4 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 29 以西结书 29, Prophecy against Egypt 向埃及说预言

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 29

Theme                      : Prophecy against Egypt

 

Ezekiel concluded his prophecies against the nations with a series of six judgment messages against Egypt. She misled Israel by encouraging her to rebel against Babylon. Egypt is liken to a dragon or crocodile from the Nile, which God will catch and kill. She will be judged because of her pride. God will not completely destroy her but Egypt will never be a great kingdom again. She will never rule over other nations. This is exactly what has happened in history. After Egypt’s fall to Babylon it has never been an international power to this day. Babylon will plunder Egypt’s wealth as her reward for destroying the pride of Tyre.

 

Praying the Scripture

Yahweh is the divine Lord of history. In their hubris nations (and individuals), particularly superpowers, may perceive themselves as independent and in control of their destinies, but Yahweh is able to change this illusion overnight. Indeed, he times the rise and fall of nations according to his purposes. The forty-year devastation of Egypt and the exile of its population serve as a reminder of his lordship over the specifics as well as the generalities of history. [1] Be comforted by the fact that God reigns the world, no matter how chaotic it may be. He is in control and His plan is to restore the world back to Eden. Know where history is going and know that you play a part in this history. Be zealous to do the work of God in history by fulfilling your duties as listed in the NT such as evangelism, serving your local church, and planting new churches.

 

[1] Block, D. I. (1997–). The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48 (p. 145). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书29

主题：向埃及说预言

 

以西结向埃及说了六个审判性的信息，以此总结他对列国要说的预言。埃及误导了以色列，鼓励她反抗巴比伦。埃及如尼罗河的大鱼或鳄鱼似的，而神把它会抓来杀死。埃及要因着自己的骄傲受到审判。虽然神不会彻底消灭她，但她永不得再做大国。她不会再统治其他国家了。这就是在历史上后来确切发生的事。自从埃及被巴比伦侵略后，她就不再是一个强国。巴比伦拉倒了推罗的狂傲，并要掳掠埃及的财富为此作奖赏。

 

用经文祷告

耶和华是历史的主宰。傲慢的国家（与个人），尤其超级强国，或许认为自己是独立的，能掌控自己的命运，但耶和华瞬间就能使她们从幻想中惊醒。是的，神按着祂的计划使列国兴起和衰败。埃及40年的荒凉和人民的驱逐提醒我们神对历史演变的总体和细节都是有主权的。[1] 不论世界有多混乱，我们要晓得神仍掌权，从而得安慰。祂仍掌管一切，而祂的计划是将世界重建至伊甸时代。我们要晓得历史的趋向，并我们在中的角色。要热心做神在历史中的工作，履行新约中为我们记载的任务如传福音、事奉地方教会及建立新教会。

 

[1] Block, D. I. (1997–). The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48 (p. 145). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.


3 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 28 以西结书 28, Prophecy against Tyre and Sidon 向推罗与西顿说预言

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 28

Theme                      : Prophecy against Tyre and Sidon

 

Against Prince of Tyre (1-10). Through his wisdom and insight in commercial sea-trade, the prince of Tyre was able to amass Tyre’s great abundance of wealth (vv.4–5; cf. ch. 27). However, the accumulation of riches and its accompanying splendor and importance created a haughty pride in this ruler (v.5b; cf. 27:3). He was so impressed with himself that he actually began to think that he was a god—perhaps even El, the chief deity of the Canaanite pantheon (v.2) [1]

Against King of Tyre (11-19)

This passage is not talking about the human ruler of Tyre, but satan who empowers the human ruler of Tyre. Satan is the ruler of this sinful world but he is still under the authority of God. Since sinful mankind rejects the rule of a righteous God, God puts satan in charge of sinful mankind. Satan is like a warden who rules over a jailhouse of criminals. God compares the pride of the ruler of Tyre with the pride of satan (cf. Is. 14:4). Satan was a cherub, a high standing angel in the spiritual world, who participated with God in managing mankind and the earth. But he became prideful and wanted to exalt himself to be like God, so God will cast him down to the underworld, the lowly realm of the dead. God will humble satan.

