28 Nov 2016, Psalm 7 诗篇 7, Cry for Justice 为公义呼求

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 7

Theme                       : Cry for Justice

 

Pray for Protection (1–2).

The believer is in trouble from evil people and prays to God for protection.

Confession of Innocence (3–5).

The believer knows he has not done anything evil against these people for these people to afflict life threatening evil against him.

Plead for God to Act Justly (6–17).

The believer knows God is righteous and will judge evil. God is angry every day against evil because He is a righteous God. At the same time, God is patient and waits for the ungodly to repent. If the ungodly does not repent, God will judge him in righteousness. Often times, the ungodly will fall into the very pit he had dug for the righteous (Esther 7:9; Dan. 6:24).

 

Praying the Scripture

God is a righteous God, but He is also a patient God who waits for the ungodly to repent. If you are suffering injustice from the ungodly, cry out to God and He will deliver you. Trust God and don’t give up praying (Luke 18:1-8).
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇7

主题：为公义呼求

 

求神保护（1-2）。

这位信徒因恶人陷入困境，并祈求神的保护。

承认自己的无辜（3-5）。

这位信徒晓得他没有向那些人行恶，叫他们因此用恶威胁他的生命。

求神按公义而行（6-17）。

这位信徒晓得神是公义的，必要审批罪恶。神天天向罪恶发怒，因为祂是公义的神。与此同时，神有耐心，等待不义之人悔改。不义之人若不悔改，神将按祂的公义审判他。很多时候，不虔不义之人会掉入他自己为义人所挖的坑（帖7:9；但6:24）。

用经文祷告

神是公义之神，但也是个等候不义之人悔改的耐心之神。你若遭受不敬虔之人不平的对待，要向神呼求，祂必搭救你。要信靠神，不要放弃祷告（路18:1-8）。


26 Nov 2016, Psalm 6 诗篇 6, Prayer for God’s Grace 求神施恩

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 6

Theme                       : Prayer for God’s Grace

 

Prayer for Kindness (1–3).

The believer cries out for God to have mercy because God is disciplining him. He feels like God’s discipline has been too harsh and for too long. He is in deep anguish and feels like God has abandoned him. So he pleads with God to stop.

Prayer for Love (4–7).

The basis of his prayer for mercy is not his righteousness, but God’s covenant/relational love. For his sins can only be forgiven by God’s free love, not by depending on his righteous deeds. The psalmist is in very deep distress. He cannot sleep, cries all the time, and is physically weak. All this suffering is caused by his enemies because God sent them to discipline him for his sins. This happened to the Jews all the time in the book of Judges.

Prayer of Confidence (8–10).

Even though he is in extreme suffering, deep down he knows God is faithful and gracious. If he repents and turns to God, God will take His discipline away one day.

 

Praying the Scripture

Even as believers, we are still plagued with our old nature/self. Our enemy is not just this sin-filled world, but also our own old self. When we sin, God will faithfully discipline us via various forms for our maturation. When you are disciplined by God, it may feel like God has abandoned you because it hurts so much, but that’s not true. Pray for faith to understand God’s discipline is for your godliness, not for your spiritual harm. Ultimately, God loves us because of our union with Jesus. Repent and turn to God, He will be gracious. Hopefully, you will learn from this hard lesson and not repeat the sin. But if you continue to be unrepentant, God will continue to discipline.

 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇6

主题：求神施恩

 

求神发慈悲（1-3）。

这位信徒呼求神怜悯他，因为神在管教他。他觉得神的管教太严峻，时间也太久。他陷入了极度的痛苦，认为神已撇下他了。因此他求神住手。

求神发慈爱（4-7）。

他不凭自己的义求神怜悯，乃凭神立约的爱。因为唯有神自由的爱能赦免他的罪，不是他的善行。诗人正经历极大的痛苦。他无法入眠，昼夜哭泣，身体虚弱。一切困苦是因他的敌人造成的，因为神按着他的罪差遣他们管教他。犹太人在士师记里常常经历这事。

信心的祷告（8-10）。

虽然他正经历极大的苦楚，但他心底知道神是信实的，并满有恩典。他若悔改归神，神有朝一日会除去祂的管教。

 


