30 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 39 以西结书 39, Defeat of the Anti-Christ 击败敌基督

Posted on Jun 26, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 39

Theme                      : Defeat of the Anti-Christ

 

In the end times, Israel will be attacked by the anti-christ, here called prince of Meshech, located in modern day Turkey. Israel will be defeated and exiled again (v.28) because of their sins. But God will deliver them through Jesus (Zech. 12:10). The defeat of Israel’s enemies will be so bloody that it will require more than 7 months to cleanse the land of dead bodies (vv.12-16). Just as the judgement will be great, so equally great will be the salvation of the world. No Jew will ever be in exile again (v.28) and the whole world will come to know God.


Praying the Scripture

God is faithful to Israel because He has committed Himself to Israel. His reputation is intertwined with Israel. Even though Israel is unworthy, God will faithfully discipline Israel for its idolatry and cause the whole nation to repent in the end. This is how God deals with Christians. Once a person commits himself to God, God’s reputation is intertwined with the Christian. If a Christian habors idols in his heart, God will faithfully discipline the Christian and cause him to repent from idolatry. Pray that you will see the destructive power of idols and keep yourself away from idols (1 John 5:21). You have idols when you have no boundaries, willing to disobey God’s moral laws in order to get what you desire.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书39

主题：击败敌基督

 

末日时，以色列要受到敌基督的攻击；这里的经文称他为米设王，而米设位于现代的土耳其。以色列要因着她的罪再次被击败且遭流放（28节），但神将藉着耶稣拯救他们（撒12:10）。以色列之敌遭惨败时的场面将是血淋淋的，以致人从全地清除死尸还需要花费七个月的时间（12-16节）。就如审判极大，世界的拯救也会很大。犹太人从此不会被放逐（28节），而全世界也将认识神。


用经文祷告

神对以色列是信实的，因为祂已将自己委身于这国。神的名誉与以色列是牵连的。即便以色列不配得，神会因以色列拜偶像忠心地管教她，并最后使全国悔改。这就是神如何对待基督徒的方式。一旦人将自己委身于神的时候，神的名就与那位基督徒常牵连着。倘若一个信徒心中藏着偶像，神将忠实地管教他，叫他从偶像崇拜中悔改。祷告你会看到拜偶像的毁灭性，从而远离偶像（约一5:21）。当你没有为自己设下限制时，你就会有偶像，并为达到自己的目标甘心违背神的道德律法。


29 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 38 以西结书 38, End Times War 末日之战

Posted on Jun 26, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 38

Theme                      : End Times War

 

It is amazing how accurate God’s prophecies are. In v. 8, God prophesized Israel would be restored and then be attacked again after the return to Babylon. In fact, Israel has been attacked and restored twice so far in history. The first exile and restoration of Israel occurred during the Babylonian captivity. The second occurred when Rome destroyed the temple in 70 A.D. The nation was restored in 1948.

In the end times, Israel will be attacked again and be defeated. This time by the prince of Meshech and his cohorts. This prince is also known as the anti-christ in Revelation and has been prophesized often in the OT (v.17). The location of Meshech, Gog, Magog, and Tubal are in modern Turkey. The prince’s cohorts are nations in the Middle East. Chapters 38-39 are referring to the war that will occur before the millennial kingdom, not after the millennial (Rev. 20:7-9), because many details in chapters 38-39 fit the details of Revelation 19. The purpose for all these horrendous judgements is for the whole world to repent from idols and worship God (v.23). Unbelievers will finally understand their foolish ways and correct themselves by worshipping God.