Against Sidon (20-24). Since Sidon also treated Israel with contempt, God will also judge her. God will remove Israel’s enemies and restore Israel.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Yahweh is the Lord of all history. He appoints rulers (even over pagan nations and states) to manage his estate with equity, justice, and humility. The exploitation of a divinely bestowed privilege to satisfy one’s personal greed and ambition calls for divine intervention. In Yahweh’s ability to humble the proud lay the hope of Israel. The remnant of God’s people may be languishing in exile, but that does not mean he has conceded his throne to other deities, let alone to mortals.[2] If you think that the world is out of control, do not fret, for God is still on His throne. Do not be shaken. Continue to be faithful to God and be faithful to the task that He has given to you.
  1. Although money is amoral, it is a dangerous temptation for even regenerated Christians. Therefore, do not hoard money in order to give to your children, you will ruin them. Do not accumulate money or live for money, instead you ought to keep what you need to live on this temporal earth and give the rest away for the work of God’s kingdom in order to gain true treasure and life (Matt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:9; Luke 12:15)

 

[1] Alexander. Ezekiel. p. 880.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 120.

 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书28

主题：向推罗与西顿说预言

 

向推罗君王预言（1-10）。推罗君王借着他对海上贸易的智慧和远见为推罗增添大量的资财（4-5节；参：27章）。然而，财物的积累与随之而来的荣耀和社会地位使这位君王心里高傲（5节下；参：27:3）。他对自己感到极度满意，以致遐想自己是神，甚至有可能以为自己是埃尔，即迦南的众神之主（2节）。[1]

向着推罗王预言（11-19）。

这段经文所论的对象不是治理推罗的人，而是在他背后操控万事的撒旦。撒旦是这罪恶世界的首领，却仍在神的管制下。罪恶之人既然拒绝跟从公义之神的管理，神便让撒旦治理他们。撒旦犹如监狱中看管一群罪犯的监狱长。神也将推罗君王与撒旦的骄傲相提并论（参：赛14:4）。撒旦曾是一位基路伯，是属灵世界中一位身份很高的天使，与神一同治理人和地。可是它变得狂傲，想抬高自己像神一样，所以神会将它掷入阴间，与低层领域的死人同在。神会使撒旦谦卑。

向西顿预言（20-24）。既然西顿也鄙视以色列，神要审判她。神会除尽以色列的敌人，复兴以色列。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶和华是历史的主宰。祂命首领（甚至外邦列国和地区的）以平等、公义和谦卑之心管理祂所拥有的。若有人滥用神所赐予的特权满足自己的私欲，神必然会阻止。耶和华能使骄傲的人谦卑，故此以色列有盼望。神的余民或许在放逐之时饱受煎熬，但这不代表神已将自己的宝座退让给其他神明，更不用谈人类。[2]你若以为世界已失去控制了，万不得慌张，因为神仍在祂的宝座上。不要害怕，要继续忠于神，忠心做好祂所给予你的任务。
  1. 虽然钱本身是不分好坏的，但这对重生得救的基督徒而言也是很大的诱惑。因此，不要为了你的孩子囤积钱财，因为这能毁灭他们。不要积累钱财或为此而活，乃要晓得在这暂存的世界里何为足够之用以后，将其余的奉献给神之国的工作，得取真正的财宝和生命（太6:19-21；提前6:9；路12:15）。

[1] Alexander. Ezekiel . p. 880.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 120.


2 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 27 以西结书 27, Ezekiel’s Dirge for Tyre 以西结为推罗起哀歌

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 27

Theme                      : Ezekiel’s Dirge for Tyre

 

The chief cause for this major maritime power’s collapse was her pride (v.3). Tyre thought she had the best of everything. As a result she became full of self-conceit, presuming herself to be “perfect” in all her grandeur, wealth, and material goods, which she had acquired through trade with the nations. The Lord hates pride (Prov 8:13). Pride comes before destruction (Prov 16:18) and keeps one from seeking God (Ps 10:4). This was the state of the city of Tyre. [1]


Praying the Scripture

God is majestic because He humbles the proud and exalts the humble (Ps. 8). The only time the Bible records Jesus being joyful is when He rejoices over God’s humbling of the proud and exalting of the humble (Luke 10:21). God hates pride. Pray that you will grow in your humility, for humility is spiritual power and blessing (2 Cor 12:7-9; Luke 17:5-10).

