24 May 2016, Ezekiel 19 以西结书 19, Misplaced Trust in Wicked Rulers 信错邪恶领袖

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 19

Theme                      : Misplaced Trust in Wicked Rulers

 

Lament over Israel’s Leaders (1-9)

One of the reasons why the exiles did not want to repent because they trusted in their leaders to cast off the chain of Babylon and restore them to Israel. But the parable of the lioness and its lions tells them their trust in misplaced. The lioness is the nation of Israel. The young whelps represent two kings of Israel. These kings did evil in God’s sight so God removed them. The first whelp is Jehoahaz (vv.3–4), who was exiled to Egypt (2 Kings 23:33–34). The second whelp is Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, (vv.5–9; cf. 2 Kings 24:8–17). No kings can deliver them from the judgment of God, only repentance can deliver them.

Lament Over Zedekiah and Israel (10-14).

The vine represents Israel. It will be cast down to the ground. The east wind is Babylon (east of Israel) who will wither the vine. Then Israel will be planted (exiled) in a dry land (Babylon). The stem is Zedekiah who will be burned (killed). Israel will have no king, no scepter. The exiles are foolish to place their trust in wicked leaders instead of God, who is righteous and sovereign. History keeps telling them this truth. They need to learn history or perish.

 

Praying the Scripture

The presence of God’s chosen representative, the king, is no substitute for personal commitment to Him. The people of Judah, even the exiles, continued to look on the ruling members of the dynasty as sure signs of divine favor, a kind of good luck charm. So long as a Davidic king sat on the throne, God’s protection was sure. They failed to realize that none of the divine promises was automatic; all are contingent. Without the submission to the will of God, any claim to security with God is a delusion. Pray that you do not rely on any superstitious good luck charm to secure your peace and blessing with God. Blessing comes through a genuine relationship with God as your master.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书19

主题：信错邪恶领袖

 

为以色列首领作起哀歌（1-9）。

被掳之民不愿悔改的其中一个原因是他们相信自己的首领能将巴比伦的锁链劈开，叫他们归回以色列。然而，母狮子与她少壮狮子的比喻告诉他们他们信错人了。母狮子代表以色列国；少壮狮子则是以色列的两位国王。他们行耶和华眼中看为恶的事，所以神废除了他们。第一只少壮狮子是约哈斯（3-4节）；他被放逐至埃及（王下23:33-34）。第二只少壮狮子是约雅敬的儿子约雅斤（5-9节；参：王下24:8-17）。无君王能救他们脱离神的审判。唯有悔改能。

为西底家和以色列作起哀歌（10-14）。

葡萄树代表以色列；它将被拔出，摔在地上。东风代表巴比伦（以色列以东）；它将使葡萄树枯干。之后，以色列将栽于（放逐）旷野干旱无水之地（巴比伦）。枝干是西底家；它将被火烧灭（被杀）。以色列不再会有君王和掌权者的杖。被逐之民愚昧地信靠邪恶的首领，而不是公义并有主权的神。历史一再地告诉他们这个事实。他们需要从历史中吸取教训，否则灭亡。

 

用经文祷告

神所拣选之代表的存在，即君王，并不能取代我们对神的个人委身。犹大子民，甚至被掳的，继续仰望当代的执政君王做神恩待他们的标志，如幸运符似的。他们认为只要属大卫家族的君王还坐在王位上，神必然保护他们。他们无法看见神的应许都不是自动会应验的；它们是有条件性的。若不遵从神的旨意，渴望神的保护尽是妄想。祷告你不会依赖纯属迷信的幸运符希望能在神的面前得平安和祝福。祝福乃是借着你与神的真诚关系而来，认神作你的主。

 


23 May 2016, Ezekiel 18 以西结书 18, Disputing the Justice of God 争辩神的公平

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 18

Theme                      : Disputing the Justice of God

 

Proverb versus Principle (1-4)

The exiles would not repent because they think God is unjust. To them, God is punishing them for their ancestors’ sins. They are fatalistic and irresponsible. God rebukes their wrong thinking. Individuals are judged by God based on their own actions and attitudes, not based on their ancestors. This truth is also taught in Exodus 34:7. God is a righteous judge. Although the offspring bear the consequences of their ancestors’ sins (that’s why they are in exile), they do not bear the guilt of their ancestors’ sins. They can escape God’s judgement by submitting to His lordship and obeying God. Mankind is not trapped in fatalism. Fatalism is an excuse for reneging personal responsibility and for misjudging God’s righteous judgement. An incorrect view of the doctrine of election can also lead to fatalism.

Principle Illustrated (5-18).

This principle of individual responsibility is illustrated through a righteous father, an unrighteous son, and a righteous grandson. Every individual in every generation is accountable to God for his own attitudes and sins. This passage is not teaching salvation by works. Salvation in the OT occurs when one has faith in God as his master, not idols. True faith in God as king naturally results in obedience (Matt. 7:23). For the Jews, their faith is lived out according to the Mosaic Covenant, which as a whole does not apply to the church (Heb. 8:13). But Christians are under the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21), which overlaps with some laws in the Mosaic Covenant, but also has differences. Disobedience may indicate a false faith, which results in physical and spiritual death. Idol worship is a clear indication of spiritual death. A believer who disobeys will be disciplined by God, even to the point of physical death (1 Cor. 11:30).

