17 Feb 2017, Psalm 78 诗篇 78, Lessons from Israel’s History 从以色列历史的教训

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 78

Theme                      : Lessons from Israel’s History

 

Psalmist Asaph implored his generation to keep the Law and not forget God’s works and rebel. They should not do as their ancestors in the wilderness did, who were slain by the Lord’s anger, or as a later generation did when Shiloh was plundered before the Lord chose David. The poem is a sad recounting of how their ancestors forgot God’s works, but it also recounts how the Lord graciously delivered them. Just as God used David to deliver the Jews from their idolatry and defeat (Judges 21:25), God will use the son of David, the Messiah, to once and for all deliver the Jews from their idolatry and defeat. David’s work helped the Jews, but it was incomplete and imperfect since Israel fell back to idolatry again and again. But the son of David will take idolatry away from Israel completely and permanently. This He will do on His second coming. His first coming is for the purpose of paying for their sins and the sins of the world.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Israel’s history is a history of rebellion and God’s grace, which points to the need for a New Covenant through Jesus (Jer. 31:33). The history of the failure of the Jewish’s nation teaches us that humans are incompetent, sinful; therefore, God needs to provide a better salvation than the exodus. Their constant failure illustrates the truth of the doctrine of original sin, i.e., inherent sinful nature in every person to rebel against God. Humans need to be born again, need a new nature/heart. Sadly, many still doubt the doctrine of original sin/total depravity/total inability. This truth is not hard to see in human history, Jewish history and even in little kids. Pray that you firmly believe in this truth, or else you cannot humble yourself to cry out to Jesus for a new heart and be saved.
  1. The Jews forgot God’s power in miracles. They tested God. They had fake repentance. They were ungrateful for the exodus and the promised land. All these things are written for our instruction so that we will not be like them (1 Cor. 10:11). God is loving but He is also righteous. Learn from history and fear God. Fear His discipline and turn away from evil.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇78

主题：从以色列历史的教训

 

诗人亚萨恳求他那一代要谨守律法，不忘神的作为而悖逆神。他们不当效法自己列祖在旷野中所行的；他们因此被神的怒气所杀，而神在拣选大卫之前也离弃了示罗，使示罗遭掳掠。这是一首忧伤的诗，回顾以色列的列祖如何忘了神的作为，但也回想起神如何施恩拯救他们。神怎样使用大卫救犹太人脱离偶像崇拜与战败之境（士21:25），就要怎样使用大卫之子弥赛亚一次救犹太人脱离偶像和战败。大卫所行的曾帮助过犹太人，但他的工作是不全也不完美的，因为以色列仍一而再地回到偶像崇拜中。可是，大卫之子要完全并永久地从以色列除去偶像崇拜。祂将在二次到来时行这事。祂首次降世的目的是要代他们与世界偿还他们的罪。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 以色列的历史是叙述他们的悖逆与神之恩典的历史，从而指向耶稣所立之新约的需要（耶31:33）。犹太之国的失败教导我们人是无能、罪恶的，因此神需要提供一个比出埃及更好的拯救。他们持续的失败表明原罪教义的真实性，即每一个人与生俱来要反抗神的罪性。人类需要重生，需要一颗新造的心。可悲的是，仍有多人质疑原罪，或人彻底堕落与无能的教义。不论是从犹太人的历史或在年幼孩子中，我们都不难看到这个真理。祷告你会坚信这个真理，否则你是无法谦卑自己恳求神赐你一颗新心，使你得救。
  1. 犹太人忘了神行神迹的大能。他们试探神，虚假悔改。他们忘恩负义，不为出埃及和应许地感恩。这些事已写在经上，警戒我们不要效法他们（林前10:11）。神是爱，但也是公义的神。要从历史中吸取教训，敬畏神。要惧怕祂的管教，远离罪恶。
 
 

16 Feb 2017, Psalm 77 诗篇 77, Hope of Deliverance 得救的盼望

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 77

Theme                      : Hope of Deliverance

 

