Posted on Sep 28, 2015 in Devotions, Zephaniah |
Scripture Reading : Zephaniah 2:4-15
Theme : The Day of the Lord on the Nations
Judgment against Philistines (4-7). All the cities mentioned here belong to the Philistines. Woe means both judgment and lament in v.5. God does not promise to restore the Philistines, but he promises that He will restore the fortune of Israel. This was fulfilled when Israel returned from exile in Babylon, 70 years after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
Judgment against Moab and Ammon (8-11). Moab and Ammon are people from Lot’s incestuous relationship with his two daughters (Gen. 19:29-38). Even though, they are distant relatives of Israel, they did not help Israel but taunted at Israel and gloated over its destruction. Therefore, God will destroy them, but Israel’s remnants will return and possess their land. In the end times, all the nations of the world will bow down to God (2:11).
Judgment against Cush (12). The Cushites were people in modern day Sudan and Ethiopia. God will judge all the sins of the world, no matter where they are on earth.
Judgment against Assyria (13-15). When God’s wrath is kindled against sin, no nation can protected itself, not even the most powerful nation in the world at the time: Assyria.
Praying the Scripture
- We must not think that all this judgment and wrath by God is senseless. God is not wrathful or angry by nature, but He is loving by nature (1 John 4:8). He is wrathful only in response to evil. His wrath is not senseless or purposeless. His wrath satisfies His justice and His wrath will eventually result in all the nations on earth worshipping Him (2:11). True paradise will result. Let us not lose heart and become hopeless when God judges, but use it as an opportunity to proclaim salvation through Jesus, just as God proclaims salvation to Judah in the midst of judgment.
- After reading so much about God’s judgment, pray that we do not become desensitized, apathetic or think God is too angry. All these judgments by God are meant to show us the ugliness and seriousness of sin. God hates sin with a passion because He is gloriously righteous. We should be sober and never take sin lightly. So many false teachers in the prosperity gospel movement do not even like to mention sin. When they do mention sin, they twist the definition of sin to mean negative thoughts. All who down play the seriousness of sin will not run to the cross to seek forgiveness. They treat the cross as an insurance policy to pursue sin; therefore, they will face the great day of the Lord.
经文：西番雅书2:4-15
主题：耶和华的日子临到列国
对非利士的审判（4-7）。这段经文所列的所有城市属于非利士。“有祸了”可以指审判，也可以指哀号。神没应许要复兴非利士，但祂承诺要恢复以色列的财富。当耶路撒冷在公元前586年沦陷于巴比伦，又在70年的放逐后从巴比伦归回时，这应许得应验了。
对摩押和亚扪的审判（8-11）。摩押人和亚扪人源于罗得与他二女的乱伦关系所生（创19:29-38）。虽然他们是以色列的远亲，但他们并没帮助以色列，反倒嘲讽她，又为她的毁灭幸灾乐祸。因此，神会消灭他们，而以色列余剩的子民将归回并占领他们的土地。到了末日，世上的列国将屈膝敬拜神（2:11）。
对古实的审判（12）。古实人是现代的苏丹人和埃塞俄比亚人。不论人处在世界上的哪个角落，神都会审判他们的罪孽。
对亚述的审判（13-15）。当神对罪的愤怒被点燃，任何国家都无能逃脱。即便是当代最强大的国家——亚述也无法自卫。
用经文祷告
- 我们不能认为这些审判和愤怒是无理的。神不爱发怒，因为祂本是慈爱的神（约一4:8）。神会发怒，是因为罪孽的存在；这种怒气不是无理的。神的愤怒源于祂的公义，而这愤怒最后会使万国万民都敬拜祂（2:11）。那时候将有真太平。当神施行审判时，让我们不要气馁，也不要绝望，乃使之转变成传福音的机会，宣扬耶稣基督里的救恩，因为神在施行审判时也向犹大传祂的救恩。
- 读到了神众多的审判后，祈求我们不要变得麻木，变得不在乎，或只认为神太苛刻了。神一切的审判是要向我们显示罪恶的丑陋和严重性。神极度憎恨罪，是因为祂是完全圣洁的。我们当警醒，不要轻视罪。致富福音的许多假教师甚至不爱提起罪，而他们若真说到罪，其定义是歪曲的，使之罪只成为负面的想法。凡淡化罪之严重性的绝对不会奔向十字架苦求饶恕；他们只会把十字架当成继续作恶的保险。因此，在耶和华的日子里，他们会受到审判。
Posted on Sep 28, 2015 in Devotions, Zephaniah |
Scripture Reading : Zephaniah 1-2:3
Theme : The Day of the Lord on Judah
Zephaniah prophesied before the reforms of King Josiah (640–609 b.c.), who brought spiritual revival to Judah after the long and wicked reign of Manasseh. His message is to Judah, warning them of impending judgment for their idolatry and offering salvation for those who repent. His ministry spurred Judah to reform itself under Josiah. Zephaniah is also the great great grandson of king Hezekiah.
The Idolatry of Judah (1-13). In vv.2-3, God warns of His great wrath against evil by invoking the language of the flood. This massive destruction of evil will be on Judah if they do not repent of their idolatry. God is going to kill Judah like killing a sacrifice offering. Judah is commanded to keep silent and not talk back, as God unfolds His righteous judgment against evil. God’s judgment will start with the rulers of Judah because they are most responsible for corrupting Judah with idolatry, injustice and violence. Those who are complacent, by thinking God does not care about evil or take action against evil, will also be punished.
