12 Jan 2016, Isaiah 50 以赛亚书 50, Israel’s Sin and Servant’s Obedience 以色列的罪与仆人的顺服

Posted on Jan 11, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 50

Theme                  : Israel’s Sin and Servant’s Obedience 

 

Israel’s Sin (1-3)

This section is equivalent to Hosea, which depicts God’s divorce of the northern kingdom, Israel. In this section, God divorces Judah, the southern kingdom. God reminds the sinful people that they will suffer because of their sins, not because God is unable to save them. He is mighty to save as demonstrated by the miracles during the exodus when He dried up the sea. Sinful people only think their God’s job is to protect them, if their God fails, it must be because He is not strong enough.

Servant’s Obedience (4-11)

In contrast to the sinful servant of Israel, the Messiah, the perfect servant of God, is faithful to God. He will suffer like Israel, but not for His sin, but for the sins of Israel. In His suffering, He will trust God. Even in His suffering, He will not flinch but will be resolved to suffer for God because He knows God is with Him and will ultimately vindicate Him. People may mock the Messiah, but in the end, they will bow down to the Messiah. Jesus suffered on the cross, but when He returns, God will vindicate His great name.

 

Praying the Scripture

The suffering Messiah is a great example of trusting and waiting on God in suffering. Suffering did not weaken His resolve, but instead strengthen His resolve. For His faith in God in suffering, God will exalt His name above all names (Phil. 2:9). The Messiah’s glorious character is displayed for us to marvel and imitate. Pray that God will help you to see and admire the beauty of Jesus’ character and imitate His trust and patience when you are suffering. Know that God will exalt you for your faith. Make sure you are not suffering because of your sins like Israel (1 Pet. 2:20).

经文：以赛亚书50

主题：以色列的罪与仆人的顺服

 

以色列的罪（1-3）。

这段经文与何西阿书相似。何西阿书形容的是神休北国以色列，而神在这儿则休了南国犹大。神提醒这群罪人说他们是因着自己的罪受苦，不是因为神无法救他们。神有大能施行拯救，甚至在出埃及记能使红海干涸。罪恶之人只会想到神的责任是要保护他们，而若神失败，那一定是因为神不够强大。

仆人的顺服（4-11）。

与以色列这个罪恶的仆人相比，神完美的仆人弥赛亚则是对神一心一意。祂会与以色列一样受苦，但这不是因为祂有罪，乃是承担了以色列的罪。祂在患难中会信靠神；即便在患难中，祂也不退缩，乃立志为神受苦，因为祂晓得神与祂同在，并最终必为祂申冤。人今日或许嘲笑弥赛亚，但最后，他们会俯伏敬拜弥赛亚。耶稣曾在十架上受苦，但祂再来的时候，神会为祂的大名申冤。

 

用经文祷告

受苦的弥赛亚是在患难中信靠仰望神的甚好榜样。受苦并没有使祂软弱，而是坚定了祂的意志。神将因弥赛亚在患难中信靠神使他升为至高，又赐给他那超乎万名之上的名（腓2:9）。弥赛亚荣耀的品德已经彰显了，叫我们能为之惊叹并效仿祂。祷告神会助你看见并欣赏耶稣品德的荣美，且在受苦时效仿祂的信心和忍耐。要晓得神会因你的信心使你升高。也要确保你不是因自己的罪受苦，像以色列一样（彼前2:20）。


11 Jan 2016, Isaiah 49 以赛亚书 49, The Messiah and the Gentiles 弥赛亚与外邦人

Posted on Jan 11, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 49

Theme                  : The Messiah and the Gentiles

God calls the coastlands, representing the gentiles, to listen to His message about the Messiah. This Messiah will be born of a woman, chosen by God to gather exiled Jews in the end times, and is called Israel because He is the head of Israel. The Messiah is so great that God promises to make Him to be a light to the gentiles as well, not just to lowly Israel. We see this being fulfilled after the first coming of Jesus. It will be completely fulfilled after His second coming. God promises that even people far from Israel will come to worship God, including Syene (v. 12), which many believe to be the ancient name for China. God also prophesies that the nation of Israel will abhor the Messiah and reject His salvation (v. 7). But God comforts His people by reminding them that He will never forsake them and will ultimately bring salvation to Israel. In the end times, when they are desolated by their enemies, God will come to rescue them out of pity. Their enemies will literally bring all Jews back, including their children, to Jerusalem. Their enemies will come and bow down and lick their feet. Then all the peoples of the earth will know and worship Jesus.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is truly miraculous that God is able to spread His glorious salvation through the preaching of the cross, which is foolishness to the world (1 Cor. 1:18). In the past, the gospel converted the Roman Empire, Now, the gospel has even spread to communist China, which once vowed to destroy Christianity. Ironically, China is projected to have more Christians than any nation in 15 years. God truly works miracles again and again. Our job is not to make the cross more palatable to the taste of sinful man. Our job is to live out our faith and be faithful to spread the biblical gospel that can miraculously save spiritually dead sinners who have no interest in a righteous and loving God. We should not do it with self-righteous attitude, but with a loving and humble attitude that pleads people to turn to God and prays for God to have mercy on them. Let us be amazed at the fulfillment of God’s prophesies to glorify Himself through the cross. Be in awe and proclaim the gospel with great enthusiasm and live out your faith with integrity and a clear conscience.

