12 May 2016, Ezekiel 9 以西结书 9, God’s Response to Idolatry 神对偶像崇拜的回应

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 9

Theme                      : God’s Response to Idolatry

 

Because of Jerusalem’s idolatry, God will execute his death warrant on them, beginning with those who are in the temple. These have the most responsibilities so also they are the most culpable. But those who do not worship idols will be protected by God. Many of these God worshippers will listen to Jeremiah and surrender to the Babylonians and be saved physically. But those idolaters will get what they deserved. God will bring their deeds upon their heads.

 
Praying the Scripture
 
Idolatry is bad and it is even worse when people worship idols in the house of God. Can you imagine Christians bowing down to physical idols at church? It would be a horrendous sin. That’s what the Jews were doing and God is determined to punishment them for their idolatry. Idolatry is ugly. Idolatry does not mean worshipping physical images, it also means worshipping idols in our hearts (Col. 3:5). Pray that you will keep yourself away from idols.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书9

主题：神对偶像崇拜的回应

 

因为耶路撒冷拜偶像，神会将他们赶尽杀绝，从殿中的人开始。这些人的责任最大，所以罪责亦最大。然而，不拜偶像的人则要受到神的保护。这些敬拜真神的人会听从耶利米的话降服于巴比伦，从而免受一死。可是，拜偶像的将得到他们所应得的。神要照他们所行的报应在他们头上。

 

用经文祷告

拜偶像是不好的，但在神的殿中崇拜偶像更糟。你能否想象基督徒在教会里向有形的偶像屈膝敬拜吗？那将是滔天大罪。那正是犹太人所行的，因此神定意要惩罚他们的淫乱之行。崇拜偶像的行为是丑陋的。偶像崇拜并不只是拜那有形的物体，还包括我们心里所隐藏的偶像（西3:5）。祷告你会自守，远避偶像。

11 May 2016, Ezekiel 8 以西结书 8, Idol Worship in the Temple 圣殿中的偶像崇拜

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 8

Theme                      : Idol Worship in the Temple

 

Image of Jealousy (1-6)

The vision began in vv.1–6 with Ezekiel seeing the same manifestation of God’s glory that he had seen on the river Kebar in chapters 1–3. The same appearance of a likeness of a man appears in chapter 1 and 8. This is Jesus. There is huge contrast between the splendid glory of God and the dark perversion of idol worship. The idol in God’s temple is not specifically identified. Israel’s idolatry will get progressively worse.

Elders Worshipping Idols (7-13).

The elders are leaders of the nation along with the king. The leader of the group is Jaazaniah. They privately worship idols of animals and other disgusting things. They rationalize their idolatry by thinking God is not omnipresent and omniscient, and by thinking God is not faithful and does not care about the nation anymore. Their sinfulness misinterprets everything that God does.

Women Worship Tammuz (14-15).

Tammuz is a god of fertility and rain. The women worship this god of materialism in the temple, which will inevitably cause their husbands to worship materialism too since the husbands are passive and want to please their wives instead of God (cf. Jer. 44:19).

Sun Worship (16-18). Idolatry gets worse as depicted in this passage. There are people who worship the sun in the inner court of God’s temple. They are essentially giving God the finger in His face. It is a very offensive and disgusting. The whole society was engrossed in idolatry. God will surely judge them for their gross rebellion. His patience and pity will end.

 

Praying the Scripture
 
Leaders are key to any country or organization. The evil elders of Israel led to the downfall of the nation. For Christians, God constantly warns us not to follow false teachers or else we will suffer bad consequences. Those who want to itch their ears and listen to heretical teachers and prosperity gospel preachers will end up in hell like these Jewish idol worshippers. Pray that you do not follow heretic teachers and warn others of heretical teachers.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书8

主题：圣殿中的偶像崇拜

 

惹忌邪的偶像（1-6）。

这异象从1-6节开始；以西结在这儿所见的神之光辉与他在第一至第三章中，在迦巴鲁河所见的一样。这仿佛人（或火）的形状也在第一章与第八章经文出现。神荣耀之光辉与偶像崇拜的黑暗区别甚大。神并没有明确指出殿中的偶像是什么。以色列的偶像崇拜只会日益猖狂。

