1 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 14 耶利米书 14, Famine, Sword and Pestilence 饥荒、刀剑与瘟疫

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 14

Theme                  : Famine, Sword and Pestilence

 

Famine and Judgement (1-12)

Jeremiah prophesies about a coming drought that will languish the whole land. The people pleads with God for mercy but God will not listen to them. God even commands Jeremiah not to pray for these people because they have committed unforgiveable sins against God, just like the Pharisees committed unforgiveable sin against Jesus (Matt. 12:31). God will never forgive them even though they will cry out to God because of their pain.

Lying Prophets (13-22).

The Jews seem to be repentant but their actions do not show it. This is clearly seen in their rejection of God’s word through His true prophet, Jeremiah, and the acceptance of false prophets. These prophets and priests are like businessmen who do not care about God’s kingdom, but only care about expanding their own kingdom, their own business. On one hand they plead for God’s mercy and say all the right words, but on the other hand they continue to worship idols.

 

Praying the Scripture

There are many Christians today who are like these Jews, especially in the no lordship or antinomian groups, sometimes called easy-believeism or cheap grace. They only accept Jesus as their savior but not their Lord. On one hand, they cry out to God to save them, but on the other hand they do not care to submit to His lordship, but still want to be their own masters. They also hire pastors who are businessmen instead of men of God. Such so-called Christians will be rejected by God in the end (Matt. 7:21-23). A true Christian is not perfect and still sins but he has submitted himself to God’s lordship and pleads for God’s grace to overcome sin. He does not trying to manipulate God so that he can continue to love sin and harbor idols in his heart. Pray that you will understand the difference between false Christians and struggling Christians. Pray that you will pursue righteousness by His grace (Matt. 5:6).

经文：耶利米书14

主题：饥荒、刀剑与瘟疫

 

饥荒与审判（1-12）。

耶利米预言即将临到的干旱之灾会使全地衰败。百姓恳求神的怜悯却不蒙垂听。神甚至吩咐耶利米不可为这些百姓祈求，因为他们就像法利赛人对耶稣一样（太12:31），行了干犯神的不可饶恕之罪。即使他们因痛苦向神呼求，神也绝不会饶恕他们。

说假预言的先知（13-22）。

犹太人看似痛改前非，但其行为却没有证明这一点。他们拒绝了神藉着真先知耶利米所传达的话，却听信假先知的谎言。这些先知与祭司好比商人一样，不关心神的国度，却只关心扩展自己的国度和的事业。他们一方面说尽好话恳求神的怜悯，另一方面却继续敬拜偶像。

 

用经文祷告

今日的基督徒有很多与犹太人相似，置身于否认基督的主权或反律法主义的教导中；这些教导与易信主义或“廉价恩典”主义是同出一徹的。他们承认耶稣是救主，却不尊崇祂作生命的主。他们一方面向神呼求拯救，另一方面却不愿意顺服于祂的主权，仍然想当自己的主宰。他们聘请商人而非属神的人为牧师。这些所谓的基督徒最终将会被神拒绝（太7:21-23）。一个真正的基督徒并不完全，仍会犯罪，但他已顺服于神的主权下，并恳求神的怜悯以胜过罪恶。他不会尝试操纵神，叫他能继续喜爱罪恶，并把偶像怀在心中。祷告你能分辨何谓假基督徒与争战中的基督徒。祷告你能在神的恩典中追求公义（太5:6）。


29 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 13 耶利米书 13, Corrupted Nation 败坏的国家

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 13

Theme                  : Corrupted Nation

 

Ruined Loincloth (1-11)

God commands Jeremiah to buy and hide a loincloth in Babylon, and then dig out the ruined loincloth. This symbolizes Israel’s exile in Babylon because they are useless and corrupted. But God promises to restore this ruined loincloth so that it will be useful again and cling to God.

Ruined Nation (12-27).

The thoroughly corrupt nation will drink the wrath of God’s wine. God threatens judgment on them but also appeals them to repent. The statement “Give glory to the Lord your God” is an OT idiom for “Confess your sins” (cf. Josh 7:19; John 9:24). But they will not because they have persistently sinned. Their conscience has been seared. For the Jews to repent is like suspending the laws of nature, like a leopard changing its spots. Their only hope is in the mercy of God who promises to restore the nation in the future.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

This passage teaches that humans are hopeless and helpless sinners who cannot change themselves. They are dead in their transgression (Eph. 2:1). Their only hope is God’s undeserved grace, who is inclined to mercy when we ask for mercy. This is why it is important to pray for non-believers when you evangelize. And it is also why we must pray for ourselves and for other believers to be refined, to continuously be changed by God in order to conform to the image of Christ. This is what it means by being filled with the Spirit in Eph. 5:18. We must depend on God and let God change us. Any effort to change ourselves and others without depending on God is futile. Even your best effort is useless. It is like a Ferrari without gas; looks great outside but cannot go anywhere.

