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3.31.2015

Cup of Love, Communion


Long ago, when a Jewish man
Went out to take a bride,
His father, then, would go with him—
The dowry they’d decide.
If the father of the bride agreed,
The groom would take a cup
And offer to his chosen one
A symbol of his love.
That cup of wine would represent
His life laid down for her,
A token of the tender care
For her he would ensure.
And though he had not died for her,
It signified his heart
That, should the need ever arise
He’d bravely do his part.
Then, if the chosen bride received
The cup he offered her,
Betrothed to him, the marriage was
Upon her groom’s return.

Many years ago, our Savior came
From Heaven to seek His own.
In deepest love and richest grace
He left His Father’s Throne,
Became a lowly, human man
To enter sinful world;
He who had lived in Paradise
Fulfilled His spoken Word.
He did lay down His precious life
For His beloved Bride—
A Bride who was enslaved by sin,
Abused and left to die.
His gentle voice brought life anew,
His strength secured her soul,
His tender touch soothed every wound,
His friendship made her whole.
That cup of wine He offered her
Before He gave His life;
A cup of love inviting her
To be His chosen wife.
As she partakes of that sweet cup,
Accepting of His love,
Communion is their fellowship;
Betrothed she is thereof.
Awaiting, patient, for the day
He comes to claim His Own,
His Bride prepares to meet her Groom
And join Him at His Throne.  

  Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2015


*Please Note: Just because it is stated as Jewish tradition does not indicate that every Jewish household followed such customs. Not every family held to the Jewish traditions as strongly; and even when given commandments by God, not every household obeyed those laws as seen in the Old Testament. 

3.25.2015

The Tender Commandments



(Exodus 20:1-17)
1.) Other gods before Me
Thou shalt never have;
For I, alone, am He
Who doth from bondage save.

2.) Bow not unto, nor make
Any graven image;
For vengeance I will take
In love’s jealous revenge.

3.) Thou shalt not take My Name
In vain and flippant use;
For he who will profane,
From guilt will not be loose.

4.) Remember, now, the Sabbath
And keep it holy still;
Six days for him that worketh,
But on My Day be still.

5.) Thy father and thy mother—
Do honor them, sincere;
For what respect you offer
Will bring you blessing here.

6.) Thou shalt not ever kill
Or murder any life;
Such is against My will
And brings much grief and strife.

7.) Abstain from fornication
And adultery;
They are abomination—
Their charm is but paltry.

8.) Let not thyself to steal
Of that which isn’t thine;
To conscience right, appeal
And make thy greed resign.

9.) False witness of thy neighbor
Thou shalt never bear;
And you will have My favor
If truth you always share.

10.) Thou shalt not ever covet
That which is not thine;
For as thy greed would have it,
Idolatry will pine.

Commandments written in
The cold and hardened stone,
Ten laws to ne’r offend,
Ten you must do alone.

“A new heart I will give you,”
Now speaks the Father’s voice,
“A spirit soft and true;
My words will be your choice.   
(Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Abide in Me, My child,
And I’ll abide in you;
No good fruit can you yield
Nor My commandments do,

Except that by My grace,
As in My Word you trust;
And as you seek My face,
In Me your heart can rest.
(John 15:4-5)

Those Ten Laws I had given
Are from My heart of love;
Such Tender Laws from Heaven
Are valued up above.

1.) You have not chosen Me,
But I have chosen you
And I have ordained thee
To love and bring forth fruit.
(John 15:9-10, 16)
Seek not another god,
For there is none like Me
Who formeth clay and sod
To make a vessel free.

2.) These things I speak to you
That in Me you might have joy,
For I, alone, am true,
No fears need you employ.
(John 15:11)
Man’s images are feeble,
Sad are the ones they’ve lured,
But happy are the people
Whose Father is the LORD.
(Psalm 144:15)

3.) Peace I leave with you;
Not as the world would give,
For their peace is found through
The thoughts they might conceive.
(John 14:27-28)
They find their power in
Trampling My Name;
But unto My children
I give My power’s claim.
(John 15:7)

4.) And here remains a rest
Unto the laborer,
Where nothing can molest,
Here by the dear Savior.
(Hebrews 4:9-11)
For in longsuffering
I am your Sabbath sweet,
I know your deepest need,
And offer safe retreat.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)

5.) Then, honorable of heart,
Esteem authorities,
In gentleness impart
Respectful qualities.
(Titus 3:1-2)
Give honor unto those
Who are placed over you—
Your father, mother both;
My Word hath said it true.
(Ephesians 6:1-3; I Thessalonians 5:12-13)

6.) Oh, do not hoard My goodness
 To practice self-revenge,
For hatred is not harmless,
And murder is a sin.
Be swift to share with all
My gift of love and grace—
To the beggar by the mall
Or the brother full of hate.
(I John 3:11-15)

7.) Flee dangerous youthful lusts,
Enticing wickedness;
Through thine own soul they’ll thrust
A dagger of regrets.
(James 1:13-16)
But follow after faith
And purity of heart;
To those who walk My way,
Will good gifts I impart.
(James 1:12,17; II Timothy 2:22)

9.) The foe, deceiving foe,
Is father of all lies,
He thirsts for you to fall
Into his trap to die.
(John 8:44b)
But ye are set apart
To shine the light of truth;
With meekness in your heart,
Share what is right and true.
(Ephesians 4:29-30)

8, 10.) Would you but grieve your Lord
By acting as a fool,
To covet, steal, and hoard,
When I have given food? 
In temperance, then receive
My blessings gratefully;
Thee will I never leave—
You’re Mine eternally.
(Hebrews 13:5)


Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2015