Principle Explained (19-32).

God justifies His principle by saying He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, including sinners. Sinful mankind normally sees judgment as God’s delight. Nothing could be further from God’s desire, else He would not have sent his only Son to be judged on the cross for the sin of the whole world (1 John 2:1–2). God is love, but He also will never acquit the guilty (Nahum 1:3). A guilty person cannot acquit his present sin because of his past goodness. That would result in a chaotic justice system. One’s standing before God is based on the individual’s attitudes and actions in the present, not the past.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is ridiculous to argue with God about His righteousness since God is the very standard of righteousness. The fact that one can even have a sense of righteousness to use to argue against God tells us that God is righteous. For if God is not righteous, we would not even have a sense of righteousness to argue with God. A believer should never argue or doubt God’s righteousness in a prideful way, he can certainly try to understand God’s righteousness in a humble way if he does not understand. The ruler of the world will judge justly (Gen 18:25). All His way are righteous (Deut. 32:4). Pray that you will humbly understand God’s righteous judgment and agree with Him.
  1. Most people in the world think they will be saved if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. But God’s passing grade is not 51%, but 100%. Passing grade is not determined by students. 100% righteousness can only be given to us through our faith and union in Jesus, who gives us His complete righteousness. Thank God for your salvation every day. You are not worthy of it. Be humble.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书18

主题：争辩神的公平

 

俗语与道理（1-4）。

被掳之民不肯悔改，因为他们认为神不公平。在他们看来，神是因着他们列祖的罪惩罚他们。他们以为这就是宿命，不愿担当责任；神为此斥责他们。神要按个人的所作所为施行审判，不凭祖宗的义如此行。这个真理也在出埃及记34:7有所教导。神是公义的审判者。被掳之民虽然确实是在承担他们先辈之罪的后果（因此被放逐），却无需担当他们的愧疚。他们可以降服于神的主权并遵行祂的诫命，从而逃离神的审判。人无需被自认为存在的“宿命”困锁。那仅是推卸自身责任，扭曲神公义之审判的借口。对神拣选之教义的错误理解也能叫人相信宿命。

展现道理（5-18）。

神借着一个公义之父、不义之子和公义之孙阐述个人要担当罪责的道理。每一世代的每一个人都要为自己的所作所为向神交账。这段经文不是在教导我们人能因行为称义。旧约的圣徒是借着信靠神为他的主，弃绝偶像，从而得救的。真正信神是君王的人自然会遵行祂的话（太7:23）。对犹太人而言，他们是按摩西之约的律法行出他们的信心，但教会无需按此（来8:13），却都在基督的律法之下（林前9:21）。两者有相似之处，但也有所不同。悖逆或许是假信心的象征，其结果是肉体和灵性上的死。偶像崇拜则能清楚表明个人灵里的死亡。悖逆的信徒会被神管教，甚至面对肉体死亡（林前11:30）。

解释道理（19-32）。

神解释祂的道理时阐明了祂不喜悦任何人的死亡，包括罪人的。罪恶的人类普遍认为神喜悦施行审判，但这与神的心肠恰恰相反，否则祂是不会差遣祂的独生子钉十字架，代世人的罪受审判（约一2:1-2）。神是爱，但祂万不以有罪的为无罪（鸿1:3）。审判官是无法凭罪人过去所行之义宣判他无罪的，否则这将形成一个混乱的法律制度。人在神面前的地位是凭着他当前的行为和意念，而不是他的过去。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 与神争辩祂是否公义是荒谬的，因为神就是公义的标准。实际上，人之所能应用他的正义感与神理论便告诉我们神是公义的，因为若不是，我们就不会拥有这份正义感驱使我们与神理论。然而，信徒是不当以骄傲的心争辩或怀疑神是否公义；倘若他真不明白，他能抱着一颗虚心尝试理解神的公义。掌管世界万物的必然要凭公义施行审判（创18:25）。他所行的无不公平（申32:4）。祷告你会以谦卑之心明白神的公义审判并认同祂的作为。
  1. 世人多数认为只要善行超越恶行，他们便能得救。可是，神的及格标准不是51分，而是100分。在考试中能否及格不是由学生而定。完全的公义唯有借着我们在耶稣里的信心和联合才能享得，因为耶稣赐予我们祂的完全公义。要每日为你的救恩感谢神。你是不配的。要谦卑。

 


21 May 2016, Ezekiel 17 以西结书 17, The Riddle 谜语

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 17

Theme                      : The Riddle

 

Riddle (1-10)

After listening to the history of Jerusalem’s prostitution, there are exiles who think that they are being punished for the sins of their ancestors. This chapter tells these exiles that they are being punished because of the rebellion of Zedekiah against Babylon and for their own sinful idolatry. The riddle has two eagles. The first eagle is Babylon and is more glorious than the second eagle, Egypt. The vine is Israel.

