Posted on Sep 20, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 5
Theme : The Coming Reign of the Messiah
Jesus’ First and Second Coming (1-6). This is one of the most detailed prophecies about Jesus’ first and second coming sewn into one passage. God calls Jerusalem to muster its troops for the coming attack in the end times, but God will raise the Messiah from Bethlehem to defend Jerusalem (Matt. 2:6). But His first coming is thousands of years before these end times events. In v. 3, the Messiah will not be with Israel until she, Israel, gives birth to Jesus, then during His second coming He will gather His brothers, i.e. Israel from the end time exile (Rev. 12:5-6). During the end times, the Assyrian (singular person not plural, see v. 6 he comes into our land) will lead the nations to attack Israel. We believe this Assyrian is not representing the nations in general, but is the antichrist (Rev. 13:1-18). But Jesus will destroy this Assyrian antichrist during his second coming. Those who trust in God do not need to fear, but those who do not trust God must fear God and then take refuge in Him.
Victory and Defeat (7-15). Here God reverses His typical order of defeat and victory. Usually, prophecies will first depict the sins of Israel and God’s judgment, then depict the salvation of Israel and their victory, but the order is reversed here. Victory of the remnants is depicted in vv. 7-9, defeat is depicted in vv. 10-15. Both defeat and victory will occur in the end times.
Praying the Scripture
- Just as God faithfully and sovereignly fulfill His promise about the first coming of Christ, so He will faithfully fulfill His promise about the second coming of Christ. May we long for His glorious return and all the glorious things that the Messiah will bring. He will cast off all civil evil. There will be no more human trafficking, no gangsters, no theft, no murder. It will be a paradise, not wrought by human hands, but by divine hands. All who trust in Him will receive this paradise and heaven forever. May we look forward to it and make our lives count for this eternal glory.
- God’s word is amazing and can be fully trusted. All the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible testifies to the divine quality of the Bible. Let us forsake all evil so that we do not deceive ourselves and wander into unbelief. Immorality always lead to heresy and unbelief, just as the Jews’ immorality led them to heresy and unbelief and are destroyed. May we be always be alert to our spiritual health.
经文：弥迦书5
主题：弥赛亚将来的统治
耶稣首次与二次来临（1-6）。这是有关耶稣首次与二次到来其中最细腻的预言，全贯穿在一段话里。神呼召耶路撒冷要为末日的围攻聚集军队，但神会从伯利恒兴起弥赛亚捍卫以色列（太2:6）。然而，弥赛亚的首次降临是在末日的数千年以前。在3节中，弥赛亚不会与以色列同在，直到以色列生下耶稣，然后二次再来时，祂将聚集祂的兄弟，即以色列，脱离末日的流放（启12:5-6）。到那日，亚述人（是一个人，见6节“他必拯救我们”）将领列国攻击以色列。我们相信这个亚述人本身不代表列国，而是敌基督的（启13:1-18）。耶稣将在二次降临时消灭这个亚述人。凡信靠神的无需惧怕，但不敬畏神的必要惧怕神，然后投靠祂。
胜利与失败（7-15）。这里，神将祂以往的胜败顺序颠倒了。通常，预言会先阐明以色列的罪与神的审判，才勾画出以色列的救赎与胜利，但这里的顺序是颠倒的。7-9节陈述的是余剩子民的胜利，而10-15节叙述以色列的失败。末日时，失败与胜利会同时出现。
用经文祷告
- 神的信实与权柄应验了祂对基督首次降临的应许，所以祂也必然因信实应验对基督二次降临的应许。愿我们渴望弥赛亚荣耀的归来，并祂将带来的一切荣耀之事。祂会摒除所有民间罪恶。世界不会再有人口贩卖、流氓、偷窃与谋杀了。那是天堂，但不是人手所造，而是神所建立的。凡信靠祂的必然领受这天堂，永享天境。愿我们渴望这一刻的临到，并为这永恒的荣耀活出有价值的生命。
- 神的话很奇妙，也很可靠。圣经里所有得应验的预言都为圣经的神圣性作见证。让我们离弃一切罪恶，叫我们不会欺骗自己，以致不信神。道德的败坏必然产生异端，接着是不信，而这一切将被摧毁。愿我们对自己的灵性健康总是保持警醒。
Posted on Sep 20, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 4
Theme : The Glory of God’s Rule
Glory of Jerusalem (1-5). When Christ comes back, Jerusalem will be physically the tallest mountain and the most prominent (Zech. 14:10). All the nations of the world will go there to hear Jesus and there will be true world peace. No more wars or preparation of defense (Is. 2:4). This is referring to the millennial kingdom, which is a foretaste of heaven. However, these wicked leaders will miss the glorious rule of Jesus in the future from Jerusalem and New Jerusalem, i.e. heaven (Rev. 21:10). All nonbelievers, evil doers and idol worshippers will miss the opportunity to be in heaven with Jesus.
Restoration of the Remnant (6-8). In that day (6), generally equivalent to the last days, God will bring back a weak, afflicted and humbled remnant to Israel. Miraculously Jerusalem will be the seat of power, where the Messiah will reign. Tower of the flock and daughter of Zion and Jerusalem are all referring to Jerusalem and Israel.
