12 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 24 耶利米书 24, Good Figs and Bad Figs 好无花果和坏无花果

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 24

Theme                  : Good Figs and Bad Figs

 

The purpose of the vision was to declare that those who went into exile with Jehoiachin, aka Jeconiah, would be better off than those left behind in Jerusalem; those who escaped the deportation would naturally think just the opposite. The good figs represent those who went into exile with Jeconiah, which was Jerusalem’s second exile (2 Kgs. 24:10). Ezekiel was part this second wave of exile. The bad figs represent those who stayed in Jerusalem under the reign of Zedekiah. The exiles were not morally superior, but they will obtain God’s favor. God promised to build them up and to return them to Israel one day. But the bad figs, those who stayed in Jerusalem, will not obtain God’s favor. They will suffer from sword, famine and pestilence.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

Even in the midst of judgement, God continues to exhort His people to obey Him and to receive His blessing. God is a compassionate God who desires His people to repent. Jesus did the same for others. He continued to reach out to the gentiles by sending the healed maniac to reach out to the gentiles even after the gentiles had rejected him (Luke 8:39). Pray that you will develop a heart of compassion like God, who continuously warned the Jews with patience.

经文：耶利米书24

主题：好无花果和坏无花果

 

这个异象的目的是要宣告与约亚斤，即耶哥尼雅，一同被掳去的犹太人将会比那些留在耶路撒冷的境况要好；那些逃过掳掠之灾的人自然会以为情况是相反的。好的无花果代表与耶哥尼雅一同被掳去的人。这是耶路撒冷第二次被掳（王下24:10）。先知以西结属于这第二次被掳的人群中。坏的无花果代表那些留在耶路撒冷并受西底家统治的人。被掳的人在道德上不比留下的优越，但他们得到神的眷顾。神应许要建立他们，并使他们总有一日归回以色列。但是，坏的无花果，即留在耶路撒冷的人，将不会得到神的眷顾。他们将受刀剑、饥荒、瘟疫之苦。

 

用经文祷告

即便在审判中，神继续劝告祂的百姓要顺服祂，并接受他的祝福。神是一位怜悯的神，祂渴望百姓悔改。主耶稣为其他人做了同样的事。即便外邦人拒绝自己，祂仍持续向外邦人伸手，打发祂所医治被鬼附的病人向外邦人传说祂所作之事（路8:39）。祷告你会有一颗怜悯的心，像神对犹太人一样用耐心持续地劝告他们。


11 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 23 耶利米书 23, The Righteous Davidic King 公义的大卫之王

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 23

Theme                  : The Righteous Davidic King

 

Righteous Branch (1-9).

Since Coniah is the last king from the royal line, a new king is needed. The promised righteous Branch, Jesus, is that king. He is the hope of Israel, and the world. They cannot put their hope of a glorious future in any king, but king Jesus. Only Jesus can usher in the Messianic Kingdom and make them dwell securely (v.6).

Lying Prophets (10-40).

The rest of the chapter is about false prophets. Besides for kings, these false prophets are one of the main reasons why Israel has strayed from God. Jeremiah speaks of false prophets more than anyone in the OT. These false prophets claim to be God’s messengers, but they lead people away from God. Instead of encouraging people to worship God, they encourage people to worship idols like Baal and to worship evil, sexual immorality, and lies. Their sins are extremely serious. In the end, God’s judgement will be very, very severe on them because their sins are very treacherous. They will not enter the Messianic Kingdom, but will enter into one of the most severe punishments in hell (2 Pet. 2:17).

 

Praying the Scripture

Today’s Christendom is full of lying prophets, especially from the charismatic camp. Many of them prophesy under false reverence in order to obtain their lust for pride and authority. They often say God revealed a special revelation to them so people must do this or that. Their prophecies directly contradict the Bible. Falsely prophesying on behalf of God is a very, very serious sin. So serious that it deserves death under the Mosaic Law (Deut. 13:5). God certainly interacts with us through His Spirit and through the Bible by convicting us (John 16:8), but the offices of apostles and prophets have ceased (Eph. 2:20). Those who prophesy wildly and contradict the Bible are false prophets like the false prophets of Jeremiah’s days. They will be rejected by God. Pray that you will avoid and call out these lying prophets and warn people not to associate with them because they are deadly viruses that will kill people’s souls.