经文：以赛亚书49

主题：弥赛亚与外邦人

 

神召代表外邦人的众海岛要听祂言论有关弥赛亚的信息。这位弥赛亚将由一位妇女所生；祂是神所选要在末日召聚被掳的犹太人，并要称为以色列，因为祂是以色列的头。弥赛亚非常之伟大，以致神应许祂不但要作卑微以色列之光，还有作外邦人的光。我们在耶稣的首次降世便看到预言的应验；耶稣二次来临时，预言将完全得应验。神应许即便离以色列遥远的人也要前来敬拜神，包括从秦国来的（12节）；很多人相信这就是中国的古称。神也预言以色列将鄙视弥赛亚并拒绝祂的救恩（7节）。然而，神将安慰祂的子民，提醒他们神永不离弃以色列，并最终要拯救她。末日时，当以色列因仇敌变为荒凉，神要因怜悯拯救她。他们的仇敌必要领犹太人，包括他们的孩子，回到耶路撒冷。他们的仇敌要前来向他们下拜，并舔他们的脚。接着，全地的人要认识并拜耶稣。


用经文祷告

神竟然能借着十字架的传讲，即在世人为愚拙的（林前1:18），扩展祂荣耀的救恩——这真是奇妙！过去，福音使整个罗马帝国归主；现在，福音已传至由共产党执政的中国；中共则曾誓言要排除基督教。反之，在这15年内，中国信徒的人数估计比任何国家来得多。神真是一而再地行神迹啊。我们的责任不是要使十架的信息更对罪人的口味。我们的责任是要活出信心，忠心地传扬圣经的福音，因为它能奇迹般地拯救在灵里已死，对那位公义与慈爱之神毫无关注的罪人。我们不当有自负的心，乃要以谦卑、爱人的心求人归神，并祷告神怜悯他们。神应验了祂的预言，借着十架荣耀自己——让我们为之惊叹！要充满敬畏，用极大热心传扬福音，并以诚信和无愧的良心活出你的信心。

 


9 Jan 2016, Isaiah 48 以赛亚书 48, For the Sake of God’s Glory 为了神的荣耀

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 48

Theme                  : For the Sake of God’s Glory

 

The ugly sins of Israel have burdened God. But since He has promised to rescue them, God will rescue them for His name sake, because His integrity is on the line. The Jews were not worthy of God’s salvation, especially in light of the cost of that salvation: the precious and costly blood of Jesus. God did it for the honor of His name; this is the most basic meaning of righteousness of God. The most basic meaning of righteousness of God is God’s commitment to the honor of His name/character (cf. Daniel 9:4-19). We are righteous when we do all things for the honor of God’s name/character (1 Cor. 10:31). The salvation of God will be accomplished when God sends the Messiah and the Holy Spirit (v. 16). In the rest of the book, God will declare specific information about the Messiah and the Messianic Kingdom, so that when the Jews see fulfillments regarding Jesus’ first coming, they will know the God of the Bible is truly God, not an idol.

 

Praying the Scripture

Pray that you are amazed by God’s fulfilled prophecies. Only the self-existent (the first and the last), sovereign God can declare the future and fulfill it. God has emphasized this over and over again in chapters 41-48. Trust God’s sovereignty and goodness in your life. God loves you and wants the best for your character-building life. If there is something better for you, then God would have given it to you. Do not doubt God’s goodness or sovereignty. This is why complaining is sinful. Complaining says God does not love you, or want the best for your character-building life, or God is not in control. Such attitude dishonors God and leads to frustration and depression. Pray that these fulfill prophesies will strengthen your faith. Romans 8:28-29, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” May we worship God’s character as displayed through Jesus.

