judgment to the fullest extent.
When the angels arrived at Sodom, Lot was at the gate.
He rose quickly from his seat, invited them to his place.
“It’s not safe to sleep in the square, let me make you a meal.
There’s more here than what you see. Listen to my appeal.”
After dinner the men of the city wanted the guests for sex.
Since the men had come to Sodom, what did they expect?
The men of Sodom, sin-demented, gathered at Lot’s door.
God struck them all with blindness so they could see no more.
Lot slipped out to his sons-in-law, warned them to leave that night,
Sadly their hearts were so corrupt, they failed to see the light.
The angels then exhorted them, holding them by the hand,
“Wake up, Lot. You must leave right now; flee this wicked land.”
They were on their way to Zoar when fire and brimstone fell.
Sodom and the plains around were changed to a living hell.
The angels had told them, “Don’t look back! Keep your eyes ahead.”
Lot’s wife turned to view the attack; instantly she was dead.
Up in the hills Abraham watched as smoke rose from the plains.
The fruitful land was blasted and torn, all its inhabitants slain.
How foolish man is to flaunt his sin before a holy God.
To claim that he is pure within, maintaining a phony façade.
The Lord is coming for His church, a holy spotless bride,
A glorious church cleansed within, resisting sin’s strong tide.
We don’t know when that will be—morning, night or noon.
So we preach His grace, tell all we see; He’s coming very soon.
On the plains below the Dead Sea were cities totally depraved.
Up to their ears in immoral sin, their citizens were enslaved.
They had already once been spared when Abram rescued them,
But now the patience of Almighty God was coming to an end.
Abram thought of his nephew Lot and all his family around.
He asked God to judge them not if ten righteous men were found.
God is willing to forgive and bless those who repent, but
Sodom was worthy of judgment to the fullest extent.
When the angels arrived at Sodom, Lot was at the gate.
He rose quickly from his seat, invited them to his place.
“It’s not safe to sleep in the square, let me make you a meal.
There’s more here than what you see. Listen to my appeal.”
After dinner the men of the city wanted the guests for sex.
Since the men had come to Sodom, what did they expect?
The men of Sodom, sin-demented, gathered at Lot’s door.
God struck them all with blindness so they could see no more.
Lot slipped out to his sons-in-law, warned them to leave that night,
Sadly their hearts were so corrupt, they failed to see the light.
The angels then exhorted them, holding them by the hand,
“Wake up, Lot. You must leave right now; flee this wicked land.”
They were on their way to Zoar when fire and brimstone fell.
Sodom and the plains around were changed to a living hell.
The angels had told them, “Don’t look back! Keep your eyes ahead.”
Lot’s wife turned to view the attack; instantly she was dead.
Up in the hills Abraham watched as smoke rose from the plains.
The fruitful land was blasted and torn, all its inhabitants slain.
How foolish man is to flaunt his sin before a holy God.
To claim that he is pure within, maintaining a phony façade.
The Lord is coming for His church, a holy spotless bride,
A glorious church cleansed within, resisting sin’s strong tide.
We don’t know when that will be—morning, night or noon.
So we preach His grace, tell all we see; He’s coming very soon.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Abrahamic Covenant
Genesis 17-18:15
Twelve years after Ishmael was born, to Abram the Lord appeared.
The Lord was ready to covenant with him because of his reverent fear.
Abram fell on his face before God, the Creator told him His plan.
“Because you’ll father many nations, your new name is Abraham.” *
My covenant with you is everlasting beginning with Sarah’s son.
It will continue to all your descendents in generations to come.
Abraham pondered in his heart, “Does he know I’m a hundred years?
It seems to me we’re both too old for a child to be born here.”
God told him about the covenant and the sign of circumcision,
For he would father a chosen people to live as God envisioned.
So Abram quickly obeyed his God and circumcised all his men
Establishing this sign as a rite to be repeated again and again.
One day as Abram sat in his tent avoiding the noon day heat,
The Son of God appeared again His promises to repeat.
Sarah hastened to make some bread and Abram prepared a calf;
When they said she would soon conceive, she couldn’t suppress a laugh.
The Son of God, in angelic form, understood she felt ignored.
He spoke loudly for Sarah to hear, “Is this too hard for the Lord?
At the soon appointed time, your hearts will be filled with joy,
For Sarah will hold in her arms a healthy baby boy.
Even though the promise came from Jehovah face to face,
It still required Abraham to trust the Lord by faith.
The same is true of you and me as we walk this Christian road.
We trust the promises in His Word until they are bestowed.
* Abram means “Exalted Father,” but Abraham means “Father of Multitudes.”
Sarai means “Which See,” but Sarah means “Princess.”
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Twelve years after Ishmael was born, to Abram the Lord appeared.
The Lord was ready to covenant with him because of his reverent fear.
Abram fell on his face before God, the Creator told him His plan.
“Because you’ll father many nations, your new name is Abraham.” *
My covenant with you is everlasting beginning with Sarah’s son.
It will continue to all your descendents in generations to come.
Abraham pondered in his heart, “Does he know I’m a hundred years?
It seems to me we’re both too old for a child to be born here.”
God told him about the covenant and the sign of circumcision,
For he would father a chosen people to live as God envisioned.
So Abram quickly obeyed his God and circumcised all his men
Establishing this sign as a rite to be repeated again and again.
One day as Abram sat in his tent avoiding the noon day heat,
The Son of God appeared again His promises to repeat.
Sarah hastened to make some bread and Abram prepared a calf;
When they said she would soon conceive, she couldn’t suppress a laugh.
The Son of God, in angelic form, understood she felt ignored.
He spoke loudly for Sarah to hear, “Is this too hard for the Lord?
At the soon appointed time, your hearts will be filled with joy,
For Sarah will hold in her arms a healthy baby boy.
