27 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 52 耶利米书 52, The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted 复述耶路撒冷的沦陷

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 52

Theme                      : The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted

 

God’s Word Fulfilled (1-30).

This chapter briefly recounts the fall of Jerusalem and the reason for its fall. In this chapter, God vindicates His true prophet: Jeremiah. The false prophets and evil priests incited people to disbelieve God and to disobey Him. In the end, they suffered for their disbelief and rebellion. God ultimately brought about His righteous justice, which He had warned the Jews repeatedly through Jeremiah.

God’s Faithfulness Remembered (31-34).

However, in the midst of God’s righteous judgement, He had not forgotten His promise to the Messianic line of David. Miraculously, God preserved the line. He even caused the Babylonian king to treat Jehoiachin well. The destruction of Jerusalem is not the end of the story, nor is it the end of God’s faithfulness to His promises.

 

Praying the Scripture

All of God’s words are true. The whole Bible testifies to God’s truthfulness. Those who do not believe in God’s word will inevitably suffer. May you continue to have faith in God’s word: both His warnings and promises. Humans tend to disbelieve God and do things their own ways. Such independent attitude will inevitably cause us to deviate from God’s intended design and brokenness will inevitably follow. Pray that you will have faith in God’s word and take the gospel to this broken world.

经文：耶利米书52

主题：复述耶路撒冷的沦陷

 

神的话应验了（1-30）。

本章简要地叙述了耶路撒冷的沦陷与其中的原因。在这篇章中，神为祂的真先知耶利米辩护。假先知与邪恶的祭司煽动百姓不相信与不顺服神。最终，他们因自己的不信与叛逆受苦。神最终施行了祂公义的审判，也就是祂曾藉耶利米多方警告犹太人的。

神的信实被记念（31-34）。

然而，当神施行公义的审判时，祂并没忘记自己曾对大卫家弥赛亚一族的应许。神奇迹般地保留了这家族，甚至使巴比伦王善待约雅斤。耶路撒冷的毁灭并非故事的结局，也不终断神对祂的履行应许之承诺。

 

用经文祷告

神的一切话都是真实的。整本圣经印证了祂的真实性。凡不信神言语的必然受苦。愿你继续信靠神的话，无论是警戒或应许。世人多不愿相信神，喜欢我行我素。如此独断的态度必使我们偏离神原本的计划，叫破碎与哀痛随之而至。祷告你会对神的话有信心，并将福音带入这破碎的世代中。


26 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 51 耶利米书 51, Destruction of Babylon 巴比伦的毁灭

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 51

Theme                      : Destruction of Babylon

 

Destruction of Babylon.

Many of the details in this prophecy about the destruction of Babylon do not match the conquest of Babylon by the Persian-Medo empire in 539 B.C. So this prophecy is referring most likely to end times destruction of Babylon. Any relation with the Babylon of Revelation 17 and 18 is difficult to establish. The conquest of Babylon by the Persian-Medo empire in 539 B.C. is just a foreshadow of a greater destruction of Babylon in the end times. The prophecy in chapter 51 repeatedly states that the destruction of Babylon will be by a country north of Babylon. The Persian-Medo empire was mostly east of Babylon, not north.

 

Praying the Scripture

The restoration of Israel and the destruction of God’s enemies are all hinged on the Messiah who will restore Israel spiritually and destroy the world’s evil, anti-God system. Although there are numerous judgments on sin and evil in this section, the outcome of such judgment is the restoration of the world through the Messiah. May you look forward to the righteous reign of Jesus when He comes to bring righteousness to the world. May you also warn evil doers of God’s justifying judgment on them if they do not repent and turn to God through Jesus.

经文：耶利米书51

主题：巴比伦的毁灭

 

巴比伦的毁灭。

这个预言论述了巴比伦的毁灭，但许多细节与波斯玛代帝国在公元前539年侵占巴比伦时并不吻合。因此，这个预言最有可能指的是末后时期巴比伦的毁灭。此事很难与启示录17与18章的事件有任何联系。波斯玛代帝国于公元前539年对巴比伦的侵占仅是巴比伦于末后时期将遭更大毁灭之预兆。第51章的预言重复说明巴比伦将由她以北的其中一国毁灭。波斯玛代帝国大部分的领土则是位于巴比伦以东，而非北部。

 

用经文祷告

以色列的复兴与神仇敌的毁灭实际上都取决于弥赛亚，因为祂将使以色列得属灵复兴，也要毁灭世界邪恶、敌神的体系。虽然本章对罪与邪恶下了诸多审判，但审判的最终目的是叫世界藉着弥赛亚得复兴。愿你会期待主