31 Dec 2015, Isaiah 40 以赛亚书 40, Consolation and Trustworthiness of God 神的安慰和信实

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 40

Theme                  : Consolation and Trustworthiness of God

 

Consolation of God (1-11)

In light of the gloomy prophecy about the future Babylonian captivity, God comforts His people and urges them to rely on Him even in the midst of trouble. Chapters 40-66 emphasizes on God’s comfort, while chapters 1-39 emphasizes on sin and judgement. Israel’s sins are great, but God is greater than their sins. He promises to forgive their sins through the work of the promised king, whose way will be prepared by a herald (v. 3). This is fulfilled in John the Baptist (Mark 1:3). This section prophesies about Jesus’ first and second comings. When Jesus comes back the second time, He will literally flatten the earth and make Jerusalem the highest mountain (Is. 2:2; Rev. 16:20). As hard as it is to believe in such incredible transformation of Israel and the world, God reminds us that His words stand forever, unlike flowers and other things of this world. His words are completely trustworthy even if they sound incredible to limited humans (Matt. 24:35).

Trustworthiness of God (12-31).

Why is it that God can accomplish all these incredible things in the future? It is because of His sovereignty and His power in creating and sustaining the universe. His rule is above all human rules. No king, prime minister, or president can compare to His power. Those who trust in God will not be ashamed but will be strengthen spiritually and physically to accomplish God’s purposes even in difficult situations such as the Babylonian exile.


Praying the Scripture

  1. God comforts us in times of trouble and distress in order to build character in us so that we will be more like the character of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” Praise God for His character-building comfort so that we will be more like our Lord Jesus. Praise God for sending Jesus to die on our behalf. Highest glory, honor and praise to God.
  1. Lord, you are a great God. Nothing can compare to you. No one is like you. Your power and your character are worthy to be praised above all. Please increase our amazement of you and worship you even more. May we be so griped and comforted by the greatness of your character and power that we will boldly and gladly proclaim your gospel. May we also patiently and faithfully love others just as you love Israel and your church patiently and faithfully.

经文：以赛亚书40

主题：神的安慰和信实

 

神的安慰（1-11）。

以色列领受自己将被巴比伦俘虏的悲惨预言后，神安慰祂的子民，并劝他们即便在患难中也要依靠祂。第40-66章的焦点是神的安慰；1-39章则是罪和审判。以色列的罪孽深重，但神比他们的罪还大。神承诺要借着那位应许之王所成就的赦免他们的罪；一位开路先锋将预备祂的路（3节）。应验这预言的就是施洗约翰了（可1:3）。这段经文是对耶稣首次与二次到来的预言。当耶稣再来时，祂将铲平全地，使耶路撒冷高于万岭（赛2:2；启16:20）。虽然我们难以想象以色列与全地会有如此改变，神却提醒我们祂的话永远立定，不像世间的花草与其他物质那样。神的话纵然对有限的人类而言看似不可思议，却是完全可信的（太24:35）。

神的信实（12-31）。

为什么神将来能成就这些奇妙的事？这是因着祂创造并维持宇宙万物的权柄和大能。祂的律超过人的律。无君王、总理或总统能与神的大能相比。信靠神的必不蒙羞，身心乃要得坚固，叫他们即便在困境中，如巴比伦的流放，也要成就神的旨意。

用经文祷告

  1. 神在患难困境中安慰我们，叫我们能刚强起来，品性更像耶稣的。哥林多后书1:3-7说：“愿颂赞归于我们的主耶稣基督的父神，就是发慈悲的父，赐各样安慰的神！我们在一切患难中，他就安慰我们，叫我们能用神所赐的安慰去安慰那遭各样患难的人。我们既多受基督的苦楚，就靠基督多得安慰。我们受患难呢，是为叫你们得安慰、得拯救；我们得安慰呢，也是为叫你们得安慰。这安慰能叫你们忍受我们所受的那样苦楚。我们为你们所存的盼望是确定的，因为知道你们既是同受苦楚，也必同得安慰。”我们要为神这种建立品格的安慰赞美祂，叫我们能更像主耶稣一样。我们要为神差遣耶稣替我们代死赞美祂。愿至高的荣耀、尊贵和赞美归于神。
  1. 主，您是伟大的神。你胜过万物，无人能像你。你的大能和性情配得极大的颂赞。求你加添我们对你的赞叹，让我们越加敬拜你。让我们因你伟大的性情和大能受到如此吸引和安慰，叫我们能乐意并壮胆宣扬你的福音。让我们耐心、忠心地爱他人，如同你耐心、忠心地爱以色列与你的教会一样。