The Day of the Lord on Judah (14-2:3). Zephaniah uses the phrase “the day of the Lord” more than any prophet. This phrase means a time of God’s judgment against evil, which will culminate in the end times during the seven years of tribulation. When God brings His rod of anger, the Babylonians, to punish Judah, all of mankind around Judah will also be punished for their sins. God is fearful when His wrath is kindled, but even in His anger, God is merciful by offering salvation to those who humble themselves and repent (2:1-3).
Praying the Scripture
- Complacency is a dangerous sin that blinds people to the coming wrath of God against sin. Many people in the world, especially those who are from wealthy nations, are complacent of their sins and are blinded to the coming of God’s wrath. Our job is to awaken the truth about sin and judgment that their hearts are suppressing and lead them to their only hope of salvation (Rom. 1:32). Let us pray to God for opportunities to share the gospel in this perverted and complacent world.
- Zephaniah’s faithful preaching restored the spiritual wellbeing of his nation. If we faithfully proclaim the gospel from our pulpits and in our workplace and families, we can also bring wellbeing to our communities and our nations. If the pulpit goes, the nation will perish too. Let us take hold of God’s precious word and proclaim it with boldness and love, and with great anticipation of God’s miraculous work of salvation.
经文：西番雅书1:1-2:3
主题：耶和华的日子临到犹大
西番雅是在约西亚王进行多项改革之前预言的（公元前640-609年）；约西亚王则是在玛拿西长期作恶的统治后使犹大灵里复兴。西番雅给犹大的信息是要警告他们若继续拜偶像，审判即临，但凡是悔改的便能得救。他的事工促使约西亚在自己作王时能进行一系列的改革。西番雅也是希西家王的玄孙。
犹大对偶像的崇拜（1:1-1:13）。在2-3节中，神使用了诺亚大水灾时的言语警告犹大祂必大大惩罚罪恶。若犹大不愿从拜偶像的罪中悔改，她就会面临神对罪恶的极大毁灭。神会杀了犹大，如杀物献祭一样。神在揭示祂对罪恶实行的公义审判时吩咐犹大要静默无声，不许反驳。神的审判会从犹大的首领开始，因为他们以拜偶像、不公义与暴行之举使犹大败坏，责任重大。骄傲自满的，即认为神对罪恶行为不加理会或袖手旁观的，也会受到处罚。
耶和华的日子临到犹大（1:14-2:3）。西番雅使用“耶和华的日子”的频率是所有先知中最多的。这句话指的是神对罪恶之审判的时候，而这将在末日时代，七年的大灾难后进入巅峰。当神用祂怒气的棍，即巴比伦，惩罚犹大时，犹大周遭的人类也都将为自己的罪受到惩罚。当神的愤怒卷起时，祂是可畏的，但即使在愤怒中，神也有怜悯，向凡谦卑自己并悔改的人施与救恩（2:1-3）。
用经文祷告
- 骄傲自满是很危险的罪，因为它使人眼瞎，看不到神日后对罪的审判。世上有许多人，尤其从富裕国家的，都持有这样的态度，无视神即将施展的愤怒。我们的责任是要唤醒他们心里压抑的真理，让他们直视罪和审判，领他们到得救的唯一希望（罗1:32）。让我们向神祈求能有机会在这歪曲及自满的世界里传福音。
- 西番雅忠实的传道使之犹大灵里复兴。我们若在讲台上，职场上及家中忠实地传福音，我们也能使周遭的人及我们的国家蒙福。倘若讲台没了，国家也会灭亡。让我们持守神珍贵的话，并在爱中大胆地宣扬它，带着极大的期盼等候神救人飞奇妙工作。
Posted on Sep 28, 2015 in Devotions, Habakkuk |
Scripture Reading : Habakkuk 3
Theme : Habakkuk’s Worship
Recalling God’s Greatness (1-15). Habakkuk strengthens his faith in God by remembering God’s greatness that He has revealed in the past. Habakkuk’s faith is not blind, but grounded firmly in God’s revealed character and power that He has demonstrated throughout history. He remembers God’s revelation and glory at Mt. Sinai, Teman, and Mt. Paran (Deut. 33:2-4) when God disclosed Himself. This same glorious and powerful God will execute His divine justice like a mighty warrior.
Worshipping God’s Greatness (16-19). Habakkuk grieves greatly because of the coming, horrific destruction (v.16). Yet, he understands that this destruction is not the end for him and his people. In this, Habakkuk rejoices and lives by faith in God. The same God who promises to bring death and destruction, is the same God who promises to bring life and fruitfulness. In the end, God will restore Habakkuk and the nation of Israel to the Promised Land (tread on my high places, cf Is. 58:14). This will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom and the new heavens and new earth. Habakkuk can rejoice even in the toughest times because of this eternal perspective (2 Cor. 4:17).
