The details of the Bible account now shift to the kings of the North.
We see Nadab, the second king, whose reign was very short.
He was supplanted as the king after two short years.
At Baasha’s hand all his descendents totally disappeared.
Baasha reigned for twenty-four years as wicked as those before him.
Because he walked in terrible sin it was impossible to ignore him.
God told Jehu, the faithful prophet, that he should condemn the king.
Thus it happened in spite of his might that Baasha lost everything.
After Baasha, Elah was crowned. He liked to indulge in liquor.
The depth of his father’s terrible sin only brought judgment quicker.
Zimri, one of his trusted commanders, went in and struck him down.
Just as Jehu’s prophecy said, he left none of the family around.
Zimri took control of the court obtaining the throne by deception.
When all of Israel heard the report he received a cool reception.
Omri, now the commander of troops, went after the treasonous liar.
Zimri defiantly burned the king’s house and died in the terrible fire.
What followed next was war within by supporters of two main guys.
Half of the people supported Tibni to Omri’s great surprise.
This meant war for six long years with the nation clearly divided.
Eventually Omri did prevail and on the throne he resided.
Omri reigned for twelve more years. He was a competent fellow,
But when it came to idolatry, he was clearly a mellow fellow.
He lived in sin as the kings before him with idols of every kind
Provoking the Lord to anger by his acceptance of all the shrines.
Finally Omri slept with his fathers and if you think he was bad,
The throne was passed for twenty-two years to his son, Ahab.
Ahab was married to a wife whose name was Jezebel.
The depravity of this woman’s heart is too terrible to tell.
We can see that Israel failed in just about every respect.
But due to the wickedness of their kings, there was little to expect.
Nadab, Baasha, Elah and Zimri, Omri and Ahab too
Turned the northern nation of Israel into a godless zoo.
Righteousness exalts a nation but sin brings certain disgrace.
Israel needed to bend her knee, repent, and seek God’s face.
We should remember this Bible account and soberly take it to heart,
For righteous behavior will hold us together but sin will tear us apart.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Three Southern Kings
1 Kings 15
We have observed the Northern king whose life was a poor example.
Now we will see the Southern king whose record is more than ample.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, reigned for seventeen years.
He departed from the truths his grandfather David held dear.
The nation did evil during his reign stirring God’s jealousy.
Judah embraced without horror or shame all forms of idolatry.
With sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill you see,
The prostitutes plied their evil trade under each spreading tree.
It should not come as a total shock that idolatrous sin condemns.
That is why there was an attack upon Jerusalem.
The king of Egypt stripped the temple of its shields of gold.
Over and over we see in scripture just how this pattern unfolds.
Additional deeds of Rehoboam are found in other books,
But the failure of his life remind of sin’s strong hook.
After his death Abijah, his son, ascended to Judah’s throne.
He continued in the same ways that he had always known.
All through the years of Rehoboam and also Abijah his son,
There was war with the northern kingdom never decisively won.
Abijah died within three years as Jeroboam celebrated twenty.
Then when Asa became the king, the changes were strong and plenty.
We pause to share an interesting fact, one to appreciate:
Judah experienced nineteen kings and the good ones numbered eight.
Four of these kings brought strong reform and God’s will was done.
Asa, the great, great grandson of David, was the very first one.
None of the evil shrines were spared including his own grandmother’s,
For Asa was devoted to the true God, unlike all the others.
In the second year of Asa’s rule, Jeroboam expired.
God brought Asa safely through the challenges that transpired.
In his lifetime of serving God, he reigned for forty-one years.
Judah enjoyed a period of rest defeating attacks and fears.
God exalts a righteous nation; the wicked will surely fall.
Blessed are those who honor God, who choose to give Him their all.
I pray our nation will not repeat the mistakes of the kings above.
Let us pray for a modern-day Asa and serve our Lord with love.
Let us forsake the pathway of sin and walk the path that is right.
Let us serve our Lord each day with heart and soul and might.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
We have observed the Northern king whose life was a poor example.
Now we will see the Southern king whose record is more than ample.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, reigned for seventeen years.
He departed from the truths his grandfather David held dear.