  1. The Problem: Present Desolation (1–9). This psalm is in the context of the theme of end-times in psalms 74-76. Asaph was a seer during David’s time (2 Chron. 29:30), he and Israel couldn’t have experienced exile and desolation in this psalm or psalm 74. Most likely he was singing this psalm prophetically. He envisions a time when Israel will experience desolation and exile in the future. This psalm is applicable to every exile and desolation Israel experiences, including the Babylon exile and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. However, it is most explicable to the end times exile and desolation of Israel because the end times exile and exodus is often likened to the first exodus. The people will be so troubled that they would not be able to sleep and they will question God’s steadfast/covenant love to Israel, just like Asaph.
  1. The Solution: Hope from the Past (10–20). What gives him hope is God’s word, which describes God’s awesome work in the past in delivering the Jews from slavery/exile in Egypt. Although he could not see the past, he knows it is true because God does not-lie. Just as God delivered the Jews mightily in the past, He will deliver the Jews mightily in the future from its desolation and exile, particularly the end times desolation and exile (Matt. 24:15).

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT is replete with the theme of end-times exodus of Israel following the pattern of the first exodus. (Hos. 2:14-15; Num. 24:17). God has prophesied and it will happen with 100% certainty! His words cannot be broken. Just as Moses led the Jews out of the first exodus, Jesus will lead the Jews out of its end times exodus (Out of Egypt I called my Son, Matt. 2:15; Zech. 14:1-5). The fulfillment of this end-times prophecy is coming because the nation of Israel has been resurrected in 1948 and it is surrounded by enemies. Almost 2 billion Muslims want to destroy tiny Israel. God’s prophecies are true and are moving to fulfillment. Be in awe and prepare for Jesus’ second coming!
 
 
 

经文：诗篇77

主题：得救的盼望

 

  1. 问题：现今的荒凉（1-9）。这首诗篇的背景是延续诗篇74至76有关末日的主题。亚萨是大卫年代的一名先见（代下29:30）；他与以色列是不可能经历这首诗或诗篇74所形容的驱逐与荒凉的。他应该是以先见之明唱述这首诗。他预测以色列在将来要经历一段荒凉和驱逐的时候。这首诗适用于以色列所经历的每一场驱逐和荒凉之境，包括巴比伦的流亡和耶路撒冷在公元后70年的毁灭。然而，它最适用于以色列末日的流放和荒凉，因为末日的流放和荒凉在多方面与出埃及的情景相似。人民也将感到极为烦躁，以致无法入眠，而他们会和亚萨一样，质问神对以色列所立之约的爱。
  1. 答案：因着过去的盼望（10-20）。给予亚萨希望的是神的话；它叙述了神救犹太人脱离埃及的奴隶制/流放的伟大作为。虽然亚萨无法看见过去，但他晓得这是真实的，因为神不说谎。神过去怎样救犹太人，未来也要以大能救犹太人脱离其荒凉和流放，尤其是末日的荒凉和流放（太24:15）。

 

用经文祷告

旧约充满了有关以色列末日拯救的主题，其模式跟从首次出埃及一样（何2:14-15；民24:17）。神已预言了，而它必然百分之百应验！神的话是不能废的。摩西怎样领犹太人出埃及，耶稣也要领犹太人走出末日的束缚（“我从埃及召出我的儿子来。”太2:15；亚14:1-5）。这个末日预言将要应验了，因为以色列国已在1948重生，如今又被仇敌包围。近二十亿回教徒要消灭小小的以色列。神的预言是真实的，并朝向应验中。要敬畏神并预备耶稣再次归来！

 

15 Feb 2017, Psalm 76 诗篇 76, The Lion Has Triumphed Rev. 5:5 狮子得胜了（启5:5）

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 76

Theme                      : The Lion Has Triumphed Rev. 5:5

 

  1. Lion’s Den (1–2). In Psalm 74, Asaph asks the question of God’s deliverance. God answers in psalm 75 that He has appointed a day to judge the world. In Psalm 76, God describes what this “day” of victory will be like. The Hebrew word for dwelling is specifically used to refer to lion’s den (Jer. 25:38). The lion of Judah, Jesus, the ruler of the world resides in Israel.
  1. Lion’s Triumph (3–9). The reference to mountains of prey continues the lion theme. Jesus will execute fierce and swift justice upon this evil, arrogant world. The whole earth will be filled with fear and awe when He comes to save the humble and destroy the proud. He will end all warfare.
  1. Lion’s Honor (10-12). At the end of the judgement, those who survive God’s wrath will praise God because they will be fearful and be in awe of God’s holy justice that they will hate their sinfulness and repent (Ps. 33:8). They will express their reverent fear/awe by making vows/offerings to Him. All the kings of the earth will be in fear/awe of God.