Even though the promise came from Jehovah face to face,
It still required Abraham to trust the Lord by faith.
The same is true of you and me as we walk this Christian road.
We trust the promises in His Word until they are bestowed.
* Abram means “Exalted Father,” but Abraham means “Father of Multitudes.”
Sarai means “Which See,” but Sarah means “Princess.”
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Hagar and Ishmael
Genesis 16
God promised heirs to Abram on the night of that wonderful vision,
But as so often happens to man, he accepted a devilish revision.
Instead of resting in God’s promise displaying patience and trust,
Sarai thought she would help the Lord, much to His disgust.
She suggested that her maid, should become Abram’s wife,
Another example of human wisdom fraught with peril and strife.
In his desire to make her happy, Abram unwisely consented.
Because of his failure to trust in God, millions have been tormented.
Hagar conceived and Sarai thought a child she could name,
But the dynamics of their relationship would never be the same.
Hagar grew proud when she conceived, her mistress she despised.
Thus Sarai hated the arrogance she saw in Hagar’s eyes.
Because of harsh treatment forced upon her, Hagar ran away.
She took the wilderness road to Shur walking all the way.
God’s mighty angel found her there exhausted by the spring;
Said it was right for her to obey her mistress in everything.
The Angel shared a Word from God that she would bear a son;
That he would be a wild man, at war with everyone.
So Hagar obeyed heaven’s instruction; returned to Abram’s home,
But terrible sorrow and destruction came from the seed he had sown.
Everyone has an Ishmael, the sins and misdeeds they’ve sown.
Ishmael brings sorrow, misery, and strife destroying many homes.
We find here a lesson we should learn, so learn it if you can:
Listen first to the Word of the Lord and reject the wisdom of man.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
God promised heirs to Abram on the night of that wonderful vision,
But as so often happens to man, he accepted a devilish revision.
Instead of resting in God’s promise displaying patience and trust,
Sarai thought she would help the Lord, much to His disgust.
She suggested that her maid, should become Abram’s wife,
Another example of human wisdom fraught with peril and strife.
In his desire to make her happy, Abram unwisely consented.
Because of his failure to trust in God, millions have been tormented.
Hagar conceived and Sarai thought a child she could name,
But the dynamics of their relationship would never be the same.
Hagar grew proud when she conceived, her mistress she despised.
Thus Sarai hated the arrogance she saw in Hagar’s eyes.
Because of harsh treatment forced upon her, Hagar ran away.
She took the wilderness road to Shur walking all the way.
God’s mighty angel found her there exhausted by the spring;
Said it was right for her to obey her mistress in everything.
The Angel shared a Word from God that she would bear a son;
That he would be a wild man, at war with everyone.
So Hagar obeyed heaven’s instruction; returned to Abram’s home,
But terrible sorrow and destruction came from the seed he had sown.
Everyone has an Ishmael, the sins and misdeeds they’ve sown.
Ishmael brings sorrow, misery, and strife destroying many homes.
We find here a lesson we should learn, so learn it if you can:
Listen first to the Word of the Lord and reject the wisdom of man.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Friday, January 8, 2010
Abram Meets Melchizedek—A Type of Christ
Genesis 14-15
Though he didn’t start the war, Abram fought a key battle,
For Lot was captured by invaders along with his wealth and cattle.
Abram geared up his fighting men, went hotly in pursuit;
Defeated the enemy late one night reclaiming the captured loot.
A surprising thing happened to him, one he hadn’t expected.
He was met and spiritually blessed by priestly king Melchizedek.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a priest of God most High.
Abram felt the presence of God and paid the priest a tithe.
Abram gave to Melchizedek Salem’s people and possessions.
He treated the office with high respect avoiding indiscretion.
He took nothing for himself except the food they had eaten,
And a portion for his men from the enemy they had beaten.
After these things God came to Abram, spoke in a heavenly vision.
He said to him, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve been with you in your decisions.”
Abram said, “I don’t have an heir. I’ve been wondering why?”
Jehovah then took Abram outside, told him to look to the sky.
“See all those stars shining above. Count them if you can.
That’s how many descendants you’ll have in their various clans.”
Abram chose to believe the Lord, His Deity he confessed.
God was pleased with Abram’s faith, counted it righteousness.
Abram came to know our Lord by a sincere expression of faith.
For that is the way we relate to God as we trust in His saving grace.
Have you trusted Christ today? With Him you can end your search.
For Jesus is both Savior and Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Though he didn’t start the war, Abram fought a key battle,
For Lot was captured by invaders along with his wealth and cattle.
Abram geared up his fighting men, went hotly in pursuit;
Defeated the enemy late one night reclaiming the captured loot.
A surprising thing happened to him, one he hadn’t expected.
He was met and spiritually blessed by priestly king Melchizedek.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a priest of God most High.
Abram felt the presence of God and paid the priest a tithe.
Abram gave to Melchizedek Salem’s people and possessions.
He treated the office with high respect avoiding indiscretion.
He took nothing for himself except the food they had eaten,
And a portion for his men from the enemy they had beaten.
After these things God came to Abram, spoke in a heavenly vision.
He said to him, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve been with you in your decisions.”
Abram said, “I don’t have an heir. I’ve been wondering why?”
Jehovah then took Abram outside, told him to look to the sky.
“See all those stars shining above. Count them if you can.
That’s how many descendants you’ll have in their various clans.”
Abram chose to believe the Lord, His Deity he confessed.
God was pleased with Abram’s faith, counted it righteousness.
Abram came to know our Lord by a sincere expression of faith.
For that is the way we relate to God as we trust in His saving grace.
Have you trusted Christ today? With Him you can end your search.
For Jesus is both Savior and Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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