31 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 34 耶利米书 34, Unfaithful to Slaves 与奴隶背约

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 34

Theme                      : Unfaithful to Slaves

 

Mistreatment of Slaves (1-16)

Chapters 34–38 are largely occupied with Jeremiah’s experiences during the siege of Jerusalem. They are not in strict chronological order. This chapter reveals the depth of the sins of Jews and God’s mercy to warn them to surrender to the Babylonians. During the siege by Babylonians, they set free their slaves, but when the Babylonians temporarily withdrew from the city (vv. 21-22) they rescinded their promise. This was a very treacherous sin. First of all, they were not supposed to keep Hebrew slaves for more than six years. Second, they violated their own covenant to free the slaves. This is an treacherous sin and reflects badly on God’s character, whom they worshipped. God rules righteousness so they ought to be righteous. Their piety was not true piety, but only panic piety.

Punishment for Unfaithfulness (17-22).

Because of their treachery, God will bring back the Babylonians to siege Jerusalem and kill everyone who violated the covenant to set free the slaves. Since they denied freedom to the captive, God will give them freedom to die by the sword, famine and pestilence. This is exactly what they deserve because when they ratify the covenant, they passed through split calves, which symbolizes that they will die like the split calves if they do not fulfill their covenant.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is so plain that we are all sinners and need salvation through Jesus. We were all like these unfaithful Jews who broke even our own standard of morality (Tit. 3:3). Even without the Bible, pagans can understand their sins through their conscience (Rom. 2:12). Thank God for saving us. Out of thankfulness we need to agree with God that unfaithfulness is dishonorable and ugly. It needs to be rejected. Pray that out of thankfulness for God’s salvation you will be faithful to fulfill your commitment to God and to others, especially to His people. Unfaithfulness tarnishes God’s faithful reputation.

经文：耶利米书34

主题：与奴隶背约

 

虐待仆人（1-16）。

第34-38章的内容大部分与耶利米在耶路撒冷被围困的经历有关；其记载并非按照时间顺序排列。这一章揭示了犹太人罪恶之深重，以及神如何藉着告诫他们向巴比伦投降显出祂莫大的怜悯。在被巴比伦围困的期间，他们释放奴隶，但当巴比伦暂时从城中撤退时，他们就反悔了（21-22节）。这是极其奸诈的罪。首先，他们不应该让希伯来奴隶服侍超过六年。其次，他们违背了释放奴隶的约。这是欺骗的罪，从而亵渎了他们所敬拜的神。他们本当效仿神，按公义治理万物。他们的敬虔并是真诚的，只在紧急状况之下暂时表现敬虔罢了。

背约的惩罚（17-22）。

因为犹太人背信弃义，神必使巴比伦再次围困耶路撒冷，并灭尽所有违背此约之民。既然他们违约不释放奴隶，神就罚他们“自由”地死在刀剑、饥荒和瘟疫之下。他们罪有应得，因为他们曾立定盟约，从被劈开两半之牛犊中走过，藉此象征违约者的下场将如那被牺牲的牲畜一样。

用经文祷告

毋容置疑的是，我们都是罪人，并需要耶稣的救恩。我们都如这些不忠实的犹太人一样，连自己的道德规范也违背了（多3:3）。即便没有圣经，异教徒也能因着良知晓得自己的罪（罗2:12）。感谢神拯救我们；为此，我们当以感恩之心与神认同违约是既不光彩又丑陋的事，决不容此。以感谢神救恩的心祷告你必忠心地遵行所定的承诺，不论是对神或对人，尤其是属神的百姓。违约沾污了神信实的名声。


30 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 33 耶利米书 33, The Righteous Reign of the Davidic Ruler 大卫家君王的公义统治

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 33

Theme                      : The Righteous Reign of the Davidic Ruler

 

Certainty of Destruction (1-6)

Chapter 33 ends the theme of consolation in chapters 30-33. God again foretells the certainty of Israel’s defeat and exile. But that is not the end for Israel. Permanent restoration is God’s ultimate plan for Israel. If Jeremiah wants to know the details of God’s plan, he can ask and God will answer.

Certainty of Renewal (7-26).