 

Praying the Scripture

Be in awe of God! He has promised and He will triumph victoriously over this evil, arrogant world and end warfare once and for all. Be amazed by the glory of His holiness when He comes to deliver justice to all the evil, arrogant people on earth and end wickedness once and for all. Christians, this is your inheritance, this is your future salvation: the perfection of your environment/the restoration of earth (1 Peter. 1:3-5; Rom. 8:18-25). Be in awe of God and worship Him!
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇76

主题：狮子得胜了（启5:5）

 

  1. 狮子的洞穴（1-2）。在诗篇74中，亚萨问神祂何时施行拯救；神在诗篇75回应说祂已定下了审判世界的日子。在诗篇76中，神描述了那胜利的“日子”会是怎样的。“居所”的希伯来文特指狮子的洞穴（耶25:38）。犹大的狮子耶稣，即世界的统治者，居住在以色列。
  1. 狮子的胜利（3-9）。这里的“野食之山”延续了狮子的主题。耶稣要对这邪恶、傲慢的世界执行猛烈、迅速的审判。当祂来拯救谦卑人并消灭骄傲人时，全世界将充满惧怕和敬畏。祂将终止所有战争。
  1. 狮子的尊荣（10-12）。审判之终，凡经神的愤怒仍存活的将赞美神，因为他们会畏惧神圣洁的公义，叫他们恨恶自己的罪恶，以致悔改（诗33:8）。他们会藉着献祭和许愿表达自己虔诚的敬畏。地上的君王都要畏惧神。

 

用经文祷告

要敬畏神！祂已应许，也将胜过这邪恶、傲慢的世界，一次了解战争。当祂归来向地上所有行恶、骄傲的人施行审判，并一次结束罪恶时，我们要因着祂圣洁的荣耀惊叹。信徒啊，这是你的基业，是你未来的拯救：地球的复兴，环境的完美化（彼前1:3-5；罗8:18-25）。要敬畏神并敬拜祂！


14 Feb 2017, Psalm 75 诗篇 75, God’s End Time Judgement 神末日的审判

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 75

Theme                      : God’s End Time Judgement

 

  1. God Appoints Judgment (1–3). This psalm is God’s answer to Asaph’s prayer in psalm 74. In psalm 74, Asaph pleaded with God to judge the wicked and restore His people as He had promised to do. God answered mightily, saying He will judge at an appointed time in the future, i.e., end times judgement/the return of Jesus.
  1. God Warns the Wicked (4–8). The proud and the wicked should not continue in their sins because God will ultimately judge them. They should not lift up their horn, which is a metaphor from the animal world, signifies strength, but this strength is used in a defiant, strutting, self-confidence way. God’s wine/judgement is at hand and can come any time. They ought to fear, be in awe of His holiness, hate their sinfulness and worship God.
  1. God is Praised (9–10). In the end, God will be praised because justice will be executed. He will end evil once and for all. He will cut off the horn/strength of the wicked and lift up the horn/strength of the righteous. They will shine, while the wicked will fade away.


Praying the Scripture

Wicked people often complain that God should judge them right now so they can change (Mal. 2:17). They don’t understand that God doesn’t just require change, but a transformation of their soul, which the proud will never agree to since they think they are good enough and capable. It is God’s wisdom to set final judgement in the end times to vindicate Himself. There are many reasons for this. One being God is still looking to save sinners (Rev. 6:11, 2 Pet. 3:9). Until Jesus returns, we should also be like God, not wishing anyone to perish, but to evangelize them so that they may be saved. Pray that you will have the same heart of God and evangelize sinners by showing the love of God, preaching the gospel and praying for them.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇75

主题：神末日的审判

 

  1. 神断定审判（1-3）。这首诗篇是神对亚萨在诗篇74中祷告的回应。在诗篇74里，亚萨求神按祂所应许的审判恶人并复兴祂的子民。神以大能回应，说祂要在将来所定的日子施行审判，即末世的审判日或耶稣归来的时候。
  1. 神警告恶人（4-8）。狂傲与邪恶的不当继续作孽，因为神最终要审判他们。他们不应该举角；这个比喻来自动物界，代表力量，但他们是以叛逆、高傲和自以为是的方式使用这个力量。神的酒，或审判，已在手中，并随时会临到。他们当惧怕，因着神的圣洁战兢，痛恨自己的罪孽并敬拜神。
  1. 世人赞美神（9-10）。最后，神会受到赞美，因为祂将执行公义。神将从此了结罪恶。祂将砍断恶人的角/力量，并高举义人的角/力量。他们会散发光芒，恶人却要销声匿迹。