经文：耶利米书23

主题：公义的大卫之王

 

公义的苗裔（1-9）。

哥尼雅是王室家族的最后一个君王，因此一位新王需要被立。被应许的公义苗裔耶稣就是那一位。祂是以色列及全世界的盼望。除了主耶稣，人是不能将拥有荣耀未来的盼望寄托于另一个君王身上。唯独主耶稣能开创弥赛亚国度，使人能在此安然居住（6节）。

说谎言的先知（10-40）。

这一章经文其余的部分是关于假先知的。除了不义之王，这些假先知是导致以色列偏离神的主要原因之一。在旧约中，耶利米对假先知的事讲得比任何先知还多。这些假先知自称是神的使者，却引导百姓离弃神。他们鼓动百姓敬拜如巴力一样的偶像，也崇拜邪恶、奸淫与虚妄，而不是鼓励百姓敬畏神。他们的罪恶深重。最终，他们奸诈的罪必然招致神严厉的惩罚。他们将不能进入弥赛亚国度，却会面临地狱里中最严厉的刑罚（彼后2:17）。
 

用经文祷告

现今的基督教界充满了说谎言的先知，尤其是灵恩派的阵营。为了满足人对名声和权利的欲望，他们伪装敬虔宣讲预言。他们常说神向他们有特别的启示，藉此操纵信徒的生活。他们的预言直接与圣经抵触。藉神之名作假预言是极其严重的罪行；按摩西律法，这是死罪（申13:5）。神固然藉圣灵与我们交通，并通过圣经叫我们知罪（约16:8），但是使徒与先知的职份已经停止（弗2:20）。那些胡乱抵触圣经作预言的是假先知，就象耶利米时期的假先知一；他们会被神拒绝。祷告你会远离这些虚妄的先知，并向人指出他们，慎告人不要与之为伍，因为他们如致命性的病毒杀害人的灵魂。


10 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 22 耶利米书 22, Exhortation to Davidic Kings 予大卫王室的劝诫

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 22

Theme                  : Exhortation to Davidic Kings

 

Message to Shallum (1-12).

Shallum is another name for Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah who tried to steer Israel back to worshipping God. After Josiah died, his son Jehoahaz ruled Israel, but he worshipped idols instead of God. God commands him to turn away from idols and violence; and turn to God. If he and his court continue to destroy innocent people, God will destroy them. In the end, Jehoahaz did not listen so he was exiled to Egypt (2 Kgs. 23:32-33). God says Jerusalem should not weep for Josiah, who had died, but for Jehoahaz who will be exiled in Egypt.

Condemnation of Jehoiakim (13-23).

Jehoiakim excelled in covetousness. He was a wicked king. He was so bad that after he dies, no one will even cry for him or give him a dignified funeral fitting of a king. Instead he will be buried like a donkey, being dragged out of the city and dumped like trash. This happened when Babylon sieged the city for the second time (2 Kgs. 24:1).

Rejection of Coniah (24-30).

Coniah is another name for Jehoiachin (2 Kgs. 24:10). He destroyed Jeremiah’s book; therefore God will destroy him and prevent his entire line from ruling Israel (36:30). Jesus circumvents this curse by being the physical son of Mary, who is from the Davidic line of Nathan not Coniah (Luke 3:31), and by being Joseph’s legal son, who is entitled to the throne of David because Joseph is from the line of Coniah (Matt. 1:12).

 

Praying the Scripture

God is love, but He will also deal with sin accordingly. Those who do not take heed to His warnings and blessings will have eternal consequences. Galatians 6:7 says we reap what we sow. If someone persistently oppose God, he will be punished by God severely like Coniah, who dared to burn God’s word. Thank God for rescuing you from His righteous judgement, but also take sin seriously, not in a presumptuous way, thinking you can do whatever you want since God has forgiven you in Jesus (Ps. 19:13). Some heretical preachers like Joseph Prince teach people to commit presumptuous sins. They abuse God’s grace; instead of being dependent on God’s grace to overcome sin. Pray that you will not presume on God’s grace in Jesus, but submit to God’s lordship and depend on His grace to overcome sin. God will surely answer your prayers (1 John 5:14).

经文：耶利米书22

主题：予大卫王室的劝诫

 

给沙龙的信息（1-12）。

沙龙的另一个名称是约哈斯，是曾尝试引导以色列归回敬拜真神的约西亚之子。约西亚逝世后，他的儿子约哈斯统治了以色列，并敬拜偶像而离弃神。神命令他弃绝偶像敬拜与强暴行为，并转向神。如果他与其官员继续歼灭无辜百姓，神将毁灭他们。最终，约哈斯没有听从，因此被掳掠至埃及（王下23:32-33）。神告诫耶路撒冷无需为已过世的约西亚哭号，乃要为将被掳掠至埃及的约哈斯哀哭。

对约雅敬的谴责（13-23）。

约雅敬贪财无尽，是一个邪恶的王。他恶名张注天曹，以致离世后没人为他哀哭或为他举办合乎君王的庄严葬礼。他反而会像驴子一样被埋葬，被拉出城外，然后像垃圾一样被扔掉。这事发生于巴比伦第二次围堵此城之时（王下24:1）。