Just as the fall of Israel is certain, the permanent restoration of Israel will certainly occur also. God is not referring to the restoration of Israel from Babylon, but the permanent restoration of Israel in the end times when Jesus comes back (vv. 15-16). This promise is so big and so unbelievable to the human mind, especially during the time of captivity, that God needs to repeat it often to reassure His people. When all the nations of the world see God’s blessing on Israel, they will tremble in amazement. Everything that God is doing is geared toward this ultimate restoration. The key to God’s restoration plan is the righteous Branch, the Messiah Jesus. He will reign righteously and fulfill God’s promises to bless every family on earth (Gen. 12:3). When Jesus comes back the second time, He will fulfill God’s covenants with David (2 Sam. 7) and with Phinehas (Num. 25:10-13).

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT saints constantly looked forward to the appearing of the Messiah (Luke 2:25). He is their ultimate hope in this fallen world. Their lives were revolved around the appearing of the Messiah. We have read about the Messiah’s first coming and now like the OT saints we long for the second coming of Jesus. His first coming amazingly fulfilled many OT prophecies, including the forgiveness of our sins through Him (Is. 53:5). Just as we are in awe of Jesus’ accomplishments during His first coming, let us wait in eagerness for His second coming. Let us be like the OT saints who revolved their lives around the appearing of the Messiah: our righteousness and glory.

经文：耶利米书33

主题：大卫家君王的公义统治

 

毁灭的肯定（1-6）。

第30-33章所含的主题，即安慰，终结于此。神再次预言以色列的击败与被逐。然而，以色列不会就此结束，因为神对以色列最终的计划是永久的复兴。如果耶利米希望知道神之计划的细节，他可以诉诸于神，而神必然回应。

复兴的肯定（7-26）。

正如以色列的沦陷是确定的，她的永久复兴也必要临到。神不是指以色列从巴比伦归回的复兴，而是在末后当主耶稣再来时的永久复兴（15-16节）。对人类而言，尤其被俘虏之时的百姓，这应许实在太大，难以置信。故此，神必须多次向祂的百姓阐述这事实以肯定祂的应许。当万国看到神对以色列的祝福时，他们将因惊奇而惧怕战兢。神所做的一切都是为这最终的复兴规划的。神的复兴计划之关键是那公义的苗裔，弥赛亚耶稣。祂将按公义统治世界，并应验神的应许，祝福地上的万族（创12:3）。当主耶稣再来时，祂会应验神与大卫（撒下7）和非尼哈（民25:10-13）所立的约。
 

用经文祷告

旧约圣徒不住地盼望弥赛亚的到来（路2:25）。在这堕落的世代里，祂是他们唯一的指望。他们的生命环绕着弥赛亚降临的盼望。我们已读过弥赛亚首次的到来，而如今我们也像旧约的圣徒一样，盼望着主耶稣的再来。祂的首次到来奇妙地应验了旧约的许多预言，包括我们的罪是如何藉着祂得赦免（赛53:5）。让我们迫切等待主耶稣的再来，就像我们在祂首次到来时对祂所成就的一切深感敬畏一样。让我们像旧约圣徒一样生活，把生命的中心围绕着弥赛亚的再来；祂是我们的公义与荣耀。

 


29 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 32 耶利米书 32, Manifestation of Faith 信心的表现

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 32

Theme                      : Manifestation of Faith

 

Buying Property during Siege (1-15)

While Babylon was laying siege on Jerusalem, Jeremiah’s cousin took the opportunity to sell his property to Jeremiah while the Babylonians had temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem (37:5). According to Mosaic Law it is the duty of the owner to offer the property to kinsmen first (Leviticus 25:23–28). God commands Jeremiah to buy the property.

Jeremiah’s Perplexity (16-25).

Jeremiah is perplexity by God’s command to buy the property since the Babylonians will confiscate everything from the Jews. Jeremiah prays to God and his prayer is grounded in solid theology. It is fine to ask God for illumination, but it must be done within the boundary of truth. Jeremiah knows God is the creator of the university and there is nothing too hard for Him to accomplish. He also acknowledges God’s boundless grace and also His righteous judgement on evil. He knows God will continue to do amazing things in the future just like what He did during the first exodus. But still, he does not understand why God commanded him to buy a property during a siege.

God’s Answer (26-44).

God affirms those truths that Jeremiah acknowledges about Him. He wants Jeremiah to live out his faith in God’s promise to return the Jews from the Babylonian captivity and to permanently restore Israel in the end times. Jeremiah will take part in the permanent restoration of Israel when God resurrects him during the Messianic Kingdom. Also, the descendants of the Babylonian captivity will return and again settle in Israel. Jeremiah’s act of faith is to demonstrate his faith is real. His faith works and lives according to his faith.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is easy to say you believe in such and such facts about God and His promises; but it is a much harder thing to actually live out God’s truth in a consistent way. If we truly believe that Christ’s return is eminent, then without a doubt, all our lives would change in some way. Pray that your life will be consistent with your beliefs, especially in line with God’s character and the imminent coming of His Messianic Kingdom.