经文：耶利米书13

主题：败坏的国家

 

变坏的带子（1-11）。神吩咐耶利米去买一根带子并藏在巴比伦，然后把变坏的带子刨出来。这象征以色列将被放逐于巴比伦，乃因他们的无用和腐败。但神应许复兴这已变坏了的带子，使它重新变得有用并紧贴着神。

变坏的国家（12-27）。这彻底败坏的国家将要喝神忿怒之酒。神警告他们的审判将临，却也呼吁他们要悔改。“将荣耀归给耶和华你的神”是旧约时代的惯用语，意为“承认自己的罪”（书7:19；约9:24）。然而他们不愿那么做，因他们的良知早已被他们持续的罪行如同被热铁烙惯了一般。悔改对犹太人而言就如终止自然界的规律一样，也好比豹子改变其斑点。他们唯一的希望就在神的怜悯，因祂应许在将来会复兴以色列国。

 

用经文祷告

这段经文教导我们：人是绝望、无助的罪人——他们是无法改变自己的。他们都死在自己的罪恶过犯之中（弗2:1），其唯一的指望是神白白的恩典，而凡向神祈求怜悯的，祂不会掩耳不闻。这就是我们向非信徒传福音时必须祷告的原因。这也是我们为何要常常为自己与其他信徒祷告，祈求神不断地雕刻我们，叫我们能满有基督的形象。这就是以弗所书5:18所说“被圣灵充满”之意。我们必须依靠神改变我们。任何不依靠神而想改变自己与别人的努力都是枉然的；即使尽再大的努力也是无用的。这好比一辆没有汽油的法拉利名车——它有好看的外表，却没有实际的用途。


27 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 12 耶利米书 12, Righteous God 公义之神

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 12

Theme                  : Righteous God

 

Jeremiah’s Puzzlement (1-4)

Like Habakkuk, Jeremiah understands God is righteous but he does not understand why a righteous God would let sinners prosper. The wicked insincerely say they love God, but their hearts hate Him. They think God does not know their hypocrisy. Why does God not punish these hypocrites immediately? Why does God let sinners ruin His land with their sins, including the righteous and even the animals?

God’s Answer (5-13).

God does not completely answer Jeremiah’s question, instead God says Jeremiah needs to be more patient and needs to strengthen his faith so that he can endure greater trials in the future. His current trial with the men of Anathoth is nothing, like a safe land, compared to his future trials, like the thicket of the Jordan. In the future, even his own family will betray him. Even though God does not judge immediately, God’s future judgement on the wicked is so certain that God uses the prophetic perfect tense to describe their future punishment as if it has already occurred. He will use foreigners (symbolized by wild beasts and shepherds) to destroy His beloved Israel.

Blessing for Repentant Nations (14-17).

The nations around Israel (Syria, Moab, and Ammon) will also be exiled along with Israel. But amazingly, God promises to bring both Israel and their neighbours back. In addition, if they repent and have faith in Him instead of their idol: Baal, then God will be their God. This promise is applicable for every nation and individual now.

 

Praying the Scripture

Like Jeremiah, we don’t understand some things on earth because we don’t have the right perspective. Jeremiah does not understand why God does not punish the wicked immediately so that the land can be revived because Jeremiah does not understand God’s greater plan of redemption for Israel and all mankind, not just for the Jews of Jeremiah’s days. God is working toward the Messianic Kingdom when even foreign nations and individuals can be with God through faith in Jesus, the Messiah. Immediately punishing the wicked will not usher in the Messianic Kingdom; it will not bless the whole world (Gen. 12:3). When we are puzzled by how God runs the world (for example, terrorists, killing of Christians by terrorists, and perversion of the true gospel by the prosperity gospel), we need to trust in God’s righteous character and His grand plan for the full restoration of the world through the Messianic Kingdom. God’s ways are higher than our ways.