 


30 Dec 2015, Isaiah 39 以赛亚书 39, Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride 希西家愚昧的狂傲

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 39

Theme                  : Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride

The Babylonians came to congratulate Hezekiah for recovering from his sickness. But the real reason was to spy on Hezekiah’s wealth so that Babylon may acquire it later for its war chest. Hezekiah showed off his wealth because of his pride. Because of this prideful act, God prophesied that Babylon will attack Jerusalem one day and carry off its wealth and people. Hezekiah’s response to the prophecy is puzzling. He either responded selfishly or tried to encourage his people in light of a negative prophecy. This event shows us that no matter how great a leader is, he still falls short. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in our triune God. In chapter 40, God prophesies the advent of Jesus, the perfect king, whom we can fully rely on.


Praying the Scripture

God, we thank you for the gift of leaders in our family and church. We desire to submit to them and join them to fulfill the goal of building a community of believers who will love one another and spread the gospel. But we also know that these leaders are not perfect. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in the Great shepherd, Jesus, not in His undershepherds. We will support your undershepherds and pray for their weaknesses, just as we are also weak and need other’s prayers and support. For no one is independent of the body of Christ, we are supposed to mutually built up by one another (1 Thes. 5:11). Thank you, God, for the gift of leaders in our family and church. May you continue to bless them and strengthen them.

经文：以赛亚书39

主题：希西家愚昧的狂傲

 

巴比伦王因希西家病而痊愈前来祝贺他。事实上，他们是要窥探希西家的财宝，叫他们日后能掳去，可以作作战储备。希西家因为心中骄傲炫耀了他的财富。基于这狂傲的举动，神预言巴比伦日后将攻打耶路撒冷，并掳去她的子民和财宝。希西家对此预言的回应令人费解；他若不是自私，就是想在领受这个负面的预言后鼓励以色列子民。这件事显示不论一个领导有多伟大，他仍亏缺了神的标准。我们最大的盼望和依靠即是我们的三一真神。在40章中，神预言了耶稣的降临；这位完美君王是我们全然能依靠的。


用经文祷告

神啊，我们因着你所赐予我们家庭与教会中的领袖感谢你。我们渴望顺服他们，与他们一同建立能彼此相爱、传扬福音的基督徒群体。然而，我们也晓得这些领袖都不是完美的。我们最大的盼望和依靠就是我们的大牧者耶稣，不是跟随祂的小牧人。我们会支持这些小牧者，并为他们的软弱祷告，就如我们也是软弱的，需要彼此的祷告和支持。因为无人在基督的肢体里是独立的，所以我们要建立彼此（帖前5:11）。我们感谢你，主，所赐予我们家庭与教会中的领袖。愿您能继续祝福他们，坚固他们。


29 Dec 2015, Isaiah 38 以赛亚书 38, Humble Prayer to God 谦卑祷告神

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 38

Theme                  : Humble Prayer to God

This event actually occurred before the Assyrians attacked Jerusalem in chapters 36-37 because God promises to defend the city from the Assyrians in v. 6. For some reason, God wants to end Hezekiah’s life. Perhaps it is due to his sin (v. 17). Hezekiah humbly requests God to spare his life because he wants to continue to serve God faithfully and to defend the city from Assyria (v. 6). Hezekiah is not appealing to his godliness as to bribe God, for he knows his sins and is unworthy (v. 17). He is appealing to God’s grace, not his merits (Luke 17:10). At the end, he realizes that the sickness is for the good of his soul (v. 17), probably because he is humbled by it (2 Chron. 32:25-26: He realizes God is truly in control of his life, not him).


Praying the Scripture

God wants a relationship with us and interacts with us. His ultimate purposes do not change, but He does respond to our repentance and humble requests. Because of our complete forgiveness in Christ, God says that we can come to His throne of grace boldly, but also humbly (Heb. 4:16). We should never come to God by bribing Him with our righteousness, our faithful service, or our godly characters, for we always fall short and are in need of His grace. Instead, we ought to come with a sense of unworthiness before God and appeal to His character of mercy only (Luke 17:10). God owes us nothing, we owe Him everything since He has loved us so much by giving Jesus to save us and to strengthen us. Never try to bribe God. Pray that you will always come before God based upon His grace through Jesus.