Praying the Scripture

For the believer, the experience of divine grace is a humbling experience. Far from feeding egotistical ambitions and a misguided thirst for self-esteem, or from blinding one to one’s sinful past, it evokes in the recipient intense feelings of unworthiness. If it were not for God’s grace, we would all gladly be deceived by satan and join others in rebellion against God. Be thankful and humble for your salvation.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书38

主题：末日之战

 

神预言的精确度实在令人震撼。在第八节中，神预言以色列从巴比伦归回后会得复兴，然后再次受到攻击。实际上，以色列从古至今已被攻击、复兴了两回。她首次的流放与归回是与巴比伦的掳掠有关。第二次则是当罗马在主后70年毁灭圣殿的时候，而以色列在1948年复兴。

末日时，以色列要再度受到攻击且被打败，而这次的敌人是米设与他所联盟的。这个王也在启示录里被称是敌基督，并多次出现在旧约预言中（17节）。米设、玛各、歌革和土巴位于现代的土耳其；与这王联盟的国家位于中东。第38至39节记载的是千禧年之前将爆发的战争，不是千禧年之后的（启20:7-9），因为这两篇经文的许多细节与启示录19吻合。神之所以施行众多令人战兢的审判，是要全世界从偶像崇拜中悔改，敬拜真神（23节）。非信徒最终会领悟他们的行为是愚昧的，并改正过来，敬拜真神。


用经文祷告

对信徒而言，经历神的恩典确实让人谦卑。这种经历不会使人狂傲自大，也不会使人高举自己，更不会是人无视自己罪恶的过去；它激发的是蒙恩之人自觉深切不配的情感。若没有神的恩典，我们都会甘心乐意受到撒旦的欺哄，并与他人联盟对抗神。要为你的救恩感恩、谦卑。


28 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 37 以西结书 37, Resurrection and Reunion 复活与团聚

Posted on Jun 26, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 37

Theme                      : Resurrection and Reunion

 

Resurrection (1-14)

Ezekiel is given a vision of a valley of dead dry bones and are commanded by God to speak to the bones and command them to be resurrected to life. The meaning of the vision is given in vv. 11-14. The bones are referring to the whole house of Israel, which includes the northern kingdom which was exiled more than 130 years earlier. In the end times when the Jews will be almost completely annihilated by their enemies. But God will deliver them and restore the whole nation physically and spiritually because He will put His Spirit within them. God will physically resurrect dead believers and spiritually resurrect dead souls in physically alive people. Resurrection is referring to both physical and spiritual life, just as the NT uses resurrection to mean not just physical life, but also to spiritual/new life given by Jesus (Col. 2:12-13, Rom. 6:5-11).

Reunion (15-28). The current civil war between the southern and northern kingdoms will also cease in the end times. Israel will become a united nation again under David (v.24), which is referring not literally to David the king, but to the promised Messiah, the Son of David. This is obvious given the theological background of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Sam. 7. Jesus will reign over Israel and the world and fulfill God’s promise to restore His kingdom on earth. During the millennial reign of Jesus, there will be a sanctuary/temple in Israel (v.26). This temple is described in detail in chapters 40-48.

 

Praying the Scripture

This vision of the resuscitation of dry bones is not only for the nation of Israel. The valley represents the whole world, and the bones the entire human race under the curse of death for its rebellion against God. Accordingly, this text holds out hope for all who accept the grace of God in Christ (Eph. 2:1–10). With good reason, we who are heirs of the glorious message of the prophets and apostles may find in this text a dramatic affirmation that the sting of death will be overcome by the animating power of Yahweh’s Spirit. It also holds out hope for a defeated and moribund church. Revival cannot be worked up from within; it will occur only as God, by his grace, breathes on us again and brings us back to life. After all, as Ezekiel had witnessed, and as he had heard on dozens of occasions, the Lord is Yahweh. He has spoken. He will make good his word. [1]

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel,  p. 392.

 
 
 

经文：以西结书37

主题：复活与团聚

 

复活（1-14）。

以西结在异象中看到一个遍满枯干骸骨的平原，并且受神吩咐要向骸骨说话，命令它们活过来。异象的寓意就在第11至14节中。骸骨指的是以色列全家，包括早在130多年前被流放的北国。末日时，犹太人将几乎被敌人灭绝，但神会拯救他们，不但复兴以色列这个国家，还要使他们的灵命复兴，因为祂要把祂的灵放在他们里面。神要使死去的信徒肉身复活，并在还活着的人中使他们死去的灵活过来。复活指的是肉体和属灵的生命，就如新约圣徒时常以“复活”代表耶稣所赐予的属灵生命或新生命（西2:12-13；罗6:5-11），而不仅是肉身的生命。