The nation did evil during his reign stirring God’s jealousy.
Judah embraced without horror or shame all forms of idolatry.
With sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill you see,
The prostitutes plied their evil trade under each spreading tree.
It should not come as a total shock that idolatrous sin condemns.
That is why there was an attack upon Jerusalem.
The king of Egypt stripped the temple of its shields of gold.
Over and over we see in scripture just how this pattern unfolds.
Additional deeds of Rehoboam are found in other books,
But the failure of his life remind of sin’s strong hook.
After his death Abijah, his son, ascended to Judah’s throne.
He continued in the same ways that he had always known.
All through the years of Rehoboam and also Abijah his son,
There was war with the northern kingdom never decisively won.
Abijah died within three years as Jeroboam celebrated twenty.
Then when Asa became the king, the changes were strong and plenty.
We pause to share an interesting fact, one to appreciate:
Judah experienced nineteen kings and the good ones numbered eight.
Four of these kings brought strong reform and God’s will was done.
Asa, the great, great grandson of David, was the very first one.
None of the evil shrines were spared including his own grandmother’s,
For Asa was devoted to the true God, unlike all the others.
In the second year of Asa’s rule, Jeroboam expired.
God brought Asa safely through the challenges that transpired.
In his lifetime of serving God, he reigned for forty-one years.
Judah enjoyed a period of rest defeating attacks and fears.
God exalts a righteous nation; the wicked will surely fall.
Blessed are those who honor God, who choose to give Him their all.
I pray our nation will not repeat the mistakes of the kings above.
Let us pray for a modern-day Asa and serve our Lord with love.
Let us forsake the pathway of sin and walk the path that is right.
Let us serve our Lord each day with heart and soul and might.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sin Has Consequences
1 Kings 14
After the prophet came to the North to share the Word of the Lord,
Jeroboam continued in sin; God’s warning was sadly ignored.
The king appointed many priests who were evil with no worth.
Now his throne would be removed from the face of the earth.
About that time his son became ill and the King said to his queen.
“Go to Shiloh and speak with Ahijah, the one who announced me as king.
Take some gifts and disguise yourself so he won’t know who you are.”
(The fact that he thought he could fool the Lord is really quite bazaar).
Ahijah was old and his sight was gone but he knew the voice of God.
So it was that he was informed about the elaborate façade.
When she arrived he called her by name and told her to listen well,
For he had received a word from God and had a message to tell.
“Remind the king I raised him up and gave to him this nation.
I tore it from the family of David and invited him to salvation.
He has committed more evil sin than all the kings before him.
This is why I declare today how deeply I abhor him.
The kingdom is given to someone else. There will be no monopolization.
His male heirs will surely die with others of his relation.
Their bodies will fall to be eaten by dogs, a feast for the birds of the air.
The evil he brought to My people has led them to sin and despair.
I declare these words are true for the moment you reach the city,
Your little boy will surely die and the people will mourn in pity.
You can consider his death a gift, for I’ve found in him some good.
None of the others followed God or chose to live as they should.”
Sure enough it happened that day just as the prophet said.
As soon as the queen entered the city her precious son fell dead.
In the book of Chronicles we learn of Jeroboam’s reign,
But here are some truths for us to apply throughout our life campaign.
First we remember who we serve and live for Him each day.
We give attention to His Word to keep from going astray.
When we hear a word of rebuke we listen with all of our heart.
We determine to put God first; from His precepts never depart.
Jeroboam failed his call because he lived by the flesh.
If we fail give God our all, there’s nothing important left.
Wise is the man who serves our Lord in truth and total devotion,
For unto him God has reserved a glorious eternal promotion.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
After the prophet came to the North to share the Word of the Lord,
Jeroboam continued in sin; God’s warning was sadly ignored.
The king appointed many priests who were evil with no worth.
Now his throne would be removed from the face of the earth.
About that time his son became ill and the King said to his queen.
“Go to Shiloh and speak with Ahijah, the one who announced me as king.
Take some gifts and disguise yourself so he won’t know who you are.”
(The fact that he thought he could fool the Lord is really quite bazaar).