经文：耶利米书12

主题：公义之神

 

耶利米的困惑（1-4）。

耶利米像哈巴谷一样，虽然明白神是公义的，却不明白公义的神为何会让罪人亨通。恶人虚情假意地说他们爱神，但内心却憎恨祂。他们以为神不晓得他们表里不一。神为何不立即惩罚这些假冒为善的人呢？神为何就让罪人以他们的罪行破坏祂的地，包括地上的义人，甚至动物在内呢？

神的回答（5-13）。

神并没有全面回答耶利米的问题，而是告诉他需要更耐心，并坚固其信心，以便日后能承受更大的试探。神或许知道耶利米的抱怨大部分归因于他所承受的苦难，并非神学知识有误。现时他与亚拿突人的试探犹如平安之地；与他将来像是在约旦河边的丛林之试探，那不算什么。将来，即使是他自己的家人也会背叛他。尽管神没有立刻施行审判，祂日后对恶人的审判是如此肯定，叫神以预言性的完成式表达对他们将来的惩治，如以发生过一样。祂将会用外邦人（以野兽和牧人为象征）毁灭祂所爱的以色列。

对悔改列国的祝福（14-17）。

以色列周围的列国（亚兰、摩押和亚扪）将会与其一同被放逐。但令人惊讶的是，神应许把以色列及其邻舍一同带回来。再者，倘若他们愿悔改并信靠神而非他们的偶像巴力，神将会是他们的神。如今，这个应许适用于每一个国家与每一个人了。

 

用经文祷告

由于我们没有正确的视角，我们是无法明白世上的某些事情，就像耶利米一样。由于耶利米不明白神对以色列以及全人类更伟大的救赎计划，不单是为了耶利米时代的犹太人，因此他无法明白神为何不立刻惩罚恶人，使全地更新。神正为弥赛亚的国度做工；那时，即使是外邦国家和个人也可以通过对弥赛亚耶稣的信而与神同在。立刻惩罚恶人是无法引进弥赛亚国度的；它将不能赐福全世界（创12:3）。当我们为神管理世界的方式感到困惑时（例如恐怖行动、恐怖分子杀害基督徒，以及致富福音对属实福音的曲解），我们需要信靠神公义的品格，与祂藉着弥赛亚国度更新全地的宏大计划。神的道路高过我们的道路。


26 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 11 耶利米书 11, No Mercy For Unrepentant Sinners 对不悔改之罪人无怜悯

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 11

Theme                  : No Mercy For Unrepentant Sinners

 

Breaking Covenant (1-17)

The people of Israel broke God’s covenant and deserved to be punished as stipulated in the Mosaic Law (Deut. 28:15-68). God’s justice is not arbitrary or hidden. They have sinned to the degree that God will never forgive them so God commands Jeremiah not to pray for them since God has made up his mind to punish them. They have committed unforgiveable sins like Pharaoh and Pharisees of Jesus’ days (Matt. 12:31).

Threatening Prophet (18-23).

Their unforgiveable sin is evidenced by their active opposition to God to the point that they desire to kill His prophet Jeremiah. The Pharisees knew Jesus was God’s son but still tried to kill Him (Mark 12:7). Such high handed rebellion against God has no forgiveness in light of clear and undeniable understanding of the true, living God. Paul was able to be forgiven by God because he murdered God’s people out of ignorance (1 Tim. 1:13).

 

Praying the Scripture

There are times in history where people have undeniably met the God of the Bible, such as Pharaoh and Jeremiah’s generation of Jews, but they not only refuse to believe in God but actively seek to oppose God. For such people they have committed unforgivable sins and their judgment is certain. That is why God commanded Jeremiah not to pray for these people because they knew God and still actively sought to oppose God and even tried to kill His prophets, like Jeremiah. When we evangelize we should not think that people around us have committed unforgiveable sins since most of them do not even know God or experienced undeniable miracles or knowledge of God, like Pharaoh, Jeremiah’s generation and Pharisees of Jesus’ days. Instead, we ought to be advocate of hopeless, undeserving sinners until they die. They are blinded by their sins and the devil so we need to pray for God’s mercy on them. Such prayers are pleasing to God.

经文：耶利米书11

主题：对不悔改之罪人无怜悯

 

背弃约定（1-17）。

以色列的百姓背弃了与神所立的约，理当受到摩西律法所规定的刑罚（申28:15-68）。神的公平并非是独断或隐藏的。他们严重犯罪，以致神绝不赦免他们，所以神吩咐耶利米不要为他们祷告，因为神已定意要施行惩治。他们已经犯下不可赦免的罪，如法老和耶稣时代的法利赛人的一样（太12：31）。

威胁先知（18-23）。

众先知激烈反对神，以致想杀害神的先知耶利米——这显明了他们不可被赦免的罪。法利赛人明知耶稣是神的儿子却仍企图杀害祂（马12:7）。由于他们对永活真神有明确、可信的了解，这样无理的反叛是无可饶恕的。保罗能蒙神的赦免是因为他是出于无知才杀害神的百姓（提前1:13）。

 