经文：以赛亚书38

主题：谦卑祷告神

 

这个事件实际上是在36-37章前发生的，即亚述人攻打耶路撒冷之前，因为神在第6节应许要保护耶路撒冷脱离亚述王的手。神基于某些原因决定要结束希西家的命；这或许是因于他的罪（17节）。希西家谦卑地祈求神饶了他，因为他想继续忠心侍奉神，并保护耶路撒冷沦陷于亚述（6节）。希西家并非要凭自己的敬虔收买神，因为他晓得自己有罪，是不配的（17节）。他是凭着神的恩典祈求，不靠自己的功劳而行（路17:10）。最后，他看到这场疾病对自己的灵是有益的（17节），因为他或许由此谦卑了（代下32:25-26：他明白真正掌控他生命的是神，不是自己）。


用经文祷告

神要与我们相交，和我们建立关系。祂所定意的不会改变，但祂对我们的悔改和谦卑祈求是有回应的。因着我们在基督里的全然饶恕，神说我们能坦然无惧地来到神的宝座前，但也要谦卑地来（来4:16）。我们绝不能凭自己的公义、忠心的侍奉或敬虔的品格尝试收买神，因为我们凡事都亏缺了神的荣耀，急需神的恩典。因此，我们当视自己为不配的，唯靠神的怜悯向祂祈求（路17:10）。神对我们没有亏欠，但我们凡事亏欠，因为祂深爱我们，甚至将耶稣赐给我们，叫我们能得救，重新得力。万不得尝试收买神。祷告你总会凭着神借着耶稣的恩典来到祂面前。

 


28 Dec 2015, Isaiah 37 以赛亚书 37, Wisely Trusting God 对神明智的信靠

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 37

Theme                  : Wisely Trusting God

 

Seek God for Help First and Foremost (1-20)

Based on human expectation, Israel should have been conquered by the mighty power of Assyria. But when God is in the picture, everything changes. Hezekiah learned from his father, Ahaz, foolish mistake. Ahaz would not trust God to protect Israel, instead he relied on Assyria to protect Israel (7:4-6). In the end, a much stronger Assyria threatened to destroy Israel. Hezekiah rightly went to seek God’s protection through His prophet Isaiah. God, speaking through Isaiah, assured Hezekiah that Israel will be protected even against seemingly overwhelming odds; for His promise is more trustworthy than anything in the universe (Matt. 5:18).

God’s Merciful Deliverance (9-20).

Because of Hezekiah and Israel’s faith in God, God miraculously destroyed the army of Assyria via His angel, just as God had promised. The king of Assyria was also killed in his own land by his own sons, just as God had promised.


Praying the Scripture

We do not have prophets like Isaiah to go to for direct revelation from God, but God’s promises to His church is very clear in the Bible. He will be with us forever (Matt. 28:20) and His grace is sufficient in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Pray that you will believe daily in the promises of the gospel even in the darkest time of your trials and even when people are cold and apathetic to the gospel. Through our humble, persistent prayers (Luke 18:1-8) to God, He will protect us in our trials; and He is also able to convert sinners. His power is mighty to cast down the power of satan and sin (2 Cor. 10:3-5). God graciously strengthened the early Christians in Acts to endure persecution and He miraculously converted the entire Roman Empire. God has not changed and will never change. He is still able to deliver us and to convert sinners. If we trust Him and live out our faith in action, God will continue to display His glory in us and through us. Pray that you will be patient and unwaveringly believe in God’s promises even against overwhelming odds.