[1] Alexander, Ezekiel. p. 874.

 
 
 

经文：以西结书27

主题：以西结为推罗起哀歌

 

这个重要海洋势力垮下的主要原因是她的狂傲（3节）。推罗以为她拥有最好的一切，因此变得自负，认为她与列国在交易中所得来的辉煌、财富和物质产品尽都是完美的。主恨恶骄傲之心（箴8:13）；骄傲在败坏以先（箴16:18），也阻碍人追求神（诗10:4）。这就是推罗当下的状况。[1]

用经文祷告

神是崇高的，因为祂使骄傲的降为卑，又使谦卑的升高（诗8）。圣经仅有一次记载耶稣是欢喜的，即神使骄傲的人谦卑，并使谦卑的人升高的时候（路10:21）。神恨恶骄傲。祷告我们能在谦卑中增长，因为谦卑是属灵的能力与祝福（林后12:7-9；路17:5-10）。

[1] Alexander, Ezekiel. p. 874.

 

1 Jun 2016, Ezekiel 26 以西结书 26, Judgement on Tyre 对推罗的审判

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 26

Theme                      : Judgement on Tyre

 

Tyre gloated over the destruction of Israel because she wanted to get financial gains from the tragedy. God says whoever is glad at calamity will not go unpunished (Prov. 17:5). For Tyre’s sins, God will destroy her by sending nations in successive waves or times (v. 3). The first wave will be Babylon who conquered her. Later on, Tyre was conquered by the Persians, then the Greek, then the Romans, and finally after the Saracens in the fourteenth century a.d., Tyre never again regained any importance. Her destruction is lamented by people who depend on her for commerce (vv. 17-18); it is similar to the lament in Revelation 18:19-20.

 

Praying the Scripture

Tyre represented the glory of human achievement. Because her successes were driven by avarice and pursued in defiance of God, however, she could not stand. The Lord of history always has the last word.[1] Pray that you will not be caught up in the world’s pursue for material goods. You should be content with having enough money to live on this temporal world. Do not hoard money or live for money or luxury. Give generously and live for God and eternity (1 Tim. 6:17-19; Matt. 6:19-21). This is the path of true joy and life. Believe it, don’t let your old nature lie to you (Acts 20:35). Such is the path to Christlikeness.

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 87.

 
 
 

经文：以西结书26

主题：对推罗的审判

 

推罗狂傲乐以色列受灾是因为她想从中得到经济上的利益。神曾说幸灾乐祸的必不免受罚（箴17:5）。神要因推罗的罪消灭她，使多国像波浪涌起般攻击她（3节）。第一波即是将占领她的巴比伦。接着，推罗将继而被波斯、希腊和罗马侵略；她最后在第14世纪被撒拉森人掳掠后就再也没有什么名声了。哀悼她毁灭的人是依靠她做贸易的（17-18节）。这里的哀歌与启示录18:19-20的相似。


用经文祷告

推罗代表了人类成就的荣耀。由于她的成功是靠贪婪及与神悖逆之心得来的，她必站立不住。掌管历史的主是决定一切的。 [1]
祷告你不会迷失自己，与世界忙着追求世俗之物。你当因在这暂存的世界有足够的钱生存而知足。不要囤积钱财，或为钱与物质享受生活。要慷慨解囊，为神与永恒而活（提前6:17-19；太6:19-21）。这是真实喜乐与生命的道路。要如此相信，不要让老我欺骗你（使20:35）。这乃是使你更像主耶稣的道路。

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 87.


