Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 38
Theme : Prayer of Repentance
The first and the last two verses summarize the theme and wonder of this psalm. When the Lord is offended, and his anger (exploding rage) and wrath (flaming anger) loom (1) and his arrows begin to fly (2), it is to the same Lord that we appeal, for his presence, nearness (21), help and salvation (22). Only the Lord’s favour can deliver us from the Lord’s disfavour. If ever a psalm was designed to warn us off sin by exposing its consequences, this is it. Sin offends the Lord and burdens the sinner, replaces wellbeing by wounds, induces low-spiritedness, with pain of body and disquiet of heart (1–8). It saddens and devitalizes, isolates us from friends, and excites enmity (9–12); it leaves us without excuse (13, 14). But it does not close the door of prayer, nor exclude us from the place of repentance (15–18).
[1]
Praying the Scripture
Sin may taste good at first, but in the end it will always leave a bad taste. May you understand the deceitfulness of sin and pursue the joy of righteousness. When you do sin, cry out to God who is there to not only rescue you but to transform you. Draw near to God, your savior.
[1] New Bible Commentary, 509.
经文：诗篇38
主题：悔改的祷告
第一与最后两节总结了这首诗篇的主题和奇妙。当人得罪了神，叫神的怒气和烈怒临到（1），又使祂的箭开始发射时（2），我们所呼求的也是这位神，求祂同在，求祂的亲近（21）、帮助和拯救（22）。唯有神的恩典能救我们脱离神的愤怒。倘若有一首诗篇是专门告诫人有关罪的后果，叫人不要犯罪，便是这首诗篇了。罪得罪神，也使罪人身负重担，叫健康化成伤口，心情沮丧，全身疼痛，人心不安（1-8）。它使人毫无精力，叫我们远离朋友，与人不和（9-12）；我们也没有借口也寻（13-14）。但它不能关闭祷告之门，也不能阻止我们进入悔改之地（15-18）。
[1]
用经文祷告
罪的滋味起初不错，但最终一定变坏。愿你能明白罪的诡诈，并追求公义的喜悦。当你犯罪的时候，要呼求神，因为祂不但要救你，还要使你心意更新。要亲近神，你的救主。
[1] New Bible Commentary, 509.
Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 37
Theme : The Righteous will Inherit the Earth
The idea that the righteous will inherit the earth/God’s kingdom (cf. Matt. 5:5) and the wicked will perish from earth is central to this psalm. This eternal perspective also empowers and guides believers to live for God in this broken and evil world. In light of the suffering of the righteous under the wicked, believers are to trust in God and wait patiently (5). They ought to delight in God (4). They ought not to be angry or jealous of the prosperity of the wicked (8). God will absolutely not abandon the righteous, but He will help and deliver them (39-40). The psalmist constantly testifies to the faithful help of God who has helped him and others through every trouble in life (25). We can also see God’s faithfulness throughout history as record in the OT and in the lives of believers.
Praying the Scripture
Hope of inheriting the earth/God’s glorious eternal kingdom is essential to believers’ lives. Hope is just faith about the future. This hope is based on absolute certainty, not chance because it is based on God’s promise. He has promised to renew this earth and give it to His people. Hope is a necessary characteristic of a believer (1 Thess. 1:3; Col. 1:5). It is this hope that will empower and guide you in this broken world. Pray that your hope in God’s righteous, glorious kingdom will grow strong, to the point where it fills your heart with overwhelming joy and transforms your focus and goal in life. May you not be jealous or angry at the wicked prospering, for they will be kicked out.