团聚（15-28）。南北国至今的内战也将在末日时停止。以色列要在大卫的统治下合一（24节）；这里指的‘大卫’并非大卫王，而是大卫的子孙，那位应许的弥赛亚。撒母耳记下7中的大卫之约便给予我们这里的神学背景。耶稣将统治以色列与全世界，并履行神的应许，要在地上复兴祂的国度。在耶稣统治的千禧年中，以色列将有一个圣所（26节）。第40至48章便详细形容了这间圣所的模样。

 

用经文祷告

使枯干骸骨复活的异象并不只是给以色列国。平原乃指全世界，而骸骨是因悖逆神都在死亡咒诅底下的全人类。同样的，这段经文也给凡在基督里蒙神之恩的人带来盼望（弗2:1-10）。凡领受众先知和使徒的荣耀信息的将在这段经文中有很好的理由坚信耶和华之灵的大能是带有巨大的生命力的，能胜过死亡的毒钩。这也为落败且垂死的教会带来希望。复活是不能由内发起的；唯有神因着恩典给我们气息的时候，我们才能活过来。毕竟，如以西结所见证的，也如他在不同场合中持续闻的——主是耶和华。祂已开口说话。祂必实行诺言。[1]

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel, p. 392.


27 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 36 以西结书 36, End Times Restoration of Israel 末日以色列的复兴

Posted on Jun 26, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 36

Theme                      : End Times Restoration of Israel

 

This chapter is obviously speaking of God’s restoration of Israel in the end times, not God’s restoration of Israel from the Babylonian captivity. Because this chapter speaks of complete and permanent restoration of Israel to the land, with no more famine (v. 29), no more fighting between Jews and gentiles (vv. 12-15), and the permanent blessing of a new heart from the New Covenant (vv. 25-28)

It is no surprise that Ezekiel, like other prophetic books, speaks of God’s restoration of Israel in the end times. It may seems out of context for God to speak of Israel’s restoration in the end times when the immediate historical context is the Babylonian exile. But if we look at the wider context of the Bible, it fits well completely. Ever since the loss of Eden in Genesis (echoed in v.35), God’s intention has always been to restore His kingdom on earth. His original plan was to use Israel to restore God’s kingdom on earth by having Israel be a kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6). The Jews were supposed to evangelize the whole world, but Israel failed. The Jews knew God’s intention to restore the world through Israel. When they failed and were exiled like Adam and Eve were exiled from Eden, they wanted to know God’s plan to restore His kingdom on earth. This chapter and many more chapters by other OT prophets answer this question. God will restore His kingdom on earth by rescuing again the defeated, exiled nation of Israel, and by judging Israel’s enemies, and then restoring both Israel and the whole world to Himself (v.36). This is God’s ultimate plan to defeat satan and to restore His kingdom on earth, which was lost when sin entered Eden.


Praying the Scripture

Ever since the loss of Eden, which was God’s kingdom on earth, the whole Bible has been describing how God will restore His kingdom on earth. Christians are supposed to have their ultimate hope in God’s eternal kingdom on earth, and live accordingly. If you put your faith in this kingdom, then your faith is real and you are saved (Col. 1:5; Matt. 13:22). If your faith and hope is only in this world, then you are not a Christian. You need to repent and live according to God’s eternal kingdom. If you are a Christian, pray God will grow you spiritually by strengthening your hope and thanksgiving in your eternal inheritance on earth (Col. 1:12-14).
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书36

主题：末日以色列的复兴

 

这个篇章显然阐述的是神在末日时对以色列的复兴，而非他们从巴比伦被掳归回以色列的复兴。这是因为经文对这片土地所阐述的复兴是全面性、永久性的；地不再遭受饥荒（29节），犹太人和外邦人不再争夺（12-15节），他们又将蒙永恒的祝福，即从新约而来的新心（25-28节）。

