Devotional/灵修 – Ezekiel 以西结书

Ezekiel

20 May 2016, Ezekiel 16 以西结书 16, Jerusalem the Prostitute 淫妇耶路撒冷

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 16

Theme                      : Jerusalem the Prostitute

 

History of Jerusalem (1-52)
The chapter is about how Jerusalem (not Israel) became the capital city of Israel and gained glory because of God’s choice. It is designed to humble the pride of Jerusalem’s inhabitants and to reveal their gross idolatry against God. Jerusalem was originally an insignificant city in the land of Amorite and Hittite when Joshua conquered the land. But God later chose the city to be His everlasting throne, where the Messiah would rule the world (Psalm 132:13–17). She became renown during Solomon’s time. But then she trusted in her renown and beauty and became proud and started to worship idols. Her idolatry actually exceeded those of her neighbors. They were so filthy that they made their dirty neighbors look clean and righteous.
 
Future of Jerusalem (53-63).
Despite the unfaithfulness of Israel, God is faithful to His promise and He will make Israel faithful to Him in the future by giving the New Covenant to Israel and fulfill all His promises in the Mosaic Covenant. In the Mosaic covenant, in Leviticus 26:40–45, the Lord promised that, after his future and final judgment on Israel, he would remember the covenant that he had made with Abraham. In the Abrahamic covenant God promised to give the land of Canaan to Israel as an eternal possession (cf. Gen 17:7–8; Lev 26:42). This was an everlasting covenant, and God would graciously and lovingly remember to do what he had promised. The unfaithfulness of men does not alter the faithfulness of God (cf. 2 Tim 2:13).
 

Praying the Scripture
  1. The destitute condition of Jerusalem in the opening paragraph (vv. 1–5) is a figure not only of Israel in its infancy but of all humanity in its natural state. The dominant gene in the human family tree is its sinfulness. Even the person with the most noble and privileged cultural heritage, if left to his or her own resources, is utterly helpless and without hope. The sentence of death hangs over all from the outset (cf. Rom. 3:23).
  1. God is never capricious or arbitrary in his judgment of sin. Punishment is always appropriate for the offense; and to whomever much is given, of that person much will be required. Even so, the harshness of his response to human rebellion can be understood only against the backdrop of his grace. Having loved so deeply, he is certainly justified when he responds passionately to one who tramples underfoot his grace.[1]
[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书16

主题：淫妇耶路撒冷

 

耶路撒冷的历史（1-52）。
这篇经文论述了耶路撒冷（不是以色列）如何因神的拣选成为以色列的首都，并得荣耀。这是为要使耶路撒冷骄傲的居民谦卑，揭示他们向神所犯的偶像崇拜之罪的严重性。当约书亚占领那片土地时，耶路撒冷原是亚摩利人和赫人土地中一个不起眼的城市。可是，神后来拣选这城作祂永恒的宝座，即弥赛亚管理世界的总部（诗132:13-17）。她在所罗门时代名声很旺。然而，她信靠自己的美貌和声望，变得骄傲，开始崇拜偶像。她在这项罪行中竟然比邻国的更大。他们十分污秽，以致肮脏邻舍显得洁净、公义了。
 
耶路撒冷的未来（53-63）。
尽管以色列不忠，神仍忠于祂的应许；祂要在未来使以色列对祂忠实，给予他们新约，并应许在摩西约定中所承诺的一切。在摩西之约里，即利未记26:40-45，神应许在日后向以色列施行最后的审判时，祂会记得祂与亚伯拉罕所立的约。在与亚伯拉罕的约定中，神应许要将迦南地给予以色列永远为业（参：创17:7-8；利26:42）。这是一个永恒的约，而神会恩待他们，怀慈爱之心纪念并履行他所应许的。人的不忠不会动摇神的信实（参：提后2:13）。
 
 
用经文祷告
  1. 耶路撒冷在篇章开头的贫寒状况（1-5节）不但是以色列国初期的写照，更是所有人类生来的状况。人类家谱中的显性基因是罪性。即便一人出生在最高贵、最有文化遗产的家族里，但若他只有自己作依靠，他是既无助又无盼望的。死亡的判决一开始就笼罩所有人（参：罗3:23）。
  1. 神审判罪行的标准绝不改变，也不会独断。惩罚与罪行一直都是相称的；因为多给谁，就向谁多取。即便如此，只有明白了神所赐的诸般恩典后，我们才能明白祂为何对人类的悖逆下如此之重的审判。神爱得很深，因此当人将祂的恩典踩在脚下时，祂必然会有强烈的反应。[1]

[1] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.