对哥尼雅的弃绝（24-30）。

哥尼雅是耶哥尼雅的另一名称（王下24:10）。他毁灭耶利米的书，因此神也将毁灭他，并阻止其家族统治以色列（36:30）。耶稣规避了这个诅咒，因为祂是玛丽亚的肉身之子，而马利亚属大卫家的拿单一族，不是哥尼雅那一族的（路3:31）；此外，由于耶稣是约瑟合法的儿子，而约瑟又属哥尼雅一族（太1:12），所以祂有资格坐上大卫的宝座。
 

用经文祷告

神是爱，但祂也必定惩罚罪恶。漠视祂的警告与祝福的人将承受永恒的后果。加拉太书6:7道明：我们种的是什么，收的也是什么。如果人顽固地与神对敌，他必受到神严厉的惩罚，像那大胆焚烧掉神话语的哥尼雅一样。当感谢神把你从其公义审判中拯救出来，但也要认真地对待罪，不要以为神既然已在耶稣里饶恕了你，你就能任意妄为，自行其事（诗19:13）。有传讲歪曲之道的假教师如约瑟·普林斯竟教导人们行任意妄为的罪。他们滥用神的恩典，而不是依靠神的恩典胜过罪。祷告你不会视神在耶稣里的恩典为理所当然，乃顺从神的主权并且依靠祂的恩典胜过罪恶。神必应许你的祷告（约一5:14）。


9 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 21 耶利米书 21, Zedekiah’s Dilemma 西底家的困境

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 21

Theme                  : Zedekiah’s Dilemma

 

Chapters 21-39 are about Jeremiah’s prophecies during the reign from Jehoiakim to Zedekiah, which is toward the exile of Judah. The background of this chapter is the advancement of the Babylonian army on Jerusalem. This will be Judah’s third and final exile (2 Kgs 25). Zedekiah was at the end of his rope and out of desperation he sent an envoy to Jeremiah, hoping he would give a favorable word from God. The Pashhur of this chapter is not the priest in chapter 20 (cf. 38:1). Instead of a favorable word from God, God again spoke of judgment. He said Zedekiah will be exiled to Babylon. However, God graciously urged the people to surrender to Babylon in order to survive. God also addressed the royal line by urging them to carry out their role of delivering justice to the people. If they obey, the pain of the Babylonian conquest would be mitigated.

 

Praying the Scripture

Zedekiah only sought to be delivered by God from punishment and pain, but he did not express any repentance. He is like many non-believers, who do not believe in God but will only plead with God when bad things happen. However, they are not willing to repent and love God. Such plead with God is not from true faith, but is an expression of desperation from unbelief. Pray that when you go to God for help, after God helps you, you do not forsake Him, but you must love Him and honor Him.

经文：耶利米书21

主题：西底家的困境

 

第21至39章记述了耶利米从约雅敬至西底家作王时的预言，主题是犹大的掳掠。本章的背景是巴比伦军队对耶路撒冷的进攻。这将会是犹大第三次，也是最后一次被掳掠（王下25）。西底家已穷途末路，在绝望中差派使者询问耶利米，冀望神通过耶利米给他们报佳讯。本章提及的巴施户珥并不是在20章里的祭司（参38:1）。神不但没报佳音，还再次提及审判。祂说西底家将被掳到巴比伦。然而，神仍满有恩典，敦促百姓向巴比伦归降以便存活。神也呼吁王室要尽责，向百姓施行公义。他们若肯服从，就能减轻被巴比伦侵略之后的苦楚。

 

用经文祷告

西底家只向神寻求免去审判与痛苦，却没有表明要悔改。他就像许多非信徒，虽不信神却在危机之时向神祈求。然而，他们却不愿意悔改与爱神。如此的祈求并不出于真正的信，却只是在不信中对于绝望的表现。祷告当你向神寻求帮助并蒙垂听后不会离弃神，乃要爱祂与敬畏祂。


8 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 20 耶利米书 20, Jeremiah’s Lament 耶利米的哀叹

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 20

Theme                  : Jeremiah’s Lament

 

Jeremiah’s Persecution (1-6).

Jeremiah’s sermons of judgement at the temple and at the valley could not have gone unnoticed by the authorities. Pashhur who is in charge of security at the temple did not like Jeremiah’s negative messages so he beat, tortured and jailed Jeremiah in order to discourage him from preaching. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees beating of the apostles in Acts 5:40. Pashhur means ease, but when God judges him he will be a terror to himself and to others.

Jeremiah’s Lament (7-18).