以西结书与其他先知书一样都阐述神在末日时对以色列的复兴——这并不稀奇。由于以色列当前所面临的是巴比伦的流放，所以此刻讲述以色列在末日时的复兴或许看似不对题，但我们若放眼观望整本圣经的主题，一切都对眼了。自从伊甸园在创世纪被挪去后（35节呼应这一点），神一直都想在地上复兴祂的国。神原本的计划是要以色列做祭司的国度（出19:6），从而用以色列复兴神在地上的国。犹太人本当向全世界传扬神，但始终失败了。犹太人晓得神的意愿是要借着以色列复兴全世界。当他们以失败收场，像亚当和夏娃被逐出伊甸园一样被放逐时，他们想知道神将如何在地上复兴祂的国。这章经文以及旧约先知书中的许多经文都回答了这个问题。神将再次拯救落败、被逐的以色列国，又审判以色列的敌人，然后使以色列和全世界归于自己（36节），从而复兴祂在地上的国度。这是神打败撒旦并复兴祂在地上之国的最终计划，因为当罪进入伊甸园的瞬间，祂的国就消失了。


用经文祷告

自从伊甸园（即神在地上的国度）消失后，整本圣经都在叙述神将如何复兴祂在地上的国。基督徒当把他们最大的盼望放置在神地上的永恒国度里，按此生活。你若将你的信心放置在这个国度里，你的信心就是真实的，你也得救了（西1:5；太13:22）。你的信心与盼望若只是在这个世界上，你就不是基督徒。你若是基督徒，祷告神会使你在灵性上有长进，加增你对你永恒基业的盼望和感恩之心（西1:12-14）。


11 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 35 以西结书 35, End Time Judgement against Edom 对以东末日的审判

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 35

Theme                      : End Time Judgement against Edom

 

The salvation of Israel in the future is predicated on God’s judgement of Israel’s enemies. In this chapter, God shows that He will judge Israel’s enemies and bring salvation to Israel. God uses Edom as the epitome of nations that sought to overrun and acquire Israel’s land for themselves. God will judge Edom and other nations like Edom because 1. Edom has continually detested and resented Israel, 2. Edom desires to control the two countries of Israel and Judah and in Edom’s desire to devour Israel, Edom has defamed her with contempt and has spoken boastfully against the Lord, and 3. Edom has failed to recognize the God of Israel as the one true God.

 

Praying the Scripture

All nations and individuals who fail to submit to God and be committed to Him will face God’s judgement in the end. It is foolish to rebel against the King of Kings. Our mission as Christians is to warn people of God’s coming judgement. May we be faithful in proclaiming God’s love, judgement and salvation in Jesus.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书35

主题：对以东末日的审判

 

以色列未来的拯救是建立在神对以色列仇敌之审判的基础上。神在这个篇章中表明祂将审判以色列的敌人并使以色列得救。神使用以东做代表，象征凡为自己的利益试着侵占以色列的列国。神将审判以东以及像以东的诸国，因为：一、以东从古至今一直持续不断地憎恨以色列；二、以东渴望能掌控以色列与犹大两国，而在这欲望中，她藐视并诽谤以色列，还对着主说骄傲的话；三、以东看不到以色列的神是那位独一真神。

 

用经文祷告

凡不愿降服并委身于神的国家或人最后都会受到神的审判。与万王之王对抗是愚昧的。身为基督徒，我们的任务是要警戒人有关神即将到来的审判。愿我们能忠心宣告神在耶稣里的爱、审判与救恩。


10 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 34 以西结书 34, Prophecy against Shepherds of Israel 向以色列的牧者发预言

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 34

Theme                      : Prophecy against Shepherds of Israel

 

Against the Shepherds (1-10)

One of the major reasons why Israel was judged is because of the fault of the leaders, depicted as shepherds. They only cared about themselves and their material gains, while they neglected the sheep and even took advantage of the people. For such evil, God promised to remove these evil leaders.

Restoration through the Perfect Shepherd (11-31).