经文：诗篇37
主题：义人将承受地土
这首诗篇围绕着一个主题，即义人将承受地土，或神的国（见：太5:5），但恶人将被剪除。在这破碎和充满恶势力的世界中，这永恒的视角给予信徒为主而活的力量和引导。义人在恶人手中受苦时当倚靠神，耐心等候祂（5）。他们当以耶和华为乐（4）。他们不应恶人的富裕感到愤怒或嫉妒（8）。神绝对不会撇下义人，但要帮助他们，解救他们（39-40）。诗人持续见证神忠实的帮助；祂在诗人及他人生命中所遇的每一个困难都施与帮助（25）。我们也能从旧约历史与众信徒的生命中看见神的信实。
用经文祷告
承受土地，或神荣耀的永恒国度之盼望对信徒而言是必要的。盼望就是对未来的信心。这盼望是基于铁一般的真理，不凭机遇，因为这是神的应许。神已应许要更新这个世界并将此给予祂的子民。盼望也是信徒必有的特性（帖前1:3；西1:5）。我们在这破碎的世界中是凭这份盼望作力量和导引的。祷告你在神公义、荣耀之国的信息会变得坚固，以致你的心会充满极其强烈的喜乐，生命中的目标和焦点也有所改变。愿你不要为恶人的富裕感到愤怒或嫉妒，因为他们将被剪除。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 36
Theme : Goodness of God’s Love and Guidance
- The Life of the Wicked (1–4). A wicked person, who completely rejects God even to the point of searing his conscience so that he has no trace of fear of God, is full of trouble, deceit and foolishness. His world is in chaos and he is doomed to be judged by God.
- Life of Believers (5–12). On the contrary, believers are blessed by God’s faithful, righteous love and guidance/light. They delight in Him and have confidence in Him. God will not judge them, but will remove the wicked permanently from the earth.
Praying the Scripture
“By your light, we see light!” God is the source of life. His word is life and guidance. This verse tells us that the world can only make sense if we know God and see the world from His perspective. Of course, we wouldn’t understand everything since we are finite, but God’s word is our compass and sure footing. Without God the world is meaningless and dead (Eccle. 1:2). C. S. Lewis says he believes in God like he believes in the sun, not because he see it, but by it he can see everything. Rejoice! For God is good. Delight in God’s faithful love and guidance. Give praise to Him! Let your soul be satisfied by the Lord.
经文：诗篇36
主题：神之爱与引导的美善
- 恶人的生命（1-4）。一个完全拒绝神的恶人，即良心如同被热铁烙惯了一般，叫他对神丝毫的惧怕都没有的，是充满困苦、诡诈和愚昧的。他的世界是混乱的，最终必受到神的审判。
- 信徒的生命（5-12）。相反的，信徒因神的信实、公义的慈爱和引导/光照深深受祝福。他们喜悦于神，对神有信心。神不会审判他们，但要从地上永远地除去恶人。
用经文祷告
“在你的光中我们必得见光！”神是生命的泉源。祂的话是生命和导引。这节经文告诉我们，唯有认识神并从神的角度看世界，我们才能明白世界的动态。当然，既然我们是有限的，我们是无法透彻一切，但神的话是我们的指南针，是稳当的根基。在神以外，世界是虚空的，是死的（传1:2）。路易斯（C. S. Lewis）曾说他信有神，如同他相信有太阳；这不是因为他看得见太阳，但借着太阳他能看到一切。要喜乐！因为神是良善的。要因神信实的爱和引导欢喜。赞美祂！让你的灵满足于神。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 35
Theme : Prayer in Undeserved Suffering
- Prayer in Unjustified Danger (1–10). The intercessor is being persecuted for no good reason. So he calls God to protect him. God sends the Angel of the Lord (most likely pre-incarnated Jesus) to help poor/weak people like him.
- Prayer in Undeserved Danger (11–18). The intercessor is full of love even for his enemies. But they pay evil for good. In this kind of situation, when lives are in danger, it is completely appropriate for the intercessor to pray for God’s justice. There is no contradiction between God’s command to love our enemies and the intercessor’s prayer for justice. The believer should show love for his enemies, but if the enemies continue to seek to kill the believer, the only option is justice. God is the same way! He offers love and peace to His enemies, but if they keep rejecting/dishonoring Him, He will justly punish them.
- Prayer in Malicious Danger (19–28). For these malicious/evil people (think of people like ISIS who kill innocent Christians and other people), they will not succeed. God will win and destroy them and vindicate His people.
Praying the Scripture
Believers ought to show love to their enemies by trying to reconcile and do good to them (Rom. 12:18). But if their enemies refuse, they cannot do anything to bring reconciliation. If the enemies seek to kill believers, it is ok for believers to pray to seek justice. Believers are not to be filled with hatred and be vengeful, but they can and should seek justice. The laws of God is designed to punish such evil doers. You must understand how both love and righteous are lived out. This can be done by looking at Jesus. He is the perfect example of love and righteousness.