Ahijah was old and his sight was gone but he knew the voice of God.
So it was that he was informed about the elaborate façade.
When she arrived he called her by name and told her to listen well,
For he had received a word from God and had a message to tell.
“Remind the king I raised him up and gave to him this nation.
I tore it from the family of David and invited him to salvation.
He has committed more evil sin than all the kings before him.
This is why I declare today how deeply I abhor him.
The kingdom is given to someone else. There will be no monopolization.
His male heirs will surely die with others of his relation.
Their bodies will fall to be eaten by dogs, a feast for the birds of the air.
The evil he brought to My people has led them to sin and despair.
I declare these words are true for the moment you reach the city,
Your little boy will surely die and the people will mourn in pity.
You can consider his death a gift, for I’ve found in him some good.
None of the others followed God or chose to live as they should.”
Sure enough it happened that day just as the prophet said.
As soon as the queen entered the city her precious son fell dead.
In the book of Chronicles we learn of Jeroboam’s reign,
But here are some truths for us to apply throughout our life campaign.
First we remember who we serve and live for Him each day.
We give attention to His Word to keep from going astray.
When we hear a word of rebuke we listen with all of our heart.
We determine to put God first; from His precepts never depart.
Jeroboam failed his call because he lived by the flesh.
If we fail give God our all, there’s nothing important left.
Wise is the man who serves our Lord in truth and total devotion,
For unto him God has reserved a glorious eternal promotion.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Monday, May 24, 2010
Obedience and Success are Intertwined
1 Kings 13
Jeroboam, the Northern King, led his people astray.
He introduced idolatry to keep his leadership in play.
He built altars for sacrifice and encouraged the people to use them.
He was hoping they would forget the temple in Jerusalem.
The king was guilty of terrible sin against God’s first command.
He thought too little of the One who gave him his throne and land.
He loved the trappings of royalty with his orders always obeyed.
He threw off God who was good and true, invited the devil to stay.
A young prophet came to Bethel to speak to all the false priests.
“On these altars,” he proclaimed, “the lives of the priests would cease.
A son will be born to David’s house; Josiah will be his name.
He will judge these false priests rebuking you for your shame.”
When Jeroboam heard these words, he was angry to say the least.
He reached out to take hold of him, but his hand was suddenly diseased.
He asked the young prophet quickly to pray that God would heal his hand.
When it happened the king decided he would detain the man.
When the invitation came forth, the young man answered in haste.
“I would not stay for half of your kingdom. God tells me to leave this place.”
God had instructed not to linger but to leave by a different road.
I imagine he headed south back to his home abode.
But now we see a peculiar twist, one that is quite a surprise.
He stopped for a time under an oak, a time to reflect and apprise.
An older prophet found him there, invited him home to rest.
When he accepted his invitation, he totally failed the test.
When the young prophet left after lunch, a lion met and killed him.
The donkey and lion stood side by side at the scene so still and grim.
The older prophet summed it up: “He defied the Lord’s command.”
Sadly he failed to fulfill the mission in the manner it was planned.
Now here is a truth for all today who call on the name of the Lord.
To prevail, you must obey. No details can be ignored.
Fuzzy thinking and fleshly desire clouded his spiritual mind.
Don’t ever forget obedience and success are perfectly intertwined.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Jeroboam, the Northern King, led his people astray.
He introduced idolatry to keep his leadership in play.
He built altars for sacrifice and encouraged the people to use them.
He was hoping they would forget the temple in Jerusalem.
The king was guilty of terrible sin against God’s first command.
He thought too little of the One who gave him his throne and land.
He loved the trappings of royalty with his orders always obeyed.
He threw off God who was good and true, invited the devil to stay.
A young prophet came to Bethel to speak to all the false priests.
“On these altars,” he proclaimed, “the lives of the priests would cease.
A son will be born to David’s house; Josiah will be his name.
He will judge these false priests rebuking you for your shame.”
When Jeroboam heard these words, he was angry to say the least.
He reached out to take hold of him, but his hand was suddenly diseased.
He asked the young prophet quickly to pray that God would heal his hand.