31 May 2016, Ezekiel 25 以西结书 25, Oracles against Foreign Neighbors 向异国邻居说预言

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 25

Theme                      : Oracles against Foreign Neighbors

 

Chapters 25-32 are oracles against foreign nations who are enemies of Israel. These messages were given to Ezekiel at various times but are group together for thematic purpose. They serve as a message of hope for the future of Israel. Even though God has judged Israel, in the future, God will judge Israel’s enemies and reverse Israel’s judgement. Oracles of judgement start with Israel’s close neighbors who rejoiced over Judah’s downfall and hoped for personal spoil and gain. God announced judgment on these nations lest their gleeful taunts continue and the exiles question His faithfulness to His promises (cf. Gen 12:3). The target of God’s judgement begins with Israel’s neighbors including Ammon, Moab, Seir, Edom, and Philistia.


Praying the Scripture

God will not just judge the Jews, but He will also judge the whole world. In the end, God’s judgment of the world is also like purifying fire that purges the rebels and restore the world to worship God (Rev. 6-22). You ought to warn rebels that God’s wrath is on them and their only refuge is to accept God as their king and Jesus as their savior.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书25

主题：向异国邻居说预言

 

第25至32章的内容都是向异国所出的预言；她们都是以色列的仇敌。以西结是在不同的时间段领受这些信息的，但他则按主题记载预言。此信息的目的是作以色列未来的盼望。神虽经审判了以色列，但要在日后审判以色列的敌人并逆转以色列的惩罚。审判的预言是由以色列最近的邻居开始，因为她们看到了犹大的沦陷便幸灾乐祸，还希望自己能从中得利。神向这些国家宣告审判的目的是要停止她们狂欢的嘲讽，并向被掳之民证明祂必兑现自己的应许，以免他们开始质疑神的信实（参：创12:3）。神审判的对象由以色列的邻居开始，包括亚扪、摩押、西珥、以东和非利士。


用经文祷告

神不但要审判犹太人，还有审判全世界。最后，神对世界的审判犹如一场洁净之火，要除尽悖逆者并让世人再次敬拜神（启6-22）。你要告诫悖逆者：神的愤怒已临到他们身上，而他们唯一的避难所是承认神是他们的王、耶稣是他们的救主。

30 May 2016, Ezekiel 24 以西结书 24, The Fall of the Bloody City 流人血之城的沦陷

Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 24

Theme                      : The Fall of the Bloody City

 

Cooking Pot (1-14)

This chapter concludes all the previous oracles against Jerusalem’s idolatry and violence with the fall of the bloody city. The fall is described through the symbol of a cooking pot. The meat represent the people who will be killed in the cooking pot of Jerusalem.

Death of Ezekiel’s Wife (15-27).

God informs Ezekiel that He will take away his wife in order to communicate a message to the exiles. When his wife dies, Ezekiel is forbidden to mourn normally. When people see this unnatural response, their attention will be captured and they will listen to the meaning of Ezekiel’s reaction to the death of his wife. His wife, who is the delight of Ezekiel, represents Jerusalem, the delight and pride of the exiles. The reason they ought not to mourn is because the fall of Jerusalem ends the judgement of God and begins a new era of restoration (cf. Is. 40:1-2). This is demonstrated by the fact that Ezekiel’s muteness is removed after the news of the fall of Jerusalem reached the exiles in vv. 26-27. A new era is also demonstrated by the content of the rest of the book of Ezekiel, which is about God’s judgement on the nations and the restoration of Israel.

 

Praying the Scripture

Ezekiel suffered much as a prophet and servant of God, just like Hosea. He is like Jesus in his suffering. Jesus suffered the most as God’s prophet and servant by being tortured and dying on the cross in order to bear the sins of His people. Suffering is difficult but it demonstrates the character of love and loyalty to God and His people. Through suffering, Ezekiel becomes more like Jesus. For such greatness, every Christian should not be afraid of suffering, but should humbly ask God for strength to endure suffering for the honor of God. This is how Paul, the servant of God, lived (Phil. 3:10). This is why Jesus says rejoice in suffering for your reward is great (Matt. 5:10-12). Pray that you will be willing to follow the example of Jesus in His suffering.
 
