30 Apr 2016, Lamentation 3 耶利米哀歌 3, Lament and Hope 哀号和盼望

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Lamentation |

Scripture Reading  : Lamentation 3

Theme                      : Lament and Hope

 

This lament by Jeremiah is written for the sake of all the survivors from the fall of Jerusalem. He models a biblical way of dealing with suffering and pain in a broken world. The prophet does not pretend his pains and feelings are not there. He does not suppress them by ignoring them. Instead, he deals with his suffering and pain by honestly and humbly bringing them before God, not ignoring God or hating Him. In his honest and humble lament to God, God graciously opens his heart to remember His character and promises (vv. 21-45). It is his faith in God’s character and promises that produces hope and endurance in him. His sorrows are held in check by his hope. God also reveals his sins and his need for forgiveness and humility. Such humility and forgiveness is the antidote to complaint, entitlement, and pride (v. 39).


Praying the Scripture

When you suffer, God encourages you to be honest with Him and lay your feelings before Him. This is common in the Psalms. Such lament is not a weapon designed to manipulate God into getting what you want like pagans who inflict pain on themselves in order to receive their gods’ favor (1 Kgs 18:28). It is also not a catharsis session designed to purge your emotions through pure psychological means. Such lament is designed to bring you, as a sufferer, before the Lord of the universe and to start to depend on Him humbly and forsake the idols that you had trusted to save you and give you pleasure. Suffering is designed to bring us to God who alone can fix your brokenness and pain. Such lament is designed to lead you to reflect on the character and promises of God whose natural disposition is to forgive and restore, not to punishment (v. 22-24, 33). It is also designed to move you to examine yourself and to agree with God’s righteous judgment on your sins and idolatry (v. 39). Lastly, such lament is designed to produce hope that comes from your faith in God’s character and promises. Endurance builds character and hope (Rom. 5:4). Hope builds a longing for God (Gal. 5:5), who is our portion, our treasure (v. 24). If you think you are waiting long enough, keep waiting, for God knows how long you need to wait for. This is how you ought to live as an exile in this broken world (1 Pet. 2:11).

经文：耶利米哀歌3

主题：哀号和盼望

 

耶利米是为耶路撒冷沦陷后的生还者写下这首哀歌的。他让我们晓得如何在这破碎的世界里承受苦难和痛楚。这位先知并没有假装他毫无感觉，没有痛楚。他也没有无视自己的情感，从而抑制自己的感受。反之，他坦然面对自己的苦楚和伤痛，虚心将这一切带到神面前，而不是无视神或憎恨祂。在他向神坦诚与谦卑的哀号中，神恩待他，让他想起神的品性与应许（21-45节）。耶利米的信心是扎根在神的品性与应许上的，所以他仍有盼望与忍耐。他的盼望比忧伤更大。神也揭示了他的罪，以及他当谦卑与蒙饶恕的需要。这种谦卑与饶恕是怨言、权益和骄傲的良药（39节）。


用经文祷告

当你受苦的时候，神鼓励你向祂坦诚一切，将自己的感受摆在祂面前。这在诗篇中是很普遍的。这种哀号并不是摆弄神的武器，叫神帮你圆梦；这与外邦人尝试夺得他们偶像之喜悦而自割自刺（王上18:28）是不同的。这也不是一个宣泄的时间，藉着纯属心理学的方式发泄你的情绪。这种哀号是要将身为受苦之人的你带到宇宙万物的主宰面前，叫你开始虚心依靠祂，舍弃你曾信赖能救你并给予你福分的偶像。苦难是要领我们归向神，因为唯有神能医治你的忧患和痛楚。这种哀号是要领你反思神的品性与应许，而神乐意饶恕，使罪人复兴，不愿施行惩罚（22-24，33节）。它也要领你察验自己，叫你认同神对你拜偶像与其他罪行有公义的审判。最后，这样的哀号是要叫你因着信靠神的品性与应许得着盼望。忍耐生老练和盼望（罗5:4）。盼望叫我们渴望神（加5:5），而祂是我们的份，我们的宝藏（24节）。你若认为自己已经等了很久，乃要继续等候仰望神，因为神晓得你还要等待多久。这就是你在这破碎世界中如何以旅客的身份生活（彼前2:11）。


29 Apr 2016, Lamentation 2 耶利米哀歌 2, God’s Anger with His People 神对其子民的愤怒

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Lamentation |

Scripture Reading  : Lamentation 2

Theme                      : God’s Anger with His People

 

God had warned the sinful people of Israel to turn away from their idolatry and other filthy sins, but they would not repent. Instead of listening to God’s corrections through His true prophets, they listened to false prophets who tickled their ears and fanned the flame of their sinful passions (v. 14). Therefore, God brings down His righteous justice on them. Even in such harsh judgement, Jeremiah exhorts the suffering remnant to cry out to God for mercy (v.19) and hope for grace from God.


