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。


19 Dec 2015, Isaiah 30 以赛亚书 30, Do not Go Down to Egypt 不要与埃及一同糟害

Posted on Dec 7, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 30

Theme                  : Do not Go Down to Egypt

 

Warning not to Trust Egypt (1-17). God had commanded the Jews in Deuteronomy 17:16 not to return to Egypt. Egypt stands for things of this world that attracts people but will enslave and destroy them. God does not want the Jews to trust in Egypt for protection, but to trust God alone. If the Jews trust Egypt, their loyalty will be with Egypt and their idols, not with God. If Israel does not trust in God, but in Egypt, they will surely be defeated and captured. By disobeying God, they will receive the very punishment they sought to avoid.

Compassion of God (18-33). God promises that even if this generation of Israel, and subsequent generations, disobey God, God will punish them, but God will continue to keep His promise to have compassion on Israel and deliver her from spiritual death one day. Israel will see their Messiah, the Teacher, face to face in the Messianic Kingdom. God again mentions He will defeat the Assyrians and their king, which are foreshadows of end times antichrist and his army.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God loves us and wants us to love Him by obeying His commandments, just as He loves the Jews and wants them to love Him by obeying His commandments. God’s law is a path to spiritual well-being. God’s law cannot save us because we cannot be perfect or earn righteousness from the law. We can only be saved by Jesus’ sacrifice. But God’s law is still relevant to us as a guide to lead us to spiritual well-being and safety. The law also shows us how to please our God for the purpose of thanking Him, not trying to save ourselves. Even though the Mosaic Law is no longer binding to Christians, for it was given to the nation of Israel not to the church, however, the principles in the Mosaic Law is still applicable to us. Sabbath is not binding, but the principle of resting for one day and to worship God on your rest day is good and should be followed. Pray that God will give you wisdom and desire to obey Him more and more.

经文：以赛亚书30

主题：不要与埃及一同糟害

 

告诫以色列不要靠埃及（1-17）。神曾经在申命记17:16命令犹太人不要回到埃及地。埃及代表的是能吸引世人，却要捆绑并消灭他们的事。神不愿犹太人投靠埃及的荫下，乃要他们唯独信靠神。倘若犹太人投靠埃及，他们必忠于埃及与埃及地的偶像，悖逆神。倘若以色列不投靠神，却相信埃及，他们必然会战败，且作俘虏。由于他们悖逆神，他们会承受自己试着逃避的惩罚。

神的怜悯（18-33）。神承诺即便以色列的那一代及后代悖逆神并受到神的惩罚，神会依然履行祂的承诺，怜悯以色列，最后救她脱离属灵灭亡。以色列会在弥赛亚国度里再次见到他们的弥赛亚，与他们的师傅面对面。祂会击败亚述人及他们的王，也就是末日敌基督者与他军队的预示。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神爱我们，并愿意我们能爱祂，遵行祂的诫命，如祂爱犹太人一样，要他们藉着遵行祂的诫命爱神。神的律例是灵性安康的道路。神的律例不能搭救我们，因为我们不能因此作完全人或取得公义；我们只能凭耶稣的牺牲得救。然而，神的律法仍与我们相关，能引导我们走向灵性安康的道路。律法也告诉我们如何能凭感谢的心讨神的喜悦；其目的不在拯救自己。由于摩西律法是给予以色列而不是教会的，所以基督徒不在摩西律法之下。虽然如此，摩西律法的原则仍是我们要遵行的。我们无须守安息日，但休息一日以敬拜神的原则是好的，也是我们当遵行的。祷告神会赐你智慧和渴望，愈发听从神的话。

 


18 Dec 2015, Isaiah 29 以赛亚书 29, Siege of Jerusalem and Liberation 耶路撒冷的围困和解放

Posted on Dec 7, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 29

Theme                  : Siege of Jerusalem and Liberation

 

Siege of Jerusalem (1-8). Ariel means Lion of God, referring to Jerusalem. In the end times, Jerusalem will be sieged and leveled, but later on, the surrounding nations that will have attacked Jerusalem will be destroy itself. Again, this is a repeated theme in the OT. It agrees with Zechariah 12:2, “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.”