用经文祷告

虽然我们信主了，但旧的个性依然存在。我们的敌人不仅是这个充满罪恶的世界，还包括了我们的老我。当我们犯罪时，神会以各种形式忠实地管教我们，叫我们成长。当你被神管教时，你或许会因极大的痛苦认为神抛弃了你，但这不是真的。祷告我们能有信心明白神的管教是要使我们更敬虔，不会使我们灵里糟害。最终，神是爱我们的，因为我们与耶稣联合了。要悔改归神，祂会恩待你。希望你能从这次痛苦的教训中有所领悟，不会重蹈覆辙。但你若执迷不悟，神会继续管教你。

 

25 Nov 2016, Psalm 5 诗篇 5, Morning Prayer 早晨的祷告

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 5

Theme                      : Morning Prayer

 

Prayer of Dependence (1–3).

When in distress, the psalmist quickly cries out to God for help. There is no formality, just earnest prayers. He depends on God every morning through prayer and watches God to answer.

God Hates Evil (4–10).

God hates evil in all forms such as lying, hatred, and destruction. There is no evil in God. Evil is under His sovereign control, but in the Messianic Kingdom, God will take care of the problem of evil once for all. Even in the midst of distress, believers must understand God hates evil and must not participate in evil, but walk in righteousness.

Prayer of Faith (11–12).

In the midst of distress, pray to take refuge in God and rejoice with other believers who take refuge in God. Know that God is a shield to His people. He is righteous, therefore He will faithfully protect His people.


Praying the Scripture

Pray that you will be dependent on God every day by praying to Him every morning to help you to worship God, obey Him and seek protection from evil. God is our shield and He is there to help us to get through this evil world and overcome it with the gospel. If you live your life without God’s strength, you will live in weakness. Your worship will be weak, your character will be weak, and you will be weak in the things that God has called you to do. Pray to depend on God daily.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇5

主题：早晨的祷告

 

依靠神的祷告（1-3）。

诗人在困苦中立即向神呼求求助。祷告求的是恳切，不是形式。诗人每早晨藉着祷告投靠神，并等待神的应允。

神恨恶罪恶（4-10）。

神恨恶各种形式的恶，如谎言、仇恨和毁灭之事。在神里面没有邪恶。邪恶虽然在神的主权掌控下，但在弥赛亚国度里，神会一次解决罪恶之根。即便在困苦中，信徒必须明白神恨恶罪孽，所以不能参与罪恶之事，乃要行义。

信心的祷告（11-12）。

信徒在困苦中要祷告投靠神，并与投靠神的众信徒一同欢欣。要晓得神是祂子民的盾牌。神是公义的，所以祂必因信实保护祂的子民。

 

用经文祷告

祷告你会天天依靠神，藉着每日早晨的祷告助你敬拜神，顺服神，并保护你远离罪恶。神是我们的盾牌；祂要助我们度过这罪恶的世界，并以福音胜过它。你若在神的力量之外度过今生，你就会活在软弱中。你的敬拜会很缺乏，你的性格会很软弱，你也会在神召你行的一切事上显得不足。祷告你会天天依靠神。


24 Nov 2016, Psalm 4 诗篇 4, Prayer for the Weary 疲惫者的祷告

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 4

Theme                      : Prayer for the Weary

 

Praying according to God’s Righteousness (1).

No matter how much distress you are in, know that God is righteous because He is faithful to help us just as an earthly father would help his children in distress. For all who humbly trust God and seek His righteousness, God will be gracious to the person and give him confidence in Him and rest.

Speaking to the Ungodly (2–5).

The ungodly opposes God’s anointed king, David. To oppose David’s honor is to oppose God’s honor because of the Davidic covenant. For these ungodly people, God speaks to them to know that God has assigned special places for the godly. The ungodly ought to tremble (Hebrew word for angry is often times translated to mean tremble) and not sin. They ought to ponder on God’s truth on their beds and offer right sacrifices to God out of their repentant heart.

Speaking to the Skeptics (6–8).