经文：以赛亚书37

主题：对神明智的信靠

 

首要的是寻求神（1-20）。

在人看来，以色列本该被强大的亚述征服，但有神同在，谁与争锋？希西家吸取他父亲亚哈斯的教训。那时，亚哈斯不愿投靠神保护以色列，反倒转向亚述作依靠（7:4-6）。最后，比以色列强大的亚述威胁要消灭以色列。希西家借着神的先知直接寻求神的保护。神借着以赛亚向希西家保证：不论以色列面临多大的危机，神始终会保护她，因为祂的应许必宇宙万物更可靠（太5:18）。

神怜悯的拯救（9-20）。

因着希西家以及以色列对神的信心，神按着祂的应许，借着祂的天使奇迹般地消灭了亚述部队。亚述王也在自己的土地上被他的亲身儿子杀了，正如神所承诺的。
 

用经文祷告

我们如今没有像以赛亚这位先知这个人，能得知神直接的启示，但神对祂教会的应许都清清楚楚地列在圣经里了。祂会永远与我们同在（太28:20），且祂的恩典在我们的软弱中是够用的（林后12:9）。祷告你每日都会依靠福音中的应许，即便在试炼中最黑暗的时刻，甚至是人对福音冷漠及麻木的时候。通过我们向神谦卑、恒心的祷告（路18:1-8），祂会在试炼中保守我们，也能使罪人信主。祂的力量是强大的，能夺去撒旦和罪恶的权势（林后10:3-5）。神以恩典坚固了使徒行传中的早期信徒，叫他们能承受逼迫，并奇迹般地使整个罗马帝国归主。神从没改变，也永远不变。祂仍能搭救我们，并使罪人信主。若我们信靠神，行事与信心相称，神会继续借着我们彰显祂的荣耀。祷告你会有耐心，即便在万般患难中也能坚定地相信神的应许。

 


26 Dec 2015, Isaiah 36 以赛亚书 36, Foolish Mocking of God 愚顽人嘲讽神

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 36

Theme                  : Foolish Mocking of God

The Assyrians foolishly treated the true, living God of Israel as another idol god made by human beings. They thought they could mock God, like an idol god. They did not know the God who made them. They foolishly boasted of their strength over God, and intimidated the Jews to submit to them instead of God. At the end, they were killed for their proud, foolish boasting and violence.


Praying the Scripture

The world continues to fail to distinguish the true, living God from idol gods made by the imagination and hands of man. People continue to mock God as if He is another idol or a flying spaghetti monster. Sadly, they will be destroyed by God just as Assyrians were destroyed. Our job as Christians is to warn people that the true, living God of Israel and the world is not an idol made by hands. We need to get their attention by demonstrating God of the Bible is truly divine through its fulfilled prophesies, accurate scientific description of the world, preservation of Israel, the resurrection of Jesus as demonstrated by the miraculous spread of the church, and many other evidences of God’s divinity in the Bible. We also must show people need Jesus to save them from their sins through the law of God. In addition, we must pray God will open their heart to see God’s glory in Jesus and enable  them to believe in Jesus. Effective evangelism requires attention, need and enablement. Pray that God will help you to evangelize with these three elements.

经文：以赛亚书36

主题：愚顽人嘲讽神

 

愚昧的亚述人视以色列的永活真神如其他人手所造的偶像一样。他们以为自己能嘲讽神，犹如嘲讽其他偶像一样。他们并不晓得造他们的是神。他们愚昧地夸口，以为自己比神强大，并恐吓犹太人屈膝于亚述而不是神。最后，他们因着自己的狂傲、愚昧的夸口和暴力被杀。


用经文祷告

世界仍无法辨别永活真神以及人手所造、人所想象出来的偶像。世人继续嘲讽神，以为祂仅是另一个偶像或飞行面条怪物。可悲的是，神会消灭他们，如同祂消灭亚述人一样。身为基督徒，我们的责任是要告诫世人以色列的永活真神并非人手所造的偶像。我们需要引起他们的 注意，借着圣经应验的预言、对世界精确的科学描述、以色列的保存、耶稣的复活（由教会奇迹般的扩展显现）及圣经对神之神性的许多凭据证明圣经中的神确实是神圣的。我们也必须让人知道他们需要耶稣借着神之律救他们脱离众罪。另外，我们必须祷告神会开启他们的心眼得见神在耶稣里的荣耀，并让他们得以 信靠耶稣。有效的福音传播需要上述三点。祷告神能助你以这三大要素传福音。

25 Dec 2015, Isaiah 35 以赛亚书 35, The Ransomed Shall Return 赎民必归

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 35

Theme                  : The Ransomed Shall Return

Contrary to the desolation of the nations, when Jesus returns the wilderness of Israel will become a fertile land. Curses will be removed. Both the environment and the people will sing because God will renew both people and land. Those who are physically deformed will be cured. The mute will talk, the blind will see. A highway (a fast track) will lead to Jerusalem, where King Jesus will be. The ransomed Jews, those who have been bought by the blood of Jesus, will use the highway to return to Jerusalem from the nations, where they will have been exiled and enslaved. At that time, sorrow and sighing will disappear, being replaced by gladness and joy.


