Genesis 创世纪 41 — Waiting for God 等候主

Explanation 解释

For two years, Joseph was forgotten by the chief butler, but he was not forgotten by the Lord. It is disappointing to depend on people, for often their help never comes (Ps. 60:11; 146:3). Speaking to the world’s greatest ruler, Joseph was careful to give all the glory to God (vv. 16, 25, 28, 32).

埃及的管家把约瑟忘得一干二净,但主却没忘记他。依赖人只会带来失望,因人的帮助常常不会到(诗60:11:146:3)。与世界最伟大的统治者说话时,我们看到约瑟仍蓄意将荣耀都归于神(vv.16,25,28,32)。

 

Exaltation 高举

God always exalts the humble “in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). Joseph started as a servant, but then God made him a ruler (Matt. 25:21). He experienced suffering before God gave him glory (1 Pet. 5:10). God invested thirteen years in making a man out of Joseph; when it comes to building character, God is never in a hurry.

神“到了时候”必高举谦卑的人(彼前5:6)。约瑟初始是个仆人,但神最后使他成为统治者(马25:21)。他要受苦难后,神才给他荣耀(彼前5:10)。神用了13年的时间塑造约瑟;论到树立品格之事,神从不着急。

 

Expectation 期望

Joseph’s new name probably means “the one who furnishes nourishment to the land.” He got married and named his two sons Manasseh (“one who forgets”) and Ephraim (“double fruit”). Joseph determined to forget the past and live for the future. In the Bible, forgetting means “not holding it against another.” Joseph certainly did not forget what his brothers did, but he did not hold it against them. Instead, he concentrated on living a fruitful life to the glory of God.

约瑟的新名之意,或许是“为土地提供营养”。他结了婚,并为两个儿子起名为玛拿西(“使之忘记”)和以法莲(“使之昌盛”)。约瑟执意要忘记过去,展望未来。在圣经中,忘记就是“不再怪罪于另一人”。约瑟肯定无法忘记他的兄弟对自己所做的事,但他决定不再怪罪于他们。相反,他刻意要过着一个充实的生命来荣耀神。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Joseph was forgotten by the chief butler but he was not forgotten by the Lord. God caused Pharaoh to have two dreams that no one can interpret. God prodded the cupbearer to remember Joseph and brought him to the Pharaoh. In front of the greatest ruler of the world, Joseph was humble before God and gave honor to the only true and living God (v. 16; see also 40:8; Dan. 2:27–28). Lord, help us not to fear man but you alone.

首席管家把约瑟忘得一干二净,但主并没忘记他。神使法老做了两个无人能解释的梦。神使酒政记起约瑟并把他带到法老前。在世界上最伟大统治者前,约瑟在神面前谦卑自己,并把荣耀归给那独一真神(16节;40:8;但2:27-28)。主啊,助我们唯独敬畏您而不是人。

 

  1. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1, NKJV). Joseph’s demeanor, his skill at interpreting dreams, and his wisdom in finding a solution to the problem of the famine all impressed Pharaoh and convinced him that Joseph was the man for the job. Thirteen years before, his brothers had stripped him of his special robe, but now Pharaoh gave him a robe far greater significance. Lord, help us to humble ourselves under your mighty hand so that at the proper time you may exalt us. (1Pe 5:6)

“王的心在耶和华手中,好像陇沟的水随意流转”(箴21:1)。约瑟的风范、他诠释梦的技巧,与他在为饥荒寻找解决方案的智慧让法老留下深刻的印象,使法老确信约瑟能治理埃及全地。十三年前,约瑟的兄弟剥光了他特殊的长袍,但是现在,法老给他一件具有更大荣誉的长袍。主,请帮助我们在您大能的手下谦卑自己,叫我们到了时候,您可高举我们(彼前5:6)。

 
  1. Joseph accomplished some wonderful things including overcoming trial and temptation in Egypt. But there was one more achievement that in some ways was greatest of all: He was enabled by God’s grace to wipe out the pains and bad memories of the past and make a new beginning. The name of his son Manasseh means “forgetting.” Joseph didn’t forget his family or the events that occurred, but he did forget the pain and suffering that they caused. He realized that God meant it for good (50:20). Therefore, looking at the past from that perspective, he attained victory over his bad memories and bitterness. Lord, help us be like Joseph so that we can forget past pains and make a new beginning.

约瑟一生颇有惊人的成就,包括在埃及胜过试炼和试探。但他最伟大的成就是在神的恩典下抹去过往的一切痛苦和不好的回忆,重新开始。他的儿子之名“玛拿西”意思就是“忘记”;约瑟没有忘记他的家人或所发生的事,但他忘记了其中的痛苦和苦难。他意识到神的旨意思原是好的(50:20)。因此,当约瑟从这个角度看自己的过去,他就能战胜那一些不好的回忆和辛酸。主,请助我们像约瑟一样,可以忘记过去的痛苦,能有崭新的开始。