Water and Wine - Christian Poem | Robert Wayne Atkins, P.E.

In Genesis, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the Priest of God Most High,
gave bread, and wine, and a blessing to Abram when Abram gave his tithe.

In Exodus, God said He would accept these offerings at the appointed time:
the first born of the Israelite's livestock, and their grain, fruits, oil, and wine.

In Numbers, a Nazirite could not drink wine until his vow was completed,
but when his vow was fulfilled, drinking wine was once again permitted.

In John, while at a wedding feast Jesus Christ turned water into wine,
and it was consumed by those who were invited to the wedding to dine.

Wine and Food

Paul gave directions to Pastor Timothy and to the Deacons of his church,
and he told them they should drink both water and wine, but not too much.

A careful study of the Holy Bible reveals that there is no commandment
that forbids the consumption of wine or any other drink left to ferment.

On this subject the Bible says that a little wine will make the heart merry,
but too much wine will lead to drunkenness, poverty, and great misery.

In moderate quantities wine can improve your health and your spirit refresh.
In excessive quantities wine can lead to brawling, and stupor, and sickness.

Reference Scripture Verses
Genesis 14:18-19 - Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth."

Exodus 29:14 - With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering.

Numbers 6:20 - The priest shall then wave them before the LORD as a wave offering; they are holy and belong to the priest, together with the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

Deuteronomy 14:26 - Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice.

John 2:3-11 - When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

John 4:46 - Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine.

Luke 7:33-34 - For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." '

1 Timothy 3:8 - Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain,

1 Timothy 5:23 - Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Psalm 104:15 - wine that gladdens the heart of man,

Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Proverbs 23:31-35 - Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"

Grandpappy's e-mail address is: RobertWayneAtkins@hotmail.com