经文：耶利米书32

主题：信心的表现

 

被围困时买地（1-15）。

当巴比伦围攻耶路撒冷时，耶利米叔叔的儿子趁机在巴比伦军暂时从耶路撒冷撤回之时把他的地卖给耶利米（37:5）。根据摩西律法，地主有责任把地先让与至近的亲属（利25:23-28）。神吩咐耶利米去买这块地。

耶利米的困惑（16-25）。

神有如此吩咐，耶利米为之困惑，因为巴比伦最终还是会充公犹太人的一切。耶利米向神祷告，而他的祷告是扎根在坚定的神学基础上的。我们若要向神问明白一些事情是可以的，但这必须是在真理的范畴以内求告。耶利米知道神是宇宙的创造者，在祂没有难成的事。他也承认神无边的恩典与祂对罪恶公义的审判。他知道神将继续行奇妙的事，就如祂救以色列出埃及时所行的。但是，他仍不晓得神为何吩咐他在被围困之时买一块地。

神的答案（26-44）。

神申明耶利米所承认关于祂的真理是正确的。神应许使犹太人从巴比伦的俘虏中归回，并要在末日时永远复兴以色列；基于此，神要耶利米活出他的信心。当神于弥赛亚国度将耶利米复活时，他会参与以色列永久的重建。再者，被巴比伦俘虏之人的后裔将会归回并再次定居于以色列。耶利米信心的行为表明了他的信心是真实的。他的信心是按照他的信动工与活出生命的。
 

用经文祷告

说你相信关于神的某些事实与应许是容易的，但实际上以一贯的方式活出神的真理更为艰难。如果我们真正相信基督的到来是显明的，那么我们的生命必然在某种程度上会有所改变。祷告你的生命将会与你所信的一致，尤其要符合神的品性与祂即将来临的弥赛亚国度。


28 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 31 耶利米书 31, The New Covenant 新立之约

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 31

Theme                      : The New Covenant

 

End Times Restoration (1-30)

This chapter is about Israel’s end times desolation and restoration; it is not about restoration from the Babylonian captivity. Israel’s end times desolation is liken to wilderness, liken to the first exodus and the Babylonian exile. Wilderness is a place of punishment, but it can also be a place of spiritual nourishment for sinners (Rev. 12:14; Hos. 2:14). God disciplines the nation by sending them into “wilderness,” in order to revive them spiritually, just as God disciplines individual believers in order to correct them. Just like the first exodus, Israel (Rachel) will again experience and mourn over the murder of their children (v. 15). This is fulfilled in Matthew 2:15 when Herod murdered every male under two years old in Bethlehem. However, God will comfort all their pain when He fully restores Israel. After God restores Israel, no one can blame their sins on others (vv. 29-30). In this fallen world, our sins can be influenced by others to some degree, especially by our parents; but ultimately each individual is still responsible for his sin. Even though this is an entangled mess, God is still able to judge every sinner righteously.

The New Covenant (31-40).

Since the Mosaic Covenant has no ability to change the Jews’ heart to love God, God needs to establish the New Covenant with Israel in order to change their heart. This covenant was initiated at the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Luke 22:20), but it was not accepted by Israel. Israel will accept the NC in the end times when it will accept Jesus as Lord and savior (Zech. 12:10). The fulfillment of this prophecy is as certain as the shining of the sun. This is why the nation of Israel was miraculously resurrected in 1948. God will never, ever forsake Israel as a nation. Israel will experience desolation again in the end times, but Jesus will return and save them.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is amazing and comforting to know that when Jesus establishes His Messianic Kingdom on earth, every bad thing, every tragedy, pain and sorrowful will disappear like a dream because God will comfort us. For those Jews who have experienced the murder of their children, they will see their children again in the Messianic Kingdom. All the pain will vanish like a dream. This truth does not deny the reality of our current pain, but it does give great hope, trust and love for God in the midst of pain. Let us praise God for His marvelous restoration in the future when Jesus comes back. Let us all look forward to His coming.
  1. Every Christian has experienced the New Covenant blessing of a new heart (2 Cor. 5:17, Col. 2:11-13). God has stripped away (circumcised) our former insane, foolish, and dirty nature. This dirty nature is no longer our master, Jesus is. Although this dirty nature still continues to harass us, but by our new master’s power, we are able to put it to death (Rom. 8:13). Let us praise God for delivering us from the insanity and foolishness of our sinful nature (Eccl. 9:3). Let us not be deceived by sin, but gaze upon Jesus who is the founder and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