When it happened the king decided he would detain the man.
When the invitation came forth, the young man answered in haste.
“I would not stay for half of your kingdom. God tells me to leave this place.”
God had instructed not to linger but to leave by a different road.
I imagine he headed south back to his home abode.
But now we see a peculiar twist, one that is quite a surprise.
He stopped for a time under an oak, a time to reflect and apprise.
An older prophet found him there, invited him home to rest.
When he accepted his invitation, he totally failed the test.
When the young prophet left after lunch, a lion met and killed him.
The donkey and lion stood side by side at the scene so still and grim.
The older prophet summed it up: “He defied the Lord’s command.”
Sadly he failed to fulfill the mission in the manner it was planned.
Now here is a truth for all today who call on the name of the Lord.
To prevail, you must obey. No details can be ignored.
Fuzzy thinking and fleshly desire clouded his spiritual mind.
Don’t ever forget obedience and success are perfectly intertwined.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Kingdom is Split
1 Kings 12
Because of sin in Solomon’s life God called for his attention.
Pagan wives and idolatry signaled sin’s ascension.
Solomon needed to turn around, restore his communion with God,
He needed to heed God’s Holy Word as his life-measuring rod.
One of the enemies God raised up was an official named Jeroboam.
You will see his prominence in more of these scripture poems.
He would be given ten of the tribes because of Solomon’s sin,
But God preserved Solomon’s son with two tribes given to him.
There was a prophet, Ahijah by name, who was wearing a brand new robe.
The fact that he tore it into twelve pieces was a sight to behold.
He said to Jeroboam that day, “Of the twelve tribes God gives you ten,
He will give you the Northern Kingdom and you will be king to them.”
Remembering the promise made to David, God kept the southern tribes.
Rehoboam would be enthroned to lead them and to guide.
Jeroboam received God’s word to rule as his heart desired.
The books of Kings and Chronicles tell us what then transpired.
There is much more about Solomon’s reign we will see in a later book,
But here in the record of 1 Kings we get a summary-type look.
When Solomon died the throne was split just as the prophet proclaimed.
The Biblical record now reports on each of the kingdom reigns.
Rehoboam was a fool who ignored his father’s advisors.
He listened to counsel from his peers whom he deemed much wiser.
Treating his subjects with contempt he sought to conscript more slaves.
When they rose up and killed the slave leader, Rehoboam ran away.
Jeroboam emerged from hiding to lead the tribes of the north.
The Scriptures tell of both the kingdoms switching back and forth.
First it tells about the king who led the Southern tribes.
Then it will tell about the North and the idolatry it prescribed.
Jeroboam failed in faith afraid his kingdom would fall
Because the temple in the South wasn’t available to all.
He erected golden calves in the cities of Bethel and Dan.
That was the beginning of idolatry practiced throughout the land.
God desired to bless the new king. He wanted him to succeed,
But even from the very beginning Jeroboam failed to heed.
Here is a lesson for all today, which produces a better fate:
We must remember to trust our Lord and live a life of faith.
Because of sin in Solomon’s life God called for his attention.
Pagan wives and idolatry signaled sin’s ascension.
Solomon needed to turn around, restore his communion with God,
He needed to heed God’s Holy Word as his life-measuring rod.
One of the enemies God raised up was an official named Jeroboam.
You will see his prominence in more of these scripture poems.
He would be given ten of the tribes because of Solomon’s sin,
But God preserved Solomon’s son with two tribes given to him.
There was a prophet, Ahijah by name, who was wearing a brand new robe.
The fact that he tore it into twelve pieces was a sight to behold.
He said to Jeroboam that day, “Of the twelve tribes God gives you ten,
He will give you the Northern Kingdom and you will be king to them.”
Remembering the promise made to David, God kept the southern tribes.
Rehoboam would be enthroned to lead them and to guide.
Jeroboam received God’s word to rule as his heart desired.
The books of Kings and Chronicles tell us what then transpired.
There is much more about Solomon’s reign we will see in a later book,
But here in the record of 1 Kings we get a summary-type look.
When Solomon died the throne was split just as the prophet proclaimed.