用经文祷告

历史上时有人一定见过圣经中的神，例如法老和耶利米时代的犹太人；然而，他们不但拒绝信神，反倒激烈与神对抗。至于这些人，他们已经犯下了不可赦免的罪，必然要受到审判。这就是神吩咐耶利米不要为他们祷告的原因，因为他们虽然认识神，却仍激烈对抗神，还试图杀害祂的先知，如耶利米。可是，当我们传福音时，我们不该认为周围的人已经犯了不可赦免的罪，因为多数人还未认识神，也未曾看见神行明确的神迹，更不像法老、耶利米时代的人或耶稣时代的法利赛人一样对神有认知。因此，我们要作无望者和不配得的罪人之中保，直到他们离世。他们被自己的罪和恶蒙蔽了，所以我们需要求神怜悯他们。这样的祷告是蒙神喜悦的。


25 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 10 耶利米书 10, Folly and Majesty 愚昧与威严

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 10

Theme                  : Folly and Majesty

 

Folly of Idols (1-5)

Idols are merely lifeless wood that man creates. They can do nothing. Pagans uphold their idols as if they have power, but these idols are like scarecrows. They are lifeless and are able to scare only mindless men who are like mindless animals.

Majesty of God (6-18).

In contrast, the only true living God is the God of Israel who created the heavens and earth. He demonstrates His divinity by describing the world in accurate scientific ways before man can discover them. For example, mist rise to form clouds and rain (v. 13). Those who worship idols will be put to shame, but those who worship Him will belong to Him forever and inherit His blessings. God will never forsake Israel forever, instead one day it will be His inheritance forever. Believing Jews will belong in the everlasting Jerusalem (Rev. 21-22), and Christians will forever be in this everlasting Jerusalem through Christ (Rom 11:11-36, Matt. 22:8-10). Both will be God’s inheritance forever.

Jerusalem’s Pain (19-25).

Sadly, most of Jeremiah’s generation of Jews will not be God’s inheritance, but will be uprooted from Jerusalem and exiled. This will be their earthly and eternal punishment. The punishment of Israel is personified by the removal of its tent (v. 20). But in the midst of God’s righteous judgment, Jeremiah plead for God’s mercy on behalf of his people. This is the job of a prophet: being an advocate for people.

 

Praying the Scripture

As Christians we are priests, mediators like Jeremiah (1 Pet. 2:9). We are called to intercede for hopeless sinners and plead for God’s mercy on behalf of them. We are not to gloat over their punishment but to plead for God’s mercy so that they will repent. This is what Moses did. Pray that you will fulfill your priestly role by interceding for hopeless sinners. Be an advocate for undeserving sinners.

经文：耶利米书10

主题：愚昧与威严

 

偶像的愚昧（1-5）。

偶像只是人手所造的无生木头。它们什么都做不成。异教徒高举其偶像，仿佛它们有能力似的，但这些偶像只不过像棕树。他们毫无生命，只能吓唬如愚蠢动物一般的愚昧人。

神的威严（6-18）。

相反地，创造天地的以色列之神才是独一的永生真神。祂早在人类发现以前通过精确的科学术语描述世界，以此表明祂的神性，例如云雾上腾形成云和雨（13节）。敬拜偶像的将感到羞愧，但那敬拜神的将永远归于祂，并要承受祂的祝福为业。神是绝对不会永远丢弃以色列的；总有一日，她将永远成为神的产业。信从神的犹太人将归属于永恒的耶路撒冷（启21-22），而基督徒也将藉着基督永远归属于这个永恒的耶路撒冷（罗11:11-36；太22:8-10）。两者都将永远成为神的产业。

耶路撒冷的痛苦（19-25）。

可悲的是，耶利米年代的大部分犹太人不会是神的产业，乃会从耶路撒冷连根拔起，并被放逐。这将会是神对他们在世上以及在永恒里的惩罚。藉着帐篷的移除（20节），神对以色列的惩罚更具体化。然而，即便面对着神公义的审判，耶利米仍代表其百姓恳求神的怜恤。这是先知的工作：作百姓的中保。

用经文祷告

身为基督徒，我们就是祭司和中保，如同耶利米一样（彼前2:9）。我们被呼召为绝望的罪人祈求，并为他们恳求神的怜恤。我们不当因他们受罚而幸灾乐祸，乃要恳求神的怜恤，叫他们能悔改。这是摩西所做的事。祷告你将会藉着为绝望的罪人祈求而完成你作祭司的角色。要为不配的罪人作中保。


24 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 9 耶利米书 9, Worshipping and Boasting 敬拜与夸口

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 9

Theme                  : Worshipping and Boasting

 

False Worship (1-22)