No One Listens (9-16). God predicts that the nation of Israel will not listen to God until the end times. They will continue to pay lip service to God, but their hearts will be far from Him. Jesus applied this prediction to the Pharisees of His day (Matt. 15:7-9). Every generation of Jews will worship God with empty rituals until Christ comes back. They sin because they think they can hide their sins from God.

Future Glory (17-24). The spiritual blindness of Israel will be healed in the future. There will be a huge reversal of Israel’s condition because they will truly worship God and be in awe of Him. All the wicked people of Israel will perish but those who trust God will remain.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God understands everything about us, even more than we understand ourselves. Before a word is formed on our lips, God already knows what we will say (Ps. 139:4). Do not try to hide anything from God, but rather examine your hearts and see if you are hiding any sins from God. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Pray that you will be honest with God and ask Him to forgive your sins and ask God to change your sinful desires.

经文：以赛亚书29

主题：耶路撒冷的围困和解放

 

耶路撒冷的围困（1-8）。亚利伊勒意思是神之狮子，指的是耶路撒冷。末日时，耶路撒冷将被围困，夷为平地，但过后，攻击耶路撒冷的邻国也将遭毁灭。这又是旧约一个重复性的主题。撒迦利亚书12:2也说：“我必使耶路撒冷被围困的时候，向四围列国的民成为令人昏醉的杯，这默示也论到犹大。”

无人听劝（9-16）。神直白地说以色列不会听从神的劝告，直到末日。他们只会继续用嘴唇尊敬神，心却远离祂。耶稣将此应用在祂年代的法利赛人身上（太15:7-9）。每一代的犹太人将以空虚的礼仪敬拜神，直到基督回来为止。他们犯罪，因为他们以为自己可以向神隐藏自己的罪孽。

未来的荣耀（17-24）。以色列的灵性盲目未来将得到医治。以色列的境遇将完全翻转过来，因为他们会诚心敬拜神，从心敬畏耶和华。所有作恶的以色列人将被灭绝，但信靠神的必存活。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神晓得我们的一切，甚至比我们更了解自己。我们舌头上的话，神没有一句是不知道的（诗139:4）。不要试着向神隐瞒任何事，乃要察验自己的心，看自己是否向神隐藏任何罪。诗篇139:23-24说：“神啊，求你鉴察我，知道我的心思；试炼我，知道我的意念。看在我里面有什么恶行没有，引导我走永生的道路。”祷告自己会与神坦诚，祈求祂赦免你的罪，改变你罪恶的私欲。

17 Dec 2015, Isaiah 28 以赛亚书 28, Jesus the Cornerstone 房角石耶稣

Posted on Dec 7, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 28

Theme                  : Jesus the Cornerstone

 

Drunken People (1-13). The people were enslaved by alcohol. It was a crown of shame, but they thought it was a crown of glory. When Jesus appears, He will show them His true crown of glory in righteousness. Even the priests, the teachers of the Torah, were often drunk. They even taught the people while drunk. Because of this, God will speak to the nation in foreign tongues. This is fulfilled in the early days of the church (1 Cor. 14:21-22). The gift of tongues is to show unbelievers of the true of the gospel. When an unbeliever hears a foreigner, who has never learned his language, preaching the gospel in his own language, he will know that this message is from God.

Jesus the Cornerstone (14-29). God will deliver Israel through Jesus, the cornerstone. Those who reject Him will be crushed. Those who trust in Him will be saved. It is Jesus who will annul the covenant of death that Israel will sign with the antichrist (Daniel 9:27). God’s plan may look strange to the Jews, but it is the best way. Just as God teaches farmers the best way to farm, so Jews must trust God that this is the best way to redeem Israel and the world.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is important to trust in God’s plan. He is all-wise, which means He knows how to accomplish something, i.e. redemption of Israel and the world, in the best way. Do not be arrogant and think God’s plan for the world is wrong or that He does not know how to run His world. Pray that you will trust God when you do not fully understand His way. For His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). God is far superior in intellect and morality when compared to lowly and sinful humans.
  1. All things are lawful, including wine, but not all things are beneficial (1 Cor. 10:23). The Jews abused their freedom and became enslaved by wine. Examine yourself and pray that you do not let anything enslave you, even good things like school, family, job or children. All things must be handled according to God’s word and never let anything replace God in your heart. Your highest joy must be from contentment in God.