 

用经文祷告

恶人常常抱怨说神应该立即施行审判，叫他们能改变（玛2:17）。他们不明白神要的不但是行为上的改变，而是他们灵魂的更新，可狂傲人是不会同意于此，因为他们认为自己够好、够本事。神将祂最后的审判定在末日，为自己申冤，这是祂的智慧。原因有很多，其中之一是神仍在寻求拯救罪人（启6:11，彼后3:9）。直到耶稣归来为止，我们也当像神一样，不愿一人沉沦，乃要向他们传福音，叫他们能得救。祷告你会与神同心，藉着向罪人显明神的爱、传扬福音信息并为他们祷告，从而传扬神。


13 Feb 2017, Psalm 74 诗篇 74, Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause 神啊，求你起来为自己申诉

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 74

Theme                       : Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause

 

  1. Lament Over the Destruction (1–9). Psalms 74-77 are about Israel and the world in the end times. Asaph is a prophet during David’s time (2 Chron. 29:30). The temple of God was never destroyed during his time. He was envisioning a time when the temple will be destroyed and God’s people exiled. This is applicable to the Babylonian exile and exile after A.D. 70, but it is most applicable to the end times. There will be a temple in the end times (Rev. 11:1-2; Dan. 9:27). Asaph asked God to remember His people and His temple because Israel’s enemy will devastate both.
  1. Appeal for Help (10–17). Asaph appealed to God for help on the basis that He was the creator and ruler of the world. He knew God was powerful and can crush His enemies instantly if He wanted to. So he begged God to do so.
  1. Regard for the Covenant (18–23). He also begged God to destroy His enemies on the basis of God’s covenant with Israel. God said He would never forsake Israel and will rule the world from Israel/zion. So he begged God to act for His honor by keeping His word.


Praying the Scripture

The psalmist’s prayer is based on right theology. He hopes, longs for God to act so that He would restore the world right now by destroying God’s enemies and restore His people. As Christians we also ought to long for the return of Christ to restore this world, destroy God’s enemies and save His people (Rev. 6:10). But we also need to prepare for His delay (Matt. 25:5). Do not act wickedly or foolishly (Matt. 24:48-51). Or doubt His coming (2 Pet. 3:4). But prepare for His delay by continuing to have faith and live out that faith through obedience and evangelizing unbelievers. God will surely act for the honor of His name by judging His enemies, restore His people and the world. Jesus is coming. Be sure of it and be in awe.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇74

主题：神啊，求你起来为自己申诉

 

  1. 因毁灭哀号（1-9）。诗篇74至77与末日的以色列和世界有关。亚萨是大卫时代的一名先知（代下29:30）。神的殿在他的时代是没被摧毁的。他是在预想圣殿被毁，以及神的民被放逐的时候。这适用于巴比伦的放逐与公元后70年的放逐，但最恰当的是末日的时候。末日期间将有圣殿的存在（启11:1-2；但9:27）。亚萨求纪念祂的民，因为敌人将销毁祂的民以及祂的圣所。
  1. 求神帮助（10-17）。亚萨向神求助，因为祂是世界的创造主和统治者。他晓得神的大能；若神愿意，祂即刻便能粉碎祂的敌人。因此，他求神如此行。
  1. 顾念所立的约（18-23）。他也凭着神与以色列的约求神消灭祂的仇敌。神曾说祂是不会丢弃以色列的，并要从锡安治理世界。因此，他求神遵守诺言，从而为自己的名行事。

 

用经文祷告

诗人的祷告是基于正确的神学观。他盼望，也渴望神行动，叫祂即刻消灭敌人并复兴祂的子民，从而复兴这世界。身为基督徒，我们也当向往基督归来复兴这世界，消灭神的仇敌并拯救祂的子民（启6:10）。但我们也要预备祂的延迟（太25:5）。不要行恶或愚昧的事（太24:48-51），也不要质疑祂的归来（彼后3:4）。我们要继续持有信心，并借着顺服神的话，向非信徒传福音活出信心，从而预备他迟归。神必然要因祂的名行事，审判祂的敌人并复兴祂的子民及世界。耶稣要来了。这是肯定的！