This passage openly describes Jeremiah’s feelings, struggles, and triumph through time of extreme trial. It reveals Jeremiah’s sin of doubt, distrusting God’s faithfulness because of his torture, imprisonment and marginalization. God did not deceive Jeremiah. God warned Jeremiah of hard times, but also promised to save his life. But during time of pain, Jeremiah had forgotten God’s promise. He does not want to preach anymore, but the guilt, the burning feeling within him is even worse than not preaching God’s message, so he is compelled to continue to preach. Also, he will continue to preach because He knows God will protect him, vindicate him and judge his enemies. For that, Jeremiah praises God. But his joy is interrupted by depression. He wishes he was never born. It is easy to see why Jeremiah would be depressed in such difficult times. It is hard to comfort him in such tragic times. His only hope can only be in the coming Messiah and His Kingdom. God promises to wipe all his tears during the Messianic Kingdom (Is. 25:8, Rev. 21:4). Even though Jeremiah had depression, nevertheless, he was faithful to God and ultimately fulfilled his ministry.

 

Praying the Scripture

Jesus says blessed, or happy, are those who are persecuted for His name sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:10-11). How can one be happy during a time of pain? The only answer is his hope for the Messianic Kingdom. This life cannot be our best life now; it can only be our best life when Jesus returns. Another reason why believers can be happy in a time of pain is because guilt is more painful than torture. Just as it is better for Jeremiah not to feel guilt, the burning feeling inside, than to be tortured by his enemies. Even though, you may not suffer as much as Jeremiah, persecution is inevitable for Christians. Pray that you will love Christ more and be prepared to suffer for Him and do it with joy because you love Him and look forward to the Messianic Kingdom.

经文：耶利米书20

主题：耶利米的哀叹

 

耶利米的逼迫（1-6）。

耶利米在圣殿与山谷地宣讲神的审判显然没被当权者忽视。掌管圣殿保安的巴施户珥对耶利米的负面信息极度不满，便对他施予鞭打、折磨和监禁，目的是阻碍耶利米讲道。这种行为让人联想起在使徒行传5:40中法利赛人鞭打使徒的情景。巴施户珥也作“安乐”，但当神审判他时，他将自食恶果，受到最严厉的惩罚。
耶利米的哀叹（7-18）。这段经文为我们公开表露耶利米在经受极度试炼中的感受、挣扎与欢欣。它揭示了耶利米因受折磨、监禁与排挤，陷入了怀疑与不信靠神的信实之罪。神并没有欺骗耶利米。祂曾告诫耶利米有关眼前的艰难时期，但也应许救赎他的生命。然而，耶利米经受痛苦之时却忘记神的应许。他不想再讲道，但心中的内疚像被火灼热似的，比不传神的道更难受；这促使他继续传道。另外，耶利米坚信神会保护他，为他争辩，以及审判他的仇敌，因此他继续履行职责。故此，耶利米赞美神。然而，沮丧一时淹没了他的喜乐。他希望自己从未出生。耶利米会在如此艰难的时期感到沮丧是不足为奇的。在这种令人悲伤的时期，要安慰耶利米也很难他。他唯一的盼望只能是未来要降临的弥赛亚与祂的国度。神应许在弥赛亚国度必擦去他脸上的眼泪（赛25:8；启21:4）。纵然耶利米感到沮丧，他对神仍忠心，并最终完成其事工。
用经文祷告

耶稣说为祂的名受逼迫的人有福了（或译快乐），因为天国是他们的（太5:10-11）。在痛苦之时，人怎么能快乐呢？唯一的答案就是他对弥赛亚国度的盼望。今生并非我们最好的生活；当耶稣再来时，我们最好的生命才会开始。信徒在痛苦中仍能喜乐的另一原因是罪恶感比受折磨更难受。如耶利米一样，受仇敌外在的折磨终究比心中含如火灼热的内疚更好受。即便你不受耶利米那般的苦楚，基督徒仍难逃离逼迫。祷告你会越发爱主，随时预备以喜乐的心为他受苦，并盼望弥赛亚国度的降临。


7 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 19 耶利米书 19, Broken People 被打碎的百姓

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 19

Theme                  : Broken People

 

God again uses an object lesson to teach the Jews about God’s wrath against them for their idolatry and for their violence. They even sacrifice their children to idols at Topheth, which means drums. It is another name for the Valley of Hinnom, which is just south of Jerusalem. The drums were used to drown out the cry of the sacrificed babies. Later on, rubbish from Jerusalem was dumped there and continually burned. The place became a symbol for the burning fires of hell, called Gehenna (Matt. 5:22). They massacre babies, so God will massacre them. This massacre is symbolized by the breaking of the flask, which represents Jerusalem. When Jerusalem is sieged, cannibalism will be practiced. This fulfills God’s prophesied punishment in Deut. 28:53-57.