Praying the Scripture

It is amazing how much OT prophets talk about the Messianic Kingdom. This is why when Jesus came into the world He preached, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 3:2). All believers’ hope is set on this eternal kingdom, not on this temporal age. This eternal kingdom is described in many concrete details so that we will look forward to our final destination and look with contempt at the mud-pies of this world. Pray that you will believe in the promises of God offered in this eternal kingdom. Some OT saints were so focused on this eternal kingdom that they were willing to suffer even more so that they could have a better resurrected in this eternal kingdom (Heb. 11:35). Pray that the Messianic Kingdom will grip you like it gripped that saints.

经文：以赛亚书35

主题：赎民必归

 

与列国的荒废相对，当耶稣再来时，荒凉的以色列要成丰盛。诅咒将被除去。地与民都要欢唱，因为神会更新人民与土地。肉身残缺的将得医治；哑巴能说话，瞎子得看见。那里将有通往耶路撒冷的大道，而君王耶稣就在那儿。得赎的犹太人，即借耶稣宝血得赎的，将从流亡被掳的列国使用大道归回耶路撒冷。那时不再有忧愁叹息，乃由欢喜快乐取代。


用经文祷告

旧约先知谈论弥赛亚国度的次数是十分惊人的。这就是为何当耶稣降世时，祂传：“天国近了，你们应当悔改！”（太3:2）。信徒的盼望就是建立在这个永恒国度中，不是在此短暂的时代。圣经对永恒国度的叙述包含许多具体细节，所以我们能向往我们最后的终点，轻看世界的虚荣。祷告你会信靠神对这个永恒国度的应许。有些旧约圣徒如此专注这个永恒国度，以致甘愿加倍受苦，叫他们能在永恒国度中有更好的复活生命（来11:35）。祷告你会被弥赛亚国度如此吸引，像那些圣徒被吸引一样。

 


24 Dec 2015, Isaiah 34 以赛亚书 34, Judgement on Evil Nations 对邪恶之国的审判

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 34

Theme                  : Judgement on Evil Nations

Once again, God prophesies His judgment on all the evil nations, by extension individuals also, in the world in the end times. Some of these judgement are also mentioned in Revelation such as the sky being rolled up like a scroll (Rev. 6:14). Edom is singled out among the nations as an example of God’s destruction in the end. Edom is also exemplified in Obadiah. In the end times, Edom will be desolated. God will slaughter these evil nations like animal sacrifices. Only wild animals will roam the land. God specifically lists some of the animals that will dwell there and promises none of these animals will be missing. Desolation is a picture of hell.

 

Praying the Scripture

God describes His judgement in fearsome details as a warning for sinners to turn away from their rebellion and to return to Him, just as God often warns the sinful Jews to repent and return to Him. In the NT, there are still many warnings, and also promises, for believers (Gal. 6:7, Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.). Sadly, even Christians sometimes fail to heed to God’s warnings and promises. God’s severe judgement is designed for us to take sin seriously and not be deceived by the false promises of sin. Those who are alcoholics, addicted to gambling, drugs or porn will face severe consequence. Pray that you will heed to God’s warnings and promises in the Bible. Don’t let the deceitfulness of sin lure you away from God. Everlasting, true joy can only be found in God, not in sin.