Interpretation (11-21)

The historical background for this riddle is found in 2 Kings 24:6–20; 2 Chronicles 36:8–16, and Jeremiah 37; 52:1–7. Judah’s kings were fickle in failing to follow the prophets’ warnings and in yielding to the Babylonians, God’s instrument of discipline. On the contrary, the kings continued to seek security and aid from Egypt. When Judah rebelled, Babylon came and destroyed Judah.

Conclusion (22-24)

In the midst of judgment, God gives hope and reminds the exile that He will fulfill His promises through the Messiah. The sprig is referring to the Messiah who is from the house of David, represented by the cedar. He will be lifted high in Jerusalem and rule over the nations, represented by birds and trees (cf. Dan 4:17, 32, 34–37; Matt 13:31–32) would submit to the Messiah and his rule (v.24).

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. People’s responses to crises must accord with the causes, not merely the symptoms, of the crises. The Judean crisis had been precipitated by the perfidy of the people against Yahweh. Their attempt to procure aid from Egypt while ignoring their moral and spiritual decline represented the ultimate folly that only hastened Yahweh’s judgment. Like Zedekiah’s, human goals of liberation may be noble, but this does not sanctify the enterprise if the strategy evades the real issue.
  1. Yahweh remains sovereign over history. When his people experience calamity, his hand is in it. When foreign nations sweep down on them, they come as his agents. No nation has ever become so powerful that he cannot bring it down in a moment; and no people is so low that he cannot exalt it. By his providence he governs human affairs so that the schemes of the wicked are frustrated and his own objectives are ultimately achieved. He would raise up a scion from this plant, who would mount the throne of Israel and restore shalom not only to his own people but also to the world. He has spoken; He will perform.[1]
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书17

主题：谜语

 

谜语（1-10）。

听了耶路撒冷犯淫乱的历史后，有些被掳之民认为他们是因自己列祖的罪孽受到惩罚。这个篇章则告诉他们受罚的原因是因为西底家与巴比伦对抗；他们也要为自己的偶像崇拜之罪被罚。谜语中有两只鹰。第一只鹰是巴比伦；它比第二只鹰埃及来得更荣美。葡萄树则是以色列。

解释（11-21）。

这个谜语的历史背景就在列王纪下24:6-20；历代志上36:8-16与耶利米书37; 52:1-7也有所记载。犹大的列王是善变的，既不听从众先知的警告，又不愿意屈服于神之管教的器皿巴比伦。相反的，列王继续向埃及寻求保护和帮助。当犹大反抗时，巴比伦便前来消灭犹大。

总结（22-24）。

即便在审判中，神赐予盼望；祂提醒被掳之民祂会借着弥赛亚应验自己的应许。香柏树象征的是大卫之家，而香柏树梢指的便是从大卫之家而生的弥赛亚。祂将在耶路撒冷被高举，治理列国，而万国将服从弥赛亚和祂的管理（24节）——这由飞鸟和树木作象征（参：但4:17, 32, 34-37；太13:31-32）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 遇到灾祸时，人当反思其原因，而不是专注于灾祸所带给他们的后果。犹大所面对的灾祸则是因着他们悖逆耶和华。他们试着向埃及求助，却忽略了自己的道德与灵性之衰败，导致他们铸成大错，加速了耶和华的审判。如西底家一样，人对得着释放的目标虽是伟大的，但若其策略造成人避开真正的祸害根源，这对任何人都不利。
  1. 我们从历史中能看到神一直都是有主权的。当属祂的人遇到灾祸时，这是祂降下的；当异国侵占他们时，那都是祂也是祂所用的器皿。无一国如此强大，以致神不能瞬间消灭；无谷底至深，以致神无法将人从此处升高。借着神的护理，祂掌管人的所为，破坏恶人的诡计，叫祂自己的计划最终会成就。神会从这个植物中升起一个枝子，而祂最后会登上以色列的宝座，使平安终归回自己的子民及全世界的人。神已经开口了；祂必然应验这事。[1]

 

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.


20 May 2016, Ezekiel 16 以西结书 16, Jerusalem the Prostitute 淫妇耶路撒冷

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 16

Theme                      : Jerusalem the Prostitute

 

History of Jerusalem (1-52)
The chapter is about how Jerusalem (not Israel) became the capital city of Israel and gained glory because of God’s choice. It is designed to humble the pride of Jerusalem’s inhabitants and to reveal their gross idolatry against God. Jerusalem was originally an insignificant city in the land of Amorite and Hittite when Joshua conquered the land. But God later chose the city to be His everlasting throne, where the Messiah would rule the world (Psalm 132:13–17). She became renown during Solomon’s time. But then she trusted in her renown and beauty and became proud and started to worship idols. Her idolatry actually exceeded those of her neighbors. They were so filthy that they made their dirty neighbors look clean and righteous.
 