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书24

主题：流人血之城的沦陷

 

在火上的锅（1-14）。

这章经文总结了以西结前几回因耶路撒冷的淫行与暴行所出的预言，论的是这流人血之城的沦陷。这由一个火上的锅作象征，而其肉块代表了在耶路撒冷之锅里将被杀的人。

以西结之妻的死（15-27）。

神告诉以西结祂将取走他的妻子，以向被掳之民传达一个信息。当以西结的妻子离世时，神禁止他像正常人一样哀悼，而当人看到这不寻常的反应时，这将引起他们的注意聆听以西结背后的原因。以西结的妻子是他眼目所爱的；她代表被掳之民的喜悦和骄傲——耶路撒冷。他们之所以不能哀悼是因为神的审判随耶路撒冷的沦陷停止，而其后便是复兴的新时代了（参：赛40:1-2）。当耶路撒冷已沦陷的消息在26-27节传到了被掳之民的耳中时，以西结也不再哑口；这突显了新时代已降临。这个新时代更在以西结书的其余书卷内容有所展现，即神对列国的审判与以色列的复兴之信息。
 

用经文祷告

身为神的先知和仆人，以西结所受的苦难不少，就如何西阿一样。他所承受的苦难与耶稣相似。耶稣在神的众先知和仆人中所遭遇的苦难最多，更为承担祂子民的罪孽经受折磨，死在十字架上。受苦不容易，但它展现了人对神与其子民的爱和忠心。以西结藉着患难更有了耶稣的样式。因此，每一个基督徒不应该害怕受苦，而是要虚心求神赐力量，为祂的荣耀承受苦难。这就是神的仆人保罗的生活方式（腓3:10）。这也就是耶稣为何说当在患难中欢喜快乐，因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的（太5:10-12）。祷告你在患难中会愿意跟从耶稣的榜样。

28 May 2016, Ezekiel 23 以西结书 23, Summary through Allegory 用寓言作总结

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 23

Theme                      : Summary through Allegory

 

Israel’s Unfaithfulness (1-5)

Samaria (Oholah) and Judah (Oholibah) were from the same mother: Israel. This depicts the united nation of Israel before it was split into two kingdoms. From the very beginning, Israel learned of idolatry in Egypt. Idolatry continues to plague the nation throughout her history.

Samaria’s Prostitution (6-10).

Samaria’s prostitution blossomed during the time of the divided kingdoms. She formed political alliances with Assyria and others, also worshipped their idols. So God used Assyria to destroy Samaria. Ironically, it was her own lover, Assyria, who destroyed her.

Judah’s Prostitution (11-21).

Later on, Judah did the same as Samaria. Not only did she did the same, she became even worse than Samaria. Her lust for idols and political alliances had no end. She began to hate Babylon after it first conquered her, but she was not able to get rid of Babylon. Ultimately, God used Babylon to destroy Judah because of her spiritual prostitution.

Judgment for Prostitution (22-49). Because of Judah’s horrendous prostitution, God destroyed her. She sacrificed children as food to idols. She was violent, therefore, she received a violence end herself.

 

Praying the Scripture

The community of faith stands in constant danger of forgetting the grace of its covenant Lord and expending its energies in the satisfaction of its own cravings. When this occurs the people of God, vulnerable to the seductive appeal of other allegiances, often sell their souls in their misguided pursuits. But God considers devotion to any other person or object adultery, the violation of the church’s marriage covenant with him. [1] Pray that you will put away idols in your heart.
 
 
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 764.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书23

主题：用寓言作总结

 

以色列的不忠（1-5）。

撒玛利亚（阿荷拉）和犹大（阿荷利巴）是一母所生：以色列。这表示二国在分裂之前曾经是一个国家。以色列从一开始就在埃及学了偶像崇拜。之后，这罪便持续地纠缠着以色列了。

撒玛利亚的淫行（6-10）。

以色列一分为二后，撒玛利亚的淫行逐步猖獗。她与亚述和其他国家建立政治联盟，并拜她们的偶像。因此，神用亚述消灭撒玛利亚。具有讽刺意味的是，消灭撒玛利亚的竟然是她的爱人亚述。