11 Feb 2017, Psalm 73 诗篇 73, Suffering Produces Character 患难生老练

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 73

Theme                      : Suffering Produces Character

 

  1. The Blight of Envy (1–14). The eleven psalms 73–83, which make up the bulk of the their book in the book of psalms, bear the name of Asaph, founder of one of the temple choirs (1 Chr. 25:1). This great psalm is the story of a bitter and despairing search. It recalls the kind of questions that distracted Job and Jeremiah; but at the end they no longer seem unanswerable, and the psalmist has a confession and a supreme discovery to share. The phrase, pure in heart, is more significant than it may seem, for the psalm will show the relative unimportance of circumstances in comparison with attitudes, which may be either soured by self-interest (3, 13) or set free by love (25). Pure means more than clean-minded, though it certainly includes it; basically it is being totally committed to God. The psalmist has a crisis of faith because he was more envious than righteous. Also he was suffering (v. 14). He viewed life from a utilitarian perspective, that is, what he gets from God for doing good, instead of viewing life purely in terms of worshipping God for His greatness of character.
  1. The Radiance of Faith (15–28). The psalmist changed his doubt when he understood God is righteous and will judge evil eventually. He confessed his ignorance and repented. God is great and He should be praised and worshipped. He Himself should be believers’ highest love (v. 25), not the gifts of God. The psalmist will continue to walk with God and practice righteousness because God is righteous, not because righteousness results in financial gain. He will continue to be righteous even in the face of suffering. He will depend on God as his refuge to deliver him from present evil and await God to bring His full glory to earth (v. 24) when He permanently kicks all evil doers off of the earth (v. 27).

 

Praying the Scripture

Romans 5:3-4 says suffering produces character. It certainly does as this psalmist testifies. Our hearts are deceitful and we sometimes worship God not because of the greatness of His character such as righteousness, but because we think worshipping God will gives us financial gain or some worldly benefits. Suffering burns away the dross of these sinful motivations and purifies our faith and character. Non-believers will not endure suffering for long because they worship money, power or some worldly things, not God. Their suffering will eventually reveal their true heart of worship and allegiance. They will eventually reject God. For believers, suffering will clarify and strengthen their faith because they will be willing to suffer/sacrifice (cf. Rom. 12:1) for what they worship, which is the greatness of God and His character of righteousness. They will practice righteousness even when they suffer. God will eventually take away all suffering on earth, but at the meantime He uses it to conform believers into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). Pray that you will understand how God uses suffering/sacrifices to purify your faith. When you suffer or are tested, ask God to strengthen your faith and character.

 
 

经文：诗篇73

主题：患难生老练

 

  1. 嫉妒的毁损（1-14）。诗篇73至83都是亚萨的诗；亚萨是圣殿唱诗班的其中一名创始人（代上25:1）。这首伟大的诗是关乎一个辛酸又绝望之寻索的故事。它回顾了曾经使约伯和耶利米困扰的问题，而这问题最终不是没有答案的；诗人想分享自己的懊悔以及一个重大的发现。“清心”这词的意义很大，因为诗篇将显明境遇与态度相对而言是微不足道的，而这态度可以是自私自利的（3,13），或因爱得释放（25）。“清”不但表示纯洁，更是全然委身与神的意思。诗人的信心受到极度的考验，因为他羡慕人的心比正义感更大。他也在受苦（14）。他是以功利主义看待生活的，也就是因行善从神可得的好处，而不是单单以生命敬拜神，因为神是伟大的。
  1. 信心的光芒（15-28）。当诗人明白神是公义的并将最终审判罪恶，他不再质疑神。他承认自己是无知的，并悔改了。神是伟大的，当受赞美和崇拜。信徒最大的爱当是神自己（25），而不是神的恩赐。诗人要继续与神同行，也要行义，因为神是公义的；他不再是因为想换取钱财的利益行义。即便受到患难，他也要持续行在义中。他要依靠神作他的避难所，救他脱离现今的恶，并等待神将祂的所有的荣耀带入世间（24），也就是祂从地上永远除去恶人的时候（27）。

 