众长老崇拜偶像（7-13）。

长老们与君王都是以色列国的领袖。这群长老的首领是雅撒尼亚。他们私底下崇拜动物及其他可憎的偶像。他们将自己的恶行合理化，心想神并非无所不在、无所不知的，也误以为神不信实，已不在乎这个国家了。他们的罪性曲解了神所做的一切。

妇女崇拜搭模斯（14-15）。

搭模斯是负责生育与降雨的神明。妇女在殿中崇拜物质之神的举动，必然也会造成她们的丈夫崇拜物质享受，因为他们是被动的，想讨之喜悦的对象是他们的妻子，不是神（参：耶44:19）。

拜日头（16-18）。偶像崇拜在这篇经文中逐步恶化。有人竟然在耶和华殿的内院崇拜太阳。他们实际上是在挖苦、羞辱神。这是极度令人讨厌和作呕的行为。整个社会都沉迷与偶像崇拜中。神必然会因他们公然的悖逆施行审判。神的忍耐和怜悯将止息。

 

用经文祷告

首领是任何国家或组织的核心人物。以色列邪恶的长老们造成了这个国家的衰败。对基督徒而言，神也不断地告诫我们不要跟从假教师，否则我们将承受惨痛的后果。若有人的耳朵发痒，只想听从异端教导和致富福音教师们的话，他们将像这群拜偶像的犹太人一样，沦落地狱。祷告你不会跟从异端教师，并告诫他人不要那么做。


10 May 2016, Ezekiel 7 以西结书 7, Knowledge of God’s Righteousness 对神之公义的认识

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 7

Theme                      : Knowledge of God’s Righteousness

 

God had patiently warned the idolatrous Jews to repent. However, they sinfully took God’s patience to mean He is not serious about His words or He does not exist. So they continue to worship idols, break His laws by committing violence and lust over material things. When God punishes them, they will know that God is serious about His righteousness and they will know God exists. None of their idols and money can deliver them.
 
Praying the Scripture
 
When God is patient with your sins, you should not take His patience to mean He is not serious about His righteousness. God is serious about His righteousness. So seriously that it requires the life of the sinner. But He is equally serious about His love. So serious that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your lack of righteousness. May you be thankful for God’s patience and love; don’t let His patience make you complacent. Strive hard every day to have faith in Jesus as your Savior and to put to death your sins by your faithful dependence in Jesus and His truth (Rom. 8:13).
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书7

主题：对神之公义的认识

 

神已耐心地劝诫淫乱的犹太人要悔改。然而，他们罪恶之心不把神的忍耐看在眼里，还误以为神的话不必当真，或甚至怀疑祂的存在。因此，他们继续拜偶像，因行暴力和贪婪之事触犯了神的律法。当神惩罚他们时，他们要知道神是认真看待祂的公义的，也要知道神确实存在。他们的偶像与钱财是不能救他们脱离这场祸哉的。

 

用经文祷告

当神对你的罪行心存忍耐时，你不当认为这就是祂不认真看待自己公义的表现。神十分重视祂的公义，以致要讨人的性命满足自己。然而，祂的爱也是真挚的，以致祂差遣自己的儿子耶稣代我们死，叫罪人因祂能完全公义。你要因神的耐心和爱心感恩，而不是变得自满。每日都要致力信靠耶稣为你的救主，并因着对耶稣与祂真理的依赖致死你的罪（罗8:13）。


9 May 2016, Ezekiel 6 以西结书 6, Destruction of Idols and Idol Worshippers 偶像与拜偶像者的毁灭

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 6

Theme                      : Destruction of Idols and Idol Worshippers

 

Ezekiel prophesies against the mountains of Israel because that is the primary place for idol worship. Even though God punished them for their evils, at the same time His was sad over their idolatry (cf. Gen. 6:6). The tender heart of God and His punishment against sin are designed to lead them to repentance. God is loving and holy. Christians ought to be holy and tender hearted like God.