Praying the Scripture

When God’s punishment falls on your sins, the wrong response is to ignore God or to double down on your self-righteous pride, entitlement or anger. If you do that you will continue to be God’s enemy. The right response is to humble yourself, agree with God’s righteous judgment and cry out to God for mercy for He is a God of mercy and His primary delight is to forgive and restore. Pray that this would be your response to God’s punishment.

经文：耶利米哀歌2

主题：神对其子民的愤怒

 

神已经告诫以色列子民要弃绝拜偶像与其他污秽的罪孽，但他们就是不肯悔改。他们不按神借着自己属实先知的劝告改邪归正，只听从挠他们耳朵，又煽动他们罪恶私欲的假先知（14节）。因此，神向他们降下公义的审判。即便在如此严酷的刑罚中，耶利米劝诫受苦的余民向神求告怜悯（19节），盼望神赐下恩典。


用经文祷告

当神对你的罪行施行惩罚时，万不得无视祂，或心中燃起自义的骄傲、愤怒，好像自己配得什么似的。你若那么做，就将继续成为神的敌人。我们要谦卑自己，认同神公义的审判，并求告神怜悯我们，因为祂是满有怜悯的神，并十分乐意饶恕与复兴罪人。祷告在你面临神的惩罚时，这就是你的回应。


28 Apr 2016, Lamentation 1 耶利米哀歌 1, The Desolation and Misery of Jerusalem 耶路撒冷的荒凉与忧患

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Lamentation |

Scripture Reading  : Lamentation 1

Theme                      : The Desolation and Misery of Jerusalem

 

The book of Lamentations is made up of five poems expressing grief over the fall of Jerusalem. The book teaches the remnant how to live in pain while in exile, which is also applicable to NT saints who are also in exile, away from the New Heavens and New Earth (cf. 1 Pet. 2:11). Both mourning over suffering and confession of sin are displayed in this book. What holds the two together and gives hope to individuals is the great faithfulness and compassion of God, which is “new every morning.”

Misery of Jerusalem (1-23).

This chapter is a dialogue between the prophet Jeremiah and Jerusalem. The description of the brokenness of Israel is designed to move the remnant to plead God for mercy and to return to God’s lordship. Because Israel failed to obey God, the result was brokenness in numerous ways both to the nation and to individuals. Israel is broken by the betrayal of her “lovers” and “friends,” which are nations and their idols that the Jews trusted for pleasure and salvation. Jeremiah encourages the exiles to agree with God’s judgement on Israel’s sin (v.18) and to return to God.


Praying the Scripture

The world is full of brokenness: broken relationships, crimes, misery, addictions, suffering and death. They are the symptoms of our rebellion against God and His design for us. However, these symptoms are designed to help us to see that we need to return to God through Jesus. If humans try to amend their brokenness with their own ways, nothing will be solved permanently. Only through Jesus can problems be solved at its root. Pray that you will have wisdom to bring the gospel to people who are in their brokenness and help them to see clearly that the solution to their brokenness is only by worshipping the God of peace, righteous and love; and by the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus.

经文：耶利米哀歌1

主题：耶路撒冷的荒凉与忧患

 

耶利米哀歌是由五首诗歌组成的；诗歌内容都是叙述耶路撒冷沦陷后的忧患。这本书教导被逐的余民如何在哀痛中生活，而新约圣徒也能从中受益，因为我们也是客旅和寄居的，未回到新天新地的家园（参：彼前2:11）。这本书同时体现了因受苦的哀恸以及对罪的痛悔；支撑这两者的是神极大的信实和慈爱，且“每早晨这都是新的”。这亦是各人的盼望所在。