用经文祷告

罗马书5:3-4说患难生老练。这即是诗人的见证。我们的心是诡诈的，而我们时而敬拜神的原因是想借此得到钱财利益或其他的好处，并不是因祂伟大的属性，如公义。患难能磨掉这些罪恶的动机，洁净我们的信心和品格。非信徒是不能长久承受苦难的，因为他们敬拜的是钱财、势力或其他属世之物，不是神。他们的苦难将显明他们真正敬拜的东西。他们最后会拒绝神。对信徒而言，患难能洞彻并坚固他的信心，因为他们愿意为所敬拜的对象受苦或牺牲（参：罗12:1），即因神的伟大与祂公义的属性。即便受苦，他们也会行义。神最终将除去地上所有的苦楚，但现在正使用苦难叫信徒效法基督的模样（罗8:28-29）。祷告你会明白神是如何使用患难来洁净你的信心。当你受患难或试炼时，求神坚固你的信心和品格。


10 Feb 2017, Psalm 72 诗篇 72, Praising the Perfect King 赞美完美的君王

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 72

Theme                      : Praising the Perfect King

 

  1. Prayer for Righteous Judgments (1–7). The psalmist fully expected that the messianic king would reign in righteousness and peace on behalf of the oppressed, and that his dominion would extend over all rulers, from sea to sea. The psalmist prayed for the blessing of peace and prosperity, basing his appeal on the fact that the king is a savior of the oppressed and is therefore worthy of honor, power, and dominion. The psalmist prays that God will enable the king to rule righteously and the whole earth will be peaceful and prosperous.
  1. Anticipation of His Dominion (8–14). The psalmist predicted that the messianic king will rule the whole world, from sea to sea. He will defeat all His enemies, fulfilling God’s prophecies (Gen. 22:17). The king is worthy because He cares for the lowly and oppressed.
  1. Praising the Perfect King (15-20). This messianic king is divine since prayer is offered to Him. Only God can be prayed to, not human beings or dead saints. All of the earth shall praise His most amazing, glorious name.

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT constantly looks forward to the perfect reign of the messianic king who will defeat evil and reign righteously over the earth. It is this messiah who will defeat the work of satan in the garden of Eden and restore God’s kingdom on earth. We have seen this glorious King who came the first time to rescue His people by dying and resurrecting from the dead. Now, we must anticipate His glorious return when He will consummate His victory over satan, death, evil and earth’s curses. Pray you will long to see the return of Jesus and constantly offer praises to God in your prayer. Great is God, greatly to be praised! Worship God through praises. Take joy in your Savior!

 
 
 

经文：诗篇72

主题：赞美完美的君王

 

  1. 为公义审判祷告（1-7）。诗人预计弥赛亚君王必然为备受欺压的按公义与和平治理世界，而祂的统治将涵盖所有君王，从这海直到那海的。诗人求得平安和福气，因为王即是备受欺压者的拯救，所以配得尊荣、能力和权柄。诗人求神能叫在世的王按公义治理全地，叫世界得享平安。
  1. 期待王的统治（8-14）。诗人预计弥赛亚君王将统治全世界，从这海直到那海。祂将打败所有敌人，并应验神的预言（创22:17）。王是配得的，因为祂看顾卑微与被欺压的人。
  1. 赞美完美的王（15-20）。这位弥赛亚君王是神圣的，因为人向祂祷告。人只能向神祷告，不是向人或已故的圣徒祷告。全地都要赞美祂最奇妙与荣耀的名。

 

用经文祷告

旧约不断向往着弥赛亚君王的完美统治；祂将战胜邪恶，按公义治理全地。这位弥赛亚也将扭转撒旦在伊甸园的工作，并在地上复兴神的国。我们已见到这位荣耀之王；祂首次降世时藉着自己的死和复活拯救祂的民。如今，我们要期待祂荣耀的归来。那时，祂将彻彻底底地打败撒旦、死亡、邪恶与地上的诅咒。祷告你会期盼耶稣的归来，并在祷告中持续向神献上赞美。神是伟大的，配受极大的赞美！藉着祷告赞美神。要因你的救主喜乐！