经文：耶利米书31

主题：新立之约

 

末日的复兴（1-30）。

这一章是关于以色列末日的荒凉与复兴，而不是被巴比伦掳掠后的复兴。以色列末后的荒凉好比旷野，与首次出埃及以及被巴比伦掳掠时相似。旷野是刑罚之地，但也可以是罪人灵命滋润之地（启12:14；何2:14）。为了使以色列国灵命复兴，神将他们差遣到“旷野”管教他们，如同神管教个别信徒以更正他们一样。这与首次出埃及时相似；以色列（拉结）将再次经历其儿女被杀而哀哭（15节）。这在马太福音2:15被应验，即希律在伯利恒杀尽两岁以内的男孩时。然而，当神完全复兴以色列后，祂会抚平其伤痛。那时，无人能将自己的罪怪罪他人（29-30节）。在这堕落的世界里，我们的罪在某程度上是因受他人的影响所致，尤其是我们父母；但最终，每人都要为自己的罪负责。即使是看似分辨不清是非黑白的罪，神仍能按公义审判各人。

新立之约（31-40）。

既然摩西之约没有能力改变犹太人的心去爱神，神需要与以色列另立新约，以改变他们的心。这约从耶稣受难与复活之时开始（路22:20），但以色列不愿接受。唯有在末日之时，以色列才会接受新约，认耶稣为救主（撒12:10）。这段预言的应验就象太阳闪耀一样确定。这就是色列国在1948年被奇迹般重建的原因。神绝不会离弃以色列国。以色列在末日时将再次变为荒凉，但耶稣将会归来并拯救他们。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 当耶稣在地上建立祂的弥赛亚国度时，所有坏事，所有悲剧、痛苦与悲哀都会象梦一样消失，因为神会安慰我们——这是既奇妙又令人欣慰的事实。对于那些已经历孩子被杀害的犹太人，他们将在弥赛亚国度里再次见到自己的孩子。所有的痛将像梦一样消失。这个真理不会抹灭我们如今所经历的痛苦，但却能在其中让我们对神有大大的指望、依靠与爱。让我们赞美神将来在耶稣归来之时的奇妙复兴。让我们期盼祂的到来。
  1. 每一个基督徒都已经蒙受新立之约所应许的新心（林后5:17；西2:11-13）。神已剥去（行割礼）我们以前狂妄、愚昧与污秽的本性。这被玷污的本性不再作我们的主，耶稣却是。即使这污秽的本性仍继续搅扰我们，但是靠着我们新主人的力量，我们能够将其治死（罗8:13）。让我们赞美神把我们从狂妄愚昧的罪恶本性中解救出来（传9:3）。让我们不要被罪欺骗，却要仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣（来12:2）。

19 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 30 耶利米书 30, Trial and Triumph for Israel 予以色列的试探与胜利

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 30

Theme                  : Trial and Triumph for Israel

 

End Times Trial (1-15)

The book of Jeremiah is often arranged according to theme, not according to strict chronology because the Bible is mainly about principles. The gospels in the NT sometimes also deviate from chronology in order to convey a theme. Chapters 30-33 are about consolation. God uses Israel’s current exile and troubles to prophesy about Israel’s end time exile and troubles. In the end times, Israel will experience a great distressed, called “time of distress (or trouble) for Jacob” (v.7). End times trouble and deliverance of Israel is a clear and repeated theme in the OT. In the end times, Israel will experience trouble like the Babylonian conquest, except it will be even worse, even worse than the holocaust.

End Times Triumph (16-24).

But at the end, it will experience a great deliverance like the return of the Babylonian exiles to Israel, except this deliverance will be much greater because Jesus will deliver them and bless them. It will be an upside down world where their captors will be the captured; their devourers will be devoured. Jerusalem will not only be fully restored but it will be the capital of the Messianic Kingdom. The Jews will multiple in numbers. All these blessings will come after God punishes the Jews for their treacherous sins, just as God will bless the exiles after He has punished the nation for their heinous sins.