In times of distress, those who do not see God fulfilling His promise of covenant blessing (i.e., restoration of Israel and the world through the Davidic King) will doubt God. The psalmist encourages the skeptics to have faith. For those who seek God’s righteousness, God will show them His goodness and joy even in times of distress. They will have internal peace, rest and joy because of their confidence in God. In the end, they will live in safety when the Davidic king appears (2 Sam. 7:11-12).

 

Praying the Scripture

When the world is in chaos, do you doubt God’s promise and goodness? Do not doubt but trust God’s faithfulness and put your hope in God’s coming kingdom, not this sin-filled, satan-controlled world. God can give us strength and joy to endure this broken world (Rom. 8:18), but don’t expect heaven on earth until Jesus returns. Put your faith in His righteous kingdom, and live for it. Pray for your faith in His righteous kingdom to be strengthened and then God will give you confidence that results in internal peace, rest and joy.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇4

主题：疲惫者的祷告

 

按神的公义祷告（1）。

无论你有多大的痛苦，要晓得神是公义的，因为祂是信实的，必会帮助我们，如同一位世俗的父亲必帮助他在困境中的儿女。凡谦卑信靠神并寻求祂的公义的，神必恩待他，叫他对神有信心，并能安然休息。

对不义之人说话（2-5）。

不义之人将反对神所膏的王大卫。因着大卫之约的缘故，反抗大卫的尊荣就是反抗神的尊荣。神对这群不虔不义之人说话，是要他们晓得神已为敬虔之人立特别的位置。不义之人当战兢（“敬畏”的希伯来文常常被译为战兢），不可犯罪。他们当在睡床上思想神的真理，并以一颗悔改之心向神献上公义之祭。

对质疑之人说话（6-8）。

无能看到神兑现祝福之约（即藉着大卫王复兴以色列及世界）的应许之人会在困境中质疑神。诗人鼓励存质疑者要有信心。凡寻求神的公义的，即便落在困境中，神也要向他们彰显祂的良善和喜乐。因着他们对神的信心，他们会有内在的平安、安息和喜乐。最终，当大卫王显现时，他们要安然居住（撒下7:11-12）。

 

用经文祷告

当世界陷入混乱中时，你是否质疑神的应许和良善？不要怀疑，乃要相信神的信实，并将你的盼望锁在神未来的国度，而不是这充满罪恶、由撒旦所掌控的世界里。神能给予我们力量和喜乐度过这个破碎的世界（罗8:18），但直到耶稣归回为止，不要期待人间天堂的出现。祷告你对神公义之国度的信心会加增，叫神让你有信心，享有内在的平安、安息和喜乐。


23 Nov 2016, Psalm 3 诗篇 3, Prayer of Deliverance 求神搭救的祷告

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 3

Theme                      : Prayer of Deliverance

 

There are two main types of psalms: lament and praise. Books 1-3 are mostly laments, expressing sadness and puzzlement in a broken and hurting world. Books 4-5 are mostly praise psalms, expressing joy and thanksgiving to God because of God’s faithfulness. There will be sadness in this sin-filled world, but joy comes in the end because God is faithful. He will help us through life and eventually restore the world when Jesus returns. The book of psalms is a prayer book that helps us to pray by giving us the language of prayer. It sets examples of prayers for us to model.

  1. Evil Oppression (1–2). Jesus will fully rule this world on earth when He returns. In the meantime, believers will face evil persecution in this rebellious world. There will be times when believers will face evil injustice and oppression such as faced by those Christians in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
  1. Prayer to God (3–4). During this time of trial, God wants us to cry out to Him for help. Stand firm in your faith in God. Believe He is a shield, an armor around you. Believe He is a great God who is our honor and will not let us be in shame, but will lift our heads.
  1. Confidence from Prayer (5–8). When you have faith in God and pray to Him, you will have confidence in God and God will deliver you (cf. Luke 18:7-8). You can also rest properly.