The people were responsible for their own sins and consequences. But God is a faithful shepherd who will send His faithful Messianic shepherd, the Son of David, to gather God’s scattered sheep. This is referring to end times gathering, not the gathering from the Babylonian exile because it references the eternal Davidic ruler in v. 23. Also, this ultimate restoration of Israel will be accomplished through a covenant of peace in v. 25, which is referring to the New Covenant (Eze. 36:25-32).

 

Praying the Scripture

The true shepherd of God’s people is the Lord himself. Whereas human leaders capitalize on positions of power and privilege for personal gain, Yahweh has the interests of his people at heart. He gathers the strays, nurtures the sick, feeds the flock from the finest of pastures, offers them his personal presence, and protects them from enemies, whether inside or out. Looking back on this text from the perspective of the NT, the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus’ characterization of them as “thieves and robbers” and his own assumption of the title “Good Shepherd” become understandable. This was not merely an attack on them or simply the statement of a lunatic (John 10:19–21); it was a blasphemous identification with deity, worthy of death (vv. 31–33).[1]

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel, p. 308.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书34

主题：向以色列的牧者发预言

 

针对牧人（1-10）。

以色列受审判的主因之一是她的首领有误，也就是文中的牧人。他们只照自己，为自己谋取钱财利益，却忽略了羊群，甚至利用他们。因着这样的罪孽，神承诺要消除这些作恶的首领。

借着完美的牧人得复兴（11-31）。

人对自己所犯的罪极其后果要负责。然而，神是信实的牧者；祂会差派祂忠实的牧人弥赛亚，即大卫之字，招聚神四散的羊。这里指的是末日的招聚，不是被巴比伦放逐后的聚集，因为第23节指的是永恒世代里的大卫王。另外，以色列最后的复兴要借着第25节所指的平安之约而起，也就是新约（结36:25-32）。

 

用经文祷告

神子民的真实牧人就是主自己。人类首领仗着势力和特权为自己谋取利益，但耶和华在乎的是祂子民的利益。祂聚集四散的羊，医治有病的，在最好的草地上喂养羊群，亲自与它们同在，并保护它们落入内外仇敌的手中。从新约时代回看这个篇章时，我们就能明白耶稣为何称他们是“贼”和“强盗”。又称自己是“好牧人”。这不是纯粹为了攻击他们，或是疯子所说的话（约10:19-21）；这是与神作等号的亵渎性言语，能因此被致死（31-33节）。[1]

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel, p. 308.


9 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 33 以西结书 33, The Watchman of Israel 以色列的守望者

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 33

Theme                      : The Watchman of Israel

 

Invitation to Respond (1-20)

Ezekiel is Israel’s watchman who is responsible to warn Israel of God’s righteous judgement on their sins. If they do not repent, they can only blame themselves. In vv. 10-20, Ezekiel warns them again by correcting their perverse understanding of God. God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather have them repent. This does not contradict God’s sovereign grace to select people to save (Rom. 9:14-15). His decision to select people to save is based on many complex factors including believers’ intercession (1 Tim. 2:1-4), His desire to save, and His overall plan. We do not understand fully God’s sovereignty in salvation and man’s responsibility, but we are certain that God’s justice and character are never compromised by His sovereignty.  

Refuting Foolishness (21-33).

After the fall of Jerusalem, people begin to doubt God’s promise to Abraham, which states his offspring would stay in the land forever. God refutes their misunderstanding by saying the Abrahamic promise is only for those who are committed to God and obeying His commands. Those who are uncommitted will not inherit the land. Only those who are of the promise are Abraham’s children (Rom. 9:8). The Jews who commit evil acts and treat God’s prophet, Ezekiel, with contempt will not inherit the land, aka God’s future restored kingdom on earth.