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT prophets basically say the same thing over and over again in different ways. The Bible is a big book but the main outline of the book is crystal clear; even a child can understand it. The same old message of sin, God’s righteous judgement, His gracious salvation and future blessing in heaven is repeated in different ways. As Christians let us also repeat the old message of the gospel that includes sin, God’s righteous judgement, His gracious salvation through Jesus and the glory of future heaven. Only the gospel message makes sense of this corrupted world. Only the gospel message is true, not created by man. Only the gospel can save us. Pray that by repeating this old, but true message, you don’t lose your awe of God’s mercy and love. Pray that your heart will always be like a child: dependent and filled with the awe of God’s salvation.

经文：耶利米书30

主题：予以色列的试探与胜利

 

末后的试探（1-15）。

由于圣经主要是阐述道理的，因此耶利米书常常是按主题排列，而不是严谨地根据事件发生的时间顺序记载。为了传达一个主题，新约的福音书有时也会偏离时间顺序的排列。第30-33章是关于慰籍的。神使用以色列现今的放逐与苦难预言末后时代的放逐与困难。末日时，以色列将会经历一场大灾难，称作“雅各遭难的时候”（7节）。以色列末后的苦难与救赎是旧约中鲜明、重复性的主题。那时，以色列将经历类似被巴比伦征服时的苦难，只是这个苦难将比第二次世界大战期间纳粹对犹太人的大屠杀更为可怕、恐怖。

末后的胜利（16-24）。

但最后，以色列也会经历一场如巴比伦被掳之人归回以色列般的伟大救赎，只是这场救赎将会因为耶稣的救恩与祝福更为伟大。世界将会翻天覆地：绑架者将被俘虏，吞噬者将被蚕食。耶路撒冷不仅会完全更新，还要作弥赛亚国度的首都。犹太人将会增多。这一切祝福都会在神审判了犹太人奸诈的罪之后临到，就如神会因以色列的滔天大罪审判她之后祝福被掳之人一样。
 

用经文祷告

旧约的众先知基本上以不同的方式反复传讲同样的信息。圣经是一本厚书，但其主要大纲却是清楚明显的，甚至孩童也能明白。罪的古老信息，还要神公义的审判、祂伟大的救恩与在未来天堂的祝福——这些都通过不同方式重复显现。身为基督徒，我们也要反复地传讲福音的古老信息：罪、神的公义审判、神藉着耶稣的伟大救恩与未来天堂的荣耀。只有福音的信息能让我们透视这腐败的世界。只有福音的信息是真实的，不是人所编造的。只有福音能拯救我们。祷告我们能藉着重复这个古老但真实的信息，不失去对神的怜悯与爱的敬畏。祷告你的心将永远像小孩一样：依靠主与充满对神救恩的敬畏。


18 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 29 耶利米书 29, Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles 耶利米给被掳之人的信

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 29

Theme                  : Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

 

Warning against False Prophets (1-23)

Jeremiah writes to the exiles in Babylon, who were taken during the reign of Jehoiachin, about 5 years ago (2 Kgs. 24:10-17). He encourages them to submit to God’s exile and live obediently in Babylon by settling down and serve the Babylonian government. They will not return until 70 years of punishment were over. God warns them to not listen to false prophets who were telling them that their exile will end sooner. God predicts that the next generation of believers will cry out to God with sincere hearts and God will listen to them and return them to Israel. As for those who are left in Israel, they will be destroyed. They are not the blessed ones. Those who are in exile are the blessed ones because God’s plan is to bless them, not harm them.

Judgement on Shemaiah (24-32).

The false prophets in Babylon, including Shemaiah, did not like Jeremiah’s message to the exiles, so he instigated someone in Jerusalem to silence Jeremiah. For Shemaiah’s sins, God promises to destroy him and his family, who of course, are as evil as him. They will not see the blessings that God will bestow on the exiles in the future. God reserves the darkest part of hell for false prophets (2 Pet. 2:17).

 

Praying the Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses on Christian decorations. God only promised these things to the exiled Jews in Babylon. He does not promise a smooth and easy life to all Christians, but He does promise Christ-likeness to all Christians (Rom. 8:28-29), which may involve some turbulence. But rest assure because God can help us through any turbulence. Pray that you do not worship a life of ease, comfort and pleasure, but worship a life that is conformed to the character of Christ, who out of love and faithfulness, suffered and died for us so that He leaves us an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21).