Future of Jerusalem (53-63).
Despite the unfaithfulness of Israel, God is faithful to His promise and He will make Israel faithful to Him in the future by giving the New Covenant to Israel and fulfill all His promises in the Mosaic Covenant. In the Mosaic covenant, in Leviticus 26:40–45, the Lord promised that, after his future and final judgment on Israel, he would remember the covenant that he had made with Abraham. In the Abrahamic covenant God promised to give the land of Canaan to Israel as an eternal possession (cf. Gen 17:7–8; Lev 26:42). This was an everlasting covenant, and God would graciously and lovingly remember to do what he had promised. The unfaithfulness of men does not alter the faithfulness of God (cf. 2 Tim 2:13).
 

Praying the Scripture
  1. The destitute condition of Jerusalem in the opening paragraph (vv. 1–5) is a figure not only of Israel in its infancy but of all humanity in its natural state. The dominant gene in the human family tree is its sinfulness. Even the person with the most noble and privileged cultural heritage, if left to his or her own resources, is utterly helpless and without hope. The sentence of death hangs over all from the outset (cf. Rom. 3:23).
  1. God is never capricious or arbitrary in his judgment of sin. Punishment is always appropriate for the offense; and to whomever much is given, of that person much will be required. Even so, the harshness of his response to human rebellion can be understood only against the backdrop of his grace. Having loved so deeply, he is certainly justified when he responds passionately to one who tramples underfoot his grace.[1]
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书16

主题：淫妇耶路撒冷

 

耶路撒冷的历史（1-52）。
这篇经文论述了耶路撒冷（不是以色列）如何因神的拣选成为以色列的首都，并得荣耀。这是为要使耶路撒冷骄傲的居民谦卑，揭示他们向神所犯的偶像崇拜之罪的严重性。当约书亚占领那片土地时，耶路撒冷原是亚摩利人和赫人土地中一个不起眼的城市。可是，神后来拣选这城作祂永恒的宝座，即弥赛亚管理世界的总部（诗132:13-17）。她在所罗门时代名声很旺。然而，她信靠自己的美貌和声望，变得骄傲，开始崇拜偶像。她在这项罪行中竟然比邻国的更大。他们十分污秽，以致肮脏邻舍显得洁净、公义了。
 
耶路撒冷的未来（53-63）。
尽管以色列不忠，神仍忠于祂的应许；祂要在未来使以色列对祂忠实，给予他们新约，并应许在摩西约定中所承诺的一切。在摩西之约里，即利未记26:40-45，神应许在日后向以色列施行最后的审判时，祂会记得祂与亚伯拉罕所立的约。在与亚伯拉罕的约定中，神应许要将迦南地给予以色列永远为业（参：创17:7-8；利26:42）。这是一个永恒的约，而神会恩待他们，怀慈爱之心纪念并履行他所应许的。人的不忠不会动摇神的信实（参：提后2:13）。
 
 
用经文祷告
  1. 耶路撒冷在篇章开头的贫寒状况（1-5节）不但是以色列国初期的写照，更是所有人类生来的状况。人类家谱中的显性基因是罪性。即便一人出生在最高贵、最有文化遗产的家族里，但若他只有自己作依靠，他是既无助又无盼望的。死亡的判决一开始就笼罩所有人（参：罗3:23）。
  1. 神审判罪行的标准绝不改变，也不会独断。惩罚与罪行一直都是相称的；因为多给谁，就向谁多取。即便如此，只有明白了神所赐的诸般恩典后，我们才能明白祂为何对人类的悖逆下如此之重的审判。神爱得很深，因此当人将祂的恩典踩在脚下时，祂必然会有强烈的反应。[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.


19 May 2016, Ezekiel 15 以西结书 15, The Parable of the Vine 葡萄树的比喻

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 15

Theme                      : The Parable of the Vine

 

This parable implies that the exiles had asked about God’s consistency. They understood that they were His chosen people, His choice vine (Gen 49:22; Ps 80; Isa 5:1–7; Jer 2:21; Hos 10:1). How could God destroy them? They had been through the fire of two invasions and deportations by the Babylonians, but each time they had endured and sprouted up again. They did not believe that God’s judgments would destroy Judah as Ezekiel had proclaimed. But God said Israel was useless and failed to be a blessing to the nations because of their idolatry so God will destroy them. God is just to judge individual’s idolatry and use the judgement as a purifying fire to cleanse Israel so that it will worship Him again. God exhorts the exiles to repent and be faithful to Him and not depend on their lineage for salvation.

