Another Curse


Genesis 9:18-28
18 The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.)
19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed.
20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.
21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.
22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside.
23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.
24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him
25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
26 He also said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant
27 May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.”
28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years.
29 All the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died. 

 By the time we get to the end of Noah's story, things have already degenerated again. Noah was 600 years old when he exited the ark, and the story that we read today about him and his sons obviously takes place a few years later. The grape vines have grown again to the point where they actually produce viable grapes. It takes new grape vines at least 3 years to produce. But that means that in only three years, Ham has become wicked. He found amusement in the drunken nakedness of his father and thought to share that humor with his brothers. This actions shows us that he had no respect for his father and that is a sin. He also wanted to share his sin with Shem and Japheth.

 While it may take a few years to grow grapes, evil seems ready to pounce at a moment's notice. I may be in the midst of serving another person with good intentions and love in my heart and the very next moment I am thinking something less than kind or listening to gossip. It is frustrating. Ham thought he was engaging in some harmless fun and a few laughs at dad's expense. Bad idea. The motivations of his heart are on full display and he is cursed by Noah for his disrespect. Mankind is already in trouble and headed back into the violence that precipitated the flood in the first place. That happens to me every day. I may start out with the best of intentions, planning to live for God and keep Him foremost in my mind and heart. Then I get out of bed and the whole thing is ruined. Thank You Lord God for sending Jesus! Without His love and blood, I am lost forever. Amen.

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