经文：以赛亚书48

主题：为了神的荣耀

 

以色列丑陋的罪给神带来羞辱。然而，既然神已应许要拯救他们，祂就必因祂的名行这事，因为这关系到祂的诚信。犹太人不配神拯救，尤其当拯救的代价如此大：耶稣珍贵的血。神是为祂名的荣耀如此行；这就是神之公义最基本的含义。神之公义最基本的含义就是神荣耀祂名或品性的委身（参：但9:4-19）。当我们为荣耀神的名或品性行事，便是为义了（林前10:31）。当神差派弥赛亚和圣灵时，神的救恩将成就（16节）。在其余书卷中，神要说明有关弥赛亚及弥赛亚国度的具体细节，叫犹太人见到与耶稣首次降世相关的预言应验时，他们要晓得圣经中的神真是神，不是一个偶像。

 

用经文祷告

祷告你会因神应验的预言万分惊奇。唯有自有永有（是首先的，也是末后的）并有主权的神方能说明未来，且应验预言。神在41-48章经文一再强调了这一点。要信靠神在你生命中的主权与良善。神爱你，并要你享有最好的品德塑造。倘若有什么对你更好，神必然赐你。万不得怀疑神的良善或主权。这就是为何埋怨是罪恶的行为。埋怨的心实际在说神不爱你，或者神不要塑造你拥有最好的品德，又或者神没有主权。这种心态不但不荣耀神，还会使你感到灰心沮丧。祷告这些应验的预言能坚固你的信心。罗马书8:28-19：“我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处，就是按他旨意被召的人。因为他预先所知道的人，就预先定下效法他儿子的模样，使他儿子在许多弟兄中做长子。”愿我们能敬拜神的品性，就是借着耶稣所彰显的。


8 Jan 2016, Isaiah 47 以赛亚书 47, Destruction of God’s Enemies 神仇敌的毁灭

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 47

Theme                  : Destruction of God’s Enemies

In chapter 39, God prophesied that He will use Babylon as an instrument to punish Israel’s sins. In this chapter, God promises to punish Babylon for their sins and pride (cf. Habakkuk 1-2). What led to the downfall of Babylon was their pride (Prov. 16:18). They were proud of their wisdom, sorceries, security, wealth and dominance. They became worshipper of pleasure. All of this led to a debauchery life as exemplified by their king Belshazzar (Dan. 5). On top of this, they mistreated God’s people: the Jews. For all these sins, God will desolate them. God uses the analogy of widowhood and childlessness to convey their great anguish when God punishes them. Back then a woman was totally dependent on her husband or sons for protection and upkeep. The loss of both means desolation and extreme agony. They agonized others, so they themselves will also agonize. God will take away all the things that they are proud of and pour everlasting shame on them.

 

Praying the Scripture

Pray that you will seriously take God’s warning against pride seriously. Pride leads to destruction and foolishness while the person thinks he is being wise. Do not have any pride in you, be it self-righteous pride or personal pride based on possession, rank, influence, physical beauty or money (1 John 2:16). Do not take pride in anything in yourself, instead take pride in God, who alone is worthy of your boast (1 Cor. 1:31). Boast not in worldly things, but things of God, especially His Lordship and character. Proverb 27:2, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”

经文：以赛亚书47

主题：神仇敌的毁灭

 

在39章中，神预言祂将用巴比伦惩罚以色列的罪。在这个篇章中，神应许要因巴比伦的罪和骄傲惩罚她（参：哈1-2）。巴比伦的沉沦，是由于他们骄傲（箴16:18）；他们为自己的智慧、邪术、安稳、财富和权势深感骄傲。他们成为了享乐的崇拜者。这一切导致他们放荡生活，尤以他们的王伯沙撒为例（但5）。此外，他们还虐待了神的子民：犹太人。因着这些罪，神将使巴比伦便为荒凉。神使用寡居和丧子之例传达他们受惩罚时的极度痛苦。那时候，妇女是完全依赖她的丈夫或儿子保护并供养她的。二者的损失表示她孤单寂寞，极其痛苦。他们曾经折磨别人，所以自己也要受煎熬。神会收回令他们为之骄傲的一切，并在他们身上倾倒永恒羞愧。

 

用经文祷告

祷告你会严谨对待神对骄傲的警告。骄傲使人愚昧，叫他灭绝；那人却以为自己很聪明。我们不能有任何骄傲，不论是自义的骄傲，或因自己的财物、地位、影响力或外貌的骄傲（约一2:16）。不要因自己的任何一切感到骄傲，唯独要因神自豪，因为只有祂配得我们夸耀（林前1:31）。不要因世界的事夸口，只要因神夸口，尤其祂的主权与性情。箴言27:2：“要别人夸奖你，不可用口自夸；等外人称赞你，不可用嘴自称。”