Praying the Scripture
 
One way God causes people to repent is to punish them and make their sinful lives difficult (Prov. 13:15). God’s punishment is not designed only to cause fear, but it is also designed to cause the sinner to loathe his sins and agree with God’s righteousness standard (v. 9). If you only fear God’s punishment and never loathe your sins, then you have not truly repented. That is worldly sorrow that lead to death (2 Cor 7:10). Pray that you will not only fear God’s punishment, but also see your sins as ugly, disgusting and turn away from them. See that true beauty, joy and love is in God’s righteousness.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书6

主题：偶像与拜偶像者的毁灭

以西结向以色列的众山说预言，因为那是偶像敬拜的主要场所。虽然神要因他们的恶惩罚他们，但祂同时也为他们的罪行忧伤（参：创6:6）。神温柔的心与祂对罪的惩罚都是要叫以色列人悔改。神是慈爱、圣洁的神。基督徒也当像神一样圣洁，并有温柔的心。
 

用经文祷告

神使人悔改的其中一个方式就是施与惩罚，叫他们罪恶的道路崎岖难行（箴13:15）。神的惩罚不但要使我们的心产生惧怕，也要使罪人痛恨自己的罪，并认同神公义的标准（9节）。你若只怕神的惩罚却不痛恨自己的罪，这证明你还未真正悔改；这仅是领人步入死亡的世俗忧愁（林后7:10）。祷告你不但会害怕神的惩罚，还要看到自己的罪行是丑陋、令人厌恶的，并回转归神。我们要看到真实的美善、喜乐与爱是在神的公义里的。

 

7 May 2016, Ezekiel 5 以西结书 5, The Certainty of a Destroyed Jerusalem 耶路撒冷被毁的肯定

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 5

Theme                      : The Certainty of a Destroyed Jerusalem

 

Shaving the head and beard was a pagan ritual for the dead (27:31; cf. Isa 22:12; Jer 16:16; Amos 8:10), which the law forbade (Deut 14:1), and a sign of humiliation and disgrace (7:18; cf. 2 Sam 10:4). If an Israelite priest shaved his head, he was defiled and no longer holy to the Lord (Lev 21:5). Ezekiel defiled and humiliated himself as a symbol of the humiliation of the people of Judah who were defiled and no longer holy to the Lord. Nothing was left to do but to mourn their death as a nation. Ezekiel’s hair symbolized the inhabitants of Jerusalem. One-third of them would be burned when Jerusalem would be burned after the siege (v.2a; 2 Kings 25:9). Part of these people would have already died through famine and distress during the siege (v.12a). The second third of the inhabitants would die by the sword when Jerusalem fell (vv.2b, 12b; 2 Kings 25:18–21a; 2 Chronicles 36:17). The final third would be scattered to the wind in exile (vv.2c, 12c; 2 Kings 25:11, 21b). A portion from this last group would be judged by fire (which affected all Israel) as they left Jerusalem (v.4), while some would die by the sword in captivity (v.2d). Out of this final third, the Lord would deliver a remnant of Jerusalem’s citizens, as depicted by Ezekiel’s placing a few hairs from this group securely into the hem of his garment (v.3).

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

 

Praying the Scripture

God is a jealous God in the sense that He demands complete allegiance to Him. This is not egoistic. Since God created humankind and are their Father, it is righteous and good to give a great God our highest loyalty and praise, just as it is right and good for children to love and honor their wonderful parents. It would be ugly and disgraceful for children to reject their parents and give their filial piety to others. The Jews sinned greatly by worshipping idols and committing horrific sins such as children sacrifice, cultic prostitution and violence. God’s judgement on them is righteous and just. Agree with God’s righteous judgement and warn sinners of God’s punishment against their idolatry, but do it with respect and gentleness (1 Pet. 3:15).