经文：以赛亚书34

主题：对邪恶之国的审判

 

神再次预言祂将在末日审判邪恶的列国，以及全世界作恶的人；其中的审判也在启示录列出，如天被卷起好像书卷（启6:14）。神在万国中特地指出以东为神末日必消灭之例。以东也在俄巴底亚书被特指出来。末日时，以东将成荒废之地。神要像献祭一样杀戮众恶之国。唯有野兽将栖身此地。神明确地列出将在那儿栖身的走兽，并应许没有一个会少。荒凉的情景便是地狱的预示了。


用经文祷告

神使用足以令人战兢的细节形容了祂的审判，从而告诫罪人停止反抗，转而归向祂。新约也有许多予信徒的警告和应许（加6:7：不要自欺，神是轻慢不得的。人种的是什么，收的也是什么）。可悲的是，就连基督徒有时也不听从神的警告和应许。神施行严厉的审判，其目的是要我们认真地看待罪，不要受到罪虚假应许的欺哄。酗酒的、嗜赌的、吸毒的、色情的都会受到严厉的审判。祷告你会听从神在圣经中的告诫和应许。不要被罪欺诈，叫你远离神。唯有神能赐永恒、真实的喜乐，不是罪。


23 Dec 2015, Isaiah 33 以赛亚书 33, The Gracious King in His Beauty 在祂荣美中的恩典之主

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 33

Theme                  : The Gracious King in His Beauty

 

God Destroys His Enemies (1-16)

God will destroy the destroyer. This destroyer is all of Israel’s destroyers but the ultimate manifestation of this enemy is the oft-prophesied antichrist. He will come to destroy Israel and success for a short time. When Israel faces existential threat, God will arise in the right time to exalt Himself by destroy the antichrist and then reconcile the world and Israel to Himself through Jesus. God’s promise of protection to Israel is conditional upon their righteousness as manifested in their trust in Him. Only those who walk and speak righteously will dwell in Zion with God (v. 14-15). Only those who worship King Jesus will be in Zion. The Israel of Isaiah’s day was rebellious and therefore was not protected by God, but was destroyed.

God Displays His Beauty (17-24).

All who worship God will be resurrected and see the beauty of King Jesus in Zion. Foreigners who had invaded Israel will be destroyed. Israel will dwell safely forever, fulfilling God’s promise to Israel (2 Sam. 7:10). King Jesus will rule over Israel and the world. There will be no more physical sickness in Israel. No one will be sick.


Praying the Scripture

  1. The OT and NT have promised many great things when Jesus returns. But we must realize that believers cannot make this earth into heaven. This can only happen when Jesus comes back. Our duty to the world is to love them and share the gospel with our neighbors (Rom. 13:8). These are the only things that we owe the world. We are not called to use political power to force people to convert, although we can leverage political influence to create a conducive environment to love our neighbors and share the gospel with them. Pray that your hope is in the Lord and His gospel, not in politics or politicians. Pray that you are motivated by your love for God in order to be salt and light in this corrupt and dark world.
  1. Many prosperity gospel Christians mistakenly think God promises to give believers heaven right now, where our lives are completely full of health and abundance. If you don’t have health and wealth then that means you are not faithful. This is extremely unbiblical and dangerous. Heaven is only promised when Jesus returns. In this life, we are promised trouble, persecution, death and sickness (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12), not health and wealth. In fact, those who are strong in the faith sometimes suffers the most, like the early Christians who were martyrs for their faith. Trouble may come, but God promises to give grace to us, so that we can bear our cross, like Jesus, and at the end receive glory, like Jesus. Pray that you will not be afraid of trouble but believe in God’s promise to be with you forever (Matt. 28:20). His grace is sufficient but grace looks different for each person because each person is different. God’s grace was in Paul’s life and His grace was also in Paul’s death. Pray that you will not doubt God or be afraid, but obey God, do what is right, and trust in His grace. Strive to be like Jesus who is full of beautiful character.

经文：以赛亚书33

主题：在祂荣美中的恩典之主

 

神毁灭祂的仇敌（1-16）。

神会毁灭那毁灭人的。这个毁灭者指的是所有毁灭以色列的，但其中最大的就是圣经不断预言的敌基督者。他会来毁灭以色列，并暂且成功。当以色列面临生存性的威胁时，神会在正确的时机起来毁灭敌基督的，从而抬举自己，然后借着耶稣将以色列及全世界与自己和好。神保护以色列的应许是凭着他们的公义而定，即以色列对神的信靠。唯有行事公义，说话正直的将与神同住在锡安（14-15节）。唯有敬拜君王耶稣的将在锡安居住。以赛亚年代的以色列是悖逆的，因此不受到神的保护，乃遭毁灭。