Jeremiah has sympathy for his people but at the same time he is abhorred by their sins. They only worship God outwardly with their religious rituals but inwardly they do not worship God in their heart. This is evidenced by their evil. They love to lie and ambush even their own siblings. The NT tells us if we say we love God but hate our brothers and sisters in Christ we are liars (1 John 4:20). Because of their false worship, God has no choice but to punish them so that they may repent. God makes their punishment vivid by calling the Jews to prepare for their punishment by learning to sing dirge. To some degree, God was able to change Israel’s behavior through punishment. After Israel returned from exile, they never worshipped idols again, but they continue to have idols in their hearts. Punishment can never cause sinful human hearts to abandon idols; therefore, the Messiah needs to change their hearts through the Spirit.

True Worship (23-26).

The root cause of their idolatry and sin is their idolatrous heart. They boast in their own wisdom, physical and military strength, and riches. Boasting is an expression of worship. They worshipped these things. Human wisdom, physical strength and riches were their idols. But God calls them to worship Him by boasting in Him and His character of steadfast love, justice and righteousness. As long as they do not boast in God, their idolatrous hearts can never be transformed. They will always have uncircumcised, i.e. unclean, hearts even though they are circumcised outwardly. Because of their idolatry, they will be punished, along with their uncleaned neighbours including Egypt when Babylonian conquers them.

 

Praying the Scripture

As Christians, we are given a new nature, a new heart through Jesus. This heart has God as the center of our worship. Now we are able to put to death idols and sins in our hearts so that God can reign fully in our hearts (Rom. 8:13). Check to see what your heart boasts about. Whatever your heart boasts about, that is what you worship. If your boasting is sinful, ask God for forgiveness and thank Him for Jesus, who has died for you. Then ask God to change your sense of greatness so that you will see God and His character as the greatest and you should gladly imitate Him. Have your highest boast in God and His character.

经文：耶利米书9

主题：敬拜与夸口

 

虚假的敬拜（1-22）。

耶利米为他的百姓悲伤，但同时也厌恶他们的罪孽。他们单单以外在的宗教仪式敬拜神，心里却不敬拜祂。他们的恶就是有力的证明。他们喜爱说谎话与谋害人，即使是亲兄弟也不放过。新约告诉我们：如果我们说自己爱神，心里却恨自己主内的弟兄姐妹，我们便是说谎话的（约一4:20）。因着他们虚假的敬拜，神别无选择，唯有惩罚他们，叫他们或许肯悔改。神呼召犹太人学唱哀歌，以此将他们的惩治具体化，叫他们预备受罚。在某种程度上，神是可以通过惩罚改变以色列的行为。以色列自流放归回以后便从此不敬拜偶像，但他们心里仍继续隐藏偶像。惩治是绝对不能叫罪人的心抛弃偶像；因此，弥赛亚需要藉着圣灵改变他们的心。

真实的敬拜（23-26）。

偶像崇拜与罪恶的根原是他们淫乱的心。他们因自己的智慧、体格和军事力量，以及财物夸口。夸口是崇拜的一种表现；他们崇拜的是这些东西。人类的智慧，体能和财物都是他们的偶像。然而，神呼召他们要敬拜祂，以祂与祂不变的慈爱、公平和公义之品格夸口。只要他们不以神夸口，他们奸淫的心就永不能改变。虽然他们受过割礼，但他们永远会存未受割礼，即不洁净，的心。因着他们的偶像崇拜，他们将与包括埃及在内的不洁净邻舍一同在巴比伦侵略之时遭受惩罚。

 

用经文祷告

身为基督徒，我们藉着耶稣蒙受一颗新心和一个新性情。这样的心是以神为我们敬拜的中心。如今，我们可以把心中的偶像与罪恶治死，叫神得以完全在我们心中掌权了（罗8:13）。察验你的心是为了什么夸耀；你的心夸耀什么，那就是你崇拜的对象。如果你所夸耀的是罪恶的，请求神宽恕，并感谢为你舍命的耶稣。接着，请求神改变你对于伟大的认知，叫你能尊神与祂的品格为最大的，而你也应该欣然地仿效祂。愿你最大的夸耀是在神与祂的品格里。


23 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 8 耶利米书 8, Desecration of Israel 以色列的亵渎

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 8

Theme                  : Desecration of Israel

 

Desecration of Israel (1-13)

Since the Jews worshipped, served, and consulted worthless idols, they will also become worthless like dung. Even their ancestors’ bones, who worshipped idols, will be exhumed and spread out like worthless dung. They desecrated God’s place so God will desecrate them. Even in the midst of proclamation of judgement, God continues to give grace to them by appealing to the Jews to return to Him, but they are mindless animals without shame for their sins. Their conscience has been seared.