经文：耶利米书29

主题：耶利米给被掳之人的信

 

对假先知的警告（1-23）。

耶利米给约五年前，在约雅斤统治期间被掳去巴比伦的人写信（王下24:10-17）。他鼓励他们顺服于神的放逐，并服从于巴比伦的执政权柄，在巴比伦安顿好，并服侍其政府。他们将不会归回，直到70年的刑罚结束。神警告他们不要听信假先知的话，以为他们被放逐的日子即将结束。神预言下一代信徒将诚心地向祂呼求；神要垂听，使他们归回以色列。对于那些仍留在以色列的，他们将会被毁灭。他们并不是蒙福的一群。那些被掳去的才是真正蒙福的，因为神所怀的意念是要赐福而不是伤害他们。

对示玛雅的审判（24-32）。

在巴比伦的假先知，包括示玛雅，都不喜欢耶利米给被掳之人的信息，所以示玛雅指使个别在耶路撒冷的人杀害耶利米。对于示玛雅的罪，神应许毁灭他及与他一样恶毒的家人。他们将不会看到神于将来赐予被掳之人的福分。神把地狱最幽暗的部分保留给假先知（彼后2:17）。
 

用经文祷告

耶利米书29:11是在基督教装饰品中最常被引用的经文之一。实际上，神仅仅向被掳于巴比伦的犹太人应许这些事。神并非向所有基督徒应许他们将平稳安逸一生，却应许他们会有基督的样式（罗8:28-29）；这可能包括艰难困苦。即便如此，我们可以依靠神助我们度过重重患难。祷告你不会敬拜安逸、舒适与享乐的生命，却要敬拜符合基督之品性的生命，因为那是基督出于爱与信实，为我们受苦并牺牲的品性，给我们留下榜样去跟随（彼前2:21）。

 


17 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 28 耶利米书 28, Hananiah the False Prophet 假先知哈拿尼雅

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 28

Theme                  : Hananiah the False Prophet

 

This chapter goes into detail what false prophets are saying in order to contradict God’s word through Jeremiah. Hananiah the false prophet claims that God will break the yoke of Babylon within two years and return the exiles to Israel. We do not know all the reasons why Hananiah did this, perhaps one reason is to cheer people up and motivate them, much like motivational speakers today, who are filled with platitudes of self-confidence. Jeremiah appeals to history in order to dissuade the crowd from listing to Hananiah. His message is the same as prophets of old. But Hananiah forcefully breaks Jeremiah’s yoke in order to get people’s attention. God warns Hananiah that his message will bring an iron yoke upon Israel instead of a wooden one that he broke. This means by listening to Hananiah, the Jews will suffer even more when Babylon comes to quell their rebellion. For Hananiah’s treacherous sin, God kills him within a year.


Praying the Scripture

  1. There is nothing wrong with motivating people, God tries to motivate us all the time. But motivation that is based on lies will only exacerbate and accelerate disaster. Pray that when you hear preachers preach, make sure you do not judge the message based on your feeling, but judge the message based on the truth: the Bible.
  1. Putting on a yoke means to submit and recognize the master’s authority. Jesus says that sinners are burdened because they do not submit and recognize His authority (Matt. 11:28). By rejecting God’s yoke and doing whatever you want, you will only bring disaster in the future, even though it may feel good for a few years. Disaster will always follow, if not in this lifetime, it will come when you die and are judged by God in hell. True life, peace and joy come from submitting to Jesus and learn to be like Him in His character of gentleness, humility, and righteousness (Matt. 11:29). Pray you will put on Jesus’ yoke gladly and joyfully submit to His loving lordship.

经文：耶利米书28

主题：假先知哈拿尼雅

 

这章经文深入假先知话语的细节，叫我们能看见它如何与神藉着耶利米传讲的话语抵触。假先知哈拿尼雅声称神将在两年内折断巴比伦的轭，并把被掳去的人带回以色列。我们不知道哈拿尼雅如此行的原因；他或许是使百姓振作起来，鼓励他们，就像今日所见一些激励人心的演讲者一样，充满着老生常谈的自信心。耶利米为了劝阻众人莫要听从哈拿尼雅而提及历史。他的信息与过往的先知是一样的。但是，哈拿尼雅为了取得百姓的注意，强行折断耶利米的轭。于是，神警告哈拿尼雅：他的信息将会给以色列带来铁轭，以取代之前他所折断的木轭。这意味着因听从了哈拿尼雅，当巴比伦来镇压抵抗之时，犹太人将承受更大的苦。因着哈拿尼雅奸诈的罪，神在一年内将他杀了。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 激励人心并没有错；神也常常试着激励我们。然而，建于谎言之上的鼓励只会促进祸害，并将之恶化。祷告当你听道时，你不会按自己的感受论断信息，乃根据圣经的真理作出判断。
  1. 负轭意味着顺服与承认主人的权柄。耶稣说罪人因为没有顺服与承认祂的权柄，所以劳苦重担（太11:28）。拒绝神的轭并做自己想做的事的，即便几年后仍自我感觉良好，最后必然招致祸害。祸害将会一直跟随你；若不是今生，离世后也要在地狱受到神的审判。真正的生命、平安与喜乐源于顺服耶稣，并学习效仿祂柔和、谦卑与公义的品性（太11:29）。祷告你会乐意地负上耶稣的轭并喜乐地顺服于祂慈爱的主权。