 

Praying the Scripture

Whenever you have trouble in life, God wants you to have confidence in Him and pray to Him for help. Depend on God and He will do amazing things. He will deliver you. Practice such prayers in your life. Learn to pray like the psalmist. God is faithful and will answer your prayers for His honor.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇3

主题：求神搭救的祷告

 

诗歌主要分为两种：哀歌和赞美诗。第一至第三卷书多数是哀歌，表达了诗人在一个破碎和悲痛之世界里的忧伤和迷惑。第四与第五卷书则多属赞美诗，即使人因神的信实所表达的喜悦和感谢。忧愁必伴随着这个罪恶的世界，但其结局是喜乐，因为神是信实的。祂会助我们走过一生，也最终在耶稣归来的时候复兴这世界。诗篇是一本祷告书籍，教导我们祷告的用语，从而助我们祷告。它是予我们祷告的典范。

  1. 邪恶的压迫（1-2）。耶稣归来时要在地上完全统治这世界。但此时，信徒会在这悖逆的世界里遭到邪恶的迫害。信徒有时会面对不公平的邪恶对待和压迫，如中东国家的基督徒所遭遇的。
  1. 向神的祷告（3-4）。在这段试炼期间，神要我们向祂求告求助。我们要在神的信心里站立得住。要相信神是你的盾牌，是你的全副军装。要相信祂是伟大的神，是你的荣耀；祂必不致我们羞愧，乃要抬起我们的头。
  1. 因祷告有信心（5-8）。当你对神有信心并向祂祷告时，你会信任神，而神会搭救你（路18:7-8）。你也可以坦然地休息。

 

用经文祷告

每当你在生活中遇到困扰时，神要你对他有信心，向祂祷告求助。要信靠神；祂能行超出你所求所想的事。祂会搭救你。我们要在生命中操练这样的祷告。我们要学会像诗人那样祷告。


22 Nov 2016, Psalm 2 诗篇 2, The World’s King 世界的王

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 2

Theme                      : The World’s King

 

Psalm 2 is written by David (Acts 4:25). Together with Psalm 1, they form the framework of the whole book of Psalms, which is to teach believers to pray as they seek to obey God in this fallen world, in light of God’s promised Messianic kingdom on earth.

  1. What the rebels say (1–3). This psalm is writing about a time in the future when the Messiah will actually rule over the whole earth. The rebels will want to burst the King’s rule, referred to as bonds and cords in v. 3. This psalm is warning rebels in the future to submit (Rev. 20:7-9). The warning from this psalm is applicable to all rulers in this age who rebel against God (Acts 4:25-26)
  1. What the Lord says (4–6). The evil, earthly kings is no match for God, the heavenly king. God has made His decision. Whoever rebels against Him and His King in Zion/Jerusalem will be destroyed.
  1. What the King says (7–9). This is Jesus speaking. “Today I have begotten you” is not referring to Jesus’ incarnation; it is referring to Jesus’ coronation as King of the world. At Jesus’ resurrection, He is declared to be King of the world and will possess all the nations when He returns. Those who rebel against His rule will also be destroyed by the Son.
  1. What the psalmist says (10–12). In light of God’s judgment, David implores the kings of the world to submit to Jesus and serve Him with gladness and great honor. Or else, His wrath will be swift like burning fire (Rev. 20:7-9).


Praying the Scripture

  1. This psalm is a warning to all rulers and inhabitants of God’s earth to have great honor toward God and Jesus. Those who do not will perish. Pray that you have the greatest honor toward God and rejoice in Him. Take refuge in Jesus.
  1. Pray you will live this life in light of the glorious Messianic Kingdom on earth. Jesus will possess all the nations on earth. Live for this greatness.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇2

主题：世界的王

 

诗篇2是由大卫创作的（徒4:25）。它与诗篇1构成整本诗篇的框架，要教导信徒当如何在这堕落世界中顺服神的时候祷告，因为我们相信神的应许——祂要在地上建立弥赛亚国度。

  1. 叛徒所说的话（1-3）。这首诗篇论述的是未来，当弥赛亚亲自统治整个世界的时候。悖逆者要挣断王的统治，也就是第3节所指的“捆绑”和“绳索”。这首诗篇是在告诫未来的叛逆者要顺服神（启20:7-9）。这里的警告也是给予这世代凡悖逆神的统治者的（徒4:25-26）。
  1. 主所说的话（4-6）。邪恶、世俗的君王绝不是上天之王神的对手。神已经做了决定：凡反抗祂与祂在锡安或耶路撒冷所立之王的将被消灭。
  1. 君王所说的话（7-9）。耶稣正在说话。“我今日生你”指的不是耶稣道成肉身，而是祂的加冕礼，作世界的君王。神在耶稣死而复活后宣告祂是世界的王，而祂要在回归时统治万国。凡反抗祂的统治的将被圣子消灭。
  1. 诗人所说的话（10-12）。神要审判世界；大卫为此劝告万国的君王要顺服耶稣，以欢欣和大尊荣侍奉祂。不然，祂的怒气将像烈火一样迅速降下（启20:7-9）。