 


7 Jan 2016, Isaiah 46 以赛亚书 46, No One Like Him 无神像祂

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 46

Theme                  : No One Like Him

In chapters 40-46, God constantly compares Himself with idols. He is not like any god that men have created, for He is the true sovereign God, who can declare the future before it happens. He is not an idol that people can come to manipulate and control. He is the true, living God. All people must give an account to Him as their Judge. All who are unrighteous, which is everyone, must take His message of warning and blessing seriously. Salvation awaits all who return to God through Jesus, but everlasting shame awaits all who continue to rebel. He will destroy all rebels, just as He will destroy the false gods of Babylon: Bel and Nebo.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Let us bow down in awe of the true, living God who declares the future before it happens. His words is surer than anything on earth, more reliable than any scientific theories. Even this old universe will pass away, but His words, even to the smallest detail, will never pass away or fail (Matt. 5:18). Pray that you will trust God’s every word, not your own intelligence or the philosophy of the world. If there is a conflict between God’s word and human wisdom, God’s word will win 100% of the time. You can bank on it. Pray that you will always have the courage to hold firm to God’s word and have the love to share God’s word. To believe in God’s word is to believe in God’s integrity, His personhood.
  1. When we share the gospel, we should let people know that the God of the Bible is truly God, not a god created by men because of fulfilled prophecies and accurate scientific description of the world. People can still deny these truths, but the truth still need to be presented. May God have mercy on these rebels.

经文：以赛亚书46

主题：无神像祂

 

在40-46章中，神不断将自己与其他偶像作比较。祂不像其他人手所造的神，因为祂是掌管万物的真神，能在事发以前指明未来的事。祂不是人能摆弄与控制的偶像。祂是永活真神。人都要向这位审判者交账。凡不义的，即每一个人，都要留心听从祂告诫和祝福的信息。凡借着耶稣归神的必要得救，但执意悖逆的要受永恒羞耻。祂会消灭所有悖逆者，如祂要毁灭巴比伦的假神彼勒和尼波一样。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 让我们在这位能指明末后之事的永活真神前以敬畏的心跪拜。祂的话比世上任何东西更确定，要比科学理论更可信。就算这个旧宇宙都废去了，但神的话，直至最小细节，也不能废去（太5:18）。祷告你会信靠神的每一句话，不依赖自己的聪明或世上的哲理。倘若神的话与人的智慧之间有冲突，神的话必然次次都胜。这是你完全可以相信的。祷告你总会有勇气坚守神的话，并有分享神话语的热爱。相信神的话就是相信神的诚信，祂的人格。
  1. 当我们传福音时，我们当让人晓得圣经中的神是真神，不是人所造的，因为神应验了圣经中的预言，也对这世界给予准确的科学描述。人可以否认这些事实，但我们仍要向人显明真理。愿神向这些悖逆的人施怜悯。

 


6 Jan 2016, Isaiah 45 以赛亚书 45, Comfort through Earthly Instrument 借着世俗工具的安慰

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 45

Theme                  : Comfort through Earthly Instrument

 

Restoration through Cyrus (1-13)

One century before Cyrus was born, God had already prophesied his birth and anointed him for the task of returning the exiled Jews to Jerusalem. In that sense, Cyrus is a messiah (lower case messiah, which means anointed/appointed one for an office or task) to deliver the Jews from exile. Cyprus returned the Jews to Jerusalem without receiving any monetary compensation (v. 13). In fact, he even gave money to the Jews to build Jerusalem and the temple. It is incredible that God can even use earthly pagan rulers to fulfill His promises. God again used earthly rulers to restore the Jews to Israel in 1948.

Greater Restoration (14-25).

If Israel can be restored through a pagan, earthly ruler, how much greater is the restoration of Israel through the promised Messiah? When Jesus returns, nations that have mistreated the Jews will bow down to the Jews and worship the Holy One of Israel. Every tongue shall swear allegiance to God (see Rom. 14:11). When this happens, the Jews should not be surprised by this because God had already prophesied it. God hides Himself from idol worshippers, but He will Himself to the whole idolatrous world in the end times. Even now, God calls all Christians to reveal Him to the whole world through the gospel (Matt. 28:18-20).

 

Praying the Scripture

God often times fulfill His promises or answer our prayers through providence, not through miracles. He providentially returned the Jews through Cyrus. He did not zap the Jews and miraculously teleported them to Jerusalem. Such providence is miraculous in a different way. Be sure to know that God’s miraculous providence is working for your character building every day so that you will be more and more like Jesus, conformed to the image of God. All things work for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28).