经文：以西结书5

主题：耶路撒冷被毁的肯定

 

剃头发和胡须是外邦人为离世之人所举行的仪式（27:31；参：赛22:12；耶16:16；司8:10），是犹太律法中所禁止的（申14:1）；这也是蒙受羞辱迹象（7:18；参：撒下10:4）。倘若一个以色列祭司剃了头发，他便是污秽的，不再是为主分别为圣的（利21:5）。以西结玷污了自己，使自己蒙羞，为要象征蒙受羞愧的犹大子民——他们已被玷污，不再为主分别为圣。他们如今什么都做不了，唯有举国哀号自己的死亡。以西结的头发象征耶路撒冷的居民。其中三分之一将在耶路撒冷围困后被焚烧时烧死（2节上；王下25:9）；其中一部分人早已在耶路撒冷被困时所经历的饥荒和苦难死去（12节上）。另外三分之一的居民将在耶路撒冷沦陷后死在刀下（2, 12节中；王下25:18-21上；代下36:17）。最后的三分之一将任风吹散，被放逐（2, 12节下；王下25:11, 21下），而其中一部分人则要在离开耶路撒冷时面临火的审判（4节；这火影响全以色列）；有些则将在被掳时死在刀下（2节）。神要在这最后一组人里面救一部分余民；这就是以西结从其中取几根头发包在衣襟里所象征的（3节）。

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

 

用经文祷告

神是一位忌邪的神——祂要我们对祂完全忠诚。这不是自大的表现。神既然创造了人类，祂就是人类的天父，所以我们理当向这位伟大的神给予我们最大的忠诚和赞美，就如孩子当爱与孝敬他们出色的父母一样。倘若孩子拒绝他们的父母，反倒孝敬别人，这是丑陋与可耻的行为。犹太人因拜偶像犯下重大的罪，还继而将自己的儿女焚烧归偶像，行邪教卖淫和暴力的可憎之罪。神对他们的审判是公义、公平的。我们要认同神公义的审判，并告诫罪人神必要惩罚他们拜偶像的罪，可同时以温柔、敬畏的心如此行（彼前3:15）。

 


6 May 2016, Ezekiel 4 以西结书 4, Dramatizing the Siege of Jerusalem 将耶路撒冷的围困戏剧化

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 4

Theme                      : Dramatizing the Siege of Jerusalem

 

Chapters 4–24 combine a series of oral messages and symbolic acts designed to warn the people of Judah that judgment was coming. It is also designed to warn the exiles to listen to God and submit to His lordship. God wants to rid Israel of idolatry and turn them back to His kingship. Ezekiel begins his role as watchman in this chapter by warning the Jews of the coming fall of Jerusalem. His message is preached through symbolic acts. First through a model that depicts the siege of Jerusalem and then through lying on his side. He did not literally lie on his sides the whole day since other texts mentioned he sat with elders and perform other symbolic acts. He only lied down for most of the day. During his bed confinement, he also eats and drinks by measurement to symbolize the scarcity of food and water in Jerusalem during the siege. All the punishment that God is giving to Israel is clearly stated in the Mosaic Covenant in Deut. 28.

 

Praying the Scripture

Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The essence of sin is breaking the first and most important law in the Bible, which is the first Commandment: to not worship idols in your heart (Ex. 20:3), but to love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might (Deut. 6:5). The Jews sinned in many shocking ways, but the root of their sins is the sin of idolatry. Pray for God to strengthen your faith in God as your king and the greatest treasure or portion in your life (Ps. 16:5-11).

经文：以西结书4

主题：将耶路撒冷的围困戏剧化

 

第四至二十四章包含了一系列的口述信息以及象征性的举动，其目的是要警戒犹大有关即将到来的审判。这也是为了劝告被掳之民要听从神并降服于祂做主。神要除尽以色列的偶像，叫他们归回自己的主权。以西结从此刻开始作以色列的守望者，而首件事就是告诫犹太人有关耶路撒冷不久后的沦陷。他的信息是借着象征性的举动传达的。首先，他造了一个象征耶路撒冷被困的模型，然后侧卧。他并不是一整天都侧卧着，因为其他经文也有提到他与众长老同坐，并行了其他象征性的举动。他只是大部分时候是侧卧着的。在这段期间，他也必须按分量吃喝；这象征了耶路撒冷被困时饮食的缺乏。神向以色列所实行的一切惩罚已在申命记28的摩西之约中清楚列下了。