犹大的淫行（11-21）。

之后，犹大步入撒玛利亚的后尘。她不但行同样的事，还比撒玛利亚更为邪恶。她对偶像和政治联盟的贪婪是无止境的。巴比伦首次征服犹大时，犹大开始憎恨巴比伦，却又无法脱身。最后，神因着犹大的属灵淫行用巴比伦消灭犹大。

行淫的审判（22-49）。因着犹大猖狂的行淫之罪，神消灭了她。她甚至向偶像献上自己的儿女为食物。她很残暴，所以面对的后果也是残暴的。

 

用经文祷告

信神的人总是面对一个危险：忘记盟约之主的恩惠，急于满足自己的欲望和贪恋。当神的子民沦落到这个地步时，他们便轻易陷入诱惑，与他人联盟，将自己的灵魂投入无用之途。与此同时，当人将其忠心转向别的人事物时，这同等于教会违反了自己与神的婚约。[1] 祷告你会弃绝你心中的偶像。
 
 
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel, p. 764.

27 May 2016, Ezekiel 22 以西结书 22, The Cause for the Sword of Death 在刀下死亡的原因

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 22

Theme                       : The Cause for the Sword of Death

 

Defilement in Jerusalem (1-16)

The Jews are unfaithful to God and His covenant. They practice idolatry and commit all kinds of evil, such as, sexual perversion, incest, rape, murder, extortion, oppression of the poor and defenseless, and not observing God’s other covenant laws.

Purification in Jerusalem (17-22).

Jerusalem is filled with evil, so God will turn Jerusalem into a furnace where He will burn away all the dross or waste in Jerusalem. God’s judgment is also a purifying judgment that cleanses the land of evil. The remnant who returns to the land will obey God by not committing idolatry.

Evil Leaders in Jerusalem (23-31).

This passage repeats the evil of the leaders in Jerusalem, especially false prophets. It is because of their evils, that God must send a purifying fire to cleanse the land.


Praying the Scripture

Community leaders bear special responsibility for the maintenance of justice and the welfare of its citizenry. The call to leadership is primarily a call to responsibility, not privilege (cf. Deut. 17:14–20). The Lord will rise up against those who use the office for personal advantage, especially those who run roughshod over the rights of the most vulnerable people. [1] Pray that the leaders of our communities are just and that they are accountable for their actions. If you desire to be a leader, the ultimate motivation should be for service and responsibilities, not privileges.
 
 
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书22

主题：在刀下死亡的原因

 

耶路撒冷的玷污（1-16）。

犹太人对神与神的约都不忠。他们拜偶像并行各样的恶，如淫乱、乱伦、强奸、谋杀、勒索、欺压贫困与无助的，也不遵守神约定中的其他律例典章。

耶路撒冷的洁净（17-22）。

耶路撒冷尽都是恶，因此神将使她变成火炉，烧尽城中的一切渣滓（或废物）。神的审判也像一场洁净的审判，要荡涤罪恶之地。归回耶路撒冷的余民将服从神，不拜偶像。

耶路撒冷的邪恶首领（23-31）。

这段经文重述了耶路撒冷众首领的恶行，尤其是假先知的。正因为他们的恶，神必须降洁净之火清除这地。

用经文祷告

社区首领必须为他们居民的公平待遇和福利负起特别的责任。作领导的呼召主要是叫人背负责任，不是享受特权（参：申17:14-20）。神必然会与凡为自己谋取利益而利用职位的人，尤其是为此欺压无助、无依无靠之人的权利的。[1] 当为我们区域的首领祷告他们行事公正，能为他们的所为交账。倘若你渴望作一名领导，你心里的主要动机当是事奉人，愿意挑起责任，而不是为享受特权坐上职位。
 

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.


26 May 2016, Ezekiel 20:45-21:32 以西结书 20:45-21:32, Judgement on Judah’s Current Leaders 对犹大当今领袖的审判

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 20:45-21:32

Theme                      : Judgement on Judah’s Current Leaders

 

Burning of Southern Forest (20:45-21:7)

vv. 45-49 is a riddle about a southern forest on fire. The explanation of the riddle is in vv. 1-7. The southern forest is Judah which will be conquered by the sword. War will affect everyone including the righteous and the wicked, every green tree and every dry tree (v. 47). It will be so horrible that God commands Ezekiel to groan, to let the exiles see the pain of the sword. It is designed to instill fear in these idolatrous rebels and repent.