 

Praying the Scripture

The punishment on these wicked Jews is a foreshadow of what hell is like. It is ugly, detestable, hopeless and filled with pain and sorrow. God is love, but if someone does not repent and continues to rebel against God, then God becomes a consuming fire that will give righteous punishment. It is fearful to be punished by the living, righteous God (Heb. 10:31). They will get what they deserve for their outrageous sins. Pray that God’s righteousness against sin will sober your mind and treat God with reverent fear and take sin seriously or you will be burned. God showed the Jews His love during exodus, but He also showed them His holiness so that they will take Him seriously and not sin against Him, but to love God and worship Him with reverence. Pray you will love God and worship Him with reverence.

经文：耶利米书19

主题：被打碎的百姓

 

神再度以一个示例教导犹太人祂对其偶像崇拜与暴力行的忿怒。犹太人甚至把他们的孩子在陀斐特向偶像献祭。陀斐特意为“鼓”；他们用鼓声淹盖孩童被献祭时所发出的呼喊。陀斐特的另一个名称是欣嫩子谷，位于耶路撒冷以南。后来，耶路撒冷的垃圾被扔于此，并持续燃烧着。这个地方也就成为地狱燃烧之火的象征（太5:22）。他们杀戮孩童，因此神也将杀戮他们。破碎的瓦瓶代表耶路撒冷，象征的是这场杀戮。当耶路撒冷被围困时，人类将相食维生。这应验了神于申命记28:53-57所预言的刑罚。

 

用经文祷告

这场临到邪恶犹太人的刑罚是地狱的预兆。它是丑陋、可憎、无望与充满痛苦和悲哀的。神是爱，但若有人不悔改并继续悖逆神，祂将是施行公义之刑罚的烈火。被永生公义之神惩罚是可怕的（来10:31）。他们将因自己蛮横的罪行得到应得的刑罚。祷告神对罪恶的公义能使你醒悟，叫你能敬畏神并严肃地看待罪，否则你将被烧毁。神在犹太人出埃及之时彰显了自己的爱，但也同时其他们彰显了自己的圣洁，叫他们认真地看待神，不干犯祂，乃是以敬虔之心爱神，敬拜祂。祷告你会以敬虔之心爱神与敬拜祂。


5 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 18 耶利米书 18, Potter and Clay 窑匠与泥

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 18

Theme                  : Potter and Clay

 

Message of the Potter (1-17)

The main point of this object lesson is to show that the potter, God, has power over the clay. The clay cannot control or manipulate the potter, so Israel cannot control or manipulate God but must humbly submit to God. If they do not, God will not bless them but will bring disaster up them. He has to right to reject defective, sinful people, just as the potter can reject defective clay (Rom. 9:21). The snow of Lebanon and the mountain water are dependable but Israel is fickle and unnaturally goes after worthless idols; therefore God will scatter them. God still tries to reach out to some who have not completely rejected Him. In the Messianic Kingdom, God will make Israel right to fulfill His purpose. Until then, all defective, sinful Jews will be rejected.

Plot against Jeremiah (18-23).

Jeremiah is faithful and loving to his people by praying for them, but they repay him evil for good. Some Jews do not just hate Jeremiah, but try to kill him. Ultimately they hate God and wish to kill Him like the Pharisees wish to kill Jesus. Such outrageous sins done in full knowledge are unforgiveable; therefore Jeremiah calls upon God to deliver justice by destroying them. This is not a vindictive cry for personal revenge, but appeal for God’s justice (Ps. 139:21).

 

 

Praying the Scripture

Those who reject God are defective clay that will be rejected by Him. When God judges them, they will have no power over God’s sovereign, righteous judgement. The end for them will be ugly and horrific. Those who want to kill God’s people will have the most severe punishment. Such people will experience the full force of God’s wrath as a consuming fire (1 Cor. 3:17). In light of God’s great wrath against sin, we need to praise God for our great salvation. Our destination would be the same as these Jews if it were not for the grace of God in Jesus. The only hope for these Jews and for everyone is the promised Messiah. Pray that you will appreciate your amazing salvation in Jesus. Praise God for delivering you from eternal hell fire (Rom. 9:22-23).

经文：耶利米书18

主题：窑匠与泥

 

关于窑匠的信息（1-17）。这段鉴戒的重点是展示窑匠，即神的能力远超过泥。泥不能控制或操纵窑匠；同样的，以色列不能控制或操纵神，乃要谦卑地顺服于神。如果他们拒绝，神将不会祝福他们，而是降下祸害。祂也有权柄拒绝那有缺陷与有罪的人，就好比窑匠可以丢弃烂泥一样（罗9:21）。黎巴嫩的雪与从远处流下的山水是可靠的，但以色列却是易变的，蓄意地跟随虚无的偶像，因此神将他们分散各处。神依然尝试向一部分尚未完全拒绝祂的人招手。在弥赛亚国度里，神将会使以色列归回正路，以完成祂的旨意。直到那时，所有缺陷的，有罪的犹太人都将被丢弃。