经文：诗篇35
主题：无故受罪中的祷告
- 受无理威胁的祷告（1-10）。代祷者无故受到逼迫，因此他呼求神保护他。神差耶和华的使者（大有可能是未成肉身前的耶稣）帮助像他一样困苦软弱的人。
- 在无故受难中的祷告（11-18）。代祷者满有爱心，甚至对自己的敌人也如此。然而，他们以恶报善。在这种情况下，当人的生命受到威胁时，代祷者完全可以寻求神的公义。信徒当爱他的敌人，可敌人若持续要杀害信徒，信徒唯有寻求正义。神亦如此！祂向自己的仇敌供应爱和平安，但他们若一再拒绝，祂便要公正地施与处罚。
- 受恶意危险中的祷告（19-28）。这些恶毒之人（如杀害无辜基督徒的伊斯兰国组织）并不会得逞。神将获胜，除灭他们，并为祂的百姓申冤。
用经文祷告
信徒当爱他们的敌人，与他们和睦，向他们行善（罗12:18）。但若这些敌人拒绝，他们是无能为力与他们和睦共处的。倘若敌人要杀害信徒，信徒可以在祷告中寻公正。信徒不当充满憎恨，满有报复之心，应当寻求正义。神的律法也有处罚恶人的部分。你必须明白爱和公义是如何并行的。耶稣便是我们的典范；祂是爱和公义的合身。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 34
Theme : Experiencing the Goodness of God
- Rejoice with Me (1–10). This section is full of personal testimonies about how the intercessors prayed specifically for God to deliver him from his specific fears and troubles. Because of God’s answer, the intercessor praises God and calls others to praise God and trust God.
- Learn from Me (11–22). Those who love life and see goodness must fear/revere God and avoid evil. For God is righteous and desires righteousness in His people. These righteous and humble and broken-hearted people are cared and loved by God, who will deliver them. But God will cut off the wicked from the earth forever.
Praying the Scripture
One way to experience the goodness of God is to pray specifically. If you always pray generally, it is difficult to see how God has been good to you specifically. Your faith will not grow. Pray to God specifically and watch Him answer and then experience His goodness and give Him praise; then encourage others to praise God with you. This is the Christian life.
经文：诗篇34
主题：经历神的美善
- 与我欢呼（1-10）。这段经文充满了个人见证，即诗人如何具体地求神从他所列的恐惧和困苦中搭救他。由于神应允了，诗人赞美神，并召他人赞美、信靠神。
- 向我学习（11-22）。爱惜生命、望见美善的人必要敬畏神，远离恶，因为神是公义的，渴望祂的子民也公义。神看顾、爱惜这些公义、谦卑又伤心的人；祂会搭救他们。然而，神将从世上永远除灭恶人。
用经文祷告
其中经历神美善的方式就是具体地祷告。我们若一直是很笼统地祷告，便难看到神对你的好有多明确。你的信心不会增长。要具体地向神祷告，看祂如何应允你，然后经历祂的良善，赞美祂，接着鼓励别人一同与你赞美神。这就是基督徒生活。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 33
Theme : Maker and Monarch
- Rejoice in the Lord (1–3). The proper response of a righteous person is to praise God for His greatness. Those who do not praise God do not know His greatness or is ungrateful.
- God’s Creative Word (4–9). God is great because of His great character of righteousness and faithfulness. He is also great because He created the universe from nothing just by simply speaking words. Everyone should be in awe of God when they see creation.
- God’s Triumphant Will (10–12). God is the absolute monarch of the world. No nation can thwart His plan and good pleasure. His plan for the world will be completed no matter what. The nation that obey God’s will is the most blessed nation in the world.
- God’s Discerning Gaze (13-19). God is great, but he will not force anyone to worship Him. Those who are proud of themselves and their resources will be rejected by God. Those who humbly trust the God of the world will be delivered from death.
- We Hope in God (20-22). Since God is the maker and absolute monarch of the world, we should response by putting our ultimate hope in Him.
Praying the Scripture
This psalm should increase your trust and hope in God, the creator and ruler of the world. Strengthen yourself in God so that when trouble comes, you are able to withstand it and also encourage others to persevere in their trust of God. Rejoice in your hope in God, who is righteous and faithful and will deliver you from death.