Distress to Deliverance (9-10). In the meantime, God will exile Judah to Babylon because of their sins. But He will eventually deliver them and bring them back to Israel, but it will not be a permanent restoration until Christ comes back. For the Jews will be exiled again for piercing the Messiah (Luke 23:28-31).
Siege to Victory (11-13). Micah returns to the end times when many nations will gather to destroy Israel but God will defeat them. Israel will go through a very hard time because of its sins (Jer. 30:7, Zech. 11:16, Zech. 14:2).
Praying the Scripture
- Can you imagine a world completely free of war? This is what some people seek and sing about like John Lennon, but in vain they seek it through human effort and without Jesus. Such paradise is only available when the prince of peace returns to earth. Let us thank God for this marvelous inheritance for believing Jews and gentiles. Praise God for His wonderful work! Let us make our lives count for this glorious new world.
- Let us also be thankful that God will deliver us from the chaos and destruction of the end time. He will rapture the church to be with Christ before the seven years of tribulation begins for non-believing Israel and the world (1 Thes. 4:15-17). Let us seek to deliver others from God’s wrath. Do not be afraid as you share the gospel to deliver people, for God is with us (Matt. 28:20).
经文：弥迦书4
主题：神统治的荣耀
耶路撒冷的荣耀（1-5）。基督再来的时候，耶路撒冷将是世上最高及最显著的山（撒14:10）。世界列国将聚集那地聆听耶稣的话，而世界将有真正的和平。世界将不再有争战或有国防的必要（赛2:4）。这指的是千年国度，也就是天堂的预示。然而，作恶的首领们不会有机会享受耶稣未来在耶路撒冷及新耶路撒冷的荣耀统治，也就是天堂（启21:10）。凡不信主的、作恶的和拜偶像的都会错过与耶稣同在天堂的机会。
余剩之民的复兴（6-8）。到那日（6），也就是末日，神会将一群薄弱、受尽苦头但心存谦卑的余剩之民带回以色列。耶路撒冷将神奇般的成为世界权柄的宝座，而弥赛亚将从那里治理万国。“羊群的高台，锡安城的山”及“耶路撒冷民”指的就是耶路撒冷和以色列。
苦难至拯救（9-10）。同时，神会因犹大的罪将她流放至巴比伦。即便如此，神最终会搭救他们，将他们领回以色列，但全然、永久的复兴只能等到基督再来时才能实现。这是因为犹太人会为钉死弥赛亚之罪再次被流放（路23:28-31）。
投降至胜利（11-13）。弥迦回到末日的叙述——万国将聚集试图消灭以色列，但神会击败他们。以色列会因自己的罪经历不少苦难（耶30:7；撒11:16, 14:2）。
用经文祷告
- 你是否能想象一个完全无战斗的世界呢？有人试图寻找并歌唱这样的心愿，如约翰列侬（John Lennon），但若无耶稣，人类的努力是虚空的。这种天境只有在和平之君的归来时才能实现。让我们为神向信祂的犹太人和外邦人所预备的这份奇妙产业感谢祂。让我们为神美妙的工作赞美祂！让我们为这个荣耀的新世界活出有价值的生命。
- 让我们也感谢神搭救我们免受末日的混乱和毁灭。在不信的以色列和世人经历七年的大灾难之前，神会提起教会与基督相聚（帖前4:15-17）。让我们也寻求让人脱离神的愤怒。愿你能大胆地向人传福音，使他们得救，因为神与我们同在（太2:20）。
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 3
Theme : A Society Built On Iniquity
Civil Leaders (1-4). The civil leaders have turned society upside down by hating good and loving evil. Instead of shepherding and caring for the people, they oppress and take advantage of people. So God will bring disaster upon them and when they cry out for God, He will not answer them because their cry will be the cry of Cain (Gen. 4:13), not a desire to have a relationship with God.
False Prophets and Micah (5-8). The prophets, like the prosperity gospel teachers, are prophets for hire. They will say anything that people like and get pay for it. God will shame them in the end as He will shame prosperity gospel preachers. But as for Micah, he is filled with the Spirit of God and declares the sins of the people (8).
Fall of Zion (9-12). Zion, another name for Jerusalem, will be destroyed because it is built upon blood and sin. Everyone is driven by money, from leaders to priests to prophets. Yet they think God is with them.
Praying the Scripture
- When we declare the truth about people’s sins and God’s judgment and love, people will reject us just as the Jews rejected Micah. Let us not be discouraged, knowing that God is with us, not with nonbelievers or prosperity gospel believers. Let us be filled with power, i.e. boldness, and a sense of justice and love to proclaim the glorious gospel of Jesus (Eph. 6:19).
- Let us pray for our national leaders that they may carry out their divine role by restraining evil (Gen. 9:6), so that we can have a conducive environment to spread the gospel (1 Tim. 2:1-4). If the whole society becomes morally corrupt, chaos will ensue, wars may happen just like many countries around the world.