针对耶利米的计谋（18-23）。耶利米对其百姓忠实，深爱他们，常常为他们祷告，可但他们却以恶报善。部分犹太人不仅恨恶他，还图谋加害先知。最终，他们恨恶的是神并希望杀害祂，就像法利赛人希望杀害耶稣一样。他们充分地理解自己的所为，蓄意犯下滔天大罪；这样的罪是不可饶恕的。因此，耶利米祈求神惩罚百姓以申彰公义。这并不是为个人仇恨发出的怀恨之呼喊，而是呼求神施行公义（诗139:21）。

 

用经文祷告

那些拒绝神的人好比有缺陷的泥一样，将被祂丢弃。当神审判他们时，他们将没有能力胜过神主权性的公义审判。他们的结局将会是丑陋并可怕的。那些试图杀害神的百姓之人将会受到最严厉的刑罚。这些人将会经历神如火一般的全力忿怒（林前3:17）。根据神对罪恶的巨大忿怒，我们必须赞美神赐予我们的大救恩。若不是神在基督里的恩典，我们的结局也将与这些犹太人相同。对于这些犹太人与每一个人，被应许的弥赛亚是他们唯一的希望。祷告你会因耶稣奇妙的救赎而感恩。要为到祂救你脱离永恒的地狱之火赞美祂（罗9:22-23）。


4 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 17 耶利米书 17, Unregenerate Man’s Deceitful Heart 没有重生的狡诈人心

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 17

Theme                  : Unregenerate Man’s Deceitful Heart

 

Sin of Judah (1-13)

Judah’s sin is engraved deep into their hearts so that her idolatry is incorrigible by human means. They trust pagan nations to protect them instead of God. Such evil will only result in desolation not fruitfulness. Ironically, they will not obtain the very thing that they desire, but will instead receive the opposite of their desire. No matter how much God reaches out to them, they will not listen. Their hearts are deceitful and desperately sick. This is to show that only the coming Messiah can save them.

Prayer of Jeremiah (14-18).

In spite of Jeremiah’s difficulties, he is committed to continue to be God’s prophet. He will continue to be Israel’s shepherd (leader) and will not desire bad things for them (day of sickness). He can do this because he trusts in God’s promise to protect him. Jeremiah also calls upon God to destroy those who persecute him, like the psalmists in imprecatory psalms (Ps. 143:12). Jeremiah both loves his people and hates their sins just as Jesus both loves people and hates their sins (Mark 3:5). He loves them, but when they commit outrageous sins he calls for justice. There is no contradiction. This is right living with loving attitude and proper justice.

Observe Sabbath (19-27).

Sabbath is the sign of the Mosaic covenant between God and the Jews, but not the church, (Ex. 31:16-17, Col. 2:16). It is also part of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:8). Therefore, it is a big deal to break the Sabbath for the Jews. Sabbath is also a foreshadow of believers’ rest in Jesus (Heb. 4:1). It is also a way to prevent idol worship by highlighting God as creator, not idols. God is the creator and provider, He is able to provide for them while they rest, which is not being lazy.

 

Praying the Scripture

The heart of non-believers are deceitful and desperately sick, especially those who are entrenched in deep, evil idol worship like the Jews. As believers we need to learn to deal wisely with non-believers but at the same time be righteous (Matt. 10:16). It is also important not to be overly suspicious to believers in the church or to sinfully judge someone’s heart motive instead of their actions (1 Cor. 4:5). Such sinful, suspicious judgement of people’s motives will not create a healthy environment for saints to grow, but will create an unhealthy environment of distrust and distance. Pray that you will have wisdom to deal with non-believers and love for believers in the church.

经文：耶利米书17

主题：没有重生的狡诈人心

 

犹大的罪（1-13）。

犹大的罪铭刻在其心中，以至她的偶像敬拜变得无可救药。他们不信靠神，反期待信奉异教的列国能给予保护。这样的恶行只会导致荒凉，无法结果子。讽刺的是，他们将得到的与所祈望的恰好相反。无论神多么努力地向其招手，他们充耳不闻。他们的心是狡诈并且病入膏肓了。这表示只有即将到的弥赛亚才能拯救他们。

耶利米的祷告（14-18）。

尽管困难重重，耶利米还是承诺继续作神的先知。他将继续当以色列的牧者（领导者），不希望坏事（灾殃的日子）临到他们。他之所以能如此行是因为他相信神的承诺，必保护他。耶利米也像诅咒诗的诗人一样，呼唤神毁灭那些逼迫他的人（诗143:12）。耶利米就像耶稣一样，爱其百姓同时也厌恶他们的罪（马3:5）。这之间没有矛盾存在。这是具备爱的态度与恰当公义的正确生活。