神彰显祂的荣美（17-24）。

凡敬拜神的必然复活，得见君王耶稣在锡安的荣美。凡侵略以色列的将遭毁灭。以色列将永远居住在安全之地，从而应验神对以色列的承诺（撒下7:10）。君王耶稣将统治以色列及全世界。以色列将不再有肉体上的疾病。无人会患病。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 旧约新约都应许当耶稣再来时，祂将成就许多大事。然而，我们必须晓得信徒没有能力将这个世界转变成天堂。这只能在耶稣归来时发生。我们对世人的责任就是爱他们，并与我们的邻舍传福音（罗13:8）。这是我们欠这个世界的唯一东西。神没召我们要使用政治力量强迫任何人信神，但我们可以藉着政治的影响力凝造有利于爱我们的邻舍及传福音的好环境。祷告你的盼望在于主与祂的福音，不在政治或政治家。祈求你因爱神得激励，在这腐败及黑暗的世界里做盐做光。
  1. 许多致富福音的基督徒误以为神此刻就应许向信徒赐予天堂，而我们的生命将充满健康和财富。你若实际相反，这表示你不忠心。这是极为不符合福音，也是非常危险的想法。天堂唯有在耶稣归来时才会降临。耶稣应许我们在这一生中只会遇到困难、逼迫、疾病和死亡（使14:22；提后3:12），不是健康和财富。实际上，有坚固信心的信徒时而苦难更多，就如初期的基督徒，甘愿为耶稣牺牲。困难会临到，但神应许要施恩于我们，叫我们能背起自己的十架，犹如耶稣一样，并最终蒙得荣耀，就像耶稣。祈求你不会害怕受苦，乃要相信神的应许——祂永远与你同在（太28:20）。祂的恩典是够你用的，但恩典在各人看来都不一样，因为每一个人都不相同。保罗活着时有神的恩典，临死时也有神的恩典。祈求你不会质疑神，也不要惧怕，乃要顺服神，行正确的事，并信靠神的恩典。我们要力争像耶稣一样，满有荣美的品性。

22 Dec 2015, Isaiah 32 以赛亚书 32, Messiah Rules in Righteousness 弥赛亚凭公义掌权

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 32

Theme                  : Messiah Rules in Righteousness

 

Righteous Messiah (1-8)

. This passage alludes back to the promised Davidic King (2 Sam. 7:12-13), Jesus, who will rule Israel and the world with righteousness. Princes are Christian and OT believers who will assist Jesus to manage His Messianic Kingdom (1 Cor. 6:2). The Messiah is the hope of Israel and the world. He is the one whom all Israel look forward to (Luke 2:26). In His kingdom, there will never be another evil leader in the world.

Sinful Women (9-20).

God warns sinful women who live for pleasure and ease, i.e. their sinful selves. The best example of such women is Jezebel who was beautiful outside but very ugly inside. She was not just evil, but delighted in causing others, such as her husband Ahab, to do evil as well. Women who live for pleasure and ease will be judged by God for their shamefulness. It is because Israel is full of these women and men that God will judge them. Women have much influence over their husbands, just as Eve influenced Adam and the Proverb 31 woman is indispensable to the success of her husband. Righteous women are indispensable to a righteous society. Salvation will come to Israel when God’s Spirit descends on them to open their eyes by His grace through Jesus (v. 15).

 

Praying the Scripture

It is amazing to think that all believers, both Christian and OT believers will assist Jesus to rule the world in His Messianic Kingdom. If Jesus comes back right now, that means you will rule over your neighbors. You will be appointed governors, mayors, and MPs over them, so get to know them now. Those who have mocked Christ, will be ruled by Him and His people. We relish in the fact that in the end, God’s name will be vindicated. No one will mock God, but will bow the knee. Pray that you long for this new world, and live for this new world. Get ready and be fit spiritually to rule this world. Exercise your humble servant leadership now by serving others with the right motive and take joy in it. Worship the Lordship of Jesus over your life and worship His majestic character. Behold Him and you will be like Him (2 Cor. 3:18).

