14 Jan 2017, Psalm 49 诗篇 49, Empty Glory and Real Glory 虚空与属实的荣耀

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 49

Theme                      : Empty Glory and Real Glory

 

  1. Revelation of Riddle (1–4). This psalm is a wisdom poem, dealing with the age-old problem of the prosperity of the wicked (cf. Ps. 73). He had observed that the wicked are prosperous and filled with pride and a sense of security. But the wise psalmist stated that they are no better than the beasts of the field. In the final analysis, the hope of the righteous is better than the false security of the wicked. To understand this riddle, one must understand it from the perspective of God.
  1. Prosperity of the Wicked (5–12). The righteous do not need to fear in times of trouble because God will protect him. But as for the wicked prosperous, he has a false sense of security. No matter how rich a person is, he cannot redeem his life or lives of others with his money. God will judge him. The wealthy will perish like animals. Money does not make a person different, only a relationship with God makes a difference. Only God can redeem perishing sinners, including the rich ones.
  1. True Abiding Hope (13–20). The wealthy foolishly boast and trust in their wealth, and the rest of humanity, the common people, seek after the same foolish hope. They are as foolish as animals because they do not think what will happen after their death. Their wealth cannot go with them. They will never see the light of this earth again just like their fathers. As for the righteous, he has real hope because his hope is in God, not money, who will redeem him from the grave. This is true and wise hope.

 

Praying the Scripture

Money itself is amoral, but the love of money is immoral (1 Tim. 6:10). Money is a great temptation. It gives false hope, false security, and false joy (Luke 12:15). When it becomes a idol, it will never deliver its promises of security and joy, but will actually destroy your soul, your relationships with God and others, and your joy. This is clearly shown in the lives of the rich and fame Hollywood stars who live messed up, broken lives. The Bible often warns people of the idol of money. The whole world is infected with the prosperity gospel. Pray that you will not live for money, but for God. Worship God, not money. You can enjoy God’s gift of money, but do not live for it. One way to fight this temptation is to give money back to God, not so that God will give you more money, but as an act of worship.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇49

主题：虚空与属实的荣耀

 

  1. 谜语的揭示（1-4）。这首诗篇是智慧诗，内容关乎恶人得财富的古老问题（参：诗73）。他观察到恶人有钱财，因而满心骄傲，且有安全感。可是，睿智的诗人表明他们不如野地的畜类。在最后的分析中，他总结了义人的盼望比恶人虚假的安全感来得好。若要明白这个谜，就要从神的角度出发。
  1. 恶人的财富（5-12）。义人在患难中无须害怕，因为神会保护他。至于富裕的恶人，他有的是虚假的安全感。人无论有多富裕，也无法用钱财赎回自己或他人的生命。神会审判他。富人要像畜类一样被灭亡。拥有财富不是关键；与神的关系才是重点。只有神能救赎沉沦的罪人，包括富裕的。
  1. 真实永恒的盼望（13-20）。富裕的愚人夸耀、信靠他们的财富，而其余的人类、平民也在追寻着同样愚昧的盼望。他们与畜类一样无知，因为他们不去思考死后的处境。他们的钱财是无法跟随他们的。他们永不能再看到世上的光，如同他们的祖先一样。至于义人，他有真实的盼望，因为他的盼望在于神，不是金钱，而神要从墓穴中救赎他。这是又真实又明智的盼望。

 

用经文祷告

金钱本身不属好坏，但贪恋钱财是恶的（提前6:10）。金钱是个很大的诱惑。它给予人虚假的盼望、安全感和快乐（路12:15）。当它成为偶像时，它是无法兑现给人安全感和喜乐的承诺，乃要毁灭你的灵、你与神和他人的关系，及你的喜乐。这在有名且富裕的好莱坞明星的生活中有所展现；他们过的是混乱、破碎的生活。圣经经常告诫人不要拜钱财。全世界已受到致富福音的影响。祷告你会为神而活，不是钱财。敬拜神，不是金钱。你能享受神所赐你的金钱，但不要为此而活。一个抗拒此诱惑的方式就是把钱归还给神；这是为了敬拜神，而不是叫神能赐你更多财富。