经文：弥迦书3
主题：恶行所建立的社会
民间首领（1-4）。民间首领已颠覆了社会，恶善好恶。他们没有牧羊、关爱子民，反倒欺压、利用民众。因此，神会在他们身上降灾，而他们也必哀求耶和华，但神不会应允他们，因为他们的哀求犹如该隐的一样（创4:13），并不是渴望与神建立关系。
假先知与弥迦（5-8）。假先知，如今日的致富福音教师一样，是受聘的先知。他们会说人爱听的话，从而得到酬报。最终，神会使他们羞愧，如祂会使致富福音的教师羞愧一样。至于弥迦，他被神的灵充满，向人宣告他们的罪（8）。
锡安的沦陷（9-12）。锡安，即耶路撒冷，会被神消灭，因为她是建立在鲜血与罪恶之上。从首领至祭司到先知，每个人都是为钱做事。然而，他们以为神仍与他们同在。
用经文祷告
- 当我们宣告真理，诉说人的罪与神的审判和爱的时候，人会拒绝我们，如犹太人拒绝弥迦一样。让我们不要气馁，因为我们晓得神与我们同在，不与非信徒或信致富福音的同在。让我们充满胆量、公义和爱心，向人宣扬耶稣荣耀的福音（弗6:19）。
- 让我们为我们的国家领袖们祷告，叫他们能延续自己神圣的角色，制止恶行（创9:6），使我们能拥有利于传福音的环境（提前2:1-4）。倘若整个社会的道德腐败，混乱必然产生，而战争就会爆发，像世界的诸多国家一样。
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 2
Theme : What Goes Around Comes Around
Humbling the Proud (1-5). The Lord indicts those who commit evil to obtain financial gains. His fitting punishment is to bring disaster upon them, just as they brought disaster upon those whom they cheated (See Judges 1:7). God will humble them (James 4:6). God will give the land to the Assyrians, apostate (4), and the Assyrians will ridicule and mock these oppressors.
Disputation of the Proud (6-11). The proud oppressors command Micah not to preach such judgmental sermons. But God rebukes them and points out the obvious that He punishes evil and rewards righteousness. These oppressors rob sojourners and violently seize the houses of widows and fatherless children (8-9). So God warns them to be prepared to go to exile (10), because they refuse to heed to His word but love false prophets (11).
Final Conclusion (12-13). Though God will exile the nation, He is faithful and will call the remnant back to Israel. He will open the gate of exile and return them to Israel again. He will pass before them, protect them, like He did during the exodus (Ex. 13:21). This is another reference to the future, final exile and exodus of Israel (see Hosea 2:14-15; Zech. 14:2). All of this will be completely fulfilled during the second coming of Jesus.
Praying the Scripture
- The Lord God is the vindicator of all evil. It is in this truth that we find meaning in life for all the injustices in the world and in our lives. Without a God who judges righteously, life is meaningless. The preacher in Ecclesiastes solves the problem of meaninglessness through the righteous judgment of God (Eccl. 12:14). If you are oppressed unjustly, take comfort and know that God will vindicate.
- It is common for evil doers to give false reasons for spurning God’s truth. We pray they will stop justifying themselves and humble themselves and forsake their idols of pleasure and money in order to commit themselves to our righteous and gracious God who is mighty to forgive and restore, just as He will restore the nation of Israel and anyone who repents.
经文：弥迦书2
主题：凡事都有报应
骄傲者的谦卑（1-5）。主指责凡为谋取金钱利益而作恶的人。神合宜的惩罚是在他们身上降灾难，就如他们对自己所欺骗的带来灾难一样（见士1:7）。神会使他们谦卑（雅4:6）。神将把地交给不信主的亚述人（4），而亚述人会对这些欺压者嘲讽讥笑。
骄傲者的争论（6-11）。骄傲的欺凌人士吩咐弥迦不要再传这类含审判性质的道。可是，神斥责这些人，并指出祂当然会惩罚罪恶、赏赐公义。这些欺凌人的不但剥夺客旅之物，还以强暴手段占据寡妇及其孩子的住家（8-9）。因此，神警告他们预备被流放（10），因为他们不愿听从神的话，喜爱的是假先知（11）。
最后总结（12-13）。神虽然会流放以色列，但祂是信实的，将来要招余民回到以色列。祂会打开放流之门，将他们再次带回以色列。神会在他们之前行，保护他们，如同出埃及时（出13:21）。这又是对以色列日后最终的流放及搭救所言（见何2:14-15；撒14:2）。这一切将在耶稣二次再来时完全应验。
用经文祷告
- 神必然报应罪恶。我们是基于这真理才能忍受世上及生命中所有的不义之行。若无一位秉持公义的神，生活便毫无意义了。《传道书》的传道人是借着神公义的审判解除生命之虚空的疑惑（传12:14）。因此，你若受到不公平的对待，要安心知道神必报怨。
- 恶人为要蔑视神的真理编织出各种假理由已是司空见惯的事。我们祷告他们会停止自圆其说，谦卑虚己，舍弃享乐和钱财的偶像，委身于大有能力赦免并医治他们的公义、恩慈的神，因为祂会复兴以色列及凡愿意悔改的人。
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 in Devotions, Micah |
Scripture Reading : Micah 1
Theme : Righteous God Over Sinful World
Micah’s ministry is to the southern kingdom of Judah. His ministry spans circa 735-710 B.C. During this time, Judah is very wealthy and powerful militarily, but spiritually corrupt. His message for Judah is to warn them of judgment for their idolatry and to exhort them to return to God for God will abundantly forgive those who return to Him. See 2 kings 15:32-16:20 for more background information.