Praying the Scripture
- Habakkuk did not stay in his bewilderment even though not all of his questions were answered by God. He moved forward in his worship, love and zeal for God because what God has revealed about His power and character is sufficient for Habakkuk. This is how we ought to live as Christians (Rom. 1:17) when we do not have all our questions answered by God. We must move forward in our worship and love for God, not by blind faith, but by the firm foundation of His revealed truth. Let’s pray that we will not be paralyzed in our puzzlement.
- As pilgrims on earth, believers ought to seek a greater country (Heb. 11:10), not this world, no matter how great is our country. If we lose our perspective of our eternal home, then we will easily be discouraged and sad in this world because there will always be disappointments in this fallen world (Job 5:7). Let us always keep our eternal home in perspective so that we can rejoice in God even in tough times. This does not mean we can be lazy and just wait for heaven to come like some Thessalonians (2 Thes. 3:10). It means when suffering and trouble come, we can still rejoice because we know this is not the end, heaven is. Even when our loved ones die, we can rejoice because we will see these Christians in heaven (1 Thes. 4:13).
经文：哈巴谷书3
主题：哈巴谷的崇拜
回想神的伟大（1-5）。哈巴谷回想起神过去所显示的伟大，由此坚固自己的信心。哈巴谷的信心不是盲目的，乃在神历史历代所展示的大能和属性里稳固扎根。他纪念神在西奈山、提幔和巴兰山启示自己的时候所彰显的荣耀（申33:2-4）。这一位荣耀和强大的神将如威武的战士一样施展祂神圣的公义。
敬拜神的伟大（16-19）。由于犹大即将面临残酷的毁灭（16节），哈巴谷大大哀伤。可是，他明白这次的毁灭并不是他与犹大人的结局。因此，哈巴谷欢欣，在主里凭信心而活。这位应许死亡与毁灭的神也是应许生命与结果子的神。最后，神会使哈巴谷与以色列国复兴，领到应许之地（神使我稳行在高处，参赛58:14）。这将在千禧国度与新天新地创立时应验。因着这个信念，即便在最困难的时候，哈巴谷依然可以欢喜（林后4:17）。
用经文祷告
- 哈巴谷虽然没有得到所有的解答，他不停留在困惑中。他更加敬拜、爱戴并热衷于神，因为神所启示的大能和属性对他而言已足够了。当我们没得到所有的答案时，身为基督徒的我们也要如此（罗1:17）。我们必须更加敬拜、爱戴神，但这不是出于盲目的信心，乃因他所启示真理的稳固根基上而行。让我们祷告自己不会被困惑绊倒。
- 不论我们的国家有多强大，身为世上的客旅，信徒当向往一个更大的城，不是这个世界（来11:10）。我们若忘了自己有永恒的天家，我们便会在这世界上轻易感到沮丧、悲伤，因为这堕落的世界总会有令人失望的事（伯5:7）。让我们不忘自己有个永恒的天家，叫我们即便遇困境时也能在主里喜乐。这并不表示我们能怠慢，如某些帖撒罗尼迦人，只等待天堂的降临（帖后3:10）。这表示当困难与患难来临时，我们仍然能喜乐，因为知道这不是结局；天堂才是。即便亲人离去，我们仍能喜乐，因为我们在天堂能与这些圣徒再次相遇（帖前4:13）。
Posted on Sep 28, 2015 in Devotions, Habakkuk |
Scripture Reading : Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
Theme : The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
Prophet’s Second Lament (1:12-17). Habakkuk is stunned by God’s answer. God’s answer did not fit his understanding of God’s character and justice. God is a righteous God, who cannot look at evil meaning accept and tolerate evil. How can such righteous God use Babylonian, which is more evil than Judah, to punish Judah? And how can God let Babylon kill and conquer other nations forever? Habakkuk waits for God to answer a second time.
God’s Second Comfort (2:1-20). God graciously answers His servant. Even though God will use Babylon as the rod of His anger, He will not allow Babylon to kill forever. They are responsible for their sins. He will destroy Babylon because of their wickedness. They are already sinful, God simply channels their sinfulness (Prov. 21:1). For glory, Babylon seeks to conquer continuously, but such endeavor will not bring everlasting glory, value, meaning or joy. Like death, they are never satisfied. In contrast, only the glory of God, which will cover the whole earth, has everlasting value and meaning. The way of Babylon, like the way of the world, only brings emptiness and judgment from God (cf. Ps. 1). How the idolatrous and evil Babylon plundered others, it will receive the same treatment at the end. The proper behavior of God’s people is to live by faith. A faith that is grounded in the truth of God’s character and power. A faith that results in faithfulness to God (Is. 7:9). Even though God did not answer all of Habakkuk’s questions, He has given enough answers to enable him to live by faith.
Praying the Scripture
- We will not understand everything about God and how He will unfold His plans in the world because it is His glory to concealed some things (Deut. 29:29). But what God has revealed about His character, power and plan for the world (Ex. 34:6-7), that we can fully understand and trust (Prov. 3:5-6). God has given us enough answers in the Bible regarding every area of life so that we can move forward and live for Him with zeal (2 Pet. 1:3) and not be paralyzed in bewilderment. God has called Habakkuk to live by faith in His character and power, and God calls all of us to live by faith also (Rom. 1:17). It is our faith in God that triumphs over Satan and all the evils of the world (1 John 5:4; Eph. 6:16). It is not our faith that has power, it is the object of our faith that has power: God Himself (Luke 17:5-10). Faith is a commitment to God, faith is trusting His word.