耶路撒冷的忧患（1-23）。

这章经文是耶利米先知和耶路撒冷之间的对话。它描绘了以色列的破碎，而其目的是要打动余民转向神求饶，重新归神，认祂为主。由于以色列不愿顺从神，其后果是对以色列国及个人多方的破碎与忧患。以色列是因被她“一切所亲爱的”与“朋友”出卖而忧伤；他们就是犹太人所信靠能救以色列并给予她快乐的国家和偶像。耶利米鼓励这群被放逐之民要认同神对以色列之罪的审判（18节），转而归神。

 

用经文祷告

这个世界是破碎的；人与人的关系破碎，还有罪行、痛苦、毒瘾、患难和死亡。这都是我们悖逆神与祂对我们的规划的种种迹象。然而，这些迹象也有助于我们看到自己需要藉着耶稣归向神的需要。倘若人类试着用自己的方式治疗创伤和痛苦，万事就无法得到永恒的解决。问题唯有藉着耶稣才得以根治。祷告你能有智慧将福音带到哀恸痛悔的人群中，叫他们能清楚看见其哀恸的唯一解决方案是敬拜那位平安、公义和慈爱的神，并借着耶稣，罪得赦免。


27 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 52 耶利米书 52, The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted 复述耶路撒冷的沦陷

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 52

Theme                      : The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted

 

God’s Word Fulfilled (1-30).

This chapter briefly recounts the fall of Jerusalem and the reason for its fall. In this chapter, God vindicates His true prophet: Jeremiah. The false prophets and evil priests incited people to disbelieve God and to disobey Him. In the end, they suffered for their disbelief and rebellion. God ultimately brought about His righteous justice, which He had warned the Jews repeatedly through Jeremiah.

God’s Faithfulness Remembered (31-34).

However, in the midst of God’s righteous judgement, He had not forgotten His promise to the Messianic line of David. Miraculously, God preserved the line. He even caused the Babylonian king to treat Jehoiachin well. The destruction of Jerusalem is not the end of the story, nor is it the end of God’s faithfulness to His promises.

 

Praying the Scripture

All of God’s words are true. The whole Bible testifies to God’s truthfulness. Those who do not believe in God’s word will inevitably suffer. May you continue to have faith in God’s word: both His warnings and promises. Humans tend to disbelieve God and do things their own ways. Such independent attitude will inevitably cause us to deviate from God’s intended design and brokenness will inevitably follow. Pray that you will have faith in God’s word and take the gospel to this broken world.

经文：耶利米书52

主题：复述耶路撒冷的沦陷

 

神的话应验了（1-30）。

本章简要地叙述了耶路撒冷的沦陷与其中的原因。在这篇章中，神为祂的真先知耶利米辩护。假先知与邪恶的祭司煽动百姓不相信与不顺服神。最终，他们因自己的不信与叛逆受苦。神最终施行了祂公义的审判，也就是祂曾藉耶利米多方警告犹太人的。

神的信实被记念（31-34）。

然而，当神施行公义的审判时，祂并没忘记自己曾对大卫家弥赛亚一族的应许。神奇迹般地保留了这家族，甚至使巴比伦王善待约雅斤。耶路撒冷的毁灭并非故事的结局，也不终断神对祂的履行应许之承诺。

 

用经文祷告

神的一切话都是真实的。整本圣经印证了祂的真实性。凡不信神言语的必然受苦。愿你继续信靠神的话，无论是警戒或应许。世人多不愿相信神，喜欢我行我素。如此独断的态度必使我们偏离神原本的计划，叫破碎与哀痛随之而至。祷告你会对神的话有信心，并将福音带入这破碎的世代中。


26 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 51 耶利米书 51, Destruction of Babylon 巴比伦的毁灭

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 51

Theme                      : Destruction of Babylon

 

Destruction of Babylon.

Many of the details in this prophecy about the destruction of Babylon do not match the conquest of Babylon by the Persian-Medo empire in 539 B.C. So this prophecy is referring most likely to end times destruction of Babylon. Any relation with the Babylon of Revelation 17 and 18 is difficult to establish. The conquest of Babylon by the Persian-Medo empire in 539 B.C. is just a foreshadow of a greater destruction of Babylon in the end times. The prophecy in chapter 51 repeatedly states that the destruction of Babylon will be by a country north of Babylon. The Persian-Medo empire was mostly east of Babylon, not north.