用经文祷告

违背律法就是罪（约一3:4）。罪的本质就是违背圣经里首要的诫命，即第一条诫命：内心不可敬拜偶像（出20:3），乃要尽心、尽性、尽力爱耶和华你的神（申6:5）。犹太人确实行了不同骇人听闻的罪，但其根源是拜偶像之罪。要向神祷告，求祂坚固你的信心，叫神能永远作你的王以及生命中最大的宝藏或产业（诗16:5-11）。


5 May 2016, Ezekiel 2-3 以西结书 2-3, The Commissioning of Ezekiel 以西结的呼召

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 2-3

Theme                      : The Commissioning of Ezekiel

 

Commissioning of Ezekiel (2:1-3:15)

At the start of Ezekiel’s commissioning, God tells him in detail his task. He is to go to his own people in exile, who are spiritually stubborn, rebellious and feisty. His message will not be God loves you and you can do whatever you want. His message is God loves you and He is also holy, if you don’t repent He will judge you but if you return to Him, He will forgive you. This job will be a very tough job, but there is sweetness to the job, as symbolized by the sweet taste of the scroll, because God is amazingly pure, gracious, and despite His judgment on the rebellious, God will continue to be faithful to His promise to restore Israel in the future no matter what the current generation of Jews will do. Because the job is so tough, Ezekiel actually was bitter and did not want the job. So God sat him among his people for seven days in order to discipline him and for him to wrestle with his feelings.

Ezekiel as Watchman (3:16-27).

Ezekiel’s prophetic role is liken to a watchman who warns a city of coming invasion or danger. If the watchman does not warn people of danger, he is liable for their death. Ezekiel is to warn the people to be faithful to the Mosaic Covenant. It is not specified whether death is spiritual or physical or both. In any case, if one truly has faith in God as his master, then he is secure spiritually, but if he sins he will incur God’s discipline, even physical death (1 Cor 11:30). Interestingly, God did not allow Ezekiel to preach regularly, but confined Ezekiel to his house for about 7 years until the fall of Jerusalem (33:21–22). He was also bounded with cords by his compatriots. Ezekiel only preached when God told him. Most of the time, people came to him to hear God’s word (8:1; 14:1–4; 20:1). This strange setup is most likely a way to deal with this rebellious people. Also, seven years of silence most likely corresponds to Ezekiel’s 7 days of rebellion against God (cf. 4:4-8).

 

Praying the Scripture

Sometimes, it may seem like God’s work is strange. This is because we do not understand the circumstance as well as God. Drastic times calls for drastic measures. The Jews were extremely rebellious and apathetic toward God. God used Ezekiel in an unusual way in order to get their attention. In all times, pray that you will trust the wisdom of God and be marveled by His counsel. Even if God’s wisdom were to be foolish it is still wiser than any human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:25).

经文：以西结书2-3

主题：以西结的呼召

 

以西结的呼召（2:1-3:15）。

以西结一开始被召，神就详述了他的任务。他要到自己被掳之民那里去，而他们本是一群属灵顽固、悖逆与反叛之民。他要传达的信息并非神爱你，你可以为所欲为。他要传的信息是神爱你，但祂也是圣洁的；你若不悔改，祂会审判你，但你若愿意回转归神，祂会饶恕你。这个任务非常艰巨，但其中也有甘甜，如书卷的甜蜜所象征的，因为神的恩典与纯洁是超乎人的想象的；神虽然会审判悖逆的人，但祂仍会坚守承诺，日后复兴以色列。无论现今的犹太人会做什么，祂仍会如此。由于任务确实非常艰巨，以西结心里产生了苦毒，不想接这份工作。因此，神为了管教以西结并让他胜过内心的挣扎，神要他在他的子民中间坐七日。