- The pursuit of Babylon for everlasting greatness, value, meaning and joy will end in vanity, meaninglessness and destruction. All pursuits, apart from God, are empty (Eccl. 1:2-11). Only pursuits that are centered on the eternal God will have everlasting greatness, value, meaning and joy (Eccl. 12:13-14). All our Christian endeavors have everlasting value, meaning and joy because it will be remembered forever by our eternal God. So let us “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).
经文：哈巴谷书1:12-2:20
主题：义人因信得生
先知的二次哀叹（1:12-17）。哈巴谷不料神会这么回答他。神的答案并不符合哈巴谷对神之属性与公义的理解。神是公义的，不能眼看恶行却无动于衷，可公义之神怎么能使用一个比犹大还恶毒的巴比伦惩罚犹大呢？神怎么能让巴比伦戮杀并永远占领他国呢？哈巴谷第二次等候神的答复。
神的二次安慰（2:1-20）。神恩待了祂的仆人，给予答复。虽然神会使用巴比伦向犹大倾倒祂的愤怒，祂也不会容许巴比伦永远杀害别人。他们会为自己的罪负责。祂会因着巴比伦的恶行消灭巴比伦。巴比伦已经是作恶多端的；神仅是转移了他们作恶的对象（箴21:1）。巴比伦会为自己的荣耀寻求不断征服邻国，但他们的行为不会为他们带来永恒的荣耀、价值或喜乐。如死亡一样，他们永远不觉满足。相反的，只有神的荣耀有永恒的价值和意义；这荣耀要遍布全地。巴比伦的行为，如世人的行为一样，只会带来心灵空虚及神的审判（见诗1）。淫荡邪恶的巴比伦如何抢夺他人，最终也会有同样的下场。这时候，属神的人便要因信得生。这信心必须是扎根在神的属性与大能的真理上的。这等信心将使人忠于神（赛7:9）。即便神没有回答哈巴谷所有的问题，但祂已经给予足够启示，叫哈巴谷能凭信心活着。
用经文祷告
- 我们不会完全理解神及祂对世界的旨意，因为祂为自己的荣耀隐藏了一些奥秘（申29:29）。可是，凡神对自己的属性和大能与世界之计划的启示（出34:6-7），我们可以对此全然明白并信靠（箴3:5-6）。神藉着圣经已经对我们生命的各领域给予足够答案，叫我们能热心地向前为祂而活（彼后1:3），不会困惑不已。神吩咐哈巴谷要凭着祂的属性与大能活着，也召我们凭这样的信心而活（罗1:17）。我们在神里面的信心使我们能胜过撒旦及世上的众恶（约一5:4；弗6:16）。我们的信心没有力量；力量的来源是我们所信靠的对象：神（路17:5-10）。信心就是对神的委身，全然信靠祂的话。
- 巴比伦对永恒名誉、价值、意义及喜乐的追求最终会沦落至虚空与灭亡。若无神，一切追寻是虚空的（传1:2-11）。唯有以永生神为中心的追求才为大，有永恒的价值、意义和喜乐（传1:3-14）。我们在主里的所有工作都有永恒价值、意义和喜乐，因为我们永生的神必然永远记得。因此，让我们“务要坚固，不可摇动，常常竭力多做主工，因为知道，你们的劳苦在主里面不是徒然的”（林前15:58）。
Posted on Sep 28, 2015 in Devotions, Habakkuk |
Scripture Reading : Habakkuk 1:1-11
Theme : Lament of Habakkuk
Habakkuk was written between 640–615 b.c., just before the fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon (Chaldean). He is from Judah and his message is for Judah. This book is about Habakkuk’s bewilderment at the way God is working in this world. God responses by answering some of his questions and by not answering other questions. Ultimately, God commands Habakkuk to live by faith in God’s power and character when he is puzzled.
Prophet’s First Lament (1-4). Habakkuk cries out to God because of all the sins and injustice surrounding him. Once again, Judah has abandoned God and His laws. As result, there is rampant crime and injustice in the society. Habakkuk wonders why God is not doing anything about evil in Judah.
God’s First Comfort (5-11). God tells Habakkuk that He is doing something about it. Habakkuk cannot see it but God will punish Judah by raising up the Chaldeans, i.e. Babylonians, as the rod of His anger to punish Judah. The Babylonians are a strong, prideful, merciless people who will rule the middle east. Their very standard of righteousness is themselves. They worship their own physical and military power. This is their glory.
Praying the Scripture
- It is righteous to ask God in a humble, reverent manner when we are puzzled just as Habakkuk humbly asks God. Our asking must be rooted firmly in our understanding of God’s character and power (Matt. 7:9-11). Asking in a proud, licentious fashion and distrusting God’s character is sinful, as the Jews had done in the wilderness and was punished by God (Ex. 16:3). We also must understand that, although God has revealed much to us, He is not required to answer all our questions. When He does not answer, our job is to trust and obey (Deut. 29:29), not to stay in bewilderment, not to dampen our zeal, and not to suspect God.