 


用经文祷告

 

  1. 这首诗篇是要告诫所有在神所造之地的首领和居民要给予神和耶稣极大的尊崇。凡不愿意的将要灭亡。祷告你对神会有至高的尊崇，并以祂为乐。我们要投靠耶稣。
  1. 祷告你会为将来在世的荣耀弥赛亚国度度今生。耶稣将占有地上的万国。我们要因着祂的伟大生活。

21 Nov 2016, Psalm 1 诗篇 1, Two Ways of Living 两种生活方式

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 1

Theme                      : Two Ways of Living

 

The book of psalms is a collection of poems that were sung with instruments. Its final arrangement was done during the post-exilic time, around the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. They are like a hymnbook for the OT believers. But this book is primarily a book of prayers. It teaches believers how to pray as they try to obey God in light of the promised Messianic Kingdom on earth. Psalms 1 (which focuses on obedience) and Psalm 2 (which focuses on the Messianic kingdom) serve as the framework for the whole book. As believers live with hope in a fallen world, they will experience many emotions: sadness, joy, bewilderment, and praise. This book delineates a full range of human emotions and teaches us how to deal with our emotions through our relationship with God. The book is divided into five sections, with each section ending in praising God’s greatness.

 

  1. The Way of Happiness (1-3). Blessed means happy. A truly happy person is one who worships God and obeys His laws/instructions. He will prosper and enjoy abundant life. This is not referring to material possession (Luke 12:15), but to a fulfilling life with our great God and His community (congregation, v. 5) of believers. Even though the righteous may suffer in this fallen world, he is blessed both temporally and eternally, especially in light of the giving of the Holy Spirit to NT believers through Jesus (John 7:38-39, 10:10).
  1. The Way of Destruction (4-5). The wicked may be happy in the short term from doing evil, but his everlasting end is not happiness, but sadness because he will be judged by God. He is like chaff, driven away from the presence of God, who is the source of greatness and happiness.
  1. God is Ultimate Judge (6). The righteous will surely be blessed and the wicked will surely be judged because God is the ultimate righteous judge. No one is beyond His authority.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Pray that you will not be deceived by sin. Its end is destruction sadness, and judgment. Open the eyes of your heart to see that true happiness, abundant life is in obeying God’s laws. His moral laws regulate how we should live, any deviation from them will only result in your own injury. Believe it and ask God to help you to see it.
  1. The life of a believer is a life of hope. Hope is your faith about the future. Hope is so important that the Bible says one cannot be a believer without having hope in God’s promises (1 Thes. 1:3-4). A key ingredient for obeying God is hope. Are you living life in light of your hope in God’s final kingdom? Or are you living life for this world?
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇1

主题：两种生活方式

 

诗篇是一本诗集，能与乐器伴奏歌唱。它于以色列被掳归回后完成最后的改编，约是以斯拉与尼希米的时代。诗篇类似于旧约圣徒的赞美诗集，但这本书主要记载的是祷告。神曾应许要在地上建立祂的弥赛亚国度，因此当信徒试着遵行神的诫命生活时，诗篇便教导他们当如何祷告。诗篇1（其焦点是顺服）和诗篇2（其焦点是弥赛亚国度）是整本诗篇的框架。当信徒在这堕落的世界里带着盼望生活时，他们会经历多种感触：忧伤、喜乐、困惑和赞美。这本书勾画了人类的各种情感，并教导我们如何藉着与神的关系处理这些情感。这本书分为五部，而每一部都以赞美神之伟大总结。

 