13 Jan 2017, Psalm 48 诗篇 48, Zion, God’s Beautiful City 锡安，神美丽的城

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 48

Theme                      : Zion, God’s Beautiful City

 

  1. Zion, God’s City (1–3). Zion is another name for Jerusalem. It is the worldwide headquarter of the king of the world (Matt. 5:35). When Jesus returns, he will rule the world from Zion. Being the headquarter of the king of the world, it will never be defeated by his enemies. It will be the highest mountain on earth, the most splendid (Is. 2:2).
  1. God Makes Zion Secure (4–8). This is referring to a future battle when all the world leaders will be assembled to fight against Jerusalem. Most likely it is referring to the battle at the end of the millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:7-9) since it includes ships from Tarshish/Spain.
  1. Zion Rejoices in Her God (9-14). After God’s amazing deliverance, the daughter/people of Judah will rejoice over God’s righteous judgment. None of Jerusalem’s citadels and ramparts will be hurt. God’s victory over his enemies will be final. God will be praised forever.

 

Praying the Scripture

Jerusalem has a special place in God’s redemptive history. As believers we also ought to have a special love for Jerusalem. Of course, not the Jerusalem in its current, being occupied by unbelieving Jews and gentiles, but the Jerusalem of the new age when Jesus returns. To long for this Jerusalem is to long for God’s kingdom. May you long for God’s righteous kingdom to reign over the earth.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇48

主题：锡安，神美丽的城

 

  1. 锡安，神的城（1-3）。锡安是耶路撒冷的另一个名称。她是世界之君的国际总部（太5:35）。当耶稣再来时，祂会从锡安统治世界。由于她是世界之君的总部，她永不会被敌人打败。她将是地上最高、最辉煌的山（赛2:2）。
  1. 神使锡安牢固（4-8）。这是指未来的战争，即世界领袖将聚集攻打耶路撒冷之时。由于战争包括了他施/西班牙的船只，它大有可能指的是千年国度之末的战斗（启20:7-9）。
  1. 锡安因她的神喜悦（9-14）。经历神奇妙的搭救后，犹大的城邑/子民将因神公义的审判喜悦。耶路撒冷中的外郭和宫殿将不会有损害。神对祂仇敌的胜利是不会改变的。神将永永远远受到赞美。

 

用经文祷告

耶路撒冷在神的救赎历史中占有特别的地位。身为信徒，我们对耶路撒冷当有特别的爱。当然，这不是指当今由不信的犹太人和外邦人所占领的耶路撒冷，而是耶稣归来时在新时代里的耶路撒冷。渴望这样的耶路撒冷就是渴望神的国度。愿你渴望神统治全地的公义之国。


12 Jan 2017, Psalm 47 诗篇 47, God is the King over All the Earth 神是全地的王

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 47

Theme                      : God is the King over All the Earth

 

  1. Homage to the Sovereign King (1–4). This psalm takes the readers to the future when God’s kingdom is established on earth by using Israel to defeat His enemies (cf. Zech. 12:1-6). At that day, all the peoples, all the nations will bow to pay homage to God, the only rightful king of the earth.
  1. The Reigning of the Sovereign King (5–9). In that day, all will sing praise to our amazing God and king. All the princes/rulers of the nations will gather to worship God, just as the believing Jews. He is the true shield/protector of all nations.