 

Praying the Scripture

The restoration of Israel and the destruction of God’s enemies are all hinged on the Messiah who will restore Israel spiritually and destroy the world’s evil, anti-God system. Although there are numerous judgments on sin and evil in this section, the outcome of such judgment is the restoration of the world through the Messiah. May you look forward to the righteous reign of Jesus when He comes to bring righteousness to the world. May you also warn evil doers of God’s justifying judgment on them if they do not repent and turn to God through Jesus.

经文：耶利米书51

主题：巴比伦的毁灭

 

巴比伦的毁灭。

这个预言论述了巴比伦的毁灭，但许多细节与波斯玛代帝国在公元前539年侵占巴比伦时并不吻合。因此，这个预言最有可能指的是末后时期巴比伦的毁灭。此事很难与启示录17与18章的事件有任何联系。波斯玛代帝国于公元前539年对巴比伦的侵占仅是巴比伦于末后时期将遭更大毁灭之预兆。第51章的预言重复说明巴比伦将由她以北的其中一国毁灭。波斯玛代帝国大部分的领土则是位于巴比伦以东，而非北部。

 

用经文祷告

以色列的复兴与神仇敌的毁灭实际上都取决于弥赛亚，因为祂将使以色列得属灵复兴，也要毁灭世界邪恶、敌神的体系。虽然本章对罪与邪恶下了诸多审判，但审判的最终目的是叫世界藉着弥赛亚得复兴。愿你会期待主耶稣为世界的公义再度降临世间的时候，即祂以公义治理世界的时候。对那既不肯悔改，又不愿藉着主耶稣转向神的恶人，唯愿你警戒他们神公义的审判。


25 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 50 耶利米书 50, Judgement on Babylon 论巴比伦的审判

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 50

Theme                      : Judgement on Babylon

 

Judgement on Babylon. Babylon is located in current day Iraq. This prophecy of judgement on Babylon is not about the defeat of Babylon by Persia. It is about God’s judgement of Babylon in the end times. There are many reasons to suggest this. One, v. 5 says Israel with never forget God again. This will only happen in the Messianic times. Two, v. 39 says Babylon will not be inhabited. This will only occur in the end times, which is similar to the prophecy in Is. 13:20 (ESV). This prophecy states no Arabs will dwell in Babylon after end times judgement. This is obviously not referring to Persia’s conquest of Babylon, which at the time did not even have many Arabs until the Islam caliphate conquered Iraq in the 7th  century AD. Three, Babylon was not violently overthrown by Persia, so this prophecy is about end times judgement on the current territory of Iraq.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgment it is important to understand that God must judge evil since one of His glorious characters is righteousness. To not judge sin and evil is to belittle His own glorious character and make Himself look cheap. God constantly warns people but when they do not listen, His patience will end one day and then judgment must come. This is righteous of God. You must agree with God’s judgment and at the same time take no pleasure in the death and suffering of the wicked. This is how God views His judgment on sinners, and that is how you should view it too.

经文：耶利米书50

主题：论巴比伦的审判

 

论巴比伦的审判。巴比伦位于现今的伊拉克。这段论巴比伦的审判预言并不在乎巴比伦被波斯攻克，而是关于神在末日对巴比伦的审判。有许多原因暗示了这一点。第一，第5节说以色列将绝不会再忘记神；这只会在弥赛亚国度时应验。第二，39节说巴比伦将无人居住；这也只会在末后的日子发生，与以赛亚书13:20的预言相似。这段预言讲述在末后的审判之后，没有阿拉伯人将居住于巴比伦。这显然不是指波斯对巴比伦的侵占；当代在此地的阿拉伯人不多，一直到伊斯兰教的哈里发于公元第7世纪侵占伊拉克，人数才逐渐增加。第三，波斯并没有使用暴力侵占巴比伦，因此这段预言是关于末后日子对现今伊拉克领域的审判。

 

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，我们必须明白神必须审判罪恶，因为祂荣耀的属性之一是公义；这一点很重要。若不对罪恶作出审判，神便是藐视了自己荣耀的属性，叫祂显得低贱。神持续地在警告百姓，但他们却不愿听从；神的忍耐终有一天要终止，然后审判必然降临。这是神的公义。你必须认同神的审判，但同时不以恶人的死亡与受苦为乐。这是神如何看待自己对罪人的审判，而你也应该如此。


23 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 49 耶利米书 49, Judgement on Other Nations 论列国的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 49

Theme                      : Judgement on Other Nations  

 

Judgement on Ammon (49:1-6).