Jeremiah’s Sorrow (14-22).

Because of their sins, God will destroy Israel. The Babylonians have already come to Dan, in the northern borders of Israel. Those who are in the country side will flee into fortified cities, but still there will be no peace because the Babylonians will conquer even the fortified cities. Babylonian successfully sieged Jerusalem three times (2 Kgs 24-25). As Jeremiah receives God’s message of punishment on the Jews, he is torn to pieces and plagued with grieve. He constantly lives in the state of tension between his love for the people and being faithful to God’s calling.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

The prophet Jeremiah is the most autobiographical prophet in the OT. He often writes about his personal feelings and experiences. Jeremiah is not an emotionally unstable guy but a great prophet who loves his people; therefore he mourns for their destruction. He has the same heart as Jesus who also mourned for the destruction of Jerusalem, His own people (Luke 19:41). God calls us to imitate Him since He is love. So we should mourn when we see calamity on sinners. We should weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15). Never gloat over sinners’ destruction or be self-righteous, for God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Eze. 18:23).

经文：耶利米书8

主题：以色列的亵渎

 

以色列的亵渎（1-13）。由于犹太人敬拜、侍奉并咨询虚无的偶像，他们也将变得如粪土一样虚妄；他们敬拜偶像的祖先之骸骨也将像无用的粪土被挖掘、抛散。他们亵渎了神，因此神也会玷污他们。即便在宣告审判时，神继续向犹太人施恩，呼吁他们要归向祂，可他们却像无情的动物一样，对自己的罪不觉羞愧。他们的良心如同被热铁烙惯了一般。

耶利米的哀伤（14-22）。因着以色列的罪，神会使他们灭绝。巴比伦已经来到了以色列北方边境的但。在农村的百姓将逃入坚固城中，但即便如此，他们仍不会有平安，因为巴比伦会继而攻克坚固城。巴比伦成功地围攻了耶路撒冷三次（列下24-25）。当耶利米领受神对犹太人所发的审判宣告后，他的心被撕成碎片，极其疼痛。他持续活在对百姓之爱与忠实传达神之信息的两难局面。

 

用经文祷告

耶利米是旧约中纳入最多自传记载的先知。他经常写及个人的感受和经历。耶利米并非情绪不稳定，乃因他是一位对其百姓含有深爱的伟大先知，所以他为他们的毁灭哀痛。他与耶稣有同样的心——耶稣也曾为耶路撒冷以及祂的百姓之毁哀痛（路19:41）。神呼召我们效仿祂，因为祂是爱。因此，当我们看到灾难临到罪人时应，我们应当哀痛。我们当与哀哭的人同哭（罗12:15）。不因对罪人的毁灭幸灾乐祸或者自以为是，因为神不喜悦恶人死亡（结18:23）。

22 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 7 耶利米书 7, No Refuge in the Temple 殿中没有避难处

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 7

Theme                  : No Refuge in the Temple

 

Misplaced Confidence (1-15)

Chapters 1-6 is most likely a condense version of Jeremiah’s message during Josiah’ reign. Chapters 7-10 is about Jeremiah’s address to the people at the temple. The address took place after Josiah’s reign as indicated by rampant, overt idol worship. The Jews misplace their confidence in the fact that God’s temple is in Jerusalem so logically God will never destroy Jerusalem or them. God bursts their bubbles by reminding them of the destruction of Shiloh. During the time of the judges, Shiloh was the location of the tabernacle and the de facto capital of Israel (Judges 18:31). God reminds them that He will destroy both the people and their hand-made temple for God because the people have become corrupted so both their souls and works are rejected by God.

Obedience Better than Sacrifices (16-34).

The Jews are so obstinate that God commands Jeremiah not to pray for them because He is determined to judge their gross sins including child sacrifice. The impact of sin will affect not just humans but also creation including animals, trees and the ground. The Jews made God into one of their pantheon gods, including the queen of heaven, the goddess of love and futility. They forgot that there is only one true God who is jealous for His glory. They heartlessly and mindlessly offer sacrifices to God, but have no faith in God that results in obedience. Such outward religious deeds are meaningless to God. Even though God knows they will not listen, yet He still commands Jeremiah to keep preaching His message.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. None of our religious deeds and buildings are meaningful to God if we have no faith in God and are not under His lordship. One can be in the most beautiful cathedral and feel good about his worship, while being completely rejected by God. That was the case for the Jews. It is better to be in a poor sanctuary whose worship is accepting to God, then a beautiful cathedral whose worship is an abomination to God. Pray that you don’t just focus on outward religious works, but also inward faith and religious affection for God and His lordship. Both faith and works that stems from faith are important to God. Pray that you do not neglect either one, but cultivate both faith and works that stems from faith (Rom. 1:5, obedience of faith).
  1. Even though no one will listen to Jeremiah’s message, God commanded him to keep proclaiming. This principle is the same in the NT. God commands us to proclaim the word in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). Whether it is fruitful or unfruitful, whether people listen or not listen, keep proclaiming God’s truth. Pray that you will be faithful to proclaim God’s truth even when people do not listen.