19 May 2016, Ezekiel 15 以西结书 15, The Parable of the Vine 葡萄树的比喻

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 15

Theme                      : The Parable of the Vine

 

This parable implies that the exiles had asked about God’s consistency. They understood that they were His chosen people, His choice vine (Gen 49:22; Ps 80; Isa 5:1–7; Jer 2:21; Hos 10:1). How could God destroy them? They had been through the fire of two invasions and deportations by the Babylonians, but each time they had endured and sprouted up again. They did not believe that God’s judgments would destroy Judah as Ezekiel had proclaimed. But God said Israel was useless and failed to be a blessing to the nations because of their idolatry so God will destroy them. God is just to judge individual’s idolatry and use the judgement as a purifying fire to cleanse Israel so that it will worship Him again. God exhorts the exiles to repent and be faithful to Him and not depend on their lineage for salvation.

 

Praying the Scripture

If someone has faith in God as his master and savior but does not obey God, then this faith is dead. Those who profess to be Christians but do not follow Christ are fake Christians and will be casted away by God like these unfaithful Jews. Do not be deceived, if you received Jesus as your master but do not obey Him, you do not belong to Him, but to satan. Be committed to God and pray that your faith will be strengthened so that your commitment do not weaver.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书15

主题：葡萄树的比喻

 

这个比喻暗示被掳之民曾经质疑神是否始终如一。他们明白自己是神的选民，是祂上等的葡萄树（创49:22；诗80；赛5:1-7；耶2:21；何10:1）。神怎么能消灭他们呢？他们经历了巴比伦两轮的攻击和放逐，但每一次都能承受得住，并再次兴起。他们不相信神的审判包括将犹大毁灭，如以西结所宣告的。可是，神说以色列是无用的，因着他们的偶像崇拜无法成为列国的祝福。神审判个人拜偶像的罪，并用其审判作洁净之火除尽以色列之罪，叫他们能再次敬拜祂的举动是公平的。神劝诫被掳之民要悔改，对祂忠心，不要将拯救的信心投在他们的血统上。


用经文祷告

倘若有人信神作他的主人和拯救者却不听从神的话，他的信心是死的。凡承认自己是基督徒却不跟从基督的都是假信徒，并在未来被神丢弃，命运如同这些不忠实的犹太人。不要自欺；你若接受耶稣为你的主却不服从于祂，你是不属于神的，而是撒旦。你要委身于神，并祷告你的信心会坚固，叫你的委身能坚定。


18 May 2016, Ezekiel 14 以西结书 14, Each is Responsible for Idolatry 每人要为自己拜偶像之罪负责

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 14

Theme                      : Each is Responsible for Idolatry

 

Idolatry of Elders, People and Prophets (1-11)

God does not just judge the idolatry of those in Judah, but He will also judge the idolatry of those in exile. God will judge each person in every generation according to his own heart and actions, not according to his ancestors’ heart and actions (Ex. 34:6-7). Whoever commits idolatry and turns away from God’s kingship, whether they be elders, false prophets or those inquirer of false prophets, God will judge them. The people in the exile need to repent too since they are also idolatrous and stubborn. They should not just point fingers at those in Judah. They have no excuse.

God’s Glory (4-28).