 

Praying the Scripture

Be sure that God will be king over the earth one day through the reigning of Jesus. He will come back to reclaim the earth and be its king (Phil. 2:9-11). All will bow. Those who are unwilling will be thrown out, those who are willing will worship Him and be blessed. May you rejoice over such day and long for the return of Jesus.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇47

主题：神是全地的王

 

  1. 对至高者的敬意（1-4）。这首诗篇将读者带入未来，即神藉着以色列打败祂的仇敌后（参：亚12:1-6）在地上建立祂的国度之时。到了那日，万国都要敬拜地上唯一真正的王——我们的神。
  1. 至高者的统治（5-9）。在那日，万民都要向我们奇妙的神和君王歌颂。万国的领导/统治者都要聚集敬拜神，如同信神的犹太人一样。祂是万国属实的盾牌/守护者。

 

用经文祷告

有朝一日，神必然藉着耶稣的统治做世界的王。祂要回来，取回这地，做这地的王（腓2:9-11）。万民都要屈膝。不愿服从的会被驱逐；顺服的将拜祂，领受祝福。愿你能为这样的一日欢喜并渴望耶稣的归来。


11 Jan 2017, Psalm 46 诗篇 46, God is Our Fortress 神是我们的避难所

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 46

Theme                      : God is Our Fortress

 

  1. God is the Defense of His Saints (1-3). Even in the most tumultuous times, God is our refuge and strength. He promises to protect His children no matter the circumstance, be it natural disaster or wars.
  1. God is Present in Zion (4–7). Nations may fight and cause chaos and destruction, but God will firmly establish His worldwide headquarter in Zion/Jerusalem. He will also protect the citizens of Zion, those believers who will inherit His eternal kingdom. God is our fortress in time of chaos and destruction.
  1. God will be Exalted on Earth (8-11). There will be a time when God will completely renew the world. There will be no wars and destruction. Human history has been strewn with wars. Only God can get rid of wars. Humans, including Christians, cannot bring about complete peace on earth. We need to be still, not trust in our abilities and see God work and bring completely peace. Exalt God when it happens.

 

Praying the Scripture

God is our fortress. May you faith be immovable now so that when the days of trouble comes, your faith in God as your fortress, your very present help in trouble, will not waver. May you be sure of His promise to get you through trouble, but not to end trouble. Since this world is broken, trouble will not cease until Jesus returns. God has shown to be trustworthy throughout history. He helped OT saints, the early church saints and the saints of the reformation, He will also help you too. Pray for your faith to be strengthened in God as your very present help in trouble.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇46

主题：神是我们的避难所

 

  1. 神保卫祂的圣徒（1-3）。即便在最恶劣的情况下，神是我们的堡垒和力量。祂应许不论发生任何事都会保护祂的儿女，无论是自然灾害或战。
  1. 神就在锡安（4-7）。列国会起争执，制造混乱和破坏，但神要在锡安/耶路撒冷坚固地立定祂全球的总部。祂也要保护锡安的子民，即承受祂永恒国度的信徒。神在混乱与毁灭中作我们的避难所。
  1. 神将在世上被高举（8-11）。神必然要彻底更新这个世界；那时不再有战争和毁灭。人类历史充满了战争。唯独神能终止战争。人类，包括基督徒，是无法把全然的和平带进这世界的。我们需要休息（或安静），不靠自己的才能，而是看神如何带来完全的和平。当这发生的时候，我们要高举神。

 

用经文祷告

神是我们的避难所。愿你当下的信心非常坚固，叫患难来临时，你对神作你的避难所，你随时的帮助之信心不会动摇。愿你能肯定神要助你渡过难关的应许，不是叫困境终止。既然这个世界是堕落的，困难一定会持续，直到耶稣再来为止。神在历史历代已证明自己是可靠的。祂帮助旧约圣徒、早期教会的圣徒与改革时代的圣徒，所以也会帮助你。祷告你在神里面的信心会坚固，叫祂真作你患难中随时的帮助。


10 Jan 2017, Psalm 45 诗篇 45, Wedding Song for the Messiah 予弥赛亚的婚曲

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 45

Theme                      : Wedding Song for the Messiah

 