Divine Justice (1-9). God calls the nations of the world to account for their sins because He will call His people to account for their sins. God threatens to destroy both Israel and Judah for their sins and also judge the sins of the nations around Israel. The political and religious powers of both Israel and Judah have caused God’s people to commit gross spiritual adultery through worship of Baals, cultic prostitution, human sacrifices and civil immorality.
Prophet’s Lamentation (8-16). Because of the coming judgment on Israel and Judah, Micah will not be self-righteous, but will lament for their sins and judgment by being stripped and naked, meaning just wearing loincloth, not totally naked (Is. 20:2). God warns Gath, a gentile city, representing the world, not to gloat over the destruction of God’s people. He also warns various cities in Judah, such as Lachish, to mourn and repent. The names of these cities in Hebrew are intended as word plays. The Jews love word plays.
Praying the Scripture
- God is not a tribal God who has double standards for His own people and the gentiles. He is a righteous, impartial God who will judge the sins of His own people and the sins of the world (1 Cor. 5:13). He is willing to shake the world to judge His people, and He is willing to shake the world to save His people. We can always trust Him and take refuge under our sovereign and faithful God.
- The correct response to sin and judgment is to mourn for sinners and have compassion on them and desire to rescue them by being light and salt to them. May we never have any self-righteous attitude toward non-believers.
经文：弥迦书1
主题：在罪恶世界之上的公义神
弥迦事工的对象是南国的犹大，时间介于公元前735年至710年之间。这时候的犹大非常富裕，军事强大，但灵里是腐败的。他主要的信息是警告犹大犯灵性奸淫的审判，劝诫他们要归向神，因为神必然赦免凡归向祂的人。若要获得更多历史背景，请见列王纪上15:32-16:20。
属天的公义（1-9）。神叫列国要为自己的罪交账，因为祂会叫自己的子民为他们的罪交账。神警告以色列与犹大她们会因自己的罪被销毁；祂同时也会审判以色列邻国的罪。以色列与犹大的政治与宗教权势已导致神的子民犯下重大的灵性奸淫，因为他们不但拜巴力，还行邪教卖淫、献人祭，民间道德极为腐败。
先知的哀号（8-16）。由于以色列与犹大即将面临审判，弥迦不感自义，而是为他们的罪和审判哀号，赤脚露体，身上只有腰间的麻布（赛20:2）。神告诫一个外族城市迦特，即全世界的代表，不要因神子民的毁灭幸灾乐祸。祂也警告犹大的各城（如拉吉）要哀鸣、悔改。各城之名在希伯来文有双关语的作用。犹太人最喜欢双关语了。
用经文祷告
- 神不是一位部落神，对他人与自己的子民有不同的标准。祂是一位公义又不偏待人的神；祂会审判自己的子民及全世界人的罪（林前5:13）。为了审判祂的子民，祂会轰动世界；为搭救祂的子民，神也会如此。我们总可以信靠神，投靠我们那位掌握权柄及信实的神。
- 对罪与审判的正确回应是为罪人哀号，对他们有怜悯，并渴望作他们的光和盐，叫他们能得救。愿我们对非信徒不含自义的心态。
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 in Devotions, Jonah |
Scripture Reading : Jonah 3-4
Theme : Repentance and Regret
- Nineveh’s Repentance (3). After Nineveh hears God’s coming judgment, the whole city repents. The king’s dramatic actions and their fasting indicate the seriousness of their repentance. They also demonstrate humility by saying they do not think God is obligated to relent. They did not know whether God will relent. They deserve judgment. If God relents, it is because of His mercy, which He is not obligated to give. God’s forgiveness again demonstrates His amazing character to forgive sins even in the face of great evil (Ex. 34:6-7). Nineveh is known for its great cruelty and violence. But because they turn away from evil, God refrains from His judgment. This kind of mercy is displayed consistently in in the OT because this is His character.
- Jonah’s Regret (4). Sadly, Jonah did not share God’s heart. Instead of rejoicing with God, he is sad because he wants and thinks Nineveh deserves to be judged. Ironically, the very same mercy that he wants to withhold from Nineveh is the same mercy that keeps him alive. In order to sanctify Jonah, God disciplines and trains him again. God demonstrates His love for mankind and animals by showing Jonah that if he can pity an insignificant plant, which he didn’t even grow, then God has even more reason to have compassion on all mankind, even evil Nineveh, who are made in His image. God’s compassion even extends to the animals (cf. Prov. 12:10). His compassion leads Him to sacrifice His beloved Son.
Praying the Scripture
- When our heart is out of sync with God’s heart, then we will be disappointed with God, like Jonah (1 Tim. 2:4). He would rather see Nineveh judged instead of forgiven. He selfishly wants grace from God, but does not want Nineveh to have the same grace. Even a prophet of God can act like this. This clearly indicates the whole human race is broken and needs to be restored through the grace of Jesus. We pray that God will always keep us humble and keep our heart tender. May we not be hypocrites like Jonah. May we never desire anyone to be judged instead of forgiven. God judges, but we love.