The exiles did not want to repent because they thought they could find someone who is righteous and intercedes for them to avert punishment from God (Ps 106:23). But God states clearly that their idolatry is so serious that no righteous person can avert His judgement. Righteous people could only save their own physical lives by their righteousness because they have no idolatry for God to condemn. The exiles cannot continue to sin and rely on others to intercede for them, they must repent or die. Also when the exiles see the sins of those in Jerusalem, they will agree with God that His judgement is just and these wicked Jews deserved punishment.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. An individual’s eternal destiny can only be determined by his own faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, it cannot be determined by the prayers of a righteous person. However, an individual’s temporal physical wellness can be helped by the prayer of a righteous individual (James 5:16). The Bible does not teach that an individual’s soul can be saved eternally through the merits of other saints. Roman Catholicism’s doctrine of treasury of merit contradicts the Bible and is heretical. Pray that you will not have the attitude of these sinful Jews who wanted to continue to worship idols and rely others to get them out of jail. Take God’s warnings seriously and repent from idolatry.
  1. One reason why some people have a hard time understanding God’s severe judgment on sinners is because they do not fully see and understand the ugliness of the sins that sinners commit. If you have a hard time understanding and agreeing with God’s severe judgement on sinners, then you must understand and see the severity of their sins as described in the Bible. God is just and He does not judge without a cause. Trust God’s judgment instead of your own view of someone whom God knows more than you.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书14

主题：每人要为自己拜偶像之罪负责

 

众长老、子民和先知的偶像崇拜之罪（1-11）。

神不但要审判在犹大拜偶像的人，还要审判崇拜偶像的被掳之民。神要按每一世代之人的心与行为作审判，而不是按他列祖的行为而定（出34:6-7）。凡拜偶像并不认神作王的，不论他们是长老、假先知还是询问假先知的，神都会对他们施行审判。被掳的也需要悔改，因为他们也有淫乱、固执的心。他们不应该只把矛头指向犹大；他们是没有借口的。

神的荣耀（4-28）。

被掳之民不想悔改，因为他们以为自己能找到一个可为他们向神代求以逃离惩罚的义人（诗106:23）。然而，神清楚表明他们偶像崇拜之罪甚大，以致无义人能幸免祂的审判。义人只能因自己的义救他肉体的性命，因为神不能指责他们犯偶像崇拜的罪。被掳之民不能继续犯罪并依赖别人为他们代求；他们必须悔改，否则会死。再者，当被掳之民见到耶路撒冷人的罪行时，他们会认同神的审判是公平的，而这群邪恶的犹太人确实应该受到惩罚。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 个人的永恒命运取决于他是否信靠耶稣为自己的救主；这不能靠义人的代祷而定。可是，个人暂存的肉体健康能够靠义人的祷告有所好转（各5:16）。圣经并没有教导人的灵魂能借其他圣徒的功德得到永恒的救赎。天主教的教义，即人有“功德仓库”之说法，是与圣经冲突的，属异教。祷告你不会有这些罪恶犹太人的心态，即继续拜偶像，并依靠他人脱离惩罚。我们要认真对待神的警告，从偶像崇拜中悔改。
  1. 人很难接受神对罪人施行如此严厉审判的其中一个原因是他们无法完全看到或明白罪人所犯之罪的丑陋性。你若难以接受与认同神对罪人的严厉审判，你就必须明白并看到圣经是如何叙述他们的罪的严重性。神是公平的，不会平白无故审判他人。要信靠神的判断而不是你个人对某人的看法，因为神知道的比你多。

17 May 2016, Ezekiel 13 以西结书 13, Answering False Prophecies 回应假预言

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 13

Theme                      : Answering False Prophecies

 

Judgment on False Prophets (1-16)

One of the reasons why the exiles continue to disobey God is because of false prophets are proclaiming a message of peace when there is no peace. They help people plaster and whitewash their walls and houses, meaning encourage them to continue to enjoy life and live as before without repentance. Their materialism fosters a sense of false security. They are like jackals among ruins because jackals do not mind ruins for they build dens among ruins. God allows false prophets in order to test their hearts (Deut. 13:3). God warns His people not to listen to them and also threatens to judge these false prophets.

Judgment on False Prophetesses (17-23).

The prophetesses also prophesy from their own spirit, not God’s. Divination was forbidden in the Mosaic Covenant (Lev 19:26), but was common in pagan culture. It is like voodoo, backed by demonic powers. These prophetesses also practice deceit in order to hurt the righteous by enticing them to sin, just like Satan entices people to sin. But if believers resist the devil, we will be delivered by the trap of the devil (James 4:7). Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil and then he left Jesus. Satan has no power to control believers for their master is Jesus, not satan. Satan can only harass us, not possess us or control us. Jesus has disarmed satan and rescued us from his control (Col. 1:13, 2:15).
 