16 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 27 耶利米书 27, The Yoke of Babylon 巴比伦的轭

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 27

Theme                  : The Yoke of Babylon

 

Message to Ambassadors (1-11)

Chapters 27-29 attack the false optimism of Judah’s false prophets. Israel is on the verge of revolting against Babylon. Surrounding nations send ambassadors to try to forge an alliance against Babylon. But God warns them not to rebel. If they rebel, they will die. But if they submit to Babylon, the will live. This message is vividly proclaimed through the display of Jeremiah’s yoke. A yoke symbolizes submission and recognition of the master’s authority (Matt. 11:29).

Message to Israel (12-22).

God also warns Israel not to rebel against Babylon or else they will die. Jeremiah warns them not to believe in false prophets who were saying the opposite. They were so optimistic that they thought everything that Babylon had taken from Israel in the previous two conquests would be returned to Israel soon. They falsely proclaim that God’s judgement on them will be over soon, it will not last for 70 years.

 

Praying the Scripture

God’s heart is pure. He does not desire any suffering for anyone, even the wicked. That is why He even warns Israel and surrounding nations to submit to Babylon in order to live and not be destroyed. All the warnings and blessings in the Bible are designed to guide us to spiritual and physical well-being. If God even warns the wicked for their good, how much more does He warn His beloved for our own good? Pray that you will believe in the warnings and blessings in the Bible and trust in God’s goodness to you.

经文：耶利米书27

主题：巴比伦的轭

 

给使臣的信息（1-11）。

第27-29章抨击了犹大假先知的虚假乐观主义。以色列蠢蠢欲动，想抵抗巴比伦。周边列国都派出了使臣试图结成联盟对抗巴比伦。然而，神警告他们不要反抗。倘若他们如此行，便将招致灭亡。可是，他们若肯降服于巴比伦，他们便能存活。这信息通过耶利米的轭更形象化了。轭象征着对主人权柄的顺服与承认（太11:29）。

给以色列的信息（12-22）。

神也警告以色列不要反抗巴比伦，否则将招致灭亡。耶利米警告他们不要相信背道而驰的假先知。他们竞乐观的认为巴比伦在前两次征战所夺走的一切，都会在不久后归还于以色列。他们错误地宣告神对以色列的审判不久就会结束，不会有70年之久。
 

用经文祷告

神的心是纯净的。祂不喜悦任何人受苦，包括恶人，所以祂警戒以色列与她的邻国降服于巴比伦，好叫她能存活，不致毁灭。圣经里的警戒与祝福都是为指引我们得属灵和物质的好处的。神尚且为恶人的好处警戒他们，而我们这些蒙祂所爱的，岂不更是如此吗？祷告你会相信圣经里的警戒与祝福，并且相信神对你是良善的。


15 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 26 耶利米书 26, Jeremiah Threatened with Death 耶利米被死亡威胁

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 26

Theme                  : Jeremiah Threatened with Death

 

Warning of Judgement (1-15)

The event in this chapter occurred during the time of the temple address in chapter 7. God prophesies desolation for Jerusalem if they do not repent. Predictions of divine judgment are conditional. The true repentance of the people of Judah at any time before the hour of doom would have been met by God’s willingness to relent from his threatened punishment. However, instead of repenting, they tried to kill the messenger, Jeremiah. This clearly showed they were unrepentant. In the face of death, Jeremiah courageously defended the authenticity of his message.

Jeremiah’s Life Spared (16-24).

Upon hearing Jeremiah’s defense, the civil officials and the people decided against the priests and the prophets, who had wanted to kill Jeremiah, and freed Jeremiah. Some elders of Israel, those who were advanced in age and whose words were taken seriously, supported Jeremiah by showing his message concurred with the prophet Micah, who had lived a century ago (Micah 3:12). Hezekiah listened to Micah and was delivered by God, but Jehoiakim did not listen to God but killed His messenger, Uriah. Jehoiakim was not delivered by God but was exiled. Ahikam was a civil leader under Josiah. God used Ahikam’s influence to secure Jeremiah’s freedom.