Slaughter of the Sword (21:8-17)

Since Israel did not respond to God’s rod of discipline, the sword of death will be their end. This sword will not be a testing for correction, but it will be a final judgment on these rebels.

Agent of the Sword (21:18-27)

The agent of this sword is Babylon, who will come and destroy Jerusalem completely. Babylon would use divination to decide to attack Israel. Even though God does not approve of divination, He will use such practice to punish Israel.

Sword on Ammonites (21:28-32). Babylon will attack Israel first, instead of Ammonites. Since Ammonites also contributed to the sins of Israel through its idols, God will also punish them. The Ammonites also gloated over the destruction of Israel, for such sin God will also kill them (25:1-7).

 

Praying the Scripture

God becomes the enemy of those who claim to be His people but refuse to accept the responsibilities accompanying the privilege. In this chapter the sword functions as a frightening instrument of providential fury unleashed against the benefactors of His own covenant. The notion of divine wrath itself is reprehensible to many; that it should be directed at His own people is intolerable. But God’s application of principle is not affected by human sentimentality. If “His people” spurn His grace, they cannot expect to be spared the fate of the wicked.  [1]  The judge of the world is impartial. He judges every wicked person, both Jews and gentiles (Rom. 2:11). Agree with God that He is a righteous God who judges impartially.
 
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书20:45-21:32

主题：对犹大当今领袖的审判

 

南方森林的火焰（20:45-21:7）。

20:45-49论的是南方森林之火的谜语，其谜底就在21:1-7。南方森林指的是犹大，而她将受刀剑攻击，被侵占。争战会影响每一个人，包括义人和恶人，一切青树和枯树（47节）。这局面惨不忍睹，叫神命以西结叹息，让被掳之民看到刀剑之痛。这是为要在崇拜偶像的悖逆者心中产生惧怕，以致悔改。

刀剑的杀戮（21:8-17）。

既然以色列不肯对神的管教作正面反应，他们将在刀下而死。这把刀不是悔改的刀，而是对这群悖逆者的最后审判。

持刀的（21:18-27）。

持这把刀的是巴比伦；她会前来将耶路撒冷完全消灭。巴比伦会以占扑的方式决定攻打以色列。即便神不赞同占卜的做法，祂仍利用此行为惩罚以色列。

向亚扪人拔刀（21:28-32）。

巴比伦会先攻击以色列而不是亚扪。既然亚扪人借着他们的偶像导致以色列犯罪，神也要惩罚他们。再者，亚扪人还为以色列的毁灭幸灾乐祸，所以神更要为这项罪杀他们（25:1-7）。

用经文祷告

凡自称是神名下的人，却不接受随特权所附有的责任的，便成为了神的敌人。刀在这篇经文中是向神约定里本为受益之人所拔出的愤怒，是可怕的器皿。多数人能明白神会发怒，但就是无法忍受其对象竟是祂自己的子民。可是，神对祂原则的应用并不受到人感性一面的影响。倘若“神的子民”唾弃神的恩典，他们就不能期待自己会逃离同恶人的命运。宇宙间的审判者是不偏待人的（罗2:11）。我们要认同神是公义的，对施行的审判也是公正的。

 

25 May 2016, Ezekiel 20:1-44 以西结书20:1-44, History of Israel’s Rebellion and God’s Grace 以色列的悖逆与神的恩典之史

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 20:1-44

Theme                      : History of Israel’s Rebellion and God’s Grace

 

History of Israel’s Rebellion (1-31)