经文：以赛亚书32

主题：弥赛亚凭公义掌权

 

公义的弥赛亚（1-8）。

这段经文指向那位曾被应许的大卫王（撒下7:12-13）耶稣——祂将凭公义统治以色列和世界。首领指的是基督徒和旧约信徒；他们将协助耶稣管理弥赛亚国度（林前6:2）。弥赛亚是以色列及全世界的希望。祂是全以色列所盼望的那一位（路2:26）。在祂的国度里，世界绝不会再出现邪恶的领导。

罪恶的妇女（9-20）。

神告诫了为享乐与安逸而活的妇女，即放纵自己罪恶私欲的女子。这类妇女的最佳例子就是耶洗别：她虽然外貌非凡，内心却是丑陋的。她不但自己作恶，更喜悦叫他人一同作恶，如怂恿她的丈夫亚哈。为享乐与安逸而活的妇女必要因她们的羞耻接受审判。这是因为这类妇女和男子在以色列甚多，必要受神的审判。妇女对她们的丈夫有很大的影响力，就如夏娃对亚当的影响力一样；箴言31章的妇女亦是她丈夫成功的关键。持公义的妇女对建设公正的社会是不可缺的。当神借着耶稣施恩于以色列，将圣灵浇灌在他们身上，开启他们的心眼时，救恩就会临到以色列（15节）。
 

用经文祷告

奇妙的是，所有信徒，包括基督徒与旧约信徒，都会在耶稣的弥赛亚国度中协助祂管理世界。倘若耶稣此刻归来，这表示你将管理你的邻舍。你会胜任作他们的省长、市长或国会议员，所以今日就认识他们吧。曾嘲笑基督的会被基督与祂子民统治。令我们欣慰的就是在末日时，神会高举自己的名。无人会嘲笑神，只会屈膝敬拜祂。祈求你盼望的是这个新世界，并为这个新世界而活。要做好灵性上的准备，才有资格统治这世界。要操练谦卑的仆人领导能力，以正确的动机事奉人，并为此喜乐。要敬拜耶稣在你生命中的权柄，并敬拜祂荣美的品性。只要敞着脸见主，就能像祂一样了（林后3:18）。


21 Dec 2015, Isaiah 31 以赛亚书 31, Putting Trust in the Right Place 信靠正确对象

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 31

Theme                  : Putting Trust in the Right Place

Wrong Place (1-3)

.The Jews foolishly and sinfully put their trust in humans, in this case pagan Egyptians, to protect them, instead of God. God warned them to trust in Himself instead. Humans are not reliable since they are flesh. The only one who is reliable is God, our rock. It is He who is sovereign over the world. It is He who brings disasters and knows what is truly wise. He is the one whom we need to reckon with, not man.

Right Place (4-9).

Those who trusts in the Lord’s promise will never be disappointed because God is like an eagle that hovers above them to protect them. They cannot see God, but God can see us. God’s faithfulness is demonstrated in chapter 37:36 when God supernaturally destroyed the overwhelming Assyrian army.

 

Praying the Scripture

When we are faced with insurmountable obstacles, it is easy to make people big and God small. Circumstances can disorientate us and cause us to put trust in humans or ourselves instead of God. In order not to be disorientated and be prepared for difficulties, we need to be firm in the Word and in our trust in God’s faithfulness and love. God teaches us to exercise our belief in His promises and warnings every day. Pray that the Spirit will enable you to believe in God’s warnings and promises, do not believe in the false promises of sin.

经文：以赛亚书31

主题：信靠正确对象

 

错误对象（1-3）。

犹太人愚昧罪恶，依靠人（即埃及人）保护他们，不仰望神。神告诫他们要信靠祂，因为人是由血肉所造，是不可靠的。我们唯一能依靠的是神，我们的磐石。祂才是掌管世界的。祂才是降灾的，并晓得何为智慧。祂是我们必须依靠的；人始终不是。

正确对象（4-9）。

凡信靠神应许的必不会失望，因为神像一只鹰扇翅覆雏，保护他们。虽然人见不到神，但神看得见我们。神的信实在37:36就此彰显，即神用超然能力消灭人数甚多的亚述军队时。
 

用经文祷告

当我们碰到自己无法克服的障碍时，我们倾向于把人放大，将神缩小。境遇能使我们混乱，叫我们依靠他人或自己，而不是神。若要临危不乱，做好预备，我们就要在话语上扎根，仰望神的信实和慈爱。神教导我们要每日操练自己的信心，也就是信靠祂的应许，听从祂的劝告。祷告圣灵能助你信靠神的劝告和应许，不要相信罪的虚假承诺。


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