- Lord, thank you for your incredible grace of discipline and training. You are a faithful God who loves your children more than the love of the best father in the world (Matt. 7:11). Like Jonah, we are often blinded to our sinfulness and our spiritual poverty. Thank you for loving us by disciplining our sins and training us to strengthen our weaknesses. When we are disciplined or are trained by you, may we never doubt your love for us, which is so clearly and decisively demonstrated in through the suffering and death of Jesus (Rom. 8:32).
经文：约拿书3-4
主题：悔改与后悔
- 尼尼微的悔改（3）。尼尼微听到神即将到来的审判时，全城悔改了。尼尼微王戏剧性的行动以及人民的禁食都表示他们是真心悔改的。他们也晓得神没有义务要收手——这显露了他们已谦卑的心。他们并不知道神是否会退让。他们认为自己是应该承受惩罚的。若神肯收手，这全凭祂的怜悯；祂没有义务要赐下这份情。神的赦免再次显示，即便罪人犯下大恶，祂仍能奇妙般地饶恕罪过（出34:6-7）。尼尼微的极大恶暴行为是家喻户晓的。然而，由于他们离开罪恶，神最后也没定罪。这种恩典在旧约里持续上演，因为这就是神的属性。
- 约拿的后悔（4）。可惜的是，约拿无法体会神的心意。他不但不与神欢庆，反倒忧忧愁愁的，因为他想要并认为尼尼微应当受到惩罚。他万万没想到，他不愿施与尼尼微的怜悯，正是维持他生命的怜悯。为要造就约拿，神再次管教并训练他。祂向约拿显示祂对人与禽兽的爱：若约拿能为一个微不足道，甚至不是他栽种的植物感到惋惜，神更有理由向全人类，甚至行恶的尼尼微人施予慈爱，因为他们都是按神的形象造的。神的慈爱甚至扩展至禽兽（参箴12:10）。祂的慈爱促使祂牺牲了自己的爱子。
用经文祷告
- 当我们与神的心有出入时，我们必然会对神失望，就像约拿一样（提前2:4）。他宁愿尼尼微受到惩罚，而不是得到宽恕。他自私地想获得神的恩典，却不要尼尼微同得这份恩典。神的先知也能这样想。这清楚表示，全人类是堕落的，需要藉着耶稣的恩典被复兴。我们祈求神能一直让我们保持谦卑，一直使我们有温柔的心。愿我们不像约拿一样成为虚伪的人。愿我们不会想要任何人受到审判，而不是饶恕。神是审判官，但我们要爱人。
- 主啊，我们为你奇特的管教与磨练之恩感谢你。你是信实的神；你对你儿女的爱超乎世上最好的父亲所能给予的（太7:11）。如约拿一样，我们常常对自己的罪性与属灵贫穷瞎眼。谢谢你爱我们，从而惩罚我们的罪，并在我们的弱点上熬炼我们。当我们受到你的管教或磨练时，愿我们不会质疑你对我们的爱，因为这已藉着耶稣的受苦与死亡明明彰显出来了（罗8:32）。
Posted on Sep 15, 2015 in Devotions, Jonah |
Scripture Reading : Jonah 2
Theme : Jonah’s Repentance
- Jonah’s Repentance (1-9). After God disciplines Jonah, he repents. In humble faith, he desires to restore his relationship with God, that’s what looking toward to the temple means (v. 4). This is what OT Jews was taught to do (2 Chron. 6:36–39). In his repentance, he sings a song of thanksgiving to God.
- Jonah’s Deliverance (10). After Jonah repents, God graciously rescues Jonah. It may seem like Jonah’s repentance is not real, given his bitter response to Nineveh’s salvation in chapter 4. His repentance is real because he desires a renewed relationship with God and that desire manifested in obedience to preach to Nineveh. We are not saved by our works, but by God’s grace (Eph. 2:8-9). Our obedience will always be imperfect until we see Jesus. Sin will continue to taint us. The essence of repentance is a desire to renew our relationship with God (cf. Hosea 14:1). God is gracious to continue to refine Jonah, and all of us after the relationship is renewed.
Praying the Scripture
- God is gracious and patient to Jonah and to all of us. He knows we are but dust, weak and fallen (Ps. 103:14). His patience and grace is not an excuse for us to sin, but they are meant to draw us closer to a righteous yet gracious God. He is a God who has high standards, and yet is also gracious. A completely holy God who is not gracious is frightening. Graciousness without holiness is chaos and emptiness. But holiness, coupled with graciousness, is beautiful. This beauty is embodied in the person of Jesus, God’s ultimate revelation of His character. His grace is designed to help us to detest the ugliness of our unfaithfulness and to deny our sins (Titus 2:11-12). Grace is not designed to be taken advantage of.
- Lord, we acknowledge that we are like Jonah: fickle. He responded bitterly toward Nineveh’s salvation even after his repentance. We know that sin is bigger than us and we dare not fight it without your power. We humbly acknowledge our fickleness, yet we confidently acknowledge that you are bigger than sin. Through the resources that you have provided: the Spirit, Bible and church, we are confident in your promise to give us victory over the dominating power of sin (Eph. 5:18, Col. 3:16, Gal. 5:16, 1 Cor. 10:13). Give us a greater love for you as we gaze upon your majesty as revealed in the Bible.
