Scripture Reading : Psalm 53
Theme : Longing for Evil to End
- Fallen Humanity (1–5). This passage is another version of Psalm 14, adapted for Book II. The psalm is David’s, set to māḥălaṯ, possibly a well-known tune. The psalm reports that the entire human race is evil and that God will overthrow sinners. Therefore the psalmist longs for the establishment of God’s kingdom. By nature, all humanity hate God or ignores Him. No one seeks God by nature. Only when God calls someone, then he can begin to respond to God and be saved and start to live a life of righteousness. Non-believers hate God and they also hate and persecution God’s children, but God will be victorious.
- Longing for Restoration (6). David longs for the permanent restoration of the world and deliverance of God’s people from non-believers. This will only happen when the kingdom of God arrives on earth, that is, when Jesus returns. Before Jesus came into the world, the whole world, as demonstrated by history books, is full of darkness, plagued with wars, abuse, injustice and other destructive behaviors. The world is a much better place as Jesus and His believers shine light into the world. The very concept of human rights is based on the biblical fact that all human beings are created in the image of God and have intrinsic value, dignity, and respect. Christians have done much to promote justice, end slavery, and give civil rights to citizens. All these social improvements are the result of transformed hearts through the gospel. The light of Jesus and His church is shining in this dark world, but complete transformation of the world will only come when Jesus returns.
Praying the Scripture
Hope of glory/God’s kingdom is a major theme in the book of Psalms. Hope for the restoration of all things on earth and in heaven is a indispensable characteristic of believers. It is also a measurement of our spirituality. Do you long for the restoration of all things on earth and in heaven when you see evil men dishonoring God and hurting others (Col. 1:20)? Pray that you will grow in your hope.
经文：诗篇53
主题：渴望罪恶的结束
- 人类的沉沦（1-5）。这篇经文是诗篇14的另一个版本。这章诗篇是大卫写的，调用麻哈拉，即一个有名的曲调。这章诗篇记载全人类是邪恶的，而且神也会推翻罪人。因此，诗人渴望神国度的降临。人的本性就是憎恨、忽视神的；没有人会寻求神。唯有当神呼召一人，他才能够回应神，并且得救，开始行义的生活。不信之人憎恨神，恨恶且逼迫神的子民，但神最终将会得胜。
- 复原的渴望（6）。大卫渴望世界的复兴，也渴望神的子民能从不信之人之中得救。这只有在神的国度降临时才能发生，也就是耶稣再来的时候。耶稣来到世界之前，历史书中记载全世界是充满黑暗的，也被战争、虐待、不义和其他摧毁性的事情污染。耶稣和信徒在世界中所发的光使世界更美好。人权的基础是出自圣经：人是照着神的形象所造的，所以人都有内在的价值、尊严和尊重。基督徒在建设公正社会、停止奴役制度和公民权益上贡献不少。这些社会上的进步都是因为福音改变了我们的生命。耶稣和教会的光芒在黑暗的世界中照亮，但世界的全然复兴只有在耶稣再来时才能实现。
用经文祷告
荣耀的希望或神国度在整卷诗篇书中是一个大主题。望见万物复兴是信徒不可或缺的特征，也可以用此检测我们的灵性。当你看到恶人辱蔑神并伤害他人时，你是否渴望万物的复兴（西1:20）? 祷告我们能够在盼望中成长。