The Biblical record now reports on each of the kingdom reigns.
Rehoboam was a fool who ignored his father’s advisors.
He listened to counsel from his peers whom he deemed much wiser.
Treating his subjects with contempt he sought to conscript more slaves.
When they rose up and killed the slave leader, Rehoboam ran away.
Jeroboam emerged from hiding to lead the tribes of the north.
The Scriptures tell of both the kingdoms switching back and forth.
First it tells about the king who led the Southern tribes.
Then it will tell about the North and the idolatry it prescribed.
Jeroboam failed in faith afraid his kingdom would fall
Because the temple in the South wasn’t available to all.
He erected golden calves in the cities of Bethel and Dan.
That was the beginning of idolatry practiced throughout the land.
God desired to bless the new king. He wanted him to succeed,
But even from the very beginning Jeroboam failed to heed.
Here is a lesson for all today, which produces a better fate:
We must remember to trust our Lord and live a life of faith.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Middle Years of Solomon's Reign
I Kings 4-11
Solomon did well the first twenty years walking close to God.
He spent thirteen building his palace moving rock and sod.
Seven more he toiled on the temple building a holy place.
These twenty years he followed the Lord always seeking His face.
When the temple was completed the elders were summoned to town.
The priests brought the ark into the temple where they put it down.
When the ark was carefully placed, God’s cloud of glory descended.
His presence so filled the Holy Place, their ministry was suspended.
Sheep and cattle were sacrificed—more than one could count—
Each a type of the Lord Jesus Christ who would some day die on this mount.
Solomon knelt before the altar his hands raised high in the air.
There he thanked the Lord above for His faithfulness and His care.
For fourteen days the people rejoiced in the temple dedication.
It symbolized the presence of God among His special nation.
They blessed the king and headed home joyful and glad in heart.
They knew the temple would unify and keep them from growing apart.
Shortly thereafter in chapter nine, God came a second time.
He spoke of His consuming desire to bless the king sublime.
If Solomon continued to walk before Him with integrity of heart,
His throne would be established forever; God’s presence would never depart.
There also came a word of warning about Solomon’s life each day.
The blessings would remain so long as in His presence he stayed.
If he or his sons should turn away another God to serve,
He would reject this holy temple and give them what they deserve.
I wish I could tell you that all went well but that would corrupt the account,
For Solomon’s many pagan wives brought idolatry to the mount.
Even thought the Queen of Sheba was amazed by his wise rule,
Solomon failed to walk with God and played the part of the fool.
God gave Solomon opposition seeking to get his attention.
Still today trials may come to remind us of our redemption.
God did not save us to watch us sin and throw our life away.
We must hide His word within and seek His face each day.
So let us not fail as Solomon did departing from God’s best.
Let us stay true and faithful to Him, passing every test.
Let us equip our children now with a sense of right and wrong.
Let us center our life on Christ and strive to finish strong.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Solomon did well the first twenty years walking close to God.
He spent thirteen building his palace moving rock and sod.
Seven more he toiled on the temple building a holy place.
These twenty years he followed the Lord always seeking His face.
When the temple was completed the elders were summoned to town.
The priests brought the ark into the temple where they put it down.
When the ark was carefully placed, God’s cloud of glory descended.
His presence so filled the Holy Place, their ministry was suspended.
Sheep and cattle were sacrificed—more than one could count—
Each a type of the Lord Jesus Christ who would some day die on this mount.
Solomon knelt before the altar his hands raised high in the air.
There he thanked the Lord above for His faithfulness and His care.
For fourteen days the people rejoiced in the temple dedication.
It symbolized the presence of God among His special nation.
They blessed the king and headed home joyful and glad in heart.
They knew the temple would unify and keep them from growing apart.
Shortly thereafter in chapter nine, God came a second time.
He spoke of His consuming desire to bless the king sublime.
If Solomon continued to walk before Him with integrity of heart,
His throne would be established forever; God’s presence would never depart.
There also came a word of warning about Solomon’s life each day.
The blessings would remain so long as in His presence he stayed.
If he or his sons should turn away another God to serve,
He would reject this holy temple and give them what they deserve.