- This mindset of trust and obedience is important when it comes to our puzzlement at how God is sovereignty in salvation and yet humans are responsible. God has not revealed this mystery. Our job is not to try to understand the incomprehensive or to be paralyzed in our bewilderment, but to believe in both of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility as the Bible teaches us, and to obey God by having compassion on unbelievers and share the gospel with them with zeal. Pray that God will enable us to live a life of faithful obedience that is not hindered by unanswered questions. We trust in God’s character and His Word, which He has proven overwhelmingly to be true and righteous. Blessed be His name!
经文：哈巴谷书1:1-11
主题：哈巴谷的哀号
哈巴谷书是在公元前640-615年之间写的，即亚述沦陷及巴比伦（迦勒底）兴起这期间。哈巴谷是犹大人，而他的信息也是给犹大的。这本书记载了哈巴谷对神在这世上的作为之惊叹。神回应了哈巴谷的某些问题，但也选择不回答其他问题。最后，神吩咐哈巴谷：在他困惑的时候，要信着神的大能和品性，凭信心而活。
先知的首个哀号（1-4）。哈巴谷因着周遭所包围的罪与不公向神哀求。犹大再次离弃了神与祂的律法，所以社会充满了罪行，很不公正。哈巴谷不晓得神为什么对这一切默默无声。
神的首次安慰（5-11）。神告诉哈巴谷祂不是无动于衷的。哈巴谷或许见不到，但神会兴起迦勒底人（巴比伦）惩罚犹大，从而施展祂的愤怒。巴比伦将统治中东；他们是强大、骄傲又无情的人。他们对公义的标准是自己。他们崇拜自己的物质与军事力量。这是他们的荣耀。
用经文祷告
- 当我们觉得困惑时，以谦卑、敬畏的态度求问神并没错，就如哈巴谷谦卑哀求神一样。我们的祈求必须是出于对神的品格与大能的正确理解（太7:9-11）。以骄傲、肆无忌惮并不信任的态度求问神是有罪的；犹太人在旷野中便是如此，结果被神惩罚（出16:3）。我们也必须了解，虽然神向我们的启示不少，但祂有权利不回答所有的问题。若是如此，我们就要信靠顺服（申29:29），不用继续困惑，觉得扫兴，或质疑神。
- 至于神对救恩的主权与人的责任之困惑，我们要持守的态度是信靠、顺服。神还没揭晓这个谜底，而我们的责任不是要试着解开这个谜团或留在困惑中，乃要根据圣经的教导相信神有主权，人也有责任，并顺服神的诫命，向非信徒施展怜悯，热心地向他们传福音。祈求神能加添力量，让我们在信心中顺服，不被无法得到解答的问题绊倒。我们相信神的属性与话语；祂已在多处证明圣经是真理，是公义的标准。让我们称颂祂的名！
Posted on Sep 27, 2015 in Devotions, Nahum |
Scripture Reading : Nahum 3
Theme : The Sins of Nineveh
The Cruelty of Nineveh (1-4). Nineveh is infamous for its extreme cruelty. They skinned enemies alive and heaped skulls in front of gates of their cities. It is much like the cruelty of ISIS. The empire was founded upon blood and lies. They engaged in rampant lies to subdue and kill their enemies. Because of its cruelty, it will receive an equal cruel end.
The Shame of Nineveh (5-13). Nakedness in the OT is associated with shame. God will shame Nineveh for its shameful and cruel acts. Nineveh will be as weak as Thebes, capital of the Egyptian empire, which was also conquered even though it was a mighty city.
The Hopelessness of Nineveh (14-19). Nineveh expanded its empire based on self-interest and pleasure seeking. Its merchants and rulers are like locusts that only seek to strip the land for its selfish gain, but when trouble comes they will flee. The empire crumbled from within because the people were not loyal and caring. Decades of moral decay, selfishness and pleasure-seeking have produced unfaithful and weak troops to defend the empire. When the empire falls, all will rejoice because of its excessive evil.
Praying the Scripture
God will always triumph over evil. Any evil empire that oppresses God’s people will come to an end. God will always defend His people and rescue them. We can put our trust in Him to deliver us from any evil person or empire because He is stronger than the greatest evil. God has demonstrated this not only in Israel, but throughout history such as during the Roman empire and the Chinese communist government.