The Ammonites were descended from Ben-Ammi, son of Lot (Gen 19:38). They conspired against Israel and trusted in their own strength and wealth, therefore God will judge her. However, God will also graciously restore them in the Messianic times just like Moab (v. 6).

Judgement on Edom (49:7-22).

The Edomites were descended from Esau, Jacob’s older brother. Edom’s sin was its pride manifested in its unrelenting and violent hatred of Israel and its rejoicing in her misfortunes (Obad 3, 10–14). There is no prophecy of future restoration for Edom.

Judgement on Damascus (49:23-27).

This is the kingdom of Syria. God also promises to destroy it through the Babylonians.

Judgement on Kedar and Hazor (49:28-33).

These cities were on the Arabian Desert. Even the desert will not provide safety for them from the coming Babylonian invasion. Kedar (v.28) was an Ishmaelite desert tribe (cf. Gen 25:13; Isa 21:13, 16; Ezek 27:21). These nomads, who were rich in livestock (vv.29, 32) and were good at archery (Isa 21:16–17).

Judgement on Elam (49:34-39). Elam was also not spared by the Babylonians. This kingdom is in modern day Iran. They were famous for their archery (Is 22:6). God promises restoration of Elam in the Messianic times.

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God’s judgement is never a revengeful judgement, it is always a justifying judgement based on righteousness. God is not a cosmic bully, but a cosmic righteous judge. His judgement is based on His glorious, righteous character (Ex. 34:6-7), it is never out of a natural disposition of hatred or revenge. Pray that when you execute justice it is never out of joy or revenge, but out of a sense of justice, also with a sense of pity. This may sound to be a strange combination of feelings, but if you have ever disciplined your children correctly, this is not strange at all.

经文：耶利米书49

主题：论列国的审判

 

论亚扪的审判（49:1-6）。

亚扪人为便亚米，罗得之子的后裔（创19:38）。他们密谋对抗以色列，并倚靠自己的力量与财富，因此招致神的审判。然而，如摩押一样，满有恩典的神将在弥赛亚国度使他们复兴（6节）。

论以东的审判（49:7-22）。

以东人为以扫，雅各之兄的后裔。以东之罪在于骄傲，即对以色列的无情与强烈憎恨，并庆幸以色列受患难得以显出（俄3节，10-14节）。至于以东，神并没有予以任何有关未来复兴的预言。

论大马色的审判（48:23-27）。

这是叙利亚的王国。神也应许通过巴比伦人将其毁灭。

论基达与夏锁的审判（49:28-33）。

这些城市位于阿拉伯沙漠。然而，即使是沙漠也无法在巴比伦入侵时将他们保全。基达（28节）是以实玛利的一个沙漠民族（参照创25:13；赛21:13, 16；结27:21）。这些游牧民族拥有很多的牲畜（29节，32节），也善于射箭（赛21:16-17）。

论以拦的审判（49:34-39）。以拦也不能幸免巴比伦人的侵略。这王国是现今的伊朗，闻名的技术是射箭（赛22:6）。神应许在弥赛亚国度复兴以拦。

 

用经文祷告

当读到神诸多的审判时，切记神的审判绝不是基于报复，而是基于公义的审判。神不是一位巨大的土霸，却是一位广大无边的公义裁判。神的审判是按祂荣耀的、公义的品性而定（出34:6-7），绝不基于憎恨或报复。祷告当你施行公平时，绝不出于喜乐或报复之心，而是出于正义和怜悯。这或许听起来是一个奇怪的情感组合，但你若曾经以正确的方式管教你的孩子，这是不足为奇的。


22 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 47-48 耶利米书 47-48, Judgement on Philistines and Moab 对非利士与摩押的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 47-48

Theme                      : Judgement on Philistines and Moab

 

Judgement on Philistines (47:1-7).

Philistines lived on the western coast of Israel. They were perennial enemies of Israel. One of its major cities is Gaza. Even though the people of Philistines no longer exist today, but the current inhabitants of Gaza is still a perennial enemies of Israel.

Judgement on Moab (48:1-47). Moabites are descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. They were often against Israel. The most consistent sin that God highlights about Moab is their pride. Of all the sins in the world, pride is listed as one of the most hated sins by God (Prov. 6:16-17). Pride is the root sin of Moabites. It was also the root sin of Satan. But even for Moab, God promises restoration in the Messianic times, in the latter days (v. 47).