经文：以赛亚书28

主题：房角石耶稣

 

醉徒（1-13）。人们已经成了作酒奴。他们以为那是荣耀的冠冕，却不知戴上的是羞耻。当耶稣显现时，祂会向众人显出自己公义的真是荣耀之冠。即便是教导托拉的祭司也经常喝醉。他们甚至醉酒时教导人。因此，神会用异邦口舌向以色列说话。这在教会成立的初期应验了（林前14:21-22）。说方言恩赐的目的是要向非信徒显明福音是真实的。当一个不信主的听到从来不说自己语言的外邦人用自己的语言向自己传福音，他就能晓得这个信息乃出于神。

方角石耶稣（14-29）。神会借着方角石耶稣搭救以色列。凡拒绝祂的会被压碎，但信靠祂的必要得救。耶稣是废掉死亡的那一位；那是以色列将与敌基督者同立的约（但9:27）。神的计划或许在犹太人看来很奇怪，但这是最好的方式。就如神教导农夫耕田的最佳方式，犹太人也必须要相信神，知道这是搭救以色列和全世界的最佳方式。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 相信神的计划是重要的。祂是全智的，也就是说祂晓得成事的最佳方式，即以色列和全世界的拯救。不要自大，以为神对世人的计划有误，或甚至认为祂不晓得如何治理祂的世界，因为神的道路高过我们的道路，祂的意念高过我们的意念（赛55:8-9）。论智慧和道德，神可是远超过卑微和罪恶的人类。
  1. 凡事都可以，包括饮酒，但不都有益处（林前10:23）。犹太人滥用了他们的自由，结果成了酒奴。要察验自己，祷告自己不会作任何事物的奴隶，包括好的东西如课业、家庭、事业或孩子。凡事都要按神的话而行，不让任何事物取代神在你心中的位置。你最大的喜乐必由在神里面的满足而得。

16 Dec 2015, Isaiah 27 以赛亚书 27, Redemption of Israel 以色列的救赎

Posted on Dec 7, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 27

Theme                  : Redemption of Israel

 

God promises to redeem Israel by destroying Israel’s enemies as symbolized by Leviathan, a well-known monster in the minds of readers, as analogy of evil. In the restored Messianic Kingdom, Israel will bear fruit of righteousness in the world and fulfill God’s intended role for her as described in Exodus 19:6, “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” In the end times, God will gather His people from the land of Assyria (modern day Syria and Iraq) and Egypt because they will have been defeated and enslaved (v.13). This is a repeated theme in the Bible. Daniel 9:27 says the antichrist will break his covenant with Israel and attack it. Jesus warned end times Jews to flee to the mountain to escape (Matt. 24:16).

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is sad that Jews and the world must be punished for their sins in order to wake them up. They are stubborn and will not listen to God until God punishes them. Pray that we would be quick to repent and not be stubborn, lest we be disciplined by God for our evil ways.

经文：以赛亚书 27

主题：以色列的救赎

 

神应许要拯救以色列，消灭以色列的仇敌；仇敌是以鳄鱼为象征，因为它是读者众所周知比喻邪恶的怪兽。在复兴的弥赛亚国度里，以色列会在地上结出公义的果子，完成神在出埃及记19:6给予她的角色：“你们要归我做祭司的国度，为圣洁的国民。”在末日时，神会从亚述地（现代叙利亚和伊拉克）和埃及地招聚祂的子民，因为他们这时候已被击败，成为俘虏（13节）。这是圣经重复性的主题。但以理9:17说，敌基督的会解除与以色列的约，并攻击她。耶稣也曾警告在末日时，犹太人会逃到山上去（太24:16）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 看到犹太人及世界必须为罪遭到惩罚才能清醒，的确可悲。他们是顽固的，不愿听从神的话，直到神降下惩罚为止。祷告我们能快速悔改，不要固执，免得因自己的恶行受到神的管教。

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