I wish I could tell you that all went well but that would corrupt the account,
For Solomon’s many pagan wives brought idolatry to the mount.
Even thought the Queen of Sheba was amazed by his wise rule,
Solomon failed to walk with God and played the part of the fool.
God gave Solomon opposition seeking to get his attention.
Still today trials may come to remind us of our redemption.
God did not save us to watch us sin and throw our life away.
We must hide His word within and seek His face each day.
So let us not fail as Solomon did departing from God’s best.
Let us stay true and faithful to Him, passing every test.
Let us equip our children now with a sense of right and wrong.
Let us center our life on Christ and strive to finish strong.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Early Days of Solomon's Reign
1 Kings 2-3
There was intrigue around Solomon’s throne. Nothing could be truer.
With wisdom that was not his own, he dispatched the evil doers.
Adonijah, who sought to be king, and Joab, the shameful traitor,
Knew exactly what treachery would bring; were sent to face their Creator.
Abiathar, who abandoned David while serving as a priest,
Was exiled to another land and from the priesthood released.
Shimei, who reviled David, was told never to leave his town.
But when he decided to disobey, he was caught and quickly struck down.
After the kingdom was totally stable with no more opponents there
Solomon worshipped with sacrifice and sought the Lord in prayer.
God appeared to him one night; speaking through a dream
Suggesting that the king request the desires his God could bring.
In gratitude the king responded asking to be wise.
He didn’t ask for silver or gold or any earthly prize.
He desired to rule the land with an upright, compassionate heart
This is why he was richly blessed, with distinction set apart.
An example of the wisdom God gave involved a little child.
A dispute arose between two women, neither meek nor mild.
Each had a baby but one of them died, which caused the switcheroo.
There was a need for the king to decide just what each one should do.
The king told a servant to hold high the baby both women adored.
Then he stunningly gave the command to divide it in half with a sword.
One of the women shouted out, “Stop! Give it to the other.”
Her heartfelt plea without a doubt revealed she was the mother.
Over and over the wisdom God gave was discovered in each situation.
The hand of God was clearly revealed in his daily administration.
Because the king requested from God wisdom and grace to rule,
He was given along with wisdom riches and honor too.
We too can serve our Lord with grace displayed in the course of our life.
We can shine in our dark time by the absence of sin and strife.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine so God will be shown to be great.”
O what joy and fulfillment we find as we journey to heaven’s gates.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
There was intrigue around Solomon’s throne. Nothing could be truer.
With wisdom that was not his own, he dispatched the evil doers.
Adonijah, who sought to be king, and Joab, the shameful traitor,
Knew exactly what treachery would bring; were sent to face their Creator.
Abiathar, who abandoned David while serving as a priest,
Was exiled to another land and from the priesthood released.
Shimei, who reviled David, was told never to leave his town.
But when he decided to disobey, he was caught and quickly struck down.
After the kingdom was totally stable with no more opponents there
Solomon worshipped with sacrifice and sought the Lord in prayer.
God appeared to him one night; speaking through a dream
Suggesting that the king request the desires his God could bring.
In gratitude the king responded asking to be wise.
He didn’t ask for silver or gold or any earthly prize.
He desired to rule the land with an upright, compassionate heart
This is why he was richly blessed, with distinction set apart.
An example of the wisdom God gave involved a little child.
A dispute arose between two women, neither meek nor mild.
Each had a baby but one of them died, which caused the switcheroo.
There was a need for the king to decide just what each one should do.
The king told a servant to hold high the baby both women adored.
Then he stunningly gave the command to divide it in half with a sword.
One of the women shouted out, “Stop! Give it to the other.”
Her heartfelt plea without a doubt revealed she was the mother.
Over and over the wisdom God gave was discovered in each situation.
The hand of God was clearly revealed in his daily administration.
Because the king requested from God wisdom and grace to rule,
He was given along with wisdom riches and honor too.
We too can serve our Lord with grace displayed in the course of our life.
We can shine in our dark time by the absence of sin and strife.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine so God will be shown to be great.”
O what joy and fulfillment we find as we journey to heaven’s gates.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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