 

Praying the Scripture

Jeremiah had many weaknesses, but he trusted God and was strengthened by Him. At the end, he courageously proclaimed God’s word. Pray that you will be like Jeremiah. Even with all your weaknesses, if you trust in God and depend on Him, God will strengthen you and enable you to stand and serve Him.

经文：耶利米书26

主题：耶利米被死亡威胁

 

对审判的警告（1-15）。

這章经文描述的事件发生在第七章，即耶利米在圣殿门口宣讲神话语的时候。神预言倘若百姓不悔改，耶路撒冷必成为荒场。这类神圣审判的预言是有条件性的：犹大人只要在神降灾难之前真心悔改，神必然愿意收回祂即将施行的刑罰。然而，他们不但不肯悔改，反倒试图杀害神的使者耶利米。这清楚显示他们仍然执米不悟。另一方面，面临死亡威胁的耶利米仍无所畏惧地为他所传讲的信息辨护。

耶利米逃脱死亡（16-24）。

听了耶利米的申辩，民间首领和百姓一致反对祭司与先知判耶利米死罪，并要求把耶利米释放。几位年迈，其言语又受尊重的以色列长老都支持耶利米，指出他与一百年前的先知弥迦所传达的信息是一致的（弥3:12）。希西家因听从弥迦而蒙神拯救；但约雅敬却不听从神，还杀了祂的使者乌利亚，所以神没拯救他，而且将他放逐。亚希甘是约西亚在位期间的民间首领。神藉着他的影响力保全了耶利米的自由。
 

用经文祷告

耶利米有许多软弱，但他信靠神，也被神坚固。最后，他勇敢地宣告神的话语。祷告你会像耶利米一样。即使你有种种的软弱，但只要你坚定信靠神，凡事交托于祂，祂将坚固你，使让你能站立得住并侍奉祂。


14 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 25 耶利米书 25, Judgement through Babylonian Conquest 藉着被巴比伦征服的审判

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 25

Theme                  : Judgement through Babylonian Conquest

Seventy Years of Captivity (1-14)

God had been patiently warning the Jews for 23 years through Jeremiah. But they would not listen, but continued to provoke God to anger. Therefore, God will exile them to Babylon for 70 years.

Judgement on Israel and Surrounding Nations (15-38).

God prophesies judgement on all the nations in the Middle East, beginning with Israel because they sinned the greatest since they are the most privileged. God will use Babylon to judge all of Middle East, including the mighty Egyptian Empire. But afterward, God will also judge Babylon for its sins. In this fallen world, God’s uses fallen instruments (like Babylon) to judge fallen instruments (like Israel and other nations), but this kind of judgement will end when God uses a perfection instrument (the Messiah) to judge fallen instruments.

 

Praying the Scripture

God is patient but His patience does not last forever. Many non-believers do not have reverent fear toward God, but presume on His patience and think judgement will never come. The Jews sinfully presumed on God’s patience and at the end they were destroyed. Pray that you will not be like these Jews by presuming on God’s patience. If you are convicted of sin, repent now.

经文：耶利米书25

主题：藉着被巴比伦征服的审判

 

为俘虏七十年（1-14）。

神曾藉耶利米耐心地警戒犹太人长达二十三年之久。可是，他们仍不听从，且继续惹神发怒。因此，神将把他们放逐到巴比伦七十年。

对以色列与其邻国的审判（15-38）。

神预言审判必临到中东列国，而以色列则首当其冲，因为他们特别蒙受了恩惠，所以罪愆最大。神将藉巴比伦之手审判中东列国，包括强盛的埃及帝国。然而，巴比伦之后也会因自己的罪行受到神的刑罚。在这堕落的世代，神用腐朽的器具（如巴比伦）审判其他腐朽的器具（如以色列与列国）。但是，这种审判终必停止，因为神将以完美的器皿，即弥赛亚，审判这些腐朽的器具。
 

用经文祷告

神有忍耐，但是祂的耐心不会永远持续。非信徒对神没有敬畏之心，对神的耐心持着自以为是的态度，并对将来的审判漠然置之 。犹太人就是因此而最终被毁灭了。祷告你不会象这些犹太人一样。倘若你觉得自己有罪， 赶紧向神认罪悔改吧。


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