经文：约拿书2
主题：约拿的悔改
- 约拿的悔改（1-9）。神管教约拿后，约拿悔改了。他带着谦卑的心渴望与神和好；这就是仰望圣殿之意（4节）。旧约的犹太人就是如此被教导的（代下6:36-39）。约拿在悔改中向神献上感恩之歌。
- 约拿的解救（10）。约拿悔改后，神施恩典，搭救约拿。约拿的悔改或许看似不真诚，因为尼尼微在第四章得拯救后，约拿是苦毒的。然而，他的悔改是真实的，因为他渴望与神恢复关系，所以最后听从神的话到尼尼微传道。 我们不是凭行为得救，乃全凭神的恩典（弗2:8-9）。直到我们见主面，我们是无法完美无缺地顺服神的。罪会继续玷污我们。悔改的本质就是渴望与神恢复关系（参何14:1）。神凭着恩典继续磨练约拿，而凡与神和好的人，神也如此恩待他。
用经文祷告
- 神以恩典和耐心待约拿，也如此对待我们。祂晓得我们只不过是尘土，是软弱、堕落的（诗103:14）。祂的耐心和恩典绝不能作我们犯罪的借口；它是给予人亲近公义但恩慈之神的途径。神虽然有很高的标准，但祂也满有恩典。一个完全公义但无恩典的神是很可怕的。反之，无公义的恩典是虚空的，只会造成混乱。然而，圣洁与恩典的联合是美妙的。这种美就在耶稣的身上体现；耶稣是神对祂属性的最大启示。神的恩典有助我们厌恶自己因不忠所犯的罪，也帮助我们不要犯罪（多2:11-12）。恩典绝不是人能滥用的工具。
- 主啊，我们承认自己像约拿一样心意善变；即便悔改后，他对尼尼微的拯救仍怀苦毒之心。我们晓得罪比我们大。若没有你的力量，我们不知如何抗拒罪。我们屈膝承认自己易变的心，但也以信心宣告你比罪大。藉着你所供应的资源：圣灵、圣经与教会，我们能对你的应许有信心，晓得自己必然胜过罪的权势（弗5:18，西3:16，加5:16，林前10:13）。当我们仰望你在圣经中所启示的荣美时，请你加深我们对你心里的爱慕。
Posted on Sep 14, 2015 in Devotions, Jonah |
Scripture Reading : Jonah 1
Theme : Jonah’s Backsliding
Jonah prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II (ca. 793-753 B.C.). When Israel and Judah were prosperous and when Assyria was not dominate. This book is different from most prophetic books in that it is mostly narrative and focuses on the life of the prophet, not his message.
- The Cause of Backsliding (1-3). Jonah quits his prophetic office when God commanded him to preach to Nineveh. He quits by running away. The cause of the backsliding is stated in 4:2. Jonah is so selfish and so self-righteous that he refuses to care about the people of Nineveh.
- The Consequences of Backsliding (4-17). As result of his backsliding, he becomes spiritual weak and that weakness continues to deteriorate. He is so stubborn that God had to get his attention by throwing a storm in his path. While pagans are crying out to their gods and praying, Jonah is apathetic and is sleeping. God demonstrates his sovereignty by controlling the storm and even allowing, at that particular moment, a pagan’s superstitious use of lot casting to discipline Jonah.
Praying the Scripture
- God is a sovereign God who will accomplish His good purposes no matter what humans do. God does not need Jonah to fulfil His purpose to save Nineveh. He pursued Jonah in order to discipline him and to correct his sinful thinking and actions for his own good (Heb. 12:11). Let us be thankful and rest in the comfort that God cares for His children and is gracious to His children at all times, even when He disciplines us for our sins. Let us remember that God does not need us to do things for Him, our proper service is God’s grace for our spiritual good (Acts 20:35). Compassionate service reflects the character of God. God’s laws, which are a reflection of His character, are designed to bless us because it is a guide to spiritual and physical well-being. Holiness produces true joy, just as God is holy and joyful (Neh. 8:10).
- Jonah ran away from God because he didn’t share the character of God. God was grieved by Nineveh’s sins, just as He is grieved by all of the sins of the world (Gen. 6:6). This grief led God to action, not passive lament, by extending grace to sinners (cf. Mark 2:13-17). We pray that we will be like God, slow to anger and gracious. May we not be selfish, passionless, and graceless, but to grief over other’s sins and be zealous and gracious in helping others and sharing the gospel.
- Sin makes us hypocrites and foolish. Even though Jonah believes that God controls the sea and wind, he still tries to run away from God. Beliefs do not always transfer to the heart. We pray that what we believe about the good news of Jesus will not just be in our head, but in our heart also, so that we may not sin against God, but to live for Him and celebrate His majesty (Ps. 119:11).