  1. 幸福的途径（1-3）。“有福”指的就是快乐。一个真正快乐的人便是敬拜神并遵行祂的律法或指示的人。他将凡事顺利，并享有丰盛的人生。这指的不是物质享受（路12:15），乃是与我们伟大之神及祂众信徒（第5节“义人的会”）共度的富足生命。虽然义人在这堕落的世界里难免受苦，但不论是在今时或永恒中，他都是有福的；这对新约信徒而言更是如此，因为耶稣已将圣灵赐予我们了（约7:38-39, 10:10）。
  1. 毁灭的道路（4-5）。恶人或许因行恶得到短暂的快乐，但他永恒的结局不会如此，乃是忧伤，因为他将受到神的审判。他像糠秕一样，被吹得远远的，永离强大和幸福之源头的神。
  1. 神是最终的裁判（6）。义人必要得福，而恶人必要受到审判，因为神是最终公义的裁判。万人都在祂的权柄之下，绝无例外。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 祈求我们不会被罪迷惑。罪的结局是灭亡、忧愁和审判。要开启你心灵之眼，看到遵行神的诫命才是真正得享幸福与丰盛生命的道路。神的道德律法管理我们的生活方式；若有偏离只会受伤。要相信这一点，并求神帮助你看清事实。
  1. 信徒的生命是个有盼望的生命。盼望是你对未来的信心。盼望极为重要，以致圣经说若有人对神的应许毫无盼望，他不可能是一名信徒（帖前1:3-4）。顺服神的一大关键是盼望。你是否因着盼望神最终的国度而生活，还是为着这个世界生活呢？

20 Aug 2016, Mark 16:15-20 马可福音 16:15-20, The Ascension of the Servant 仆人升天

Posted on Aug 7, 2016 in Devotions, Mark |

Scripture Reading        : Mark 16:15-20

Theme                            : The Ascension of the Servant

 

  1. The Great Commission. After appearing to the Eleven, Jesus charged them to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel. The signs in Mark 16:17-18 were given to the Apostles; it is not a promise to believers of every age, as claimed by modern-day prosperity-gospel preachers. Such an understanding that only the Apostles were given such power is consistent with 2 Corinthians 12:12, where Paul wrote that these signs accompanied a true Apostle.
  1. The Great Confirmation. Mark 16:20 further affirms that the signs accompanied the Apostles, not believers of every age, because the purpose of the signs was to confirm or authenticate the message, and not to elicit faith from the hearers.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Let us pray for willing hearts to obey the Great Commission. We can begin by inviting our friends and relatives to church, especially during evangelistic events (e.g. biweekly evangelistic bible study, Christmas, etc.)
  1. Besides inviting unbelievers to church to hear others share the Gospel, we should also pray for opportunities when we can personally share the Gospel with others.
  1. Pray for discernment, that we will not be led astray by false teachers who claim to be given power to perform signs and wonders, because the signs of a true Apostle had ceased with the passing away of the Apostolic age.
 
 
 

经文：马可福音16:15-20

主题：仆人升天

 

  1. 大使命。向十一门徒显现后，耶稣命令他们往普天下去传福音。马可福音16:17-18的迹象是给予使徒的；这不是给世世代代的信徒的应许，如现代致富福音传道人宣称的。这解释（只有门徒领受这能力）与哥林多后书12:12是一致的，即保罗记载属实使徒能显出的凭据。
  1. 大凭据。马可福音16:20进一步证实使徒所有的迹象，而不是历代信徒会有的神迹，因为其目的是要证实使徒所传的道，而非让听见的人产生信心。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 让我们祈求我们愿意听从大使命。我们首先可以邀请我们的亲戚和朋友到教会，特别是布道的事工（如：两周一次的圣经学习班、圣诞会等）。
  1. 除了邀请非信徒到教会听他人传道，我们也当求机会能亲自向他们传福音。
  1. 让我们求有分辨的心，不要被假教师牵引离真道，只因他们宣称有能力行神迹奇事。要知道，随着使徒时代的过去，真实使徒的迹象也停止了。

19 Aug 2016, Mark 16:1-14 马可福音 16:1-14, The Resurrection of the Servant 仆人的复活

Posted on Aug 7, 2016 in Devotions, Mark |

Scripture Reading        : Mark 16:1-14

Theme                            : The Resurrection of the Servant

 

After the angel announced to the women (both named Mary) that Jesus is risen, He appeared to different groups of people as proof that He is alive, resurrected by the power of God.