 

Praying the Scripture

If someone has faith in God as his master and savior but does not obey God, then this faith is dead. Those who profess to be Christians but do not follow Christ are fake Christians and will be casted away by God like these unfaithful Jews. Do not be deceived, if you received Jesus as your master but do not obey Him, you do not belong to Him, but to satan. Be committed to God and pray that your faith will be strengthened so that your commitment do not weaver.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书15

主题：葡萄树的比喻

 

这个比喻暗示被掳之民曾经质疑神是否始终如一。他们明白自己是神的选民，是祂上等的葡萄树（创49:22；诗80；赛5:1-7；耶2:21；何10:1）。神怎么能消灭他们呢？他们经历了巴比伦两轮的攻击和放逐，但每一次都能承受得住，并再次兴起。他们不相信神的审判包括将犹大毁灭，如以西结所宣告的。可是，神说以色列是无用的，因着他们的偶像崇拜无法成为列国的祝福。神审判个人拜偶像的罪，并用其审判作洁净之火除尽以色列之罪，叫他们能再次敬拜祂的举动是公平的。神劝诫被掳之民要悔改，对祂忠心，不要将拯救的信心投在他们的血统上。


用经文祷告

倘若有人信神作他的主人和拯救者却不听从神的话，他的信心是死的。凡承认自己是基督徒却不跟从基督的都是假信徒，并在未来被神丢弃，命运如同这些不忠实的犹太人。不要自欺；你若接受耶稣为你的主却不服从于祂，你是不属于神的，而是撒旦。你要委身于神，并祷告你的信心会坚固，叫你的委身能坚定。


18 May 2016, Ezekiel 14 以西结书 14, Each is Responsible for Idolatry 每人要为自己拜偶像之罪负责

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 14

Theme                      : Each is Responsible for Idolatry

 

Idolatry of Elders, People and Prophets (1-11)

God does not just judge the idolatry of those in Judah, but He will also judge the idolatry of those in exile. God will judge each person in every generation according to his own heart and actions, not according to his ancestors’ heart and actions (Ex. 34:6-7). Whoever commits idolatry and turns away from God’s kingship, whether they be elders, false prophets or those inquirer of false prophets, God will judge them. The people in the exile need to repent too since they are also idolatrous and stubborn. They should not just point fingers at those in Judah. They have no excuse.

God’s Glory (4-28).

The exiles did not want to repent because they thought they could find someone who is righteous and intercedes for them to avert punishment from God (Ps 106:23). But God states clearly that their idolatry is so serious that no righteous person can avert His judgement. Righteous people could only save their own physical lives by their righteousness because they have no idolatry for God to condemn. The exiles cannot continue to sin and rely on others to intercede for them, they must repent or die. Also when the exiles see the sins of those in Jerusalem, they will agree with God that His judgement is just and these wicked Jews deserved punishment.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. An individual’s eternal destiny can only be determined by his own faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, it cannot be determined by the prayers of a righteous person. However, an individual’s temporal physical wellness can be helped by the prayer of a righteous individual (James 5:16). The Bible does not teach that an individual’s soul can be saved eternally through the merits of other saints. Roman Catholicism’s doctrine of treasury of merit contradicts the Bible and is heretical. Pray that you will not have the attitude of these sinful Jews who wanted to continue to worship idols and rely others to get them out of jail. Take God’s warnings seriously and repent from idolatry.
  1. One reason why some people have a hard time understanding God’s severe judgment on sinners is because they do not fully see and understand the ugliness of the sins that sinners commit. If you have a hard time understanding and agreeing with God’s severe judgement on sinners, then you must understand and see the severity of their sins as described in the Bible. God is just and He does not judge without a cause. Trust God’s judgment instead of your own view of someone whom God knows more than you.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书14

主题：每人要为自己拜偶像之罪负责

 

众长老、子民和先知的偶像崇拜之罪（1-11）。

神不但要审判在犹大拜偶像的人，还要审判崇拜偶像的被掳之民。神要按每一世代之人的心与行为作审判，而不是按他列祖的行为而定（出34:6-7）。凡拜偶像并不认神作王的，不论他们是长老、假先知还是询问假先知的，神都会对他们施行审判。被掳的也需要悔改，因为他们也有淫乱、固执的心。他们不应该只把矛头指向犹大；他们是没有借口的。

神的荣耀（4-28）。

被掳之民不想悔改，因为他们以为自己能找到一个可为他们向神代求以逃离惩罚的义人（诗106:23）。然而，神清楚表明他们偶像崇拜之罪甚大，以致无义人能幸免祂的审判。义人只能因自己的义救他肉体的性命，因为神不能指责他们犯偶像崇拜的罪。被掳之民不能继续犯罪并依赖别人为他们代求；他们必须悔改，否则会死。再者，当被掳之民见到耶路撒冷人的罪行时，他们会认同神的审判是公平的，而这群邪恶的犹太人确实应该受到惩罚。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 个人的永恒命运取决于他是否信靠耶稣为自己的救主；这不能靠义人的代祷而定。可是，个人暂存的肉体健康能够靠义人的祷告有所好转（各5:16）。圣经并没有教导人的灵魂能借其他圣徒的功德得到永恒的救赎。天主教的教义，即人有“功德仓库”之说法，是与圣经冲突的，属异教。祷告你不会有这些罪恶犹太人的心态，即继续拜偶像，并依靠他人脱离惩罚。我们要认真对待神的警告，从偶像崇拜中悔改。
  1. 人很难接受神对罪人施行如此严厉审判的其中一个原因是他们无法完全看到或明白罪人所犯之罪的丑陋性。你若难以接受与认同神对罪人的严厉审判，你就必须明白并看到圣经是如何叙述他们的罪的严重性。神是公平的，不会平白无故审判他人。要信靠神的判断而不是你个人对某人的看法，因为神知道的比你多。