以西结是守望者（3:16-17）。

以西结作先知好比城有了守望者，警戒人民即将降临的危险或攻击。守望者若不警戒人有关眼前的危险，他就得为他们的死亡负责。以西结当劝诫以色列民遵守摩西律法。经文并没说明这个死亡是灵性上的，肉体上的，还是两者都是。无论如何，倘若人真的信靠神为他的主，他的灵命就有了保障，但是他若犯罪，他仍会受到神的管教，甚至因此而死（林前11:30）。有趣的是，神并不允许以西结常常传道，乃将他限制在自己家中七年，直到耶路撒冷的沦陷（33:21-22）。他是被同胞用绳索捆绑的。以西结唯有受到神吩咐时才传道；多数时候，人们主动到他那里想听神的话（8:1; 14:1-4; 20:1）。这种不寻常的做法很有可能是一种对待悖逆之人的方式。再者，七年的沉默也大有可能与以西结和神七天的对抗有关。

 

用经文祷告

有的时候，神的做法看似奇怪。这是因为我们不比神了解状况。非一般的时刻需要非一般的手段。犹太人极度悖逆神，对神非常冷漠，因此神以非一般的方式用以西结，好引起他们的注意。我们要祷告无论何时都信靠神的智慧并敬服神的教导。就算神的智慧是愚拙的，它总比人的智慧大（林前1:25）。


4 May 2016, Ezekiel 1 以西结书 1, The Vision of God’s Glory 神荣耀的异象

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 1

Theme                      : The Vision of God’s Glory

 

Background: Ezekiel and his wife (who is mentioned in 24:15–27) were among 10,000 Jews taken captive to Babylon in 597 B.C. (2 Kin. 24:11–18), before the final captivity and fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. They lived in Tel-Abib (3:15) on the bank of the Chebar River, probably SE of Babylon. Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest (1:3). His ministry extended over at least twenty-three years. He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah and Daniel, whom he names in 14:14, 20; 28:3. Ezekiel spoke mainly about God’s holiness and Judah’s sinfulness; and God’s pledge to fulfill His promise to restore Israel and to usher in the millennial kingdom and temple. Chapters 1-24 is a message of gloom and doom for Israel, which contradicts the exiles’ hope that Jerusalem would be delivered. Chapters 25-48 is a message of hope and restoration for Israel.

Ezekiel’s Calling (1-3)

Chapters 1-3 is mainly about Ezekiel’s commissioning as a prophet by divine calling and as a priest by birth. He was called by God when he was thirty years old to minister to the exiles in Babylon.

God’s Glory (4-28).

Ezekiel’s mission will be very difficult because of the stubbornness of the Jews. So God starts his ministry by reminding him of His glorious power and authority over the universe in order to strengthen him. The vision of four living creatures is mostly likely mighty angels called cherubim (10:15, 20). The mighty cherubim are pictured to carry the throne of God (cf. 2 Samuel 22:11). The one who seats on the throne is no other than Jesus, who is described as in the likeness of a human appearance (cf. Dan. 7:13-14). Other elements such as fire, stormy wind, gleaming metal, emphasize God’s judgment on sin because He is a holy, pure God. Ezekiel was so awestruck by the vision of God’s glory that He fell on his face. It is this awe, this fear that will help him to fulfill his mission.

 

Praying the Scripture

When you are afraid and are discouraged to obey God’s command to evangelize the lost, what you need is a good dosage of God’s awesome, glorious authority over the universe and His judgment on sin. This is why before giving the Great Commission to the disciples, Jesus first reminded the disciples that all authority in the universe has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18-20). A great sense of people’s need for forgiveness from sin will also help you to overcome your fear. If fear is preventing from witnessing, then pray that God will fill your heart with a firm foundation of His glorious authority and purity.