  1. Appearance to Mary. According to the last part of the Gospel, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene on Sunday, the first day of the week. However, Jesus’ disciples did not believe Mary’s report.
  1. Appearance to Two. The Gospel of Luke gives a more complete description of the appearance of Jesus to two of the disciples (not the Eleven). Mark 16:12 tells us that “he appeared in another form”, which Luke elaborates as “their eyes were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16). Again, when these two men brought a report to the other disciples, they did not believe the two men.
  1. Appearance to the Eleven. The Gospel of Mark notes that there were only eleven of them, since Judas was no longer with them (he committed suicide – Matthew 27:3-10). Jesus rebuked the disciples who did not believe the reports from others who saw Him alive. This is one of the strongest proof that the disciples did not all have hallucinations of seeing Jesus alive, as some critics have asserted, because they did not believe that He is alive in the first place.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is because Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday that the early church gathered on Sunday to worship Jesus, commemorating Sunday as the Lord’s Day. Christians certainly ought to remember the Lord every day, but let us not use this as an excuse to compromise gathering on Sundays for corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25). Let us pray that we will be committed on Sundays (& every day) to worship the Lord and celebrate His resurrection.
  1. Let us pray for discernment, that we will recognize the Lord is at work in our lives all the time.
  1. The resurrection is a fact that occurred. The disciples were fearful and hid after Jesus died, but later came out and preached the Gospel boldly, with most of them being martyred because of the Gospel they proclaimed. Jesus said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Let us pray that if we truly believe in the resurrection of the Lord, then we should be bold to preach the Gospel to unbelievers.
 
 
 

经文：马可福音16:1-14

主题：仆人的复活

 

天使向妇女们（两位名马利亚的）宣告耶稣已经复活之后，耶稣也向不同人显现，证明祂确实是活着的，且由神的大能复活。

  1. 向马利亚显现。根据福音的最后一部，耶稣首先在周日，即一周的第一天，向抹大拉的马利亚显现。然而，耶稣的门徒不相信马利亚的话。
  1. 向二人显现。路加福音对此（耶稣向两个门徒显现，不是十一个）给予更全面的叙述。马可福音16:12告诉我们，耶稣“变了形象，向他们显现”；路加福音则补充说“他们的眼睛迷糊了，不认识他”（路24:16）。当这两人向其他门徒说这事的时候，他们也不相信这两人。
  1. 向十一门徒显现。马可福音记载那时只有十一个门徒，因为犹大已经离开了（他自尽了—太27:3-10）。耶稣责备众门徒不信人说他们看见耶稣是活着的。这是其中一个强而有力的证据，说明门徒见耶稣复活并不是幻觉，如一些评论家所坚持，因为他们就是不信耶稣复活了。

用经文祷告

  1. 正是因为耶稣在周日复活，初期教会才会在周日聚集敬拜耶稣，纪念周日为主日。基督徒当每日纪念主，但我们不可用此为借，妥协周日群体的敬拜（来10:25）。让我们祷告我们会委身于周日（与每一天）敬拜主，庆祝祂的复活。
  1. 让我们求有分辨的心，意识主在我们生命中无时无刻的工作。
  1. 复活是历史上的事实。耶稣死后，门徒们丧胆躲藏，但后来却放胆传福音，最后多数因他们所宣告的福音被杀了。耶稣曾对多马说：“那没有看见就信的有福了！”（约20:29）。让我们祷告若我们真实相信主的复活，我们就要放胆向非信徒传福音。

 


18 Aug 2016, Mark 15:33-47 马可福音 15:33-47, The Atonement by the Servant 仆人赎罪

Posted on Aug 7, 2016 in Devotions, Mark |

Scripture Reading        : Mark 15:33-47

Theme                             : The Atonement by the Servant

 