 

Praying the Scripture

God’s oracle serves as a warning to those who claim to be the people of God not to miss or pervert the lessons of history. It is tempting for survivors of disaster to interpret their fortune as a sign of personal merit instead of an act of divine grace. But apart from a commitment to the divine Lord and a spiritual sensitivity to his will, expressed in ready obedience, their is no title to the land or to any other blessings of God. The privilege of being a son or daughter of Abraham must be accompanied by a commitment to walk before the Lord and to be blameless in one’s conduct.[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 263.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书33

主题：以色列的守望者

 

回转的邀请（1-20）。

以西结是以色列的守望者，负责警戒以色列有关神对他们罪孽的公义审判。他们倘若不肯悔改，便只能怪自己。在第10至20节中，以西结再一次警戒他们要纠正自己对神歪曲的理解：神不喜悦恶人死亡，宁愿他们悔改。这与神拣选人得救的主权性恩典并不冲突（罗9:14-15）。祂拯救罪人的决定是基于很多复杂的因素，包括信徒的代祷（提前2:1-4），神救人的意愿及神的总计划。就罪人得救一题，我们无法完全明白神的主权和人的责任的平衡点，但我们能肯定神的主权绝不会在神的公平和品性之外。  

驳斥愚昧想法（21-33）。

耶路撒冷被攻破后，以色列开始怀疑神对亚伯拉罕的应许是否有效，因为其应许是亚伯拉罕的子孙将永远居住此地。神驳斥他们的曲解，解释其应许只给凡委身于神并遵守祂诫命的。违背神的人是不会得此地为业的。唯独那应许的儿女才算是亚伯拉罕的后裔（罗9:8）。作恶并鄙视神之先知以西结的犹太人是不会得此地为业，也就是神未来在地上复兴的国度。

用经文祷告

神的预言是要警戒凡自称是神之子民的不要忽视或曲解历史中的教训。灾民很容易将他们的存活理解成自己的功德而不是神的恩典。除了委身于神并对神的旨意产生属灵的敏感性外，即常常遵行神的旨意，无人能白白继承神的地和其他祝福。有幸作亚伯拉罕儿女的必然委身于主命，在行为上无可指摘。[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 263.


8 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 32 以西结书 32, Lament for Egypt 为埃及哀悼

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 32

Theme                      : Lament for Egypt

 

This is the final chapter about judgement against Egypt and it concludes God’s judgement on the nations. God has judged Israel, but He will also judge Israel’s enemies and restore Israel in the future. Of course, God did not give Ezekiel prophecies against Babylon like He gave to Isaiah and Jeremiah. This is because Ezekiel and the exiles lived in Babylon. Prophecies against Babylon would mean rebellion against Babylon, which God does not want. But God’s judgement against Babylon is implied in His judgement against Egypt. No matter how great and powerful a nation is, if that nation is proud and evil, God will judge it eventually. God has destroyed mighty Assyria and He is will destroy mighty Egypt too. All those mighty warrior-kings who trusted in their strength will end up in the grave when God judges them. Their pride is cast down into the lowly graves. If Babylon continue its prideful path, God will also judge it.


Praying the Scripture

Pride in human accomplishments draws the fury of God. This lesson applies not only to the secular world of the nations, but especially to those who lead in the kingdom of God. Many centuries earlier Moses had warned Israel of the devastating consequences of claiming: “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth” (Deut. 8:17–20). The need for a warning against hubris in the Western church has seldom if ever been more urgent than today. Churches and their leaders may not gloat over their influence or achievements without suffering divine fury, just as the pharaohs and emperors of the world did.

[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p.197.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书32

主题：为埃及哀悼

 

这是对埃及之审判的最后一个篇章，也是神对列国之审判的总结。神已经审判了以色列，但祂也要审判以色列的敌人，并在未来复兴以色列。当然，神并没有向以西结说有关巴比伦的预言，如同祂启示以赛亚和耶利米那样。这是因为以西结和被掳之民都住在巴比伦。若给了他们这些预言，他们或许会与巴比伦对抗，而这是神不想看到的。可是，神对巴比伦的审判就隐喻在祂对埃及的审判中。无论一个国家的势力多强，有多伟大，倘若她是骄傲邪恶的，神终究会施行审判。神曾消灭强大的亚述，也即将毁灭强大的埃及。凡信靠自己的力量的战斗君王都会在神的审判之日下到坟墓去。他们的骄傲也被抛掷到低微的墓穴中。倘若巴比伦持续持有高傲的心，神也会审判她。


用经文祷告

人因自己的成就骄傲是会引来神的愤怒的。这个功课不但能应用在世俗的列国事物上，更能应用在神的国度中作领导的。许多世纪以前，摩西曾告诫以色列人心里若说这话的惨痛后果：这货财是我力量，我能力得来的（申8:17-20）。今时今日，西方教会急切需要听从对骄傲之心的告诫。教会及其领袖不能炫示自己的影响力或成就却不遭受神之愤怒的，如世间的众法老和帝王一样。

[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 197.