  1. The Splendor of the King (1–9). This psalm is addressed to the Messiah, the king who will marry a bride (2 Cor. 11:2; Matt. 25:1-13; Rev. 21:2-3). This psalm cannot be understood by the original Jews apart from God’s revelation of Jesus in the NT. It is a mystery until the revelation of Jesus. The bride is the people of messiah and the wedding symbolism illustrates believers’ union with Jesus (in Christ) the Messiah (Eph. 5:32). This messiah is no ordinary king, but God himself (v. 6, quoted in Heb. 1:8-9). The king’s splendor is in his truth, meekness/humility, and righteousness (v. 4); and also in his victory over his enemies (v. 5). In reality, Jesus gains victory over his enemies through truth, humility, righteousness (first coming) and military power (second coming).
  1. The Beauty of the Bride (10–15). The bride/believers are those who hold allegiance to the king, not to their ancestors and associated idolatry. (v. 10, cf. 1 Pet. 1:18). They will be with the king and be full of beauty/character, joy and gladness.
  1. The Fame of the King (16-17). The pronoun “you” is masculine and refers to the king. The king will make his princes/believers to rule the world (Heb. 2:10, 13). God the Father will cause God the Son to be praised and remembered by all nations forever and ever.

 

Praying the Scripture

The NT often uses the metaphor of marriage to illustrate the believers’ relationship/union with Christ (Eph. 5:32, Rom. 7:1-4). This metaphor was started in the OT. The marriage of believers with Christ the king illustrates our everlasting connection/union with Christ (in Christ). This union is characterized by our submission, faithfulness, honor and love for Christ. Conversely, it depicts Christ’s loving and sacrificial leadership and his unchanging love and faithfulness to us. May you rejoice in your union with Jesus and live out this union by displaying submission, faithfulness, honor and love for Christ.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇45

主题：予弥赛亚的婚曲

 

  1. 君王的荣耀（1-9）。这首诗篇是献给君王弥赛亚的；祂将娶新妇（林后11:2；太25:1-13；启21:2-3）。当代的犹太人是无法理解这首诗篇的；我们必须藉着神在新约里对耶稣的启示才能明白。在启示耶稣之前，这是一个奥秘。这新妇就是弥赛亚的民，而婚礼象征信徒与弥赛亚耶稣（在基督里）的联合（弗5:32）。这位弥赛亚不是普通的君王，乃是神本人（6节；来1:8-9引用）。君王的荣耀在于祂的真理、谦卑和公义（4节）；也在于祂战胜仇敌（5节）。事实上，耶稣是藉着真理、谦卑、公义（首次降世）与军事力量（二次再来）胜过祂的仇敌的。
  1. 新妇的荣美（10-15）。其新妇就是效忠于王的众信徒，不是拜祖先或偶像的（10节，参：彼前1:18）。他们将与王在一起，充满荣美、欢喜和快乐。
  1. 君王的名声（16-17）。“你”的代词是雄性的，指的是君王。王将让祂的王子或信徒统治世界（来2:10,13）。天父要让圣子得尊崇，并永永远远地在万国中被纪念。

 

用经文祷告

新约常常使用婚姻的比喻表明信徒与基督的关系或联合（弗5:32，罗7:1-4）。这个比喻是由旧约开始的。信徒与君王基督的婚姻阐述了我们与基督（在基督里）永恒的联合。我们对基督的顺服、忠心、尊崇和爱将是这个联合的特征。与此同时，它也表明了基督慈爱与舍己般的领导，以及祂对我们永不改变的爱与信实。愿你能因你与耶稣的联合欢喜，并活出这联合的样式，展现你对基督的顺服、忠心、尊崇和爱戴。


9 Jan 2017, Psalm 44 诗篇 44, Prayer in Suffering 受苦中的祷告

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 44

Theme                      : Prayer in Suffering

 

  1. The Glorious Past (1–8). The psalmist recalls his faith in God’s past love and faithfulness to His people. He also reiterates in trust/worship of God to save him and the nation.
  1. The Disastrous Present (9–16). However, the present is very different than the past. They are experiencing defeat instead of victory. The psalmist does not know why this has happened. He is sure that the defeat is not the result of sin and idolatry.
  1. The Confident Future (17-26). Even though, he cannot understand the present suffering, his faith in God does not waver. Paul quotes v. 22 in Romans 8:36 to identify with the psalmist’s feeling. Faith holds on to what one knows to guide him through things he does not know. He knows God’s faithfulness in the past even though he cannot see it in the present, so that faith will guide him into the future.