守安息日（19-27）。

安息日是神与犹太人通过摩西所立之约的记号（出31:16-17；西2:16）。它也是十诫的一部分（出20:8）。因此对犹太人而言，不遵守安息日是一大问题。安息日也是信徒在耶稣内安息的预兆（来4:1）。这也突出神而非偶像为创造者，以此防止偶像敬拜的一种方式。神是创造者与供应者，祂有能力在人安息之时供应他们，而不是叫人变懒惰。

用经文祷告

非信徒的心诡诈，又坏到极处，特别那像犹太人一样深陷邪恶的偶像崇拜的。作为基督徒的我们要用智慧对待非信徒，但同时要作公义的人（太10:16）。另外，切勿过度猜疑教会内的信徒，或是存着不正的心态去论断某人内心的动机，而不是他们的行为（林前4:5）。存有如此心态，并不会为圣徒创造健康的环境让他们成长，反之会造成一个不信任、冷淡和不健康环境。祷告你会有智慧与非信徒相处，并以爱心对待教会内的信徒。

 


3 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 16 耶利米书 16, Bane and Blessing 诛戳与祝福

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 16

Theme                  : Bane and Blessing

 

Bane (1-13)

Even though Jeremiah is lonely, God commands him not to marry and have kids because of the impending disaster on Israel. God wants to spare Jeremiah from greater pains than loneliness. Marriage is supposed to be a blessing from God, but not under such corruption. God also commands Jeremiah not to mourn for his fellow countrymen’s death or celebrate with them in feasts because judgment is looming and God will show no grace to them. Perhaps, it is also God’s way of sparing Jeremiah from further pain later.

Blessing (14-21).

Bane is never God’s last word for Israel and the world. In the end, the nation will be restored; even the gentiles will worship God. This blessing in the end is referring to the Messianic Kingdom when both Jews and gentiles will confess that their idols are just worthless scarecrows and lies. God will do this so that all will know His glorious name and be in awe of Him (Eph. 1:6).

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Jeremiah’s life was difficult but God’s grace was still with him and enabling him to endure. God’s grace is demonstrated by His command to Jeremiah not to marry so that he will be spared from the extreme pain of seeing his family suffer. No matter how hard our circumstance is God’s grace is always with us. He promises to never leave us (Matt. 28:20). He also promises a way to endure and escape from our temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Praise God for His faithful grace so that we can live confidently, not in fear for we know His faithful character. He will never leave us or forsake us, but is always working for our good, which is to be like Christ (Rom. 8:28-29).
  1. We may wonder why God allowed sin to enter the world and corrupt the whole world. Why does pain and corruption must exist first then redemption and heaven? Why not just have heaven in the first place and never let it be corrupted in the beginning? The answer is so that the triune God can display the totality of His glorious character of compassion, mercy, love, faithful, and justice through redemption and restoration. Believers are invited to see God’s amazing work and character so that we will be in awe and enjoy Him forever (Eph. 1.6). The mystery is that God is in control, yet He is not responsible for man’s sins, but man is responsible for his sins. Such mystery cannot be solved until Christ comes back, but we can trust His word is true and that He is fully righteous because His character is at stake. God’s character is His highest glory, even greater than His power (Ex. 34:6-7).

经文：耶利米书16

主题：诛戳与祝福

 

诛戳（1-13）。

即便耶利米是孤独的，但由于以色列即将发生灾难，因此神吩咐他不要娶妻与养儿育女。神不希望耶利米经受比孤独更大的痛苦。婚姻本该是从神而来的祝福，但却不是在如此败坏的时代中。神也吩咐耶利米不要为其同乡百姓的死而哀哭，或是与之在宴席中庆祝，因为审判已经隐现，而神也不会向他们施恩典了。这也可能是神免去耶利米经受更大痛苦的方式。