经文：以赛亚书45

主题：借着世俗工具的安慰

 

借着居鲁士的复兴（1-13）。

居鲁士诞生的前一个世纪，神已经预言了这件事，并膏他完成使命，叫犹太人能归耶路撒冷。这里，居鲁士犹如弥赛亚似的，因为他要救犹太人脱离流亡的日子。居鲁士在不受任何工价或赏赐的情况下让犹太人归回耶路撒冷（13节）。实际上，他还出钱让犹太人重建耶路撒冷和圣殿。神非常奇妙，甚至能用世俗的外邦领导成就祂的应许。在1948年，神再次用了地上的君王使犹太人归以色列。

更大的复兴（14-25）。

倘若以色列能借着一个世俗的外邦领导使之复兴，借着应许的弥赛亚之复兴的以色列将如此之大？耶稣再来时，虐待犹太人的列国将在他们面前屈膝，且要向以色列的圣者跪拜。万口必向神誓言要效忠祂（见罗14:11）。当这一切发生的时候，犹太人不当感到惊讶，因为神已经预言此事。神向拜偶像的自隐，但要在末日时向这个崇拜偶像的世界显示自己。即便今日，神召所有基督徒要借着福音向全世界显示祂是谁（太28:18-20）。
 

 

用经文祷告

神常常借着祂的护理成就自己的应许或回应我们的祷告，不是神迹。祂凭这样的护理使犹太人借着居鲁士回到耶路撒冷。祂并没有行神迹，叫犹太人能瞬移到那里。然而，这种护理也是很神奇的。要晓得神神奇的护理每日也在塑造你的人格，叫你能越来越像耶稣，能有神的形象。我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处（罗8:28）。


5 Jan 2016, Isaiah 44 以赛亚书 44, Comfort through the Spirit 借着圣灵的安慰

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 44

Theme                  : Comfort through the Spirit

 

In the end times, God will comfort the nation of Israel when He pours out His Spirit upon the whole nation, resulting in salvation for the whole nation. His wrath against the nation will end in the end times when the whole nation returns to Him. The theme of the outpouring of the Spirit in the end times is constantly repeated in the OT (Joel 2:28). Israel need not fear whether God will accomplish His promise because they will see incredible fulfillment of prophecies in the near future. One such fulfillment is the ascension of Cyrus who will conquer Babylon and let the Jews return to Jerusalem. Because God can fulfill near future restoration of Israel through Cyrus, He can also fulfill end times restoration of Israel through the Messiah and His Spirit. In addition, Israel need not fear because God is not an idol made by foolish, but skillful craftsmen. It is extremely foolish for men to use wood for fuel and cooking, and then use the same wood to make gods and bow down to worship these dead idols. Such idols can do nothing about the future. But the true living God declares the future and will fulfill His declaration.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is the most comforting thought to be ruled by our righteous, sovereign and loving Creator. He knows what is best for us more than we know ourselves. He lovingly conforms us to the image of His Son, Jesus, just as we were intended from the beginning when humans were created in the image/character of God. God’s dealing with His people is perfect. He is gentle with we need gentleness. He rebukes us when we need to be rebuked. He encourages us when we need encouragement (1 Thes. 5:14). He never gives us more than what we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). Even when God rebukes His people it is with the purpose of shaping us. The Jews never worshipped idols again after their exile to Babylon. When God disciplines us, never forget He is in control and loves us and wants to shape us into the image/character of His Son, Jesus. When you are in a trial, ask God to convict you of any flaws in your character and to change you so that you will be more like Christ.

经文：以赛亚书44

主题：借着圣灵的安慰

 

到了末日，神将安慰以色列，使祂的灵浇灌在全国之上，叫万民得救。祂对以色列的愤怒将在末日终止，因为那时以色列要归祂。圣灵在末日浇灌的主题是旧约不断重复的（珥2:28）。以色列无需害怕神是否能成就祂的应许，因为他们不久后将得见这些预言的应验。其中一个便是居鲁士的崛起；他将征服巴比伦，并让犹太人回到耶路撒冷。由于神能借着居鲁士在不久后的将来使以色列复兴，祂亦能借着弥赛亚与祂的灵应验末日以色列的复兴。另外，由于神不是愚昧但手巧的木匠所造的偶像，因此以色列无需惧怕。人使用木材起火烧饭，又用同一材料造偶像，并屈膝敬拜这些死神——这是非常愚昧的事。这些偶像对未来一无是处，但那永活真神能预言未来，并应验祂所有的话。