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God does not delight in punishing the wicked. He is a kind God who does not have a disposition of enjoying people being punished. Instead, He is a kind hearted God who desires all to repent (1 Tim. 2:4). This is why He wants Christians to pray for all unbelievers (1 Tim. 2:1-3), to preach the gospel to the whole world (Matt. 28:18-20), and to love all unbelievers (1 Pet. 2:12). His love for the lost and His feelings for them are genuine. But when they refuse to repent and turn away from evil after much patience by Him, then God must punish them out of justice, not out of a love for cruelty. The Bible often mentions God weeps while punishing the wicked (vv. 31-32, v. 36; Luke 19:41). As you interact with unbelievers and witness to them, pray that you will have the same heart of love and justice toward unbelievers.

经文：耶利米书47-48

主题：对非利士与摩押的审判

 

对非利士的审判（47:1-7）。

居住于以色列西海岸的非利士人，素来是以色列的敌人；迦萨则是其主要城市之一。即便非利士人如今不复存在，但现居迦萨的人民仍是与以色列为敌的。

对摩押的审判（48:1-47）。摩押人是亚伯拉罕之侄子罗得的后裔；他们常与以色列对抗。神强调摩押最显明的罪恶是她的骄傲自大。在众罪孽之中，骄傲被神列为可憎的罪恶之一（箴6:16-17）。骄傲是摩押人罪恶的根源，如同撒旦一样。即便如此，神应许她在弥赛亚的日子必得复兴（47节）。

 

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，切记神并不以惩罚恶人为乐。祂是良善的神，并不喜悦百姓受惩罚，而是愿意万人悔改（提前2:4）。这就是神要基督徒为所有非信徒祷告（提前2:1-3）、向全世界传福音（太28:18-20），并爱所有非信徒的原因（彼前2:12）。祂对失丧之人的爱与怜悯是真诚的。然而，经过神百般的忍耐，人仍拒绝悔改，不愿意远离罪恶，因此按神的公义，祂必须惩罚罪人。神怀的不是报复的心态。圣经常提及当神惩罚恶人时，祂是哭泣的（31-32节，36节；路19:41）。当你与非信徒交谈并向他们作见证时，祷告你会以同样的爱与公义之心对待他们。

 


21 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 46 耶利米书 46, Judgement on Egypt 论埃及的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 46

Theme                      : Judgement on Egypt    

 

Judgement and Grace on Egypt (1-26)

From chapters 46 – 51, God lists His prophetic judgement on the surrounding nations of Israel, moving from west to the east. They are not in chronological order. God predicts Egypt would be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. This is exactly what happened in history. Nebuchadnezzar won a decisive victory over the Egyptians at Carchemish, but he cut short his conquest because he had to return to Babylon to be crowned king after the his father had died. But eventually Egypt was subdued by Nebuchadnezzar and was subjected to him by paying tributes. Amidst God’s judgement on Egypt, He promises grace in the future in v. 26 when He declares Egypt will be inhabited again. Is. 19:23 says, they will also worship God in the Messianic Kingdom.

Judgement and Grace on Israel (1-26)

God shows His impartiality in judgement when He also pronounces judgement on sinful Israel. Just as God judges sinful Egypt, He will also judge sinful Israel (Rom 3:9). But in the end, God will save Israel because of His covenant with Israel. All the deeds of God is righteous (Deut. 34:4).


Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God’s judgement is impartial. He does not have a double standard for Israel. He gave justice to both Israel and the foreign nations. The only difference is that, God gives grace to Israel by not completely destroying her, but will restore her. This is because God has bounded Himself to Israel through His covenants with Israel. Otherwise, Israel would disappear like rest of sinful nations. Even though God gave grace to Israel as a nation, still individuals were punished according to their own deeds. Pray that you will be marked by impartiality like God, with no double standards of righteousness.