经文：耶利米书7

主题：殿中没有避难处

 

错误寄托的信心（1-15）。

1-6章最有可能是耶利米在约西亚统治时期所有信息的浓缩版。7-10章是关于耶利米在殿中向百姓传讲的话。照犹大猖獗、公开的偶像敬拜看来，这段讲话是在约西亚的统治之后发表的。犹太人的信心有误，以为就凭圣殿位于耶路撒冷这一点，神是决对不会毁灭耶路撒冷与其中的百姓的。神破灭了他们的幻想，提醒他们士罗被毁一事。在士师时期，士罗是帐幕的所在之地，也是以色列实际存在的首都（士18:31）。神提醒他们祂将毁灭百姓以及他们所造的圣殿，因为百姓已经变得败坏，所以神拒绝了他们的灵魂与工作。

顺从胜于献祭（16-34）。

犹太人如此顽固，以致神吩咐耶利米不要为他们祈祷，因为神定意要审判他们重大的罪愆，包括孩童献祭。罪的影响不单单涉及人类，更涉及了所有创物，包括动物、树木和土地。犹太人把独一神纳入众神之一看待，与天后、爱情与性欲的女神相提并论。他们忘记了那为了其荣耀忌邪的独一真神。他们无情地、盲目地向神献祭，却没有投靠神以致顺服祂话语的信心。这种外在的宗教形式对神而言毫无意义。尽管神晓得他们不会听从劝诫，但祂仍然吩咐耶利米继续传讲祂的话。

用经文祷告

  1. 倘若我们不信靠神，也不归于祂的主权下，无一宗教行为和建筑对神是有意义的。一个人可以在最华丽的大教堂中为其敬拜感觉良好，在神眼中却是完全被拒绝的。这就是犹太人的实况。在一个穷乏圣所被神悦纳的真实敬拜，胜过在华丽教堂在神看来可憎的敬拜。祷告你不会单单注重外在的宗教行为，乃更重视对神和祂主权的内在信心和热情。出于信心的诚心和行为对神而言都是重要的。祷告你不会忽视任何一者，但会同时培养出于信心的诚心和行为（罗1:5；信服真道）
  1. 尽管无人愿意听从耶利米的信息，神仍吩咐他继续宣讲。这个道理与新约中的相同。神吩咐我们无论得时或不得时都要宣讲祂的话语（提后4:2）。无论能不能结出果子，无论人愿不愿意听，总都要继续宣讲神的真道。祷告即使人们不听，你仍会信实地宣讲神的真理。

 


20 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 6 耶利米书 6, Fall of Jerusalem Foretold 预言耶路撒冷的沦陷

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 6

Theme                  : Fall of Jerusalem Foretold

 

Siege of Jerusalem (1-15)

Even though God intends to destroy Israel, but out of compassion He still warns them to flee for safety when the Babylonian invasion nears. But the people are so stubborn that they will not even heed to God’s warning to flee. The Babylonians will be like shepherds who direct their army to desolate Israel. They will glean Israel like a vine. The Jews are so evil that God is weary of holding His wrath. He does not want to destroy since He is not wrathful by nature, but He must punishment because He is a righteous God who hates evil. No Jew will be spared, from the great ones to the lowly, from the aged to the young because all are corrupted and lust after money.

Cause of Siege (16-30).

The siege will occur because they have departed from the ancient paths of God’s laws and wandered into idolatry, lies, and their own ways. They hurt themselves through their idolatry. Because of their idolatry, none of their outward sacrifices and religious deeds means anything to God. God have sent watchmen, i.e. prophets, to them but they paid no attention. God also sent Jeremiah who is like a tester of metals to test the Jews, but they failed the test by not heeding to God’s word through Jeremiah.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

Just as the Jews thought that they will never be judged for their idolatry, so non-believers today think they will never be judged for their idolatry. But just as God’s judgement came upon the Jews, so judgement will sure come upon all who worship idols both outwardly and in their hearts. Take heed to God’s warning against idolatry because it is ugly and shameful. It is as shameful as a child forsaking his parents. Pray that you will get rid of all idols in your heart (1 John 5:21) and urge others to forsake idolatry.