17 May 2016, Ezekiel 13 以西结书 13, Answering False Prophecies 回应假预言

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 13

Theme                      : Answering False Prophecies

 

Judgment on False Prophets (1-16)

One of the reasons why the exiles continue to disobey God is because of false prophets are proclaiming a message of peace when there is no peace. They help people plaster and whitewash their walls and houses, meaning encourage them to continue to enjoy life and live as before without repentance. Their materialism fosters a sense of false security. They are like jackals among ruins because jackals do not mind ruins for they build dens among ruins. God allows false prophets in order to test their hearts (Deut. 13:3). God warns His people not to listen to them and also threatens to judge these false prophets.

Judgment on False Prophetesses (17-23).

The prophetesses also prophesy from their own spirit, not God’s. Divination was forbidden in the Mosaic Covenant (Lev 19:26), but was common in pagan culture. It is like voodoo, backed by demonic powers. These prophetesses also practice deceit in order to hurt the righteous by enticing them to sin, just like Satan entices people to sin. But if believers resist the devil, we will be delivered by the trap of the devil (James 4:7). Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil and then he left Jesus. Satan has no power to control believers for their master is Jesus, not satan. Satan can only harass us, not possess us or control us. Jesus has disarmed satan and rescued us from his control (Col. 1:13, 2:15).
 

Praying the Scripture

It is a very, very serious sin to prophesy falsely using the name of God. Those in the charismatic movement who claim God speaks prophecies to them directly and yet do not come true or are against the Bible, they will be severely punished by God and thrown into hell like these false Jewish prophets and prophetesses (Rev. 22:18-19). Beware of false prophets and stay far away from them less you suffer the same judgment. Warn others to flee from false prophets.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书13

主题：回应假预言

 

对假先知的审判（1-16）。

被掳之民持续悖逆神的其中一个原因是假先知在无平安的时代宣告平安的信息。他们帮助人用未泡透的灰抹上他们的墙和屋子，意思是继续鼓励他们享受生活，向以前一样过日子，无需悔改。他们的财富为他们制造了一种虚假的安全感。他们如荒场中的狐狸，因为狐狸不介意在荒场里建洞穴。神允许假先知的存在，好试验他们的心（申13:3）。神告诫祂的子民不要听从他们，也警告祂会审判这些假先知。

对假女先知的审判（17-23）。

女先知也由自己的灵说预言，不是由神的灵而出。占扑在摩西律法中是被禁止的（利19:26），但这在外邦文化里很普遍。它如巫术，是由邪灵掌控的。这些女先知也欺骗他人，引诱人犯罪，如撒旦引诱人犯罪一样，为要加害义人。然而，信徒若抵挡魔鬼，就能脱离魔鬼的网罗（各4:7）。耶稣抵挡了魔鬼的试探，魔鬼便离祂而去。撒旦没有权利控制信徒，因为他们的主是耶稣，不是撒旦。撒旦可以骚扰我们，不是占有或控制我们。耶稣已掳了撒旦，并救我们脱离牠的掌控（西1:13, 2:15）。

用经文祷告

妄用神的名说假预言是一个非常、非常严重的罪。在灵恩派宣称神会向他们直接启示预言的人，但其预言没得应验或是抵挡圣经的，将受到神极为严重的惩罚，像假犹太先知和女先知一样被抛入地狱（启22:18-19）。要提防假先知，远避他们，否则你将受到同样的审判。要告诫他人逃离假先知。

16 May 2016, Ezekiel 12 以西结书 12, Answering False Hope 对假盼望的回应

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 12

Theme                      : Answering False Hope

 

Exile Dramatized (1-16)

Chapters 12-19 deal with the stubbornness of exiles who conjured many reasons for not being faithful to God. The exiles had not grasped the serious consequences of Ezekiel’s warnings. They still hoped for an early return to Israel, for they viewed the continued preservation of Jerusalem and Judah as signs of hope. After all, Jerusalem was the eternal city. They refused to obey God who told them to settle down and multiply while in exile (Jer. 29:4-23). God wanted them to prepare for a difficult life in exile but they refused to their own hurt. When Ezekiel dramatized his exile to represent the soon exile of those in Jerusalem, his audience would understood because they had all experienced being exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem.

Exile Occurs Soon (17-28).

The exiles did not believe God’s word because God has been warning them for hundreds of years and the complete destruction of Jerusalem had not happened, so what Ezekiel said cannot be true. All the false prophets who prophesied about the safety of Jerusalem must be true. Others believed in God’s prophecy but thought it would not happen in their lifetime (v. 27). So God rebuked their foolish thinking and told them that He will fulfilled His prophecy soon and they will see it in their lifetime. About 5 years after this prophecy Jerusalem was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. People would not learn God’s character and warnings during a time of blessing, so tragically they will learn them during a time of judgment. God’s serious about His righteousness and judgment.