经文：那鸿书3
主题：尼尼微的罪孽
尼尼微的残酷性（1-4）。尼尼微人的残酷性是臭名昭著的。他们为活生生的敌人剥皮，又在各城门堆积颅骨。这与伊斯兰国的残酷行为相似。尼尼微帝国是建立在人血与谎言上的；他们利用谎言击败并杀害敌人。因着她的残酷之行，她也会遭到同样的后果。
尼尼微的羞愧（5-13）。赤体在旧约中与羞愧有关。神会因着尼尼微的可耻并残忍的行为羞辱她。尼尼微会变得像埃及帝国的首都挪亚们一样软弱；她曾经也是一个强大城市，但最终被占领了。
尼尼微的无助（14-19）。尼尼微凭着自身利益及追求享乐的心扩展帝国。她的商人和统治者都像蝻子一样，因自私利益吃尽全地，可一旦问题出现，他们便会逃之夭夭。尼尼微是从内部跨倒的，因为子民不忠诚，也不在乎国家。数十年的道德衰败、私心和追逐享乐所产生的就是不忠、懦弱的军兵，无法捍卫帝国。帝国被击倒的那瞬间，所有人都会欢欣，因为她实在是行恶多端。
用经文祷告
- 神必然胜过邪恶。任何欺压神子民的邪恶的王朝必然会跨倒。神必然维护祂的子民，并拯救他们。我们能信靠神救我们脱离任何邪恶的人或王朝，因为祂比最大的恶更大。神不但在以色列彰显这一点，也在历史历代，如罗马帝国及中国共产党显示这一点。
Posted on Sep 21, 2015 in Devotions, Nahum |
Scripture Reading : Nahum 2
Theme : Destruction of Nineveh
Destruction of Nineveh (1-13). God sees Nineveh’s vain attempt to defend itself in the future from a combination of Babylonian and Medes troops. Destruction will be on Nineveh but God will restore Judah, His people. V. 6 describes Nineveh’s river gates, which protected the city, but the river was also its downfall. Her enemies removed the dams of the river to flood Nineveh, which crumbled her walls and rendered her defenseless. Nineveh refers itself as a lion that rules supreme and crushes its preys. When God destroys this lion, it will disappear and not be found. God is a righteous God, He will definitely destroy the wicked Nineveh.
Praying the Scripture
- The certain destruction of Nineveh is a picture of the certain destruction of all rebels against God. God is a righteous God who will by no means acquit the guilty. He will judge all human beings. God’s wrath is fearsome, but He is also our only source of hope and refuge. For the proud wicked, He is to be feared, but for the humbled wicked He is to be embraced as the only source of hope and salvation.
- Nineveh trusted in their military might for their protection. The Bible tells us, such trust will corrupt people’s souls and lead people away from God and direct them to destruction. Jeremiah 17:5-8, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” May we only put our trust and hope in God only.
经文：那鸿书2
主题：尼尼微的毁灭
尼尼微的毁灭（1-13）。神看见尼尼微日后会尝试抵挡巴比伦与玛代军队的攻击，但终究于事无补。尼尼微将被销毁，而神会复兴祂的子民犹大。第六节形容的是保护尼尼微城的河闸，因为这条河流有害尼尼微城。敌人恰好利用这一点，将河闸打开淹没尼尼微；她的城墙倒了，无法自卫。尼尼微曾指自己是权威的狮子，能击倒所有敌人。可是，当神消灭这只狮子后，它将永远消失，不再出现。神是公义的神——祂必然消灭行恶的尼尼微。
用经文祷告
- 尼尼微必然的毁灭显示神必然消灭所有抵挡祂的人。神是公义的，万不以有罪的为无罪。祂会审判所有人类。神的愤怒很恐怖，但祂同时是我们唯一的盼望和避难所。骄傲行恶的人当惧怕神；谦卑有罪的则当拥护祂为自己唯一的盼望和救赎。
- 尼尼微相信自己的军事能力足以捍卫自己的国家。圣经告诉我们，这种信念会使人心败坏，叫他们离开神，自寻毁灭。耶利米书17:5-8说：“倚靠人血肉的膀臂，心中离弃耶和华的，那人有祸了！因他必像沙漠的杜松，不见福乐来到，却要住旷野干旱之处，无人居住的碱地。倚靠耶和华，以耶和华为可靠的，那人有福了！他必像树栽于水旁，在河边扎根。炎热来到并不惧怕，叶子仍必青翠；在干旱之年毫无挂虑，而且结果不止。”愿我们将自己的信任和盼望全投注于神。
Posted on Sep 21, 2015 in Devotions, Nahum |
Scripture Reading : Nahum 1
Theme : Divine Character
Nahum is written circa 626 B.C. He preaches about God’s judgment against Nineveh, the dominate power in the middle east at the time. Nineveh is judged for its pride, violence and harlotry.
Divine Character (1-11). To understand God’s actions, we must first understand the character of God. He is a righteous God who will not acquit the guilty (v.3) and at the same time He is slow to anger, meaning patient (v.3), and He is God good (v.7). He is also jealous, meaning He demands covenant faithfulness just as a husband demands faithfulness from a wife. His glorious character is displayed in Exodus 34:6-7 and is the key to His deal with Israel and the world throughout history. Nineveh is called a harlot in 3:4 because it entered into a covenant relationship with God after the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:10), but it became unfaithful by worshipping idols. Therefore, God will destroy her, even though Nineveh is the most powerful nation because God is even more powerful. Their plot against God is in vain. God’s matchless power is exhibited through nature such as whirlwind, storm and mountains.
Divine Sentence (12-14). God refers to Nineveh in the third person plural. Even though they are the mightiest military power, God will still destroy them. This happened in 612 B.C. when Nineveh was conquered by the Babylonians and Medes. In return God will cast away the yoke, the burden, of Nineveh from Judah. In v. 14 God speaks to Nineveh in the second person and sentences Nineveh to destruction because it is vile.
Divine Purpose (15). Another purpose for destroying the oppressive, idolatrous rule of Nineveh is to encourage Judah to be faithful to God by expressing its faithfulness through obeying the OT laws. In the end, God will fully restore Israel. Those who are faithful to God now will experience the future restoration and glory of Israel in the end times.