Praying the Scripture

It is a very, very serious sin to prophesy falsely using the name of God. Those in the charismatic movement who claim God speaks prophecies to them directly and yet do not come true or are against the Bible, they will be severely punished by God and thrown into hell like these false Jewish prophets and prophetesses (Rev. 22:18-19). Beware of false prophets and stay far away from them less you suffer the same judgment. Warn others to flee from false prophets.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书13

主题：回应假预言

 

对假先知的审判（1-16）。

被掳之民持续悖逆神的其中一个原因是假先知在无平安的时代宣告平安的信息。他们帮助人用未泡透的灰抹上他们的墙和屋子，意思是继续鼓励他们享受生活，向以前一样过日子，无需悔改。他们的财富为他们制造了一种虚假的安全感。他们如荒场中的狐狸，因为狐狸不介意在荒场里建洞穴。神允许假先知的存在，好试验他们的心（申13:3）。神告诫祂的子民不要听从他们，也警告祂会审判这些假先知。

对假女先知的审判（17-23）。

女先知也由自己的灵说预言，不是由神的灵而出。占扑在摩西律法中是被禁止的（利19:26），但这在外邦文化里很普遍。它如巫术，是由邪灵掌控的。这些女先知也欺骗他人，引诱人犯罪，如撒旦引诱人犯罪一样，为要加害义人。然而，信徒若抵挡魔鬼，就能脱离魔鬼的网罗（各4:7）。耶稣抵挡了魔鬼的试探，魔鬼便离祂而去。撒旦没有权利控制信徒，因为他们的主是耶稣，不是撒旦。撒旦可以骚扰我们，不是占有或控制我们。耶稣已掳了撒旦，并救我们脱离牠的掌控（西1:13, 2:15）。

用经文祷告

妄用神的名说假预言是一个非常、非常严重的罪。在灵恩派宣称神会向他们直接启示预言的人，但其预言没得应验或是抵挡圣经的，将受到神极为严重的惩罚，像假犹太先知和女先知一样被抛入地狱（启22:18-19）。要提防假先知，远避他们，否则你将受到同样的审判。要告诫他人逃离假先知。

16 May 2016, Ezekiel 12 以西结书 12, Answering False Hope 对假盼望的回应

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 12

Theme                      : Answering False Hope

 

Exile Dramatized (1-16)

Chapters 12-19 deal with the stubbornness of exiles who conjured many reasons for not being faithful to God. The exiles had not grasped the serious consequences of Ezekiel’s warnings. They still hoped for an early return to Israel, for they viewed the continued preservation of Jerusalem and Judah as signs of hope. After all, Jerusalem was the eternal city. They refused to obey God who told them to settle down and multiply while in exile (Jer. 29:4-23). God wanted them to prepare for a difficult life in exile but they refused to their own hurt. When Ezekiel dramatized his exile to represent the soon exile of those in Jerusalem, his audience would understood because they had all experienced being exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem.

Exile Occurs Soon (17-28).

The exiles did not believe God’s word because God has been warning them for hundreds of years and the complete destruction of Jerusalem had not happened, so what Ezekiel said cannot be true. All the false prophets who prophesied about the safety of Jerusalem must be true. Others believed in God’s prophecy but thought it would not happen in their lifetime (v. 27). So God rebuked their foolish thinking and told them that He will fulfilled His prophecy soon and they will see it in their lifetime. About 5 years after this prophecy Jerusalem was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. People would not learn God’s character and warnings during a time of blessing, so tragically they will learn them during a time of judgment. God’s serious about His righteousness and judgment.


Praying the Scripture

God is patient. Sadly sinful people misinterpret His patience to mean He is bluffing or not real. The same mindset exists when it comes to the return of Jesus who will judge the world with purifying fire and then setup His messianic kingdom on earth (2 Peter 3:4). People think Jesus has not come back for thousands of years so He must not be coming back. Such foolish mindset traps people in their sins. Pray that you will not be trapped in your sins by such foolish rationalization. Repent and exhort others to repent also. May you always be ready for the return of Jesus and not be in shame (1 John 2:28).
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书12

主题：对假盼望的回应

 

将放逐戏剧化（1-16）。

第12至19章经文论述的是被掳之民的固执；他们想出了很多可以对神不忠的借口。他们还未真正明白以西结警告中的严重后果。他们仍希望以色列能早日归回，因为他们视耶路撒冷和犹大的持续保守为盼望的迹象。毕竟，耶路撒冷是那永恒的城。他们拒绝听从神的话，也就是被掳时要安居此地，生育儿女（耶29:4-23）。神要他们为放逐的艰难日子做好准备，但他们拒绝这么做，结果受伤的是自己。当以西结将自己被掳的情景演出来时，观看的人必然会明白这一切，因为他们都有从耶路撒冷放逐至巴比伦的经历。

他们即将被掳（17-28）。

被掳之民不信神的话，因为神数百年来一直在警告他们，但耶路撒冷仍未完全被毁。因此，预言耶路撒冷会安全的假先知必然是真的。还有人虽然相信神的预言，却不认为他们会亲眼见到这事（27节），所以神斥责了他们愚昧的思想，告诉他们祂即将应验自己的预言，而他们必亲眼见到这事。约五年后，预言应验了——耶路撒冷在公元前586年完全被毁。以色列人民在神降福的日子里并没有理解神的品性与警戒，因此可悲的，他们将在审判的日子里学会这个功课。神十分认真看待祂的公义和审判。

用经文祷告

神有忍耐。可惜的是，罪人曲解了这份忍耐，以为神在说谎，或根本不属实。当耶稣再来，用洁净之火审判世界并在地上建立祂的弥赛亚国度时（彼后3:4），世人同样也有这个想法。人们会认为耶稣数千年来都还没归回，因此祂必然不会回来。这种愚昧的思想将人困绑在自己的罪行中。祷告你不会因这如此愚昧的想法困在自己的罪孽中。要祷告，并同时劝戒他人悔改。愿你时刻都为耶稣的再来做好准备，不至羞愧（约一2:28）。


14 May 2016, Ezekiel 11 以西结书 11, Pot of Stew and Gospel 锅中肉与福音

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 11

Theme                      : Pot of Stew and Gospel

 

Pot of Stew (1-13)

The 25 men are the real leaders of Israel since king Zedekiah fears them (Jer. 38). They are evil and constantly hinder God’s warning to His people. God told them He would exile the people, but they told the people the walls of Jerusalem are strong, which is liken to a cauldron, so they are safe like precious meat in this cauldron; therefore they should continue to build houses and enjoy life. But God says the only people who are safe, spiritually, are the righteous whom these wicked leaders had slain (Is. 57:1). God will slay these rulers with the sword at the border of Israel where they are judged by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 39:6). As a true prophet of God, Ezekiel intercedes for the salvation of sinners. He did not gloat over their death.

The Gospel (14-25).

God answers Ezekiel’s prayer by prophesying that one day Israel will be fully restored. One day, God will give them a new heart so that they will love Him and no longer worship idols. This is the New Covenant that God speaks of in Jeremiah 31:34 and Ezekiel 36:24-32. The beginning of this fulfillment is the death and resurrection of Jesus who has inaugurated this covenant (Luke 22:20). Israel’s acceptance of this covenant will be in the end times (Zech. 12:10). In other places of the OT, especially through Jeremiah, God also promises to return the exile from Babylon in the near future. God is faithful to the nation, but individuals will be judged according to their allegiance to God. Individuals who worship idols will be in hell, while those who worship God will be in His kingdom, His paradise.

 

Praying the Scripture
 
God knows the thought of our hearts. Those who do not worship Him will be judged. No human tradition, status or even the presence of a wooden cross can save people. Only a faith that submits to the lordship of God and His salvation in Jesus can one be saved. All other ways of salvation engineered by human wisdom and religions are sinking sand. Pray that you will only trust in God’s grace in Jesus as your master and deliverer to save you, not your good works, status or religious affiliation. Pray you will help others to understand this too.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书11

主题：锅中肉与福音

 

锅中肉（1-13）。

这二十五个人是以色列真实的首领，因为西底家王也怕他们（耶38）。他们是邪恶的，持续抵挡神予祂子民的警告。神告诉他们祂将驱逐以色列民，可他们却说耶路撒冷的城墙坚固如锅，所以他们像锅里珍贵的肉一样安全；因此，他们当继续建造房屋，享受生活。然而，神说灵性安全的人实际上是这些邪恶首领所杀的（赛57:1）。神要在以色列边界用刀杀了这些首领，即尼布甲尼撒审判他们的时候（耶39:6）。身为神的真先知，以西结为罪人的救恩代求。他并没有幸灾乐祸。

福音（14-25）。

神回应了以西结的祷告，预言以色列日后将全然复兴。那日，神会给予他们一颗新造的心，叫他们能爱祂，不再崇拜偶像。这就是神在耶利米书31:34与以西结书36:24-32中所论的新约。耶稣的死与复活便是这应许之应验的开端；耶稣是创立新约的那一位（路22:20）。以色列将在末日时接受这约（撒12:10）。在旧约的其他经文里，尤其耶利米书，神也应许被掳之民要在不久的将来从巴比伦归回以色列。神对这一国是信实的，但个人也要为他们对神的忠诚度受审判。凡拜偶像的将下地狱，但敬拜真神的将在祂的国度，即祂的乐园中。

 

用经文祷告

神晓得我们心中的意念。凡不敬拜祂的将受到审判。无人类传统、名分或甚至是木十架的存在能拯救人。唯有降服与神主权，信靠耶稣基督救恩的信心才能使人得救。其余由人类智慧和信仰所创的得救方式都是沙土。祷告你唯独会信靠神借着耶稣所施予的恩典，叫祂作你的主，你的拯救者，而不是依赖你的善行、地位或对宗教的关联使你得救。祷告你也会帮助他人明白这件事。


13 May 2016, Ezekiel 10 以西结书 10, Glory of God Departs 神的荣耀离去

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 10

Theme                      : Glory of God Departs

 

God instructed the man clothed in linen to take fire coals from the center of the cherubim throne-chariot (cf. ch. 1) and to pour them out in judgment on the city to purify it. Coals of fire were often symbolic of cleansing in the OT (cf. Isa 6). God’s judgement is a purifying judgement that cleanses His land from idols. God’s glory is described by the vision of cherubim forming a throne-chariot for God’s throne. This is to depict God’s supreme authority over the universe, even over powerful angelic beings (cf. 1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chronicles 13:6; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Pss 18:10; 80:1; 99:1). God’s glory progressively departs inner temple, then to the gate of the temple and eventually leaves the city (11:23). Deuteronomy 31:17 and Hosea 9:12 had declared that this departure would occur if the people strayed from God’s ways. In 1 Samuel 4 a similar example of the departure of God’s glory at a time of judgment was memorialized by the name of Eli’s grandson “Ichabod” (v.21), which means “inglorious.” Once again, in Ezekiel’s day God wrote “Ichabod” over Jerusalem and Judah [1]
 
[1] Alexander, R. H. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.
 
Praying the Scripture
 
The true Israel is recognizable not by external marks such as circumcision (Rom. 2:27–29), the possession of the Law (Jer. 8:8), or presence in the holy land near the temple (Ezek. 11:14–22), but by a willing obedience to the covenant Lord. True spirituality is not expressed by claiming the promises of God or parroting theological dogma. Those who lay the greatest stock in these externals may be those whom God rejects. For the true believer the claim to covenant relationship with God is matched by genuine piety and compassion for others, especially those who have been marginalized  [2]
 
[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书10

主题：神的荣耀离去

 

神吩咐那穿细麻衣的人从基路伯中间将火炭取满两手（参：第一章），撒在城上以作审判，洁净这城。火炭在旧约中常常象征着洁净（参：赛6）。神的审判是洁净的审判；祂要从祂的土地中除尽偶像。神的荣耀在这里被形容似基路伯头上仿佛宝座的形象。这象征神对宇宙，甚至对有大能之天使的掌权（参：撒上4:4；撒下6:2；王下19:15；代上13:6, 28:18；诗18:10, 80:1, 99:11）。神的荣耀逐渐从内院离去，至殿的门槛，然后离开这城（11:23）。申命记31:17与何西阿书9:12已宣告若以色列民离开神的道，神的荣耀将离去。在撒母耳记上4中，神的荣耀在审判之日的离开是由以利之孙以迦博之名象征的，其意思是“不光彩的”。神在以西结的年代再一次在耶路撒冷和犹大写上“以迦博”。[1]

 

用经文祷告

属实的以色列人并不需要外在标志作证，如割礼（罗2:27-29），手握律法书（耶8:8），或持续守在圣殿附近的圣地（结11:14-22），乃要乐意顺服约定中的主。真正的属灵人不会到处说要得取神的应许，或者仅仅重述神学教条。凡只依赖这种外在表现的人或许就是神所拒绝的。对于真实信徒而言，倘若他与神确实有神约定中的关系，他对神会有真实的敬虔，也对他人有怜悯，特别是被社会排挤的人。[2]

 

[1] Alexander, R. H. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.

[2] Block. The Book of Ezekiel.

 

12 May 2016, Ezekiel 9 以西结书 9, God’s Response to Idolatry 神对偶像崇拜的回应

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 9

Theme                      : God’s Response to Idolatry

 

Because of Jerusalem’s idolatry, God will execute his death warrant on them, beginning with those who are in the temple. These have the most responsibilities so also they are the most culpable. But those who do not worship idols will be protected by God. Many of these God worshippers will listen to Jeremiah and surrender to the Babylonians and be saved physically. But those idolaters will get what they deserved. God will bring their deeds upon their heads.

 
Praying the Scripture
 
Idolatry is bad and it is even worse when people worship idols in the house of God. Can you imagine Christians bowing down to physical idols at church? It would be a horrendous sin. That’s what the Jews were doing and God is determined to punishment them for their idolatry. Idolatry is ugly. Idolatry does not mean worshipping physical images, it also means worshipping idols in our hearts (Col. 3:5). Pray that you will keep yourself away from idols.
 
 
 

经文：以西结书9

主题：神对偶像崇拜的回应

 

因为耶路撒冷拜偶像，神会将他们赶尽杀绝，从殿中的人开始。这些人的责任最大，所以罪责亦最大。然而，不拜偶像的人则要受到神的保护。这些敬拜真神的人会听从耶利米的话降服于巴比伦，从而免受一死。可是，拜偶像的将得到他们所应得的。神要照他们所行的报应在他们头上。

 

用经文祷告

拜偶像是不好的，但在神的殿中崇拜偶像更糟。你能否想象基督徒在教会里向有形的偶像屈膝敬拜吗？那将是滔天大罪。那正是犹太人所行的，因此神定意要惩罚他们的淫乱之行。崇拜偶像的行为是丑陋的。偶像崇拜并不只是拜那有形的物体，还包括我们心里所隐藏的偶像（西3:5）。祷告你会自守，远避偶像。

11 May 2016, Ezekiel 8 以西结书 8, Idol Worship in the Temple 圣殿中的偶像崇拜

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 8

Theme                      : Idol Worship in the Temple

 

Image of Jealousy (1-6)

The vision began in vv.1–6 with Ezekiel seeing the same manifestation of God’s glory that he had seen on the river Kebar in chapters 1–3. The same appearance of a likeness of a man appears in chapter 1 and 8. This is Jesus. There is huge contrast between the splendid glory of God and the dark perversion of idol worship. The idol in God’s temple is not specifically identified. Israel’s idolatry will get progressively worse.

Elders Worshipping Idols (7-13).

The elders are leaders of the nation along with the king. The leader of the group is Jaazaniah. They privately worship idols of animals and other disgusting things. They rationalize their idolatry by thinking God is not omnipresent and omniscient, and by thinking God is not faithful and does not care about the nation anymore. Their sinfulness misinterprets everything that God does.

Women Worship Tammuz (14-15).

Tammuz is a god of fertility and rain. The women worship this god of materialism in the temple, which will inevitably cause their husbands to worship materialism too since the husbands are passive and want to please their wives instead of God (cf. Jer. 44:19).

Sun Worship (16-18). Idolatry gets worse as depicted in this passage. There are people who worship the sun in the inner court of God’s temple. They are essentially giving God the finger in His face. It is a very offensive and disgusting. The whole society was engrossed in idolatry. God will surely judge them for their gross rebellion. His patience and pity will end.

 

Praying the Scripture
 
Leaders are key to any country or organization. The evil elders of Israel led to the downfall of the nation. For Christians, God constantly warns us not to follow false teachers or else we will suffer bad consequences. Those who want to itch their ears and listen to heretical teachers and prosperity gospel preachers will end up in hell like these Jewish idol worshippers. Pray that you do not follow heretic teachers and warn others of heretical teachers.
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书8

主题：圣殿中的偶像崇拜

 

惹忌邪的偶像（1-6）。

这异象从1-6节开始；以西结在这儿所见的神之光辉与他在第一至第三章中，在迦巴鲁河所见的一样。这仿佛人（或火）的形状也在第一章与第八章经文出现。神荣耀之光辉与偶像崇拜的黑暗区别甚大。神并没有明确指出殿中的偶像是什么。以色列的偶像崇拜只会日益猖狂。

众长老崇拜偶像（7-13）。

长老们与君王都是以色列国的领袖。这群长老的首领是雅撒尼亚。他们私底下崇拜动物及其他可憎的偶像。他们将自己的恶行合理化，心想神并非无所不在、无所不知的，也误以为神不信实，已不在乎这个国家了。他们的罪性曲解了神所做的一切。

妇女崇拜搭模斯（14-15）。

搭模斯是负责生育与降雨的神明。妇女在殿中崇拜物质之神的举动，必然也会造成她们的丈夫崇拜物质享受，因为他们是被动的，想讨之喜悦的对象是他们的妻子，不是神（参：耶44:19）。

拜日头（16-18）。偶像崇拜在这篇经文中逐步恶化。有人竟然在耶和华殿的内院崇拜太阳。他们实际上是在挖苦、羞辱神。这是极度令人讨厌和作呕的行为。整个社会都沉迷与偶像崇拜中。神必然会因他们公然的悖逆施行审判。神的忍耐和怜悯将止息。

 

用经文祷告

首领是任何国家或组织的核心人物。以色列邪恶的长老们造成了这个国家的衰败。对基督徒而言，神也不断地告诫我们不要跟从假教师，否则我们将承受惨痛的后果。若有人的耳朵发痒，只想听从异端教导和致富福音教师们的话，他们将像这群拜偶像的犹太人一样，沦落地狱。祷告你不会跟从异端教师，并告诫他人不要那么做。


10 May 2016, Ezekiel 7 以西结书 7, Knowledge of God’s Righteousness 对神之公义的认识

Posted on May 23, 2016 in Devotions, Ezekiel |

Scripture Reading  : Ezekiel 7

Theme                      : Knowledge of God’s Righteousness

 

God had patiently warned the idolatrous Jews to repent. However, they sinfully took God’s patience to mean He is not serious about His words or He does not exist. So they continue to worship idols, break His laws by committing violence and lust over material things. When God punishes them, they will know that God is serious about His righteousness and they will know God exists. None of their idols and money can deliver them.
 
Praying the Scripture
 
When God is patient with your sins, you should not take His patience to mean He is not serious about His righteousness. God is serious about His righteousness. So seriously that it requires the life of the sinner. But He is equally serious about His love. So serious that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your lack of righteousness. May you be thankful for God’s patience and love; don’t let His patience make you complacent. Strive hard every day to have faith in Jesus as your Savior and to put to death your sins by your faithful dependence in Jesus and His truth (Rom. 8:13).
 
 
 
 

经文：以西结书7

主题：对神之公义的认识

 

神已耐心地劝诫淫乱的犹太人要悔改。然而，他们罪恶之心不把神的忍耐看在眼里，还误以为神的话不必当真，或甚至怀疑祂的存在。因此，他们继续拜偶像，因行暴力和贪婪之事触犯了神的律法。当神惩罚他们时，他们要知道神是认真看待祂的公义的，也要知道神确实存在。他们的偶像与钱财是不能救他们脱离这场祸哉的。

 

用经文祷告

当神对你的罪行心存忍耐时，你不当认为这就是祂不认真看待自己公义的表现。神十分重视祂的公义，以致要讨人的性命满足自己。然而，祂的爱也是真挚的，以致祂差遣自己的儿子耶稣代我们死，叫罪人因祂能完全公义。你要因神的耐心和爱心感恩，而不是变得自满。每日都要致力信靠耶稣为你的救主，并因着对耶稣与祂真理的依赖致死你的罪（罗8:13）。


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