经文：诗篇33
主题：造主与君主
- 因耶和华喜乐（1-3）。义人当有的反应是因神的伟大赞美祂。不赞美神的或不知神的伟大，或是忘恩负义的。
- 神造万物的言语（4-9）。因于神公义和信实的伟大属性，神是伟大的。神也仅用言语，从尘土造了宇宙，因此伟大。当世人看见所造的万物时，他们当敬畏耶和华。
- 神得胜的旨意（10-12）。神是世界绝对的主宰。任何国家都不能破坏祂的计划与所喜悦的事。无论如何，祂对这世界的计划必然成就。顺服神旨意的国家将是世上最有福气的。
- 神辨别是非的眼目（13-19）。神虽伟大，但不强迫任何人拜祂。凡因自己或所拥有的资源而感骄傲的将被神拒绝。谦卑信靠世界之主的将从死亡中被拯救。
- 我们的盼望在于耶和华（20-22）。既然神是创造主，是世界绝对的君王，我们当有的反应是将最大的盼望投注于神。
用经文祷告
这首诗篇当加增你对造物主和主宰世界之神的信心和盼望。当在主里刚强，叫灾难临到时，你能抵挡得住，并鼓励他人坚持倚靠神。当因你在主里的盼望喜悦，因为祂是公义的，是信实的，能救你脱离死亡。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 32
Theme : Blessed are the Forgiven
- The Blessings of Confession (1–7). The OT never teaches that salvation is by works. It is always by faith (Rom. 4:7-8). The truly blessed person is a person close to God, to be close to God, one must have his sins forgiven. To have one’s sins forgiven, it depends not on his righteous works, but on genuine faith in God’s lordship and His mercy to pardon sin. Such repentant heart must be genuine, not deceptive (v. 2). The blessings of forgiveness is wellness for both the body and soul (v. 3).
- The Sorrows of the Proud (8–11). The self-righteous and wicked person is full of sorrows. They don’t trust God for salvation, but trust in themselves. They are like animals of instinct, who can only be controlled by physical restrain. They cannot be controlled by God’s word. The righteous should learn not to be like them. They should trust and rejoice in God.
Praying the Scripture
Praise God for the complete, total forgiveness of our sins in Jesus. All our past, present and future sins are forgiven. This should not cause us to abuse our forgiveness, to dishonor God again. This should cause us to honor God even more because He is worthy. He sent His most beloved son to die for His unworthy enemies like you and me. Never trust in your goodness for salvation, always trust in Jesus alone. May you offer up daily sacrifice of praise to God for His greatness!
经文：诗篇32
主题：得赦免的人有福了
- 认罪的福气（1-7）。旧约从不教导救恩是凭人为的，乃靠信心（罗4:7-8）。真正有福的人是一位亲近神的，而若要亲近神，人的罪必须得赦。人的罪若要得赦，就不能靠自己的义，而是真实靠神做主，仰赖祂赦罪的怜悯。如此悔改的心必须是真诚的，不是诡诈的（2节）。得赦的福分就是身心灵的安康（3节）。
- 骄傲的忧愁（8-11）。自义及作恶的人满心忧愁。他们不依靠神的救恩，乃相信自己。他们如靠直觉的动物，只能凭肉体上的约束克制自己，不受神话语的控制。义人不当如此，乃要信靠神，因祂喜乐。
用经文祷告
要因耶稣彻底、完全赦免了我们的罪赞美神！我们凡以往、今日和未来的罪都被赦免了。这不当使我们滥用所得的饶恕，叫我们再次辱蔑神；这当使我们更加尊崇神，因为祂是配得的。祂差遣了自己最怜惜的爱子为像你我这等不配的敌人而死。万不得倚靠你自己的义得救，永远相信耶稣一人。愿你天天因神的伟大向神献上赞美的祭！
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 31
Theme : Encouragement to the Weary
- The Hunted Man (1–8). In this psalm, David depicts himself as a weary man who trusts God and have seen God’s faithful deliverance personally. He rejoices over God’s goodness.
- The Rejected Man (9–24). This section repeats the same theme. God is faithful to deliver believers when they are weary from their sins and their enemies. Because of David’s personal experience of God’s faithfulness and love, in vv. 23-24 he exhorts other believers to put their trust in God who is good and will be faithful to everyone who trusts in Him.