09 Feb 2017, Psalm 71 诗篇 71, Prayer from Old Age 年老时的祷告

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 71

Theme                      : Prayer from Old Age
 
  1. Prayer for Help (1–4). This psalm expresses the faith of an older person. God has been faithful to him all his life and he anticipates the same for the future. The psalmist turned to the Lord, praying for deliverance from the wicked.
  2. Prayer from a Lifelong Trust (5–13). The psalmist reaffirmed his confidence in the Lord in spite of his afflictions. God was his Hope, the One in whom he trusted from his youth. Though many wondered at him, he would continue to trust in the Lord, his strong Refuge and to praise Him and His splendor. The psalmist then prayed for continued care in his old age, for many sought to harm him.
  3. Continuation of a Life of Praise (14–24). Because the aging psalmist had trusted the Lord all his life, he vowed to continue to praise God for future deliverances. The writer expressed his determination to hope in and praise God for His righteousness, fathomless salvation, and mighty saving acts. His life, from his youth up (cf. v. 5) had been filled with praise for God’s marvelous deeds. Now when he was old (cf. v. 9) he still desired to praise Him.[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

Faith is strengthened by living it out. The longer one lives out his or her faith, the stronger the faith. As one sees more and more of God’s faithfulness, one will trust God more and more. Pray that your faith will grow, not wither, as you grow older. For many people, faith becomes dry after a while, especially when life is easy and you just cruise through life. Cultivate your faith by living out your faith through various expressions of worship such as pursuing Christlike-character, hope, joy, Bible reading, prayer, serving God’s people, evangelism, relationships, giving and being a good worker.

[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 846.

 
 

经文：诗篇71

主题：年老时的祷告
 
  1. 求助的祷告（1-4）。这首诗表达了一位年长人士的信心。神在他一生的年日里待他信实，而他晓得未来也将如此。诗人转向耶和华，祷告能脱离恶人之手。
  2. 由终生信靠而来的祷告（5-13）。即便在水深火热之中，诗人再次肯定他对神的信心。神是他所盼望的，是他从年幼就倚靠的。虽然许多人无法了解他，他仍会继续倚靠耶和华他坚固的避难所，并赞美祂与祂的荣美。诗人接着求神在他年老之时继续照顾他，因为多人要害他的命。
  3. 继续一生赞美神（14-24）。由于年迈的诗人一生信靠耶和华，他誓言要为日后的搭救继续赞美神。诗人表达了他的意志，要因神的公义、不可思议的救恩和伟大的拯救盼望且赞美神。他自幼（参：5节）终生因神的奇妙作为充满了对祂的赞美。如今年迈的他（参：9节）仍渴望赞美祂。[1]

 

用经文祷告

信心是靠活出来而更坚定。人活出的信心越久，他的信心会越强。当一人越多看见神的信实时，他会越加信靠神。祷告你的信心会随着年龄增长而不是衰退。有许多人的信心过了一阵子就枯干了，尤其当生活一帆风顺，我们轻松度日的时候。要藉着不同的敬拜方式活出你的信心，从而培养你的信心，如寻求基督的品格、盼望、喜乐、读经、祷告、侍奉神的子民、传福音、与人的关系、奉献以及做个好员工。

[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 846.


08 Feb 2017, Psalm 70 诗篇 70, O Lord, Do Not Delay 主啊，不要耽延

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 70

Theme                       : O Lord, Do Not Delay
 
  1. Hasten to Help Me (1–3). This psalm is virtually identical with the prayer in 40:13–17. It is a short version of Psalm 69. The psalmist cried out to God to help him quickly. Enemies tried to bring him to ruin. So his plea was urgent. He prayed that those who had shamed and disgraced him would themselves be in shame and turned back in disgrace, no longer able to scorn him (Aha!).
  2. God be Exalted (4–5). The psalmist then prayed that all who seek the Lord and love His salvation would be glad and would say, Let God be exalted! Calling himself poor and needy, he prayed for hasty deliverance. God was His only source of help.

 

Praying the Scripture

Again, this kind of imprecatory/judgement prayer is in situations when the psalmist’ life is in danger and the enemies are doing harm for no good reason even after kindness was extended to them. It is a prayer from a sense of justice (Rev. 6:10). Christians ought to be characterized by love and compassion, not anger, just as God is characterized by love, not anger (1 John 4:8). Anger should only be a reaction to injustice, from the characteristic of righteousness. We entrust justice to God’s hand when justice is miscarried by the government. As an application, this psalm encourages us to seek God’s help whenever we are in difficulties, including extreme persecution. God will help us. Pray you will worship God by being dependent on Him as you wait for the complete reversal of all curses on earth.