 

用经文祷告

我们能受那位公义、有主权并慈爱之造物主的管理，真是令人安慰。祂比我们更清楚什么对我们最好。祂以慈爱塑造我们，叫我们能更像祂的儿子耶稣，就如起初人是以神的形象所造一样。神待祂子民的方式是完美的。当我们需要温柔时，祂是温柔的；当我们需要责备时，祂责备我们；当我们需要鼓励时，祂鼓励我们（帖前5:14）。祂必不叫我们承受过于所能受的（林前10:13）。即便神责备祂的子民，其目的是要塑造我们。犹太人从巴比伦流放回来后再也不敬拜他神。当神管教我们时，不要忘记祂仍掌管一切，并爱我们，要我们更有祂儿子耶稣的形象。当你受试炼时，求神让你看清你人品中的缺陷，求祂改变你，叫你能更像基督。


4 Jan 2016, Isaiah 43 以赛亚书 43, Fear Not 不要害怕

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 43

Theme                  : Fear Not

 

Grace of God (1-21)

In the midst of future troubles, God urges the nation and individuals not to be afraid but to trust in Him. God is trustworthy because He has made them and the world; therefore He is able to sustain them. He will preserve them even if it means God must destroy Egypt or other nations in order to protect Israel. That happened when the Persians attacked Egypt but gave freedom to Israel. God is also trustworthy because He is able to declare the future and accomplished His prophecies. Through the OT, Israel is a witness to His divine fulfilled prophecies. God is trustworthy also because He is able to renew Israel in the future like turning a desert into a fertile land.

Sin of Israel (22-28).

God’s grace to Israel is never based upon the righteousness of Israel. Israel does not deserve any of God’s grace because of their ugly sins. Instead of giving thanks to God with their wealth through their sacrifices, they hoard their money and burden God with their sins. Even their first father, Abraham, sinned against God. And now their priests, mediators, continue to sin against God. Israel’s hope is not in themselves or their forefathers, but in the undeserving grace of God alone.

 

Praying the Scripture

As sinners, we are supposed to be fearful, but God says to us, “Fear not.” These are the sweetest words we will ever hear. This is also the message of Christmas. God told the shepherds not to fear because Jesus the savior has come to deliver sinners (Luke 2:10-11). When our guilt and shame overwhelm us, we can run to Christ and hear Him say, “Fear not.” Such comforting words give us rest and peace. They also should lead us to praise God and be in awe of His amazing character of humility and compassionate that are displayed in the humble birth of Christ and His agonizing death on the cross. Humility comes when we realize we do not deserve Jesus’ incredible love through His agonizing death on the cross. Pray that you will be most in awe of Christ’s character and strive to be like Him by His grace.

经文：以赛亚书43

主题：不要害怕

 

神的恩典（1-21）。

患难即将来临，因此神劝以色列及各人不要害怕，乃要信靠祂。神是值得信赖的，因为人及万物都是神所创造的，所以祂能护理一切。为要保护以色列，神能不惜将埃及与列国消灭——我们能从波斯击败埃及，予以以色列自由一事看出。神也值得我们信赖因为祂能公告未来，并应验自己的预言。借着旧约，以色列成了神神圣预言应验的见证。我们还能信赖神因为祂未来能更新以色列，犹如将沙漠变成肥沃土地一样。

以色列的罪（22-28）。

神从不凭着以色列的公义向她施恩。以色列绝对不配蒙受神任何恩惠，因为他们罪孽深重。然而，他们不但不献祭感谢神赐予他们财富，还将钱财占为己有，犯下更大的罪。即便他们的祖宗亚伯拉罕也得罪了神，而祭司，他们至今的中保，更是继续犯罪。以色列的盼望不在自己或他们的祖宗，乃是他们所不配得的神之恩。

 

用经文祷告

身为罪人，我们当惧怕战兢，但神对我们说：“不要害怕。”这是我们能听到最甜美的话，也是圣诞的信息。神告诉牧羊人不要惧怕，因为救主耶稣已来拯救罪人（路2:10-11）。当我们被罪与羞愧占据时，我们能奔到主怀，听祂说：“不要害怕。”如此安慰的言语给予我们平安与安息。这也当领我们赞美神，并惊叹祂谦卑与慈爱的奇妙性情；这由基督卑微的诞生与十架上惨痛之死彰显出来。当我们晓得自己不配得耶稣奇妙的爱，使之祂在十架惨痛死去，这才是谦卑。祷告你会对基督的性情赞叹不已，并借着祂的恩典试图效法祂。