Praying the Scripture
- God is a jealous God who demands faithfulness from those who are committed to Him, just as He is committed to them. Such jealous love is proper in any covenantal relationship including marriage. God’s jealous love is not man’s self-centered, evil love that seek its own good, not the good of others. God’s jealous love is for our good and His glory.
- God calls Israel to faithfulness as they endure hardship from Nineveh. Such enduring hardship is worth it and glorious because the result of this kind of endurance is a glorious future with God in His renewed earth. Christians are also called to have this enduring faithfulness in the midst of trials for the same reason. Paul says our suffering is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us (Rom. 8:18). Pray that God will give you enduring strength as you face difficulties in your life. He is faithful to provide.
经文：那鸿书1
主题：神圣品格
那鸿书约在公元前626年写的。他传的是神对尼尼微的审判；尼尼微则是中东当代的主导国。尼尼微是因她的骄傲、暴力和淫行受审判的。
神圣品格（1-11）。为要了解神之所行，我们首先要了解神的品格。祂是一位正直的神，必审判有罪的（3节），但同时也不轻易发怒，有耐心（3节），是良善的神（7节）。祂又是一位忌邪的神，意思是祂要求人忠实守约，如丈夫要求自己的妻子对他忠贞一样。神的荣耀品格即在出埃及记34:6-7彰显；那也是神历史历代与以色列及世界相处根基。尼尼微在3:4被称是妓女，因为约拿向她传道时，她与神立了约，但后来转而拜偶像，玷污自己。因此，即便尼尼微是世界最强大的国家，神比她更强大，且要消灭她。他们攻击神的计谋是徒然的。神的大能举世无双，并在旋风、暴风和山岭等大自然显现。
神圣审判（12-14）。神以第三人称指尼尼微；虽然尼尼微军事最强大，神仍会消灭他们。这是在公元前612年应验的，即尼尼微被巴比伦和玛代占领之时。这一来，神将犹大的轭，也就是尼尼微在他们身上所附的重担脱去。在14节中，神以第二人称对尼尼微说话，并因着她的鄙陋判尼尼微当被消灭。
神圣旨意（15）。消灭残酷、淫荡的尼尼微既有另一个原因：神要鼓励犹大忠于祂，要犹大忠实遵守旧约律法。最后，神会全然复兴以色列。此刻对神忠心的必能亲身经历以色列末日时的复兴和荣耀。
用经文祷告
- 神是忌邪的神；祂要求委身于祂的人忠心耿耿，如神对他们的委身一样。这种忌邪的爱在任何有约定的关系中是合宜的，包括婚姻。神忌邪的爱不是人自我中心、只寻自己益处的邪恶之爱。神忌邪之爱的根基是以我们的益处及祂的荣耀为出发点的。
- 正当以色列承受尼尼微附于的苦难时，神呼召要以色列要忠于神。承受这种苦难是有益的，是荣耀的，因为其果效是与神在祂所更新的世界里得享荣耀的未来。基于同一个原因，基督徒也被召在患难时要忠心地忍耐。保罗说，我们现在的苦楚若比起将来要显于我们的荣耀是不足介意的（罗8:18）。当你面对生命中的苦楚时，祈求神能给予你忍耐的心度过。神是信实的，必然供应你。
Posted on Sep 20, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 7
Theme : Sadness and Joy
Sadness in Fallen World (1-7). Micah laments about his life in this fallen world. There is no godly people in Judah. The strongest, the most intelligent, the most powerful and the most godly people in Judah are good as harmful thorns. Even the family, the most basic unit of society, is broken. They are all filthy. This is the result of a world without God or any influence of believers. In such corrupt world, the only hope is to wait on God.
Joy in Heavenly World (8-20). Even the godly in such corrupt society is not blameless and deserves the discipline of God. The godly agrees with God’s discipline and waits for His loving hand of healing. Joy can only be found in God’s present and future grace. His present grace will sustain Micah and His future grace will deliver Micah. Micah will have to endure the suffering of this corrupt society as God sustains him, but Micah will experience unspeakable joy when God’s future grace will restore Jerusalem and Micah will be in this glorious new Jerusalem.
Praying the Scripture
- The corruption of Judah is not a historical anomaly. This sad tragedy happens constantly throughout history especially in atheistic communist Russia, China and Cambodia, where children treated parents with contempt and persecuted their elderlies. This is a grim foretaste of hell for all who rejects God. Hell is the crystallization of a life of sin and hell is the active judgment of God. May nonbelievers see their terrifying end and repent.
- True, lasting, holy joy can only come from the knowledge that we will be with our glorious savior in a glorious new world. It is this joy that will sustain us through all the troubles of the world (2 Cor. 4:17). It is this joy that will give us strength to battle and live for Him each day (Neh. 8:10). May God continue to replenish this joy in our heart each day.