经文：约拿书1
主题：约拿的偏离
约拿是在亚比雅二世作王时开始预言的（公元前793-753年），也就是以色列与犹大还富裕，亚述还没侵占以色列时。这本书与其他的先知书略有不同，是叙述性的，其焦点放在先知的生命上，而不是他所传的信息。
- 偏离的原因（1-3）。当神吩咐约拿到尼尼微传道时，约拿便袖手离开了职位。他借着逃跑离职了。约拿偏离的原因就在4:2记载。他很自私，非常自义，以致不愿关心尼尼微人。
- 偏离的后果（4-17）。偏离神后，约拿灵性变得软弱，且似乎一蹶不振。他非常固执，以致神必须在途中兴起大风大浪，为引起他的注意。当外邦人都向他们的神呼求祈祷时，约拿却对周围漠不关心，仍呼呼大睡。神展现了祂的主权，控制风浪，甚至在那一刻顺着外邦人迷信的作风，掣签时掣出了约拿，以惩罚他。
用经文祷告
- 神是有主权的神；不论人做什么，祂必然达成祂美好的旨意。神不需要约拿执行祂的旨意才能拯救尼尼微。祂追逐约拿的目的是要管教他，纠正他有罪的想法——这都是为他好（来12:11）。让我们向神感恩，并在神里面安息，因为神看顾凡属祂的儿女，还处处有恩典，即便在惩罚我们罪的时候。让我们记得神不需要我们为祂做事；我们能侍奉，全凭神为我们灵性的益处所赐下的恩典（使20:35）。恩慈的侍奉反映的是神的属性。神的律法，即神性情的表现，是为祝福我们而设立的，因为它是身、心、灵的导向。圣洁结出的是真喜乐，就如神是圣洁与喜乐的（尼8:10）。
- 约拿逃离神是因为他没有神的性情。神因着尼尼微的罪悲哀，如同祂为全世界的罪哀恸（创6:6）。这份哀恸不是消极的悲哀；神负于行动，将恩典施与罪人（参可2:13-17）。我们祈求自己能像神一样，不轻易发怒，且满有恩典。愿我们不会自私、无爱心、无恩典，而是为他人的罪哀伤，并热心、亲切地帮助他人，并传福音。
- 罪让人变得虚伪、愚拙。虽然约拿相信神掌控大海风浪，他仍试着逃避神。信念不一定会置入于心。我们祷告自己对耶稣福音的信息不会只停留在脑里，而是进入到我们的心里，叫我们不会得罪神，而是为祂而活，欢庆祂的荣耀（诗119:11）。
Posted on Sep 5, 2015 in Devotions, Obadiah |
Scripture Reading : Obadiah
Theme : God’s Judgment on Israel’s Enemies
Obadiah prophesized after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C by the Babylonians. His message was God’s judgment against the nation of Edom for mistreating Judah after it fell to the Babylonians.
Edom’s Ego (1-9). Edom is the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Israel and Edom are close blood relatives. The nation of Edom is a prideful people who trusted in their strongholds and wisdom to protect themselves. Because of their ego, God will humble them by uprooting them from their land. This was completed when the Nabateans conquered Edom (including Petra) in the early six century, shortly after Obadiah’s prophecy. Herod the Great was a Jew of Idumean (Edom) descent. Today, Edom no longer exists, unlike Israel. God does not promise a remnant will survive, unlike Israel.
Edom’s Exploitation (10-14). Edom’s grave sin is its betrayal against its own brothers, the Jews. When Babylonians sacked Jerusalem (11), Edom exploited Israel’s sorrow. They looted Judah and captured Jewish fugitives and mistreated them. This sin is even more horrific in light their close blood relations. Therefore, God will destroy Edom for their sins.
Edom Exemplified (15-21). After God’s judgment on Edom, God uses Edom as an example of His judgment against the enemies of Israel in the end times (The day of the Lord, v. 15). At the end times, like Edom, nations will betray and attack Israel (Dan. 9:27). God will destroy them, but will restore Israel.
Praying the Scripture
- God is sovereign over the world. He directs all the events of the world and He is moving the world toward His end time purposes. But everyone is responsible for their own sins and God will judge all sinners and nations. However, we are not to gloat over the judgment of sinners or become self-righteous. We would sin against God. Furthermore, we cannot exploit those who are suffering as result of God’s judgment for our personal gain. Such sin is shameful and will incur God’s great judgment. Instead, God commands us to help those who are suffering and proclaim the message of life to them.