 

Praying the Scripture

As a child of God, we will experience moments of joy in worshipping God and living in His world. But it is still a broken world; therefore we will suffer and experience moments of sorrow that is not the result of our sins. This is why Paul says in 2 Cor. 6:10, we are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. This is the tension of believers in this broken world. But have faith in God’s restoration of the world. He will renew this broken world forever. Rejoice in hope (Rom. 15:13). Also, have faith and confidence in God because even your sufferings are not out of His control, but are designed to conform you to the image/character of Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29). Do not treat life and suffering with fatalistic attitude, but face life and suffering with hope, confidence and joy because God loves you, is in control and will restore this broken world.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇44

主题：受苦中的祷告

 

  1. 过去的荣耀（1-8）。诗人回想起他以前是如何相信神必对祂子民施与慈爱及信实。他也复述了神必搭救他与全国的信心和敬拜。
  1. 今日的灾难（9-16）。然而，今时不同往日。他们经历的是失败，不是胜利。诗人不晓得为何如此。他很肯定这不是因为他们犯了罪或拜了偶像。
  1. 未来的信心（17-26）。他虽然不明白现今的苦难，但对神的信心并不动摇。保罗在罗马书8:36中引用了第22节，表示他与诗人同感深受。信心乃是一人所抓住的信念，以指引他走过眼前的未知。虽然他现在看不到神的信实，但他晓得神过去的信实，因此信心将领他走向未来。

 

用经文祷告

身为神的儿女，我们敬拜神及活在天父世界中的时候必有喜悦的时刻。但是，这仍是个堕落的世界，所以我们必受苦，经历伤痛，却不因我们犯罪。这就是保罗为何在哥林多后书6:10说我们“似乎忧愁，却是常常快乐的”。信徒在这堕落世界中必有这矛盾。但我们要相信神要复兴这个世界；祂会使这堕落的世界永远复兴。我们要在盼望中喜乐（罗15:13）。再者，我们也要对神有信心，因为你的苦难也不在祂的掌控以外，但这苦难要使你更有耶稣的模样（罗8:28-29）。不要悲观地面对生命及苦楚，乃要以盼望、信心和喜乐面对，因为神爱你，正掌管一切，并要复兴这堕落的世界。


7 Jan 2017, Psalm 42 and 43 诗篇 42与43, Longing for God 渴望神

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 42 and 43

Theme                      : Longing for God

 
These two psalms are certainly one and we cannot tell why they were divided. A balanced refrain unites three stanzas of similar length (42:6, 11; 43:5); there are links of wording,  e.g. in the first two stanzas, ‘while they say’ etc. (3, 10); in the second and third, ‘mourning’ (42:9; 43:2); and there is unity and development of theme. (a) In 42:1–5 (‘faith longing’), past memories sharpen present pain. The metaphor of drought (1, 2) expresses a deep longing for God. (b) In 42:6–11 (‘faith reviving’), the metaphor of storm (7) expresses present distresses but faith sees the breakers as the Lord’s breakers, his love remains (8), he is still my Rock (9). (c) In 43:1–5 (‘faith responding’) the metaphor of a search party (3) expresses assurance for the future. The God who is even now a stronghold  will bring him back home (3–4).
 
Many situations can be imagined for this psalm. The writer recalls temple services as things of the past (42:4); he is now in the far north of Palestine (42:6); only an act of God can bring him back (43:3); he is surrounded by triumphalist, taunting foes (42:3, 9–10). Any occasion when an enemy took and deported captives (e.g. 2 Ki. 14:14; 24:14), would be appropriate.[1]


Praying the Scripture

 

Although we should worship God individually, we are also meant to worship God corporately. The psalmist long to worship God with others. In God’s kingdom, we will all worship God corporately and individually. Do you long to go to church and to sing praise to God corporately? Pray that God will help you to understand the importance of corporate worship and long for it.