经文：以西结书1

主题：神荣耀的异象

 

背景：以西结和他的妻子（24:15-27有提到）是公元前597年被掳去巴比伦的一万个犹太人之一（王下24:11-18），即耶路撒冷在公元前586年最终的沦陷之前。他们在迦巴鲁河边的提勒亚比居住（3:15）；这或许属巴比伦的东南部。以西结是先知，也是祭司（1:3）。祂的事工至少有23年之久。他与耶利米和但以理属同时代的人，而他也在14:14. 20；28:3提及他们。以西结讲述的主要是神的圣洁和犹大的罪恶；以及神要应验自己应许的承诺，日后复兴以色列，并招进千禧国度和圣殿。第1至24章经文论道以色列即将面临的黑暗和灾祸；这与被逐之民对耶路撒冷将得解救的希望是冲突的。第25至48章经文的信息则是关乎以色列未来的盼望与复兴。

以西结的呼召（1-3）。

第1至3章经文主要与以西结的呼召有关：他有神的呼召作先知，也生来就是祭司。他在30岁时被神呼召服事被逐到巴比伦的以色列人。

神的荣耀（4-28）。

由于犹太人倔强顽固，以西结的任务将因此变得很艰难。为此，神一开始就向以西结彰显自己主宰宇宙万物的荣耀大能和权柄，叫他能刚强起来。四活物的异象很有可能是拥有大能的天使基路伯（10:15, 20）。这些强大的基路伯还曾承载神的宝座（撒下22:11），而坐在宝座上的就是耶稣；祂被形容拥有人的形象（参：但7:13-14）。其他元素，如火、狂风和光耀的金精都强调了神对罪的审判，因为祂是圣洁、纯正的神。以西结对神荣耀的异象感到如此惊艳，他俯伏在地。他所叹为观止的——这份敬畏，能助他完成任务。
 

用经文祷告

当你感到害怕，对于听从主命，向失丧之人传福音感到气馁时，你需要重新看到神对宇宙万物之权柄的伟大、荣耀，以及神对我们罪孽的审判。这就是为何耶稣在给予门徒大使命之前，祂先提醒门徒天上地下所有的权柄都赐给祂了（太28:18-20）。警觉到人对罪之饶恕的莫大需要能助你胜过你的恐惧。倘若你的恐惧制止了你为神作见证，要祷告神荣耀的权柄和纯洁能充满你的心。


3 May 2016, Lamentation 5 耶利米哀歌 5, Prayer of Restoration 求复兴的祷告

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Lamentation |

Scripture Reading  : Lamentation 5

Theme                      : Prayer of Restoration

 

Jeremiah recounts the misery of Israel and prays for its restoration based on God’s character and promises. Children must bear the consequences of the sins of their ancestors, but not their ancestors’ guilt (Eze. 18:20). There is no such thing as a “generational curse,” that says later generations are cursed by previous generations’ sins. God is righteous and gracious. Whoever does not repent, God will judge, whoever repents He will forgive, independent of their ancestors’ sins. This is His glorious character as stated in Exodus 34:6-7 (third, fourth generation in this passage is not literal but symbolically means every or all generations (cf. Amos 1:3-2:6), which parallels the word  thousands in the same passage). None of us is left hopelessly by our ancestors’ sins. Whoever returns to God through Jesus can be freed from their sins. Jeremiah is exhorting the exiles to repent and not feel hopeless or accuse God of injustice and complain about it (Eze. 18:2). The prophet Daniel took God’s counsel and pray in such way in Daniel 9:1-19.


Praying the Scripture

When you sin, do not blame it on other people or the environment. This is not to say that other people or the environment have no bearing on you, but the primary responsibility of your sin is in you, not outside of you; it is in your heart, not outside of your heart. To blame it on others alone is to neglect your responsibility to own your sins. God’s grace is powerful enough to overcome the effect of previous generation of sins. All of God’s children can break the bad habits and sins of previous generations. God even uses your background to mold you into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). Take responsibility for your sins and come to the Lord for forgiveness and purification.