经文：耶利米书6

主题：预言耶路撒冷的沦陷

 

围攻耶路撒冷（1-15）。即使神打算毁灭以色列，祂仍有怜悯，在巴比伦侵略者临近之时警告他们逃出。可是，以色列百姓非常固执，不愿听从神的警告逃离。巴比伦会像牧人一般引领其军队使以色列变成荒场。他们将会像摘净葡萄那样掳尽以色列。犹太人的邪恶极致，叫神难以含忍其忿怒。由于神不喜爱发怒，祂原本是不想毁灭以色列的，但因为祂是憎恨邪恶的公义之神，祂必须施行惩罚。从居于高位的到卑微的，从年长到年幼的，无一犹太人将会幸免，因为他们所有人都是败坏、贪财的。

被攻打的原因（16-30）。以色列之所以会被敌人攻打，是因为他们偏离了神律法的古道，被偶像崇拜、谎言与自己的行为方式迷惑。他们因着偶像崇拜伤害了自己；也因于此，他们外在的献祭和宗教行为在神眼中都是徒然的。神已经向他们差派了守望的人，即先知，但是他们却不加理会。神也派出像高台一般的耶利米试验犹太人，但他们却经不起试验，因为他们不愿听从神藉着耶利米向他们传讲的话。

 

用经文祷告

犹太人以为他们将不会因自己的偶像崇拜受到审判；今日的非信徒也是如此。然而，就如神的审判临到犹太人一样，凡崇拜偶像的，不论是外在或是内心的，也必然要受到审判。要听取神对偶像崇拜的劝告，因为偶像崇拜的行为既丑陋又可耻，犹如孩子不认自己的父母一样。祷告你会除去心中所有的偶像（约一5:21），并劝告他人离开偶像崇拜。


19 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 5 耶利米书 5, Judah’s Complete Corruption 犹大的全然败坏

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 5

Theme                  : Judah’s Complete Corruption

 

Judah Refuses to Repent (1-13)

Judah is incurable. They are completely stubborn. Even physical punishment will not cause them to change. The whole society is corrupted, from the great ones to the lowly ones, from leaders to the very poor. All are filthy. They are bent on sinning. When God feeds them and gives them strength, it only gives them more strength to sin and commit adultery with their neighbors. They also gather false prophets to proclaim message of peace from God, instead of judgment in order to tickle their ears.

Judah will be a Refuse (14-31).

Because of they refuse to repent, they will become a refuse. God will destroy them but He promises not to make a full end of them (v. 18). He will preserve some because He has promised not to destroy Israel completely, but to save them and to bless the world through them. For these people, their judgment will come later, but for the rest they will get what they deserve soon. Judgement will surely come to all unrepentant sinners, but the timing is different for different people.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

God’s judgement is fearful. Pray that His judgement will wake up people up from their stupor and help them to see that sin will not pay in the end. We need to faithfully promise judgement and salvation. All idolatry is ugly and deserve an ugly end because to not worship God is like a child disrespecting his parents who have loved him and provided for him. Pray that idolators will understand the seriously and ugliness of their sins.

经文：耶利米书5

主题：犹大的全然败坏

 

犹大不肯悔改（1-13）。犹大已无可救药。他们极为固执，以致肉体上的惩治也不能使他们改变。整个社会，从地位高贵到地位卑微的，从领导者至贫困的人，竟都是败坏的。他们都是污秽的。他们执意要犯罪。当神喂饱他们并给予他们力量时，这只叫他们更有能力犯罪并与邻舍行淫。为了满足他们发痒的耳朵，他们也招聚了假先知传讲神的平安，却不宣告神的审判。

犹大将成为一座废墟（14-31）。由于犹大不肯悔改，她将成为一座废墟。神会毁灭他们，但也应许不会将他们毁灭净尽（18节）。神将保留一部分的人，因为祂已承诺不会完全毁灭以色列，乃要拯救他们，并藉着他们祝福全世界。对于这群余民而言，他们的审判将晚一点来到，但其余的百姓即将自食其果。审判必然临到所有不愿悔改的罪人，只是时间有所区别。

 

用经文祷告

神的审判是可怕的。祷告祂的审判将会唤醒仍在醉酒恍惚的人，并帮助他们看到犯罪最最终的真实工价。我们需要忠心地传达神审判和拯救的承诺。凡偶像崇拜的行为都是丑陋的，也必然得到丑陋的结局，因为不敬拜神就好比一个孩子不尊敬那爱他又抚养他长大的父母。祷告偶像崇拜者能理解其罪的严重性和丑陋性。


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