[1] New Bible Commentary,  513.

 
 
 

经文：诗篇42与43

主题：渴望神

这两首诗篇肯定是一体的，但我们不晓得它们为何被划分出来。有一个叠句把这长短相似的三段诗节连接起来（42:5, 11；43:5）；这些都是措辞的连接，如：第一、二段里的“人不住地对我说”（42:3, 42:10）；第二、三段里的“哀痛”（42:9；43:2）等。其主题也是一致且有扩展的：(a) 在42:1-5中（‘信心的渴望’），过去的记忆加深了现在的痛苦。旱灾的比喻（42:1,2）表达了对神深切的渴慕；(b) 在42:6-11中（‘信心的复苏’），风暴的比喻（42:7）表达了现今的悲痛，但信心视 
洪涛为神的洪涛，祂的爱永驻（42:8），祂仍是我的磐石（42:9）；(c) 在43:1-5中（‘信心的回应’），搜索队的比喻（43:3）表达了对未来的保障。至今仍做高台的神将领他回家（3-4）。
 
这首诗篇能用于很多情景。作者回想起过去在圣殿里的侍奉（42:4）；如今却在巴勒斯坦的远北端（42:6）；唯有神能带他回去（43:3）；他被得胜、嘲讽他的敌人包围（42:3,9-10）。只要是被敌人驱逐到外的场景都合适（如：王下14:14；24:14）。[1]

用经文祷告

虽然我们各个当敬拜神，我们也要集体敬拜神。诗人渴望与他人一同敬拜神。在神的国度里，我们对神会有集体以及个人的敬拜。你是否渴望去教会，集体向神献诗赞美祂？祷告神会助你明白集体敬拜的重要性并对此有渴望。

[1] New Bible Commentary,  513.

 

6 Jan 2017, Psalm 41 诗篇 41, The Merciful Receives Mercy 怜恤人的蒙怜恤

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 41

Theme                      : The Merciful Receives Mercy

 

In this psalm David instructed the congregation that those who aided the needy would themselves obtain deliverance. In relation to this he recalled his prayer for revenge on those who did not have mercy on him but took advantage of his illness. Psalm 41 is a lesson based on a prayer for help against treachery. [1]


Praying the Scripture

One characteristic of believers is mercy (Matt. 5:7). Since believers know they have received mercy from God so they will be merciful to others: both believers and non-believers. God promises to give mercy to believers in this world and in the world to come. Mercy means to do something helpful to someone who is suffering whether relationally (Matt. 18:33), emotionally or physically. Do you regularly give mercy to others? Pray that you will learn to be merciful.

[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary , 824.

 
 
 

经文：诗篇41

主题：怜恤人的蒙怜恤

 

在这首诗篇中，大卫教导会众那些帮助贫困之民的人必蒙保全。对于此，他想起自己患病时曾恶待他的，他曾求神报应他们。诗篇41教导我们如何因奸诈行为求神帮助。[1]

用经文祷告

基督徒的一个特征是怜悯（太5:7）。信徒既然晓得他们蒙受神的怜悯，就要怜悯他人，包括信徒和非信徒。神应许要在这世和来世向信徒赐予怜悯。怜悯之意，就是帮助一个在精神上、肉体上或其他方面受苦的人（太18:33）。你是否经常怜恤他人？祷告你能学习如何怜恤人。

[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 824.


5 Jan 2017, Psalm 40 诗篇 40, Waiting Past…Waiting Still 以往等待……依然等待

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 40

Theme                      : Waiting Past…Waiting Still

 

In Psalms 38, 39 David was prayerfully waiting (38:15; 39:7) in a crisis of sin (38:3; 39:8) and of public maliciousness (38:16; 39:8). The waiting is now over (1–3); trust has been vindicated (4–5) personal commitment to do God’s will follows (6–8); public testimony is pledged (9–10) but personal inadequacy and the need for speedy divine help remain (11–13). There is need too for some public act of God rebuking (14–15) and giving joy (16). Facing this future, David again takes up a waiting position: whatever the Lord has done in the past, there is an ongoing, urgent need for his concern and liberating action (17). [1]

 

Praying the Scripture

In this broken world, God has His own plan and timetable to restore the world; therefore it is necessary for you to wait on the Lord. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). A sign of childishness is impatience. You also must be patient while you wait for God to help you in this broken world. Pray you will learn to be patient while praying and trusting God.