经文：耶利米哀歌5

主题：求复兴的祷告

 

耶利米回顾以色列的遭遇，并按神的品性与应许求神复兴以色列。儿女必须承担他们列祖犯罪的后果，但无需承受他们的愧疚（结18:20）。因此，所谓的“世代诅咒”是不存在的，即后代因先辈的罪孽受诅咒。神是公义的，且满有恩典。无论先辈有罪与否，凡不愿悔改的，神会审判；凡悔改的，神会饶恕。这是神在出埃及记34:6-7所彰显的荣耀品性（这节经文的“三四代”并不是指具体的数字，而是象征每一个或所有的世代（参：司1:3-2:6）；这与文中的“千万人”是并行的）。无人会因自己先辈的罪孽变得彻底绝望。凡借着耶稣归回神的可以从罪中得着释放。耶利米是在劝诫被逐之民要悔改，不要感到绝望，或认为神不公平而发怨言（结18:2）。


用经文祷告

当你犯罪时，不要归咎于他人或环境。这并不代表你不会受到他人或环境的影响，但犯罪的主要原因是内在因素而非外在因素；其关键是你的心，不是你内心以外的东西。你若只归罪于他人，就是疏忽你对自己犯罪的责任。神恩典之大能足以遮盖前世人犯罪的后果。凡属神的孩子都能戒除坏习惯以及前世的罪孽。神甚至能使用你的背景塑造你更像基督（罗8:28-29）。你要为自己的罪负责，并来到主前求饶恕，得洁净。


2 May 2016, Lamentation 4 耶利米哀歌 4, Great Suffering 莫大苦楚

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Lamentation |

Scripture Reading  : Lamentation 4

Theme                      : Great Suffering

 

In this chapter, Jeremiah again reminds the exiles the sins of Israel and their suffering in order to emphasize the need to repent and seek God’s grace as stated in chapter 3. God again reiterates His promises to bring them back from exile (v. 22) and to punish Israel’s enemies who gloated over her destruction. Such reminder of judgment and promise of restoration is designed to cause the exiles to return to God. The prophet Daniel took God’s counsel and pray in such way in Daniel 9:1-19.


Praying the Scripture

The Jews did learn to some degree not to worship idols after God’s punishment. After the Jews returned from exile, they never again worshipped explicitly idols made by the hands of man. However, they did continue to worship idols in their hearts. The lesson of the fall of Jerusalem is to tell us that every person’s ultimate salvation from the sin of idolatry is in the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34). The New Covenant was inaugurated by Jesus’ death and resurrection; and the power of the Spirit of the New Covenant was initiated by Jesus’ ascension (John 16:7). All who put their faith in Jesus will instantly receive a new life from the Spirit and given new power to overcome their sin of idolatry (Gal. 5:16). Praise God that He has provided your only hope of salvation from sin of idolatry and God’s wrath. Salvation is found in nothing else. Only God can give you a new heart to worship Him and find everlasting joy in Him. Pray that you will rely on the Spirit to put to death the deeds of your old self.

经文：耶利米哀歌4

主题：莫大苦楚

 

在这个篇章中，耶利米再次提醒被逐之民有关以色列的罪以及他们的苦难，为的是强调第三章中的信息：他们需要悔改并寻求神的恩典。神重申了祂的应许：祂必带他们回到以色列去（22节），且要惩罚以色列幸灾乐祸的敌人。神提醒他们此审判和复兴之应许的目的是要叫被逐之民归回神。先知但以理便按神的教训祷告了（参：但9:1-19）。


用经文祷告

犹太人受到了神的惩罚后在某程度上确实学到他们不可敬拜别神。犹太人被放逐回去后，他们再也没有明目张胆地敬拜人手所造之物。然而，他们心里仍然在拜偶像。耶路撒冷的沦陷所带来的教训是让人晓得脱离偶像敬拜之罪的最终救赎是在新约中（耶31:31-34）。新约的开拓是借着耶稣的死与复活而来；新约圣灵的大能则是由耶稣升天后开始彰显（约16:7）。凡信靠耶稣的即刻从圣灵得着新生命，并有全新的能力胜过偶像敬拜之罪（加5:16）。当赞美神，因为祂为你提供了脱离偶像与神震怒的唯一希望。唯有神能赐你一颗新造的心敬拜祂，并在祂里面得着永恒的喜乐。祷告你会靠着圣灵治死老我的行为。


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