 
 

经文：诗篇70

主题：主啊，不要耽延
 
  1. 速速帮助我（1-3）。这首诗与诗篇40:13-17几乎相同。这是诗篇69的简短版本。诗人呼求神速速帮助他；敌人试着毁灭他，所以他的呼求是急迫的。他祷告凡使他蒙羞受辱的将自己因羞愧退后，叫他们无法再嗤笑他了（啊哈！）。
  2. 愿神被高举（4-5）。接着，诗人祷告凡寻求神并喜爱祂救恩的将高兴欢喜，说要高举神！他称自己是困苦穷乏的，求神快速搭救。神是他唯一的救援。

用经文祷告

这种带着审判言语的祷告再次是因诗人的生命受到威胁，敌人受恩惠后又无辜陷害他而发出的。这是求神施行公义的祷告（启6:10）。基督徒当有爱心和慈悲而不是怀怒，如同神的特质是爱，不是愤怒的（约一4:8）。怒气只能是对不义之事的反应，也是因着正直之心而来的。当政府行事不义，我们当相信神会施行公义。在应用方面，这首诗鼓励我们在遇到困难时要寻求神的帮助，包括受到强烈逼迫的时候。神会帮助我们。祷告你会藉着对神的倚靠敬拜祂，等待地球所遭的咒诅完全转变的那一天。


07 Feb 2017, Psalm 69 诗篇 69, Suffering and Glory 受苦与荣耀

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 69

Theme                      : Suffering and Glory

 

  1. Suffering (1–29). Like Psalm 22, this psalm is filled with prophetic sayings of Jesus’ suffering. The NT applies many of sayings in this psalm to Jesus (Matt. 27:33-34, John 2:17, John 15:25, Acts 1:20, Rom. 11:9-10, 15:1-3). The language used in this psalm can be used by any believer who suffers from persecution.
  1. Glory (30–36). After suffering comes glory. Many OT prophecies about Christ’s suffering are followed by prophecies about the glorious victory of the Messiah (1 Pet. 1:11). The Messiah will eventually build Israel/Zion and will rule the world from there.

 

Praying the Scripture
 
According to 1 Peter 1:10-12, we can be sure that the gospel is true because the suffering of Jesus and His subsequent victory were all predicted in the OT. No human being would invent a victorious king who suffers. Victory through suffering is non-sense according to human understanding of victorious conquest. That’s why Peter rebuked Jesus when Jesus said He was going to suffer (Matt. 16:22). But not only did Jesus suffered, He also triumphed. The gospel message has changed the world, it is continuing to change the world and when Jesus returns He will completely transform the world. The gospel is spreading God’s kingdom day by day as sinners submit to the kingship of Jesus. The gospel is true, therefore, set your mind on the complete restoration of this broken earth when Jesus returns. Stand firm in this salvation through hope, perseverance, obedience and evangelism (1 Pet. 5:12).
 
 
 

经文：诗篇69

主题：受苦与荣耀

 

  1. 受苦（1-29）。如诗篇22一样，这首诗充满了耶稣受难的预言。新约多次引用了这首诗的诗句在耶稣身上（太27:33-34；约2:17, 15:25；使1:20；罗11:9-10, 15:1-3）。这首诗所用的语言是任何因逼迫受难的信徒都能使用的。
  1. 荣耀（30-36）。苦难之后即是荣耀。紧接着许多与基督受难相关的旧约预言是弥赛亚荣耀得胜的预言（彼前1:11）。弥赛亚最终将建立以色列（或锡安），并从那儿统治世界。

 

用经文祷告

根据彼得前书1:10-12，我们能肯定福音是真实的，因为耶稣的苦难和之后的胜利都在旧约中预言了。人类是不会制造出一个受苦的胜利之君。藉着苦难的胜利按照人类对打胜战的理解是荒谬的。这就是为什么当耶稣说祂要受苦时，彼得斥责了祂（太16:22）。可是，耶稣不但受苦，还得胜了。福音信息已改变了世界，也继续改变着世界，而当耶稣再次归来时，祂将彻底转变这世界。当罪人降服于耶稣的王权时，福音正日复一日地传遍神的国。福音是真实的，因此你要思念耶稣归来时对这堕落世界的完全复兴。要藉着盼望、忍耐、顺服和传福音（彼前5:12）坚定在救恩里。

 


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