Praying the Scripture
The best Christian encourager is one who have not just learned about God’s goodness, but have experienced the goodness of God personally and deeply. God is truly good and dependable, but at times we are plagued with foolishness, unbelief and self-sufficiency to rely on God in times of trouble. We all need others to encourage us to trust and see God’s goodness in times of trials. We also need to grow and learn to encourage those who are weak and faint-hearted (1 Thess. 5:14). Pray you will have a mindset to seek encouragement and to seek to be an encourager based on the truth about God.
经文：诗篇31
主题：予疲惫者的鼓励
- 被追杀的（1-8）。大卫在这诗篇里描述自己是一个倚靠神的疲惫之人；他曾亲眼见到神信实的搭救。他因神的良善喜悦。
- 被拒绝的（9-24）。这段话复述了同样的主题。当信徒因自己的罪孽或外在仇敌觉得疲惫不堪时，神会以信实搭救他们。由于大卫曾亲身经历神的信实和慈爱，因此在23至24节鼓励其他信徒要倚靠神。神是良善的，必以信实对待凡投靠祂的人。
用经文祷告
最好的基督徒勉励者不但学习了神的良善，更亲身、深刻地经历于此。神确实是良善的，是可靠的，但我们遇到困难时却时而充满愚昧、不信和自给自足的心理。在试炼中，我们都必须鼓励彼此要信靠神，看见神的良善。我们也需要成长，学习鼓励灰心软弱的人（帖前5:14）。祷告你会有一颗寻求鼓励的心，并寻求按神的真理鼓励别人。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 30
Theme : Mourning into Dancing
- The Rescue (1–5). David was in trouble. This trouble was caused by God’s anger toward him, to discipline him. But he firmly understands God’s character. God is slow to anger and quick to forgive. His favor/grace never departs from His people, it is faithful. God is not a God of wrath. He is not naturally angry, as if he is walking around grumpy all the time and waiting to pound on someone. God is righteous, He is only angry in response to our sin. But His angry response is never isolated from His love. No matter what, His response is always toward the desire/goal to change us and restore us.
- The Foolish Boasting (6–10). David was in trouble because of his foolish boasting in his prosperity. He trusted in himself and his own resources, instead of God. But at the end, he realized that he was strong because of God. If you are in prosperity, beware of your pride and trust in yourself and your resources instead of God. In trouble, David appeals to God’s benefit ultimately, not his own benefit, to deliver him. After all, God would lose a worshipper if he dies. This is an immature plead, but an understandable one since his life is in danger. God does not need people to praise Him, it is a privilege for people to worship God. Also, believers will continue to praise God after he is dead. However, the prayer is in the right direction of being God-centered, instead of self-centered. God is pleased by that.
- The Celebration (11–12). When God delivers David, his soul/glory praises God forever and ever. God brings trouble and then deliverance so that we would stop our foolish self-worship and worship the one who is truly worthy of worship.
Praying the Scripture
- Sometimes God has us go through difficulties in life so that we would wean ourselves from our foolish self-sufficiency and pride. Difficulties reveal the false gods that we have been relying on and turn us to the only God who can be depended on. He is our rock. If you are not praying much, then you have some false gods. It can be your abilities, your wealth or some other resources. Repent, trust God alone and give Him the honor He deserves.
- Sometimes, God brings trouble to our lives so that we would stop taking God’s kindness for granted. Especially when things are going well, we are prone to forget God and take God’s love and grace for granted and live unthankful and selfish lives that worship ourselves instead of God. The brokenness of this world should drive us to long for help from God. When God helps us, we need to leap with joy for His kindness and never take God’s love for granted. May you will recall all your blessings in God. Journal them.