经文：俄巴底亚书
主题：神对以色列敌人的审判
俄巴底亚是在公元前586年，即耶路撒冷被巴比伦侵入后预言的。他传的是神对以东的审判，因为犹大被巴比伦侵占后，以东也向犹大行强暴。
以东的骄傲（1-9）。以东是雅各的哥哥以扫的后裔。因此，以色列和以东是有血缘的亲戚。以东人很骄傲，信靠自己的堡垒和智慧保护自己。因此，神会从那地铲除他们，使他们谦卑。预言不久后便得应验，即公元前第六世纪早期，当纳巴泰人侵占以东的时候（包括佩特拉）。大希律王是含以东血脉的犹太人。今日，以东已经不存在了，不像以色列。神没应许小部分人会存活，不像以色列。
以东的剥削（10-14）。以东所犯的大罪是背叛自己的亲兄弟犹太人。当巴比伦掳掠耶路撒冷时（11），以东在耶路撒冷的伤口上撒盐，不但抢了她的东西，还捉了犹太难民，苦待他们。由于他们有血缘关系，这项罪尤其大。因此，神会因以东的罪消灭她。
以东为例子（15-21）。神审判以东后，便用以东为例，说明自己末日时将对以色列众敌施行的审判（耶和华的日子，15节）。那时，列国会像以东一样攻击以色列（但9:27）。神会消灭他们，但会兴起以色列。
用经文祷告
- 神是世界的掌权者。祂指导世界万物的运行，并引万物达成祂对末日的旨意。然而，每一个人都要为自己的罪负责，而神将审判犯罪的列国和众人。我们不当幸灾乐祸，暗笑罪人所得的审判，或变得自义；若是，我们也会犯罪。再者，我们也不能为自己的利益剥削在神审判中受苦的人。反之，神吩咐我们要帮助正在受苦的人，并向他们传讲生命的道。
Posted on Sep 3, 2015 in Amos, Devotions, Expired |
Scripture Reading : Amos 7:1-8:14
Theme : Visions of Destruction
- Visions of Destruction (7:1-9). God shows Amos three visions of Israel’s imminent destruction. For the first two visions, Amos pleads for mercy and God relents. But for the third vision, God did not relent. The plumb line symbolizes a standard of measurement. The Israelites have failed to measure up to God’s covenantal faithfulness. They have rejected Him and continues to spurn him. Therefore, God will not be patient with them (never again pass by them), but will judge them.
- Visions Confronted (7:10-17). When Amaziah, priest of the sanctuary at Bethel, heard Amos’ prophetic judgment on Israel, he informed the king, Jeroboam, and forced Amos to stop and return to Judah. Because Amaziah continues to rebel against God and to defile God’s house, God will defile him. His children will die and his wife will become a prostitute. He himself will be exiled to an unclean land and be defiled.
- Vision of Summer Fruit (8:1-3). The Jews love puns and rhymes. It is a literary device used to sear God’s truth into their heads. The Hebrew word for summer fruit sounds similar to the word end. This vision reinforces the certainty and inevitability of God’s judgment on Israel through the Assyrian exile.
- Vision Described (8:4-14). The utter destruction of Israel is based on its spiritual adultery and subsequent social evils. God’s judgment will come like a flood like the flooding of the Nile. There will also be another judgment, which is the lack of God’s word. There will be a famine for God’s truth, which can nourish the soul.
Praying the Scripture
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). Those who are rebelling against God need to fear God’s judgment on their sins in order to be saved. Although the fear of punishment alone cannot frighten people into heaven, it serves as a catalyst to true faith by leading people to see the glorious grace of Jesus and take refuge under Him. Let us pray that non-believers would fear the Lord and be convicted of sin, judgment and righteousness by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8).
- Because we know our ultimate destiny is in the glorious heaven, we can suffer for Christ in this life, knowing that our rewards will be great in heaven (Matt. 5:10-12). We can be like Amos who boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s word in the face of opposition. May God give us this boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
经文：阿摩司书7:1-8:14
主题：遭毁灭的异象
- 遭毁灭的异象（7:1-9）。神赐阿摩司的三个异象都是关于以色列即将面临的毁灭。在前两个异象中，阿摩司求神怜悯，神也应允了，但在第三个异象中，神并不做让步。准绳象征的是衡量的标准。以色列人达不到与神立约时为信实所定的标准。他们拒绝神，还继续藐视祂。因此，神也不会对他们宽厚（我必不再宽恕他们），乃要审判他们。
- 对抗异象（7:10-17）。当伯特利殿中的祭司亚玛谢听到阿摩司对以色列所下的审判预言后，他通知了耶罗波安王，并强制要阿摩司停止说话，回到犹大。由于亚玛谢继续违背神，继续玷污神的殿，所以神要毁灭他。他的孩子会死，妻子也将成为妓女。他自己将被放流至污秽之地，自己被玷污。
- 夏果的预言（8:1-3）。犹太人喜爱双关语和韵文。神便使用这个文学体裁将祂的真理钻入他们的脑海里。“夏果”的希伯来文发音与“末期”接近。这个异象强调了神必然审判以色列，藉着亚述将他们放流。
- 形容异象（8:4-14）。以色列是因着她的属灵奸淫及随后的社会败坏才会遭彻底的毁灭。神的审判将如同尼罗河的涨起，像洪水般临到。此外，以色列还面临另一个审判，即缺乏神的话。这地不会有能滋养灵魂的神之道。
用经文祷告
- 敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端（箴9:10）。凡悖逆神的需要惧怕神对他们罪行的审判，才能得救。虽然惩罚所产生的惧怕不能吓着人进入天堂，但它能作信心的催化剂，引导人看见耶稣荣耀的恩典，依偎在祂的膀臂下。让我们祷告非信徒能敬畏耶和华，而圣灵能在他们的心里定罪，定审判，也定下公义（约16:8）。
- 由于我们晓得自己最后的终点是荣耀的天堂，我们今世能为基督受苦，深知在天上的赏赐是大的（太5:10-12）。我们能像阿摩司一样，在面对抵抗时仍能大胆宣扬神道中的真理。愿神能赐我们这等胆量去传福音。