 


2 Jan 2016, Isaiah 42 以赛亚书 42, Comfort through the Servant Messiah 借着仆人弥赛亚的安慰

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 42

Theme                  : Comfort through the Servant Messiah

 

The Perfect Servant (1-17)

God will comfort Israel through the perfect servant Messiah, Jesus, who will die for them during His first coming and then rule over them during His second coming. This section is describing and prophesying both His first and second comings. During His first coming, God puts His Spirit on Jesus (Matt. 3:16). He was humble and submissive (not cry aloud or lift up his voice). He cared for the weak (a bruised reed he will not break and a faintly burning wick he will not quench). Everything about Jesus’ first coming has been fulfilled (Luke 4:18). In vv. 5-9, God speaks to the Messiah personally and we get to listen to this divine conversation. During His second coming, He will rule the world in righteousness and justice. We can see glimpses of His rule as light to the nations right now. Those nations or communities that been influenced by the gospel have been blessed by God. When Jesus comes again, He will also come in wrath to punish all unrighteous people. His wrath is like penned up labor pain. He takes no pleasure in punishing sinful humans, but does it in anguish. His wrath is also fearsome like a warrior (v. 13).

The Defective Servant (18-25).

In contrast to the perfect servant Messiah, Israel is a defective servant who is deaf and blind to God and His laws. Even after God punishes them for their sins, they still are stubborn and will not listen. The perfect servant Messiah must come to rescue this defective servant.

 

Praying the Scripture

As we see this world becoming more and more evil each day, we should be sad and fearful of God’s impending wrath on the world. There is rampant corruption, sexual immorality, terrorism, and human trafficking. Newspaper is full of stories of wickedness. Even worse, the pure gospel is being perverted by false gospels such as the prosperity gospel and Catholicism. False Christianity dominates Christendom. Out of love, we should warn people, in a respectful and gentle way (1 Pet. 3:15), about God’s coming righteous wrath and salvation in Jesus. We are approaching the end times (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Pray that you will not be discouraged, but trust in God and proclaim the gospel boldly. Like God, take no pleasure in the destruction of sinful men. God has called us also to save them through the proclamation of the gospel.

经文：以赛亚书42

主题：借着仆人弥赛亚的安慰

 

完美的仆人（1-17）。

神会借着那位完美仆人弥赛亚耶稣安慰以色列；祂将在首次降世时为以色列死，但在二次来世时统治他们。这段经文正形容并预言耶稣的首次与二次到来。在耶稣的首次降临中，神将祂的灵浇灌在耶稣身上（太3:16）。耶稣既谦卑又顺服（不喧嚷，不扬声）。祂体贴软弱者（压伤的芦苇他不折断，将残的灯火他不吹灭）。凡与耶稣首次降临有关的预言都已经得到应验（路4:18）。在5-9节中，神亲自向弥赛亚说话，而我们有福聆听神的对话。当耶稣二次来世时，祂将凭公义和公理统治世界。我们现在就能看到神的律法如何光照一个国家，因为受到福音影响的国家或群体都蒙神的祝福。当耶稣再来时，祂也会在愤怒中惩罚所有不义的人。祂的愤怒犹如产难之痛。神不喜悦惩罚罪恶的人，而是因着怒气如此行。祂的怒气也像战士一样惊人（13节）。

欠缺的仆人（18-25）。

与完美的仆人弥赛亚相比，以色列是欠缺的仆人，对神及祂的律例又聋又瞎。即便神因他们的罪施行了惩罚，他们仍执迷不悟。完美仆人弥赛亚必要来拯救这个欠缺的仆人。
 

用经文祷告

当我们看到这个世界变得越来越邪恶，我们当因神即将在世上倾倒祂的愤怒感到忧伤恐惧。世上有无穷的败坏、淫乱、恐怖事件与人口贩卖。报章上充满了邪恶事件的报道。更糟的是，纯正的福音已被假福音，如致富福音及天主教扭曲了。假信徒占领了基督教。因于爱，我们当以温柔、敬畏的心告诫他人（彼前3:15），让人得知神即将来临的公义愤怒，并耶稣里的救恩。我们已逼近末日了（提后3:1-5）。祷告你不会气馁，而是信靠神，壮胆传扬福音。我们要像神一样，不喜悦罪人被毁。神也召我们要借着传讲福音救他们。


1 Jan 2016, Isaiah 41 以赛亚书 41, God is Greater than Our Fears 神大过我们的惧怕

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 41

Theme                  : God is Greater than Our Fears

 

Comfort through Pagan Ruler (1-7)

God will comfort Israel by promising to use Cyrus to restore Israel. The one from the east is Cyrus the Persian king who is mentioned in 44:28. This prophecy was written one century before Cyrus was born. He will be a comfort to Israel by conquering Babylon and then let Jews return to Israel. This prophecy was fulfilled 70 years after the exile when Ezra and company returned to Jerusalem.