Praying the Scripture

God is patient. Sadly sinful people misinterpret His patience to mean He is bluffing or not real. The same mindset exists when it comes to the return of Jesus who will judge the world with purifying fire and then setup His messianic kingdom on earth (2 Peter 3:4). People think Jesus has not come back for thousands of years so He must not be coming back. Such foolish mindset traps people in their sins. Pray that you will not be trapped in your sins by such foolish rationalization. Repent and exhort others to repent also. May you always be ready for the return of Jesus and not be in shame (1 John 2:28).
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书12

主题：对假盼望的回应

 

将放逐戏剧化（1-16）。

第12至19章经文论述的是被掳之民的固执；他们想出了很多可以对神不忠的借口。他们还未真正明白以西结警告中的严重后果。他们仍希望以色列能早日归回，因为他们视耶路撒冷和犹大的持续保守为盼望的迹象。毕竟，耶路撒冷是那永恒的城。他们拒绝听从神的话，也就是被掳时要安居此地，生育儿女（耶29:4-23）。神要他们为放逐的艰难日子做好准备，但他们拒绝这么做，结果受伤的是自己。当以西结将自己被掳的情景演出来时，观看的人必然会明白这一切，因为他们都有从耶路撒冷放逐至巴比伦的经历。

他们即将被掳（17-28）。

被掳之民不信神的话，因为神数百年来一直在警告他们，但耶路撒冷仍未完全被毁。因此，预言耶路撒冷会安全的假先知必然是真的。还有人虽然相信神的预言，却不认为他们会亲眼见到这事（27节），所以神斥责了他们愚昧的思想，告诉他们祂即将应验自己的预言，而他们必亲眼见到这事。约五年后，预言应验了——耶路撒冷在公元前586年完全被毁。以色列人民在神降福的日子里并没有理解神的品性与警戒，因此可悲的，他们将在审判的日子里学会这个功课。神十分认真看待祂的公义和审判。

用经文祷告

神有忍耐。可惜的是，罪人曲解了这份忍耐，以为神在说谎，或根本不属实。当耶稣再来，用洁净之火审判世界并在地上建立祂的弥赛亚国度时（彼后3:4），世人同样也有这个想法。人们会认为耶稣数千年来都还没归回，因此祂必然不会回来。这种愚昧的思想将人困绑在自己的罪行中。祷告你不会因这如此愚昧的想法困在自己的罪孽中。要祷告，并同时劝戒他人悔改。愿你时刻都为耶稣的再来做好准备，不至羞愧（约一2:28）。


14 May 2016, Ezekiel 11 以西结书 11, Pot of Stew and Gospel 锅中肉与福音

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 11

Theme                      : Pot of Stew and Gospel

 

Pot of Stew (1-13)

The 25 men are the real leaders of Israel since king Zedekiah fears them (Jer. 38). They are evil and constantly hinder God’s warning to His people. God told them He would exile the people, but they told the people the walls of Jerusalem are strong, which is liken to a cauldron, so they are safe like precious meat in this cauldron; therefore they should continue to build houses and enjoy life. But God says the only people who are safe, spiritually, are the righteous whom these wicked leaders had slain (Is. 57:1). God will slay these rulers with the sword at the border of Israel where they are judged by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 39:6). As a true prophet of God, Ezekiel intercedes for the salvation of sinners. He did not gloat over their death.

The Gospel (14-25).

God answers Ezekiel’s prayer by prophesying that one day Israel will be fully restored. One day, God will give them a new heart so that they will love Him and no longer worship idols. This is the New Covenant that God speaks of in Jeremiah 31:34 and Ezekiel 36:24-32. The beginning of this fulfillment is the death and resurrection of Jesus who has inaugurated this covenant (Luke 22:20). Israel’s acceptance of this covenant will be in the end times (Zech. 12:10). In other places of the OT, especially through Jeremiah, God also promises to return the exile from Babylon in the near future. God is faithful to the nation, but individuals will be judged according to their allegiance to God. Individuals who worship idols will be in hell, while those who worship God will be in His kingdom, His paradise.