经文：弥迦书7
主题：悲伤与喜悦
在堕落世界里的悲伤（1-7）。弥迦为自己在这堕落世界里的生命哀叹。犹大没有一个人敬畏神；犹大最强大、最聪明、最有势力与最敬虔的人竟与有害的刺一样。就连家庭，社会的基本单位，也是破碎的。他们都是污秽的。这就是一个无神或无信徒影响的所产生的世界。在这个如此腐败的世界里，人唯一的盼望是仰望神。
在天家的喜悦（8-20）。即便是敬虔之人也会在这等败坏的社会中犯罪，当受神的管教。敬虔人同意神的管教，并等候祂医治的慈爱双手。喜乐唯有在神至今与未来的恩典中才能找到。靠神的力量，弥迦还得在这腐败的社会中忍受苦难，但当神未来的恩典复兴以色列时，当弥迦进入这荣耀的新耶路撒冷时，他将有无比的喜乐。
用经文祷告
- 犹大的腐败并不是历史上的异常事件。这种悲哀的结局在历史中持续上演，尤其是在无神论之国的苏联、中国与柬埔寨等共产国家；那里，孩子经常鄙视他们的父母，也逼迫自己的年长者。这是给拒绝神之人关乎地狱的严酷预示。地狱是罪恶生命的结晶，是神活性的审判。愿非信徒能看到他们悲惨的下场，迅速悔改。
- 人只有晓得他们将与荣耀的救主在一个荣耀的新世界中共度永生，才能用属实、永恒并圣洁的喜乐。我们就是因着这喜乐，才能忍受世上的忧患（林后4:17）。我们就是因着这喜乐，才能每日有精神争战，为主而活（尼8:10）。愿神每日添补我们心中的喜乐。
Posted on Sep 20, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 6
Theme : Walking Humbly with God
Divine Lawsuit (1-8). God is pictured as a lawyer who sues Judah for violating their covenantal relationship. Mountains act symbolically as jurors or judges. The Lord asks Judah, “Did I wearied you?” Is that why you have rebelled against me? Judah has become a treacherous and unthankful nation after all that God has done for it. The Jews thought outward ceremonial acts are the core of their relationship with God. But God rebukes them and shows them that the heart of their relationship is to walk humbly with Him, i.e. to have a humble heart that is committed to have a relationship with Him. As a result of that humble commitment, they should be just and kind like Him. Outward ceremonial acts should naturally be the results of this commitment, but are not the essence of that relationship.
Divine Wrath (9-16). Because Judah rejects the righteous God, they also rejects righteousness. They are engaged in deceitful acts to enrich themselves. They are full of violence and lies. They are just like Omri and his son, Ahab, who encouraged the northern kingdom, Israel, to engage in gross idolatry. So God will destroy Judah just as He destroyed Israel for its idolatry.
Praying the Scripture
- God is a kind God who does not weary His children (Matt. 11:28). His laws are meant to lead us to spiritual safety and blessings. May we have a right view of God and draw close to Him. He has high standards but is also a gracious God. His standards are designed for our spiritual good, not to weary us. We weary because of our sins and sinful priorities. We exhaust ourselves to chase after earthly temporal goods or sinful things, instead of eternal, glorious ones, which is good for us and make our souls more like Christ. May we have a right view of God and seek the good of our eternal soul.
- May we never think God is pleased with our outward behaviour when our internal heart does not find joy in Him. When we do not find joy in Him, pray that God will change our heart (Eph. 3:18-19) and correct any misconception of God that is hindering our relationship with Him. God is the most glorious being in the universe, to be with Him is to be complete. May God grow our soul to praise Him and live for Him.
经文：弥迦书6
主题：谦卑与神同行
神的诉讼（1-8）。这里，神似律师，控告犹大违反已约定的关系。山岭象征的是陪审员或法官。主试问犹大：“我是否使你厌烦？这是否是你违背我的原因？”神为犹大行了大事，但犹大却不感恩，还变得奸诈。犹太人以为形式上的礼仪是与神维持关系的核心。然而，神责备他们，并显示这关系的重心是要与神谦卑同行，即有委身于亲近神的谦卑之心。这种谦卑委身的结果是与神一样公正、良善。外在的礼仪当自然而然因着这个委身实行，却不是这关系的中心。
神的愤怒（9-16）。由于犹大拒绝了公义的神，所以他们也拒绝了公义。他们充实自己的方式是从事奸诈的行为。他们充满暴行和谎言。他们就如暗利和他的儿子亚哈，直鼓励北国以色列行拜偶像的勾当。因此，神会消灭犹大，就如祂因以色列拜偶像而消灭他们一样。
用经文祷告
- 神是良善的神；祂不会使自己的儿女厌烦（太11:28）。祂的律例是为领我们走向属灵安地和祝福而设的。愿我们对神有正确的认识，亲近神。神有高标准，但也满有恩典。祂的标准是为我们灵性的好处而设，不是要使我们厌烦。我们之所以觉得厌烦是因为自己有罪，生命的重心也是罪恶的。我们追寻世俗的物品或罪恶的事情，而不是永恒、荣耀之事，所以才会厌倦疲劳；后者则对我们有益，使我们的灵魂更像基督。愿我们对神有正确的认识，并为我们永恒的灵魂寻求益处。
- 愿我们不会认为当自己的内心并不因神喜悦时，神会对我们的外在行为感到满意。当我们不喜悦于神时，祈求神能改变我们的心（弗3:18-19），并纠正我们对神的错误理解，导致我们无法亲近神。神是宇宙间最荣耀的；与祂同在就是完全。愿神使我们的灵魂得长进，能赞美祂，为祂而活。