[1] New Bible Commentary, 511.

 
 
 

经文：诗篇40

主题：以往等待……依然等待

 

在诗篇38和39中，当大卫面临自身罪孽（38:3；39:8）及公然恶意的危难（38:16；39:8）时，他以祷告等候耶和华（38:15；39:7）。如今，他等到了（1-3）；神为他申冤（4-5）；他接着委身遵行神的旨意（6-8）；也在大会中作见证（9-10），但他仍晓得自己的不足，晓得自己仍需要神及时的帮助（11-13）。我们时而也需要神公然的指责（14-15）与喜悦的赏赐（16）。因于此，大卫再次等候耶和华：无论神以往做了什么，我们依然持续、迫切地需要祂的关注和搭救（17）。[1]

 

用经文祷告

在这破碎的世界中，神有祂自己对世界之复兴的计划和时间表，所以我们必须等候耶和华。忍耐是圣灵所结的果子（加5:22）；急躁是幼稚的表现。当我们在这破碎的世界里等候神的帮助时，我们也要有耐心。祈求我们在祷告和信靠神的时候能学会耐心等候。

[1] New Bible Commentary, 511.


4 Jan 2017, Psalm 39 诗篇 39, Wisdom through Discipline 出于管教的智慧

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 39

Theme                      : Wisdom through Discipline

The situation matches Psalm 38: silence in the presence of onlookers (38:12, 13; 39:2), divine action against sin (38:1–3; 39:9–11), hope in the Lord alone (38:15, 21, 22; 39:7). But the focus is different. In Psalm 38 sickness has exposed sin, bringing need of forgiveness; in Psalm 39 sickness has exposed the brevity of life, bringing longing for a period of brightness (13) before life’s transience runs its course. The brevity of life and the sadness of death run throughout the Bible.

The brokenness of the world including death, sin and discipline is designed to cause sinners to return to God’s kingship. God is gracious to those who repent. Unfortunately, many do not repent and will sadly face God’s righteous judgement. This psalm is a call to sinners to consider life and repent.


Praying the Scripture

God disciplines Christians for good. When you see your own brokenness and the brokenness of the world, set your hope in God, who is your only deliverer. Know that you are a sojourner in this broken world. This is not your home. Your ultimate home is God’s kingdom on this renewed earth. You are just passing through. God also uses the troubles of life to draw non-believers. When you see non-believers in trouble, use the opportunity to preach the gospel to them.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇39

主题：出于管教的智慧

这里的境况与诗篇38的相同：在围观的人群中静默（38:12；39:2）；神对罪行的审判（38:1-3；39:9-11）；对神一人的盼望（38:15,21,22；39:7）。然而，其焦点有别。在诗篇38中，病痛显露了罪，叫诗人看见赦免的需要；在诗篇39中，病痛显露了生命的短暂性，叫诗人求在生命结束之前能有一段光明的时刻（13）。生命的短暂和死亡的忧伤布满了整本圣经。

世界的破碎，包括死亡、罪恶和管教，都是要使罪人归到神的王权里。神对凡愿意悔改的人都有恩典。不幸的是，很多人不愿悔改，并要面对神公义审判的悲惨后果。这首诗篇是要召罪人思考生命的意义，并悔改。

 

用经文祷告

神是为信徒的好处管教他们的。当你看到自己和世界的破碎时，要仰望神，因祂是你唯一的拯救。要晓得你在这个破碎的世界里仅是一个客旅；这不是你的家。你最终的家是神在这复兴的地土上所建立的国度。你不过是寄居的。神也使用生命的困境叫非信徒转向神。当你看到非信徒遇难时，要利用机会向他们传福音。


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