Comfort through Election (8-29).

God will also comfort Israel by restoring Israel in the end times. God assures the nation and faithful individuals that God has chosen them and will fulfill His promise to bless the world through Israel. The Israel of end times will be restored like a wilderness turned into a fertile land. When Jews see the prophesied Babylonian exile and the return of the Jews under Cyrus, they will be comforted by God’s sovereignty. If His promise of punishment is true, then His promise of future restoration will also be true. Comfort can only be found in the true, living God, not in dead idols who cannot predict the future.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. What sets the Bible apart from other religious books is its ability to predict the future. This is the true mark of a divine book. Anyone can write a book and claim to be God’s word but only the Bible can demonstrate its divine origin through fulfilled prophecies. God also prophesied after the dead of Jesus, Israel will not have any temple sacrifices until the end times (Hosea 3:4) and this is exactly what is happening in Israel. Let us find comfort in God’s unwavering faithfulness to fulfill His promises. He promises to be with Israel forever and He also has promised to be with Christians forever (Matt. 28:20). Let us find comfort in God in our trials. Let us go to Him and be reminded that He says to us, “Comfort, Comfort my people.” Let these words console your soul. There can be many reasons for us to fear, but there is one big reason why we don’t need—God is with us.
  1. The doctrine of election in OT and NT (Ephesians 1) is meant to comfort believers in time of trials and persecutions. It is not meant to be a license to sin freely. It is meant to assure us of God’s love in our struggle to battle sin, which sometimes can seem so overwhelming. It is not meant to be a free pass so that we can commit whatever sin we want, while proclaiming “once saved, always saved.” Pray that you don’t abuse this doctrine and use it wrongly. Pray that this doctrine will give your soul rest in time of trouble or struggle against sin.
 

经文：以赛亚书41

主题：神大过我们的惧怕

 

藉着外邦君王的安慰（1-7）。

神安慰以色列，应许要用塞勒斯使她复兴。从东方兴起的那人是波斯王塞勒斯；44:28也提及他。这个预言是在塞勒斯诞生前的一个世纪写的。他将征服巴比伦，然后让犹太人回到以色列，从而作他们的安慰。这个预言在犹太人流放后70年应验了，即以斯拉与同伴归回耶路撒冷时。

藉着拣选的安慰（8-29）。

神也会藉着末日对以色列的复兴安慰她。神保证以色列与忠心的人他们是神所拣选的，所以神必履行承诺，藉着以色列祝福全地。末日时的以色列将得复兴，如旷野变丰盛之地。当犹太人亲眼见到预言的应验，即以色列被巴比伦流放与犹太人在塞勒斯的统治回归以色列，他们将因神的主权得安慰。倘若神施行惩罚的应许是真的，祂所应许的末日复兴也必是真的。安慰只能在永活真神里找到，不在无法预言未来的虚假偶像寻见。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 圣经与其他宗教书籍有别的是：它能预测未来。这是神圣书籍的真实标志。任何人都能编写一本书并宣称那是神的话，但唯有圣经能借着所应验的预言证明祂的属神根源。神也预言耶稣死后，以色列将不再有圣殿祭祀，直到末日时（何3:4）；这正是我们如今在以色列所看到的。让我们在神坚定的信实中得安慰，因为祂必履行自己的承诺。神也应许要永远与以色列同在，也应许永远与基督徒同在（太28:20）。让我们遇试炼时在神里面寻得安慰。让我们来到神面前，提醒自己祂曾向我们说：“安慰，安慰我的百姓。”让这些话安慰你的灵。能使我们惧怕的原因很多，但我们有一个无需惧怕的重大原因：神与我们同在。
  1. 新（弗1）旧约对拣选的教义是要在信徒遭试炼与逼迫时安慰他们的。这不是信徒随意犯罪的借口。教义的本意是要在我们与罪争战时向我们确保神的爱，因为试炼有时让人感到难以负荷。它不是让我们自由犯罪的通行证，同时宣扬“一旦得救，永远得救”。祷告你不会滥用这个教义，或错误使用这个教义。祷告这个教义能在你与罪争战或遇困扰时，心灵得享安息。

 


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