A basic literary pattern in this chapter is this: God’s benevolence is stated, following by an assertion of Israel’s rebellion, an announcement of God’s judgment, and the declaration of God’s grace because of His reputation. The elders of the exile community ask to enquire God through Ezekiel, but God refuses because they are also idolatrous like their ancestors. Then God proceeds to recount Israel history of idolatry. The goal of recounting this history is to loathe sin and lead to repentance. The history begins with Israel’s slavery in Egypt for 430 years. The reason God sent them to Egypt is because of their idolatry. God then saves them and enters into the Mosaic Covenant with them in the wilderness, but again they rebel against Him. So God punishes them. Israel’s idolatry continues to Ezekiel day, even among the exile elders. While in exile, God gives them to pagan laws, bad laws to them under pagan rule. Throughout the history of their punishment, God does not destroy them completely because of His concern for His reputation. He has promised to bless the whole world through Israel and her Messiah; therefore, He cannot destroy Israel completely.

Future Transformation of Israel (32-44).

Even though Israel wants to be idolatrous like the rest of the nations, God will not let them because of His reputation. He will save them from themselves in the end times. In the end times, God will punish them again for their idolatry. They will be in exile again and enter into the wilderness (Hosea 2:14-15; Rev. 12:14). There God will begin His restoration process. This passage is referring to the end times because v. 40 says all Israel (those Jews who are left after God purges the rebels v. 38) will be saved (Rom. 11:26).

 

Praying the Scripture

The divine reputation depends on the fate and welfare of his people. All of God’s dealings with Israel were public—before the eyes of the nations. Israel was to be the agent through whom the nations would come to know that He is Yahweh. Nothing has changed. Jesus reminds His disciples that their prayers should be different from the self-seeking petitions of the Gentiles (Matt. 6:5–15). Concern for the sanctity of His name and the glory of His kingdom remains the mark of God’s people. [1]  Understand that when you are saved, you are automatically an ambassador of Christ. What you will do and say will reflect the reputation of Jesus. Honor His reputation, don’t shame His name.
 
[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书20:1-44

主题：以色列的悖逆与神的恩典之史

 

以色列的悖逆之史（1-31）。

这段经文中包含一个基本文学架构：神阐述祂的恩慈，但以色列悖逆神，结果神宣告祂的审判，但又因自己的名向他们施恩。被掳之民的长老们想借着以西结求问神，但被神拒绝了，因为他们也像自己的列祖一样是崇拜偶像的。接着，神回顾了以色列崇拜偶像的历史，其目的是要他们厌恶罪恶，叫他们悔改。历史的重述由以色列在埃及为奴的430年开始。神差他们到埃及的原因是他们拜偶像。之后，神施与拯救，在旷野中与他们立摩西之约，但他们又悖逆神。因此，神惩罚他们。以色列的偶像崇拜一直延续至以西结的时代；即便在被掳之民的长老中也有所见。以色列被放逐时，神任他们守外邦体制下的律法，即不良的律法。在惩罚他们的整个过程中，神为祂名的缘故不完全消灭他们。神已应许要借着以色列与她的弥赛亚祝福全世界，因此祂不能完全毁灭这国。

以色列未来的转变（32-44）。

虽然以色列要像列国一样拜偶像，但神为祂名的缘故绝不会容许他们那么做。神会在末世时拯救他们脱离这样的罪。那时候，神又会因他们拜像崇拜刑罚他们，使他们被驱逐到旷野去（何2:14-15；启12:14）。神要在那里展开祂复兴的工作。这段经文指的是末日的时候，因为第40节说所有以色列的全家（神在第38节除尽一切悖逆者后所剩的其余犹太人）都要得救（罗11:26）。

 

用经文祷告

神的名有赖于祂子民的命运和幸福。神待以色列的方式尽是公开的，叫列国都能见证。以色列本是神的器皿，叫万国晓得祂是耶和华——至今仍无改变。耶稣提醒祂的门徒说他们的祷告当与外邦人自私自利的求告有所不同（太6:5-15）。神子民的标志一直都是对神之名的神圣性和神国度之荣耀的关注。[1] 你要明白当你得救时，你自然成为了基督的代表。凡你所行所言的都有影响耶稣的名。我们要高举神的名，不让祂的名有亏损。

[1] Block, The Book of Ezekiel.


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