祝福（14-21）。

诛戳绝不是神对以色列和全世界最后的话。最终，以色列将会被复兴；即使外邦人也会敬拜神。这在末后的祝福指的是弥赛亚王国；那时候，犹太人与外邦人都要承认其偶像只是无用的稻草人，全是谎言。神将如此行，叫世人都晓得祂荣耀的名并敬畏祂（弗1:6）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶利米一生都是艰难的，但神的恩典持续与他同在，叫他有能力忍受得住。神的恩典在此：祂吩咐耶利米不要娶妻，叫他无需经受目睹家人受难的极致痛苦。无论我们的处境有多艰苦，神的恩典常与我们同在。祂应许绝不离弃我们（太28:20）。祂也应许了一条路让我们可以忍受并且脱离试探（林前10:13）。我们要赞美神信实的恩典，因为我们认识祂信实的品性，我们就能以信心，而不是以恐惧活着。神总不撇下我们，也不丢弃我们，且持续完成祂为我们所作的善工，乃更像基督（罗8:28-29）。
  1. 我们或许不能理解神为何允许罪恶进入并败坏全世界。痛苦和败坏为何必须先存在，才有救赎恩与天堂？为何不单单把天堂摆在最初，叫世界原先就不堕落？答案就是三以神要通过救赎与复兴彰显祂全然的怜恤、怜悯、仁爱、信实与公平的属性。信徒被邀看见神奇妙的作为与品性，叫我们永远敬畏和享受祂的同在（弗1:6）。这奥妙就在神掌管一切，但祂对人的罪没有责任，人却要为自己的罪负责。直到耶稣的再来，此奥秘是不会被解开的，但我们可以相信神话语的真实性，也能相信祂是完全公义的，因为这关系到祂的品性。神的品性是祂最高的荣耀，甚至比祂的能力更为大（出34:6-7）。


 


2 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 15 耶利米书 15, Unrelenting Wrath 不后悔的忿怒

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 15

Theme                  : Unrelenting Wrath

 

Unrelenting Wrath (1-9)

God has made up His mind to destroy these unrepentant, persistent rebels. Even if godly intercessors like Moses and Samuel were to pray for mercy, God still will not relent. He has been weary of relenting His righteous judgement; therefore He will act now. Their sins are too great.

Jeremiah’s Sin (10-21).

Because of God’s persistent message of judgement on their sins through the mouth of Jeremiah, Jeremiah has become everyone’s favorite target. He is hated by everyone. So Jeremiah complains to God. He says he loves God’s word but he is now lonely and spurned by everyone. He is in pain. He wants God to take immediate vengeance on his persecutors. Sadly, during Jeremiah’s deep despair, he sinned against God by calling Him a deceitful brook, an unreliable, unfaithful God who cannot fulfill His promise to protect him. But God rebukes Jeremiah and commands him to strengthen his trust in God. God will definitely fulfill his promise to save Jeremiah from his persecutors. In the end, even Jeremiah’s enemies will ask him for prayers.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire that judges sinners with righteousness. Do not take God’s love for granted and treat Him with no reverence. Those who do not revere Him will be consumed, just like the Jews. They did not fear God, but treated Him lightly. Pray that you will take God seriously and take sin seriously because it offends God. Do not presume on God’s grace, for that is a sin in itself. God is love but He is also righteous and just.
  1. Jeremiah sinned by doubting God’s promise to him. Doubting God’s word is to doubt His character. That is why it is a sin. That is why unbelief is so ugly. If you doubt your spouse’s love and promise to you, you offend your spouse’s character, honour and glory. To doubt God’s word is even worse because He is the king of the world. If you think God has failed you, either you have misinterpreted the Bible or you are not patient enough like Jeremiah. Repent and trust in His character, which is His glory and honour.

经文：耶利米书15

主题：不后悔的忿怒

 

不后悔的忿怒（1-9）。神已定意毁灭这些不肯悔改，顽梗的叛者。即便有敬虔的中保如摩西和撒母代他们祈求怜悯，神仍断然要拒绝他们。以色列民罪孽深重，以至神不愿再收手，必要施行公义的审判。

耶利米的罪（10-21）由于神藉耶利米的口传讲罪之审判的信息，耶利米便成了众矢之的，被人憎恨。因此，耶利米向神抱怨。他说他爱神的话语，但如今却是孤独的，并被人鄙弃。他处于痛苦之中，唯愿神立刻向逼迫他的人报复。可悲的是，在耶利米深深的绝望中，他因称神为诡诈的、不可靠的，不信实的，并无法履行祂的应许保护他而触犯了神。神斥责耶利米并吩咐他要坚固自己对神的信心。神必定成就祂的应许，从逼迫者手中保护耶利米。最终，即便是耶利米的敌人也会向他求告。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神是有怜爱的，但祂也是用公义审判罪人的烈火。不要把神的爱当作理所当然，也不要对祂不尊重。对神不尊重的人将会像犹太人一样被歼灭。他们不敬畏神并轻忽祂。祷告你会认真对待神与罪恶，免得触犯了神。不要臆断神的恩典，因为这也是罪。神是爱，但祂也是公义和公正的。
  1. 耶利米因怀疑神的应许而犯罪。怀疑神的话同等于怀疑神的品性；这乃是罪的原因。这就是为什么不信是如此的丑陋。如果你怀疑你的配偶之爱与承诺，你就触犯了他/她的品性、尊严与荣耀。由于神是世界之王，若怀疑祂就更为严重了。你如果认为神辜负了，事实上你不是误解了圣经，就是你像耶利米一样不够耐心。要悔改并相信祂的荣耀与尊严的品性。

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