7 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 31 以西结书 31, Egypt Liken to Assyria 把埃及比作亚述

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 31

Theme                      : Egypt Liken to Assyria

 

Just as Assyria was the mightiest nation at her time, but was cut down by God, so Egypt will be cut down by God even though she thinks she is the greatest nation of her time. She will receive what her wickedness deserves (v. 11). Death and defeat are fitting ways for God to humble the prideful wicked. They trusted in their military, but on the day of judgement their military might will not be able to deliver. They live by the sword; therefore, they will die by the sword.

 

Praying the Scripture

God is a righteous judge who passes sentence on people according to what they deserve. Even though God’s judgement is very ugly and scary, His judgement is righteous, fair, and purifying. It purifies the earth of extreme pride and evil. It is also redemptive for those who fear God’s judgement and submit to His lordship. Agree with God’s judgement and fear His judgement. Submit to His kingship and live.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书31

主题：把埃及比作亚述

 

亚述在她的年代极其强大，但后来被神拉下；同样的，虽然埃及认为她是当代最强大的国家，神要将她砍伐。她会尝到自己行罪恶的苦果（11节）。死亡和击败都是神使狂傲的罪人降为卑的合宜方式。他们信靠自己的军事力量，但它在审判之日是发挥不了作用的。他们持刀剑生活，所以要死在刀剑之下。

 

用经文祷告

神是公正的法官；祂会按人的行为给他们定下应得的判决。神的审判虽然是很难看、很可怕的，却是公平、公正且有洁净性的——它除尽地上极度的骄傲和邪恶。对于惧怕神的审判并降服于神的主权之人而言，这也带给他们拯救。我们要认同神的审判并对此存畏惧的心。我们要降服于神为王而存活。


6 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 30 以西结书 30, The Agent of Judgement 审判的工具

Posted on Jun 4, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 30

Theme                      : The Agent of Judgement

 

Just as God used Babylon as the agent of His judgement on Israel, so God will use Babylon to judge Egypt. Egypt encouraged Israel to rebel against Babylon, thus against God since God told the nations to submit to Babylon. One reason for God’s judgement on Egypt is for them to know that Yahweh is the true living God who alone is able to fulfil His prophecies.


Praying the Scripture

In this broken world, God uses sinful empires like Babylon to execute His judgement. This is an imperfect way of executing judgement until God’s perfect execute of judgement comes when Jesus returns. In the meantime, God works out His divine plan through His created world, not apart from it. God can zap all His enemies to death and not use Babylon but that would ruin the way His world is managed. God can do all things, but He will not contradict Himself, His plans or created order.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书30

主题：审判的工具

 

就如神使用巴比伦作祂审判以色列的工具，神也要使用巴比伦审判埃及。埃及怂恿以色列反抗巴比伦，而这举动也间接与神对抗，因为神曾告诉它们要投降巴比伦。神对埃及施行审判的其中一个原因是叫他们晓得耶和华是永活真神，而唯独祂能应验预言。


用经文祷告

在这破碎的世界里，神使用罪恶帝国如巴比伦施行祂的审判。这是施行审判一个不够完美的方式，直到神能借着耶稣的再来施行完美的审判。直到那日，神要借着祂所造的世界展开祂的计划，不是独立行事。神大可立即将祂所有的敌人杀死而不是使用巴比伦，但这会破坏祂管理世界的方式。神万事都能行，但祂不会与自己、自己的计划或创造的秩序背道而驰。

 

 

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