Scripture Reading : Isaiah 23
Theme : Oracle on Tyre and Sidon
Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician port cities that were well known in the ancient times. They were powerful and rich through commerce, similar to Singapore and Venice. Their wealth caused them to be extremely materialistic and prideful. Therefore, God promises to judge them and humble them. These cities were attacked numerous times. Tyre was completely leveled by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.
Praying the Scripture
- Wealth and money can be very dangerous to one’s soul if one is enslaved by it. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” In order to overcome this sinful tendency, one must not forget that we can only be satisfied through a relationship with God (1 Tim. 6:17). Any substitution is a leaking cistern or cup. Also, we must share our wealth and be rich in good works. This is true life and joy because this is God’s character and way, which is perfectly demonstrated through Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Pray that you will be like Christ and truly agree that Jesus’ characteristics are truly great and worthy of our worship and imitation.
经文：以赛亚书23
主题：论推罗和西顿的默示
推罗和西顿是古代著名的腓尼基海港城市。她们借着贸易变得富裕强大，与新加坡和威尼斯一样。她们的富裕造成人民极为看重物质享受，心也变得狂傲。因此，神承诺要审判她们，使她们谦卑。这些城市屡次受到攻击。最后，推罗在公元前332年被亚历山大大帝完全铲平。
用经文祷告
- 财富能俘虏人心，成为危险物品。提摩太前书6:10写道：“贪财是万恶之根。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了。”为要胜过这个罪恶倾向，我们不能忘记自己唯有藉着与神的关系才能得到真正的富足（提前6:17）。任何替代品都是漏水的池子或杯子。另外，我们要分享自己的财富，在善行上富足。这才是真正的生命和喜乐，因为这是神的品格和行为，藉着耶稣的生命和牺牲完美地显现出来了。祷告你会像基督一样，诚心认同耶稣的品格确实伟大，配得我们敬拜与效法。