  1. Jesus’ Pain. The cross was designed to torture the victim with the greatest physical pain for the longest stretch of time. However, what was most painful for Jesus was not the physical pain (He rejected the wine mixed with myrrh – Mark 15:23), but the turning away of God the Father from Him. As Jesus bore the sins of humans on the cross as the substitute for sinners, God’s wrath was poured out on Him and God abandoned Him.
  1. Jesus’ Death. At the sixth hour (3pm in the afternoon), Jesus died. John 19:30 tells us that after Jesus said “It is finished”, “He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (Also see Matthew 27:50). Jesus did not die because of the physical crucifixion, but because He willingly allowed His spirit to be separated from His physical body (physical death) after He has completed the work of redemption on the cross. The curtain of the temple separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the sanctuary. The tearing of the curtain signified that the death of the Son opened the way into God’s presence.
  1. Jesus’ Burial. Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin (Council) who opposed Jesus’ condemnation (Luke 23:51). He “took courage” to approach Pilate because it was the Sanhedrin who led the Jews to pressure Pilate to crucify an innocent man. Pilate was surprised that Jesus was already dead because crucified victims usually took days to die. Nicodemus was another prominent member of the Sanhedrin who helped Joseph (John 19:39-40). The tomb was unused and belonged to Joseph himself (Matthew 27:60). Jesus’ burial was further proof that He died.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” God poured His wrath on Jesus, who bore our sins on the cross. Let us thank God that He “did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32).
  1. Hebrews 9:12 “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” By His death on the cross, Jesus opened the way into God’s presence. Let us thank God for reconciling us to Him through the Son (Romans 5:10).
  1. Joseph and Nicodemus openly came and buried Jesus, while His disciples hid. It is during times of trial that true faith is revealed. During good times, many proclaim to follow Christ, but when trials come, many fall away. Let us pray that we will be like Joseph (and Nicodemus), who “took courage” to openly acknowledge Jesus during an extremely dangerous time.
 
 
 
 

经文：马可福音15:33-47

主题：仆人赎罪

 

  1. 耶稣的痛。十字架是为以最大肉身之痛，以最长时间折磨受害者而设的。可是，耶稣最大的痛苦并非肉身之痛（祂拒绝服下用没药调和的酒—23节），而是父神弃祂而去。由于耶稣在十架上代罪人背负他们所以的罪，神的愤怒便倾倒在祂身上，而神也离弃祂了。
  1. 耶稣的死。在申初的时候（下午三点种），耶稣死了。约翰福音19:30告诉我们，耶稣说：“成了！”之后，“便低下头，将灵魂交付神了”（也见：太27:50）。耶稣并不是因为十架的酷刑死去，而是在十架完成了救赎的工作后，甘愿让祂的灵从肉体离去（肉体的死）。殿里的幔子是将至圣所与其他场所隔开的；幔子撕裂则代表圣子的死开通了往神面前的道路。
  1. 耶稣被埋。亚利马太的约瑟是反抗判决耶稣的公会成员（路23:51）。他“放胆”去见彼拉多，因为向彼拉多施压叫一个无辜人上十架的正是怂恿犹太人的公会。彼拉多诧异耶稣已经死了，因为被钉的人通常过了数天才会死。尼哥迪慕是另一位帮助约瑟的显著公会成员（约19:39-40）。那坟墓是空着的，并属约瑟自己（太27:60）。耶稣被埋更是祂真死了的凭据。

用经文祷告

  1. 哥林多后书5:21：“神使那无罪的替我们成为罪，好叫我们在他里面成为神的义。”神向在十架背负我们罪孽的耶稣倾倒了祂的愤怒。让我们感谢神，因祂“不爱惜自己的儿子，为我们众人舍了”（罗8:32）。
  1. 希伯来书9:12：“（基督）并且不用山羊和牛犊的血，乃用自己的血，只一次进入圣所，成了永远赎罪的事。”藉着十架上的死，耶稣开通了往神之面的道路。让我们感谢神借着祂的儿子与我们和好。
  1. 约瑟和尼哥迪慕公开前来埋葬耶稣，但其他门徒却躲起来。试炼之时能显出真正的信心。风平浪静的时候，很多人宣称是跟从基督的，但试炼临到后，不少又跌倒了。让我们祷告我们会像约瑟（和尼哥迪慕）一样，在极度危险的时候“放胆”公开认耶稣。

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