经文：耶利米书46

主题：论埃及的审判         

 

对埃及的审判与恩典（1-26）。

从46-51章，神论及祂对以色列周边多国将面临的审判，从西至东边。这些叙述并不按照时间顺序排列。神预言埃及将被尼布甲尼撒打败，正如以后历史所记载的。尼布甲尼撒在迦基米施击溃埃及，夺得了决定性的胜利，但因父王逝世得立即赶回巴比伦继位，从而暂停他对埃及的征服。然而，埃及最终还是被尼布甲尼撒击败，并要降服于他，交纳贡物。在神对埃及施行审判当中，祂在26节应许将来必向她予以恩典，宣告埃及必再有人居住。赛19:23也说，他们将在弥赛亚国度里一同敬拜神。

对以色列的审判与恩典（1-26）。神同样对犯罪的以色列施行审判；这显明了神的审判是公正无私的。就如神审判犯罪的埃及一样，祂必不姑息以色列的罪恶（罗3:9）。然而最终，因为神与以色列的盟约，祂必拯救以色列（申34:4）。凡神所作的尽都是公义。

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，切记神的审判是公正的。祂并不以双重标准对待以色列，乃以公义衡量以色列与外邦列国，唯一的差别是，祂施恩予以色列，没完全毁灭她，但要使她复兴。这是鉴于神与以色列的约定；神从而与以色列连结。否则，以色列就会像其余的罪恶列国那样消失。即便神施恩予以色列国，个人仍然要按其作为受审判。祷告你会效法神，让公正为念，对公义绝不存双重标准。


20 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 45 耶利米书 45, Message to Baruch 给巴录的信息

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 45

Theme                      : Message to Baruch

 

Baruch came from an influential family of nobility. He was the grandson of Mahseiah (cf. 32:12), governor of Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:8). His brother had been chief chamberlain in the court of Zedekiah (cf. 51:59). Baruch was seeking great things for himself. Perhaps, he was hoping to attain a high office or the gift of prophecy. But such expectations were not realized. Rather, he was to spend his life in a secondary role. This caused him to be depressed and in self-pity. God’s reply to Baruch’s complaint (v.3) was simple: do not expect to be more than you are (v.5). Why should Baruch be so concerned about his own greatness while the nation is suffering? Under such difficult times, Baruch should be satisfied that his life was spared. With this he must be content. God exhorted him to be more humble and more self-giving instead of self-serving.


Praying the Scripture

The Bible tells us that often times our depression or self-pity is the result of our pride and selfishness. We think we are entitled to some great things, when in reality, we are not entitled to anything. Greatness is God’s gift and grace. God wants us to seek the character of humility and self-giving like our Lord Jesus (Phil. 2:5-9). God does not want us to seek power, authority or fame. Even Jesus in his humanity did not pursue the authoritative office of the high priesthood, it was given to Him (Heb. 5:5). If you pursue power, authority, or fame, you displease God by becoming like those nonbelievers at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:4). You are setting yourself to be humbled by God (Matt. 23:12). Pray that you will humble yourself by not pursuing power, authority or fame; instead pursue humility and service to others.

经文：耶利米书45

主题：给巴录的信息

 

巴录来自有影响力的贵族家庭。他是约西亚在位期间的邑宰（参照代下34:8），是玛西雅的孙子（参照32:12）。他的兄弟是西底家王宫的主要管家（参照51:59）。巴录为自己图谋大事，可能希望得到高官职位或是先知的恩赐。然而，这期望并没有实现；他一生只能扮演次要的角色。这令他感到消沉，并让他陷入自怜中。神对巴录之抱怨（3节）的回应很简单：不要期望自己该得的更多（5节）。当国家陷入危难时，巴录为何还如此关心自己的成就呢？在如此艰难的时期，巴录当为自己幸免死亡而感到满足了。神劝诫他要更谦卑，自我奉献，而非只顾念自己。

 

用经文祷告

圣经告诉我们自己所感受到的消沉与自怜多数是源于自身的骄傲与私欲。我们认为自己配得拥有伟大的成就，但实际上，我们是不配得拥有任何事物的。卓越的才能是神的恩赐与恩典。神要我们效法主耶稣，追求谦卑与自我奉献的品性（腓2:5-9），而非权力、权柄或是名声。即便主耶稣成为人的样式后，祂仍不自取荣耀作大祭司（希5:5）；这个职分是赐予祂的。你如果所追求的是权力、权柄或名声，便如同古时建巴别塔的非信徒一样（创11:4），是不蒙神喜悦的。你是在等待神来使你谦卑（太23:12）。祷告你会以追求谦卑与事奉他人为首，而不是追求权利、权柄或名声。


« Older Entries
Newer Entries »