经文：诗篇30
主题：将哀哭变为跳舞
- 拯救（1-5）。大卫曾经受难。这是因为神要管教他，所以对他发怒。然而，大卫十分理解神的属性——神不轻易发怒，又愿意宽恕。祂的恩典从不离开祂的百姓，是可信的。神不是愤怒的神；那不是祂自然的属性，成天脾气暴躁，等着向别人出气。神是公义的；祂发怒是因为我们犯罪。但是，祂的怒气与祂的爱是不分开的。无论如何，祂的目的是要改变我们，复兴我们。
- 愚昧的夸耀（6-10）。大卫之所以有难是因为他愚昧地夸耀了自己的富裕。他依赖自己与自身的资源，不是神。但最终，他觉悟了他是因神才强大。你今日若是富裕的，要提防这份傲气，相信自己和所拥有的资源，不投靠神。大卫遭难时最终靠神所能得的益处求神搭救他，而不是因自己的益处。毕竟，若大卫死了，神会失去一个崇拜者。这是幼稚的祈求，但不是不能理解的，因为他有生命的危险。神不需要人的赞美；能敬拜神是人的特权。再者，信徒就算死了后仍会继续赞美神。然而，这祷告的方向是正确的，是以神为本，不是自私的。神因而喜悦。
- 庆典（11-12）。神搭救大卫后，大卫的灵要永永远远地赞美神。神降苦难，然后行拯救，叫我们不再愚昧地自恋，而是敬拜真正配得我们敬拜的那一位。
用经文祷告
- 有时，神使我们经历苦楚，好除去我们愚昧的骄傲和自给自足的心态。苦难揭穿我们一路以来所依靠的假神，叫我们转向那唯一能依靠的神。祂是我们的磐石。倘若你不常祷告，你心里必有假神。那或许是你的能力、财富或其他资源。要悔改，唯独投靠神，并给予祂应得的荣耀。
- 有时，神在我们生命中降下苦难，叫我们不再视祂的良善为理所当然的。尤其在顺境中，我们常会忘记神，将神的爱和恩典当作理所当然，活出不感恩、自私的生命，敬拜自己而不是神。这世界的破碎当驱使我们渴望神的帮助。当神助我们时，我们当因祂的良善欢呼喜悦，而不是视神的爱为理所当然的。愿你能回想神赐你的一切祝福。要记下它。
Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 29
Theme : The Glorious King of Heaven and Earth
- God is Worshipped in Heaven (1–2). The psalmist calls heavenly angels to worship God. They are God’s family in the spiritual realm. Humans are God’s family in the physical realm. Angels are called, literally in Hebrew, sons of God in v.1. They have attributes of God, just like humans. The sons of God/heavenly angels are more powerful than humans and they help God to administer His rule over humans. Even though these powerful angels are powerful, they are still created by God, who alone is worthy to be worshipped. Even these powerful sons of God worship God.
- God’s Power over Earth (3–9). These verses speak of God’s power through nature. God created the world/nature and continues to reveal His power, majesty through nature. He sustains nature by enabling animals to reproduce. He also judges/kills the world/humans through nature. He sends quakes and floods.
- God Rules over Earth (10–11). Even though, God judges the world/humans through nature, God differentiates His people from the worldly people. He gives His people strength and blesses them with peace, while the rest of the world is judged by God. He does not destroy the wicked with the righteous (Gen. 18:23).
Praying the Scripture
Praise God for He is the ultimate ruler of this world. He kills the wicked and protects the righteous. We see this with Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah; with Jeremiah and others during the time of exile; and we see it in the book of Revelation—the believers are raptured before the harsh, worldwide judgement of all the wicked people on earth. God is a righteous God who is fair and right in all His dealings. God is the glorious king of heaven and earth. Daily give praise to your king!
经文：诗篇29
主题：天地的荣耀之王
- 神在天上受敬拜（1-2）。诗人召众天使敬拜神。他们是神灵界的家庭；人则是神世上的家庭。天使在希伯来文便是“神的众子”（1节）。他们与人一样，有神的属性。神的众子，或天使，比人更有能力，而他们助神管制人类。虽然这些天使能力不小，但他们仍是神所造的，所以唯有神配得敬拜。即便是大有能力的神之子也要敬拜神。
- 神在地上的大能（3-9）。这段经文述说了神在大自然中显出的能力。神造世界或大自然，并不断借此显出祂的大能和尊荣。祂使动物繁殖以维持自然界。祂也借着大自然审判，或杀死，人类与世界。祂使地震动、洪水泛滥。
- 神统治世界（10-11）。神虽然借着大自然审判世界和人类，但仍分辨属祂和属世之人。祂赐予祂的百姓力量与平安的福，但其余人要面对神的审判。祂不会把义人和恶人一同消灭（创18:23）。
用经文祷告
要因神是世上最大的统治者赞美祂！祂消灭恶人，保护义人。我们在所多玛和蛾摩拉事件中看到神保护罗得；在以色列被放逐时看到神保护耶利米和其他人；又在启示录中看到信徒在神对世上的恶人施行全球严酷的审判之前会被提。神是公义的，凡事公平公正。神是天上地下的荣耀君王。我们要每日赞美神！