 

Praying the Scripture
 
God knows the thought of our hearts. Those who do not worship Him will be judged. No human tradition, status or even the presence of a wooden cross can save people. Only a faith that submits to the lordship of God and His salvation in Jesus can one be saved. All other ways of salvation engineered by human wisdom and religions are sinking sand. Pray that you will only trust in God’s grace in Jesus as your master and deliverer to save you, not your good works, status or religious affiliation. Pray you will help others to understand this too.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书11

主题：锅中肉与福音

 

锅中肉（1-13）。

这二十五个人是以色列真实的首领，因为西底家王也怕他们（耶38）。他们是邪恶的，持续抵挡神予祂子民的警告。神告诉他们祂将驱逐以色列民，可他们却说耶路撒冷的城墙坚固如锅，所以他们像锅里珍贵的肉一样安全；因此，他们当继续建造房屋，享受生活。然而，神说灵性安全的人实际上是这些邪恶首领所杀的（赛57:1）。神要在以色列边界用刀杀了这些首领，即尼布甲尼撒审判他们的时候（耶39:6）。身为神的真先知，以西结为罪人的救恩代求。他并没有幸灾乐祸。

福音（14-25）。

神回应了以西结的祷告，预言以色列日后将全然复兴。那日，神会给予他们一颗新造的心，叫他们能爱祂，不再崇拜偶像。这就是神在耶利米书31:34与以西结书36:24-32中所论的新约。耶稣的死与复活便是这应许之应验的开端；耶稣是创立新约的那一位（路22:20）。以色列将在末日时接受这约（撒12:10）。在旧约的其他经文里，尤其耶利米书，神也应许被掳之民要在不久的将来从巴比伦归回以色列。神对这一国是信实的，但个人也要为他们对神的忠诚度受审判。凡拜偶像的将下地狱，但敬拜真神的将在祂的国度，即祂的乐园中。

 

用经文祷告

神晓得我们心中的意念。凡不敬拜祂的将受到审判。无人类传统、名分或甚至是木十架的存在能拯救人。唯有降服与神主权，信靠耶稣基督救恩的信心才能使人得救。其余由人类智慧和信仰所创的得救方式都是沙土。祷告你唯独会信靠神借着耶稣所施予的恩典，叫祂作你的主，你的拯救者，而不是依赖你的善行、地位或对宗教的关联使你得救。祷告你也会帮助他人明白这件事。


13 May 2016, Ezekiel 10 以西结书 10, Glory of God Departs 神的荣耀离去

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 10

Theme                      : Glory of God Departs

 

God instructed the man clothed in linen to take fire coals from the center of the cherubim throne-chariot (cf. ch. 1) and to pour them out in judgment on the city to purify it. Coals of fire were often symbolic of cleansing in the OT (cf. Isa 6). God’s judgement is a purifying judgement that cleanses His land from idols. God’s glory is described by the vision of cherubim forming a throne-chariot for God’s throne. This is to depict God’s supreme authority over the universe, even over powerful angelic beings (cf. 1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chronicles 13:6; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Pss 18:10; 80:1; 99:1). God’s glory progressively departs inner temple, then to the gate of the temple and eventually leaves the city (11:23). Deuteronomy 31:17 and Hosea 9:12 had declared that this departure would occur if the people strayed from God’s ways. In 1 Samuel 4 a similar example of the departure of God’s glory at a time of judgment was memorialized by the name of Eli’s grandson “Ichabod” (v.21), which means “inglorious.” Once again, in Ezekiel’s day God wrote “Ichabod” over Jerusalem and Judah [1]
 
[1] Alexander, R. H. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.
 
Praying the Scripture
 
The true Israel is recognizable not by external marks such as circumcision (Rom. 2:27–29), the possession of the Law (Jer. 8:8), or presence in the holy land near the temple (Ezek. 11:14–22), but by a willing obedience to the covenant Lord. True spirituality is not expressed by claiming the promises of God or parroting theological dogma. Those who lay the greatest stock in these externals may be those whom God rejects. For the true believer the claim to covenant relationship with God is matched by genuine piety and compassion for others, especially those who have been marginalized  [2]
 
[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书10

主题：神的荣耀离去

 

神吩咐那穿细麻衣的人从基路伯中间将火炭取满两手（参：第一章），撒在城上以作审判，洁净这城。火炭在旧约中常常象征着洁净（参：赛6）。神的审判是洁净的审判；祂要从祂的土地中除尽偶像。神的荣耀在这里被形容似基路伯头上仿佛宝座的形象。这象征神对宇宙，甚至对有大能之天使的掌权（参：撒上4:4；撒下6:2；王下19:15；代上13:6, 28:18；诗18:10, 80:1, 99:11）。神的荣耀逐渐从内院离去，至殿的门槛，然后离开这城（11:23）。申命记31:17与何西阿书9:12已宣告若以色列民离开神的道，神的荣耀将离去。在撒母耳记上4中，神的荣耀在审判之日的离开是由以利之孙以迦博之名象征的，其意思是“不光彩的”。神在以西结的年代再一次在耶路撒冷和犹大写上“以迦博”。[1]

 

用经文祷告

属实的以色列人并不需要外在标志作证，如割礼（罗2:27-29），手握律法书（耶8:8），或持续守在圣殿附近的圣地（结11:14-22），乃要乐意顺服约定中的主。真正的属灵人不会到处说要得取神的应许，或者仅仅重述神学教条。凡只依赖这种外在表现的人或许就是神所拒绝的。对于真实信徒而言，倘若他与神确实有神约定中的关系，他对神会有真实的敬虔，也对他人有怜悯，特别是被社会排挤的人。[2]

 

[1] Alexander, R. H. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.

 

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »