7 Nov 2015, Daniel 10 但以理书 10, Preparation for Vision 为异象做好准备

Posted on Nov 2, 2015 in Daniel, Devotions |

Scripture Reading  : Daniel 10

Theme                  : Preparation for Vision

Terrified by the Vision (1-11). After Daniel prays persistently to understand God’s plan for Israel, God against reveals another vision to show him. This vision was concerning the antichrist. It was so frightening that it left him with no strength, until an angel can to strengthen him. Angels are not gods, but are ministering spirits for the elect (Heb. 1:14). They are not to be prayed to or worshipped (Rev. 22:8-9). We can only pray to God, nothing else. Praying to other things such as Mary or saints is not respecting them, but worshipping them. It is idolatry.

Glimpse of the Supernatural (8-30) There are supernatural spirits at work in the heavenly places that humans are not aware of. An angel intended to deliver a message to Daniel but was delayed by evil angels until Michael, an archangel, came to help. God gives us a small glimpse into the supernatural world because He does not want us to concentrate on this realm, which will lead us to mysticism. He wants us to concentrate on the revealed Word of God to guide us. It is the same for Christians (Eph. 6:12). We have no power, no right to bind or command evil spirits. We can only pray to God, who gives mercy, to deliver unbelievers from these satanic spirits. Evil spirits do not nullify human’s responsibility for their sins. The torment of evil spirits is often a punishment from God for human sins (cf. 1 Sam.16:14). God rules over evil spirits but allows them a certain degree of freedom to rebel, just as God allows humans a certain degree of freedom to rebel. Angels are assigned to protect God’s people from satanic spirits. Michael was assigned to protect Israel (cf. Acts 12:15).

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Bible does not reveal much about supernatural spirits and how they work. God has called us, through His personal words in the Bible, to pray to Him for deliverance and mercy. Our greatest weapon against satanic spirits is our righteous prayers (James 5:16) and our trust in the gospel of Christ (Eph. 6:10-20). Our prayers ought to be persistent (Luke 18:1-8) and with the knowledge that God loves us (Matt. 7:11) through Jesus.

经文：但以理书10

主题：为异象做好准备

 

令人悚然的异象（1-11）。但以理不断地求能明白神对以色列的计划，因此神向他启示另一个异象。这异象是关乎敌基督的。这异象如此可怕，叫但以理浑身无力，直到一位天使坚固他。天使并非神，乃是服侍神儿女的灵（来1:14）。他们不是人祷告或崇拜的对象（启22:8-9）。我们只能向神祷告，别无其他。向其他人事物祷告的举动，如马利亚或圣徒，并非是尊重，乃是敬拜。这就是偶像敬拜。

瞥见超自然景物（8-30）。天庭有超自然的灵在运作，只是人或许不晓得。一位授命向但以理传达信息的天使受到了邪灵的阻挠，直到大天使米迦勒前来帮助。神只让我们瞥见超自然的世界，因为祂不愿我们沉迷于这方面的事，造成神秘主义的思想。祂要我们专注的是祂所启示的道，以此作导引。基督徒亦是如此（弗6:12）。我们没有能力或权力捆绑或命令邪灵。我们只能向那位施怜悯的神祷告，求祂从邪灵手中搭救非信徒。然而，邪灵的存在并不代表人能推卸自己犯罪的负责。邪灵的煎熬常常是神因人的罪所降下的惩罚（参撒上16:14）。神治理邪灵，但也给予我们一定的空间造反。天使的职责是保护神的子民免受邪灵的攻击。米迦勒的职责则是保护以色列（参使12:15）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 圣经对超自然之灵和运作启示不多。神借着祂个人在圣经里的言语呼召我们要向祂求拯救和怜悯。我们防邪灵的最大武器是公义的祷告（雅5:16）与信靠基督的福音（弗6:10-20）。我们要常常祷告，不可灰心（路18:1-8），并晓得神借着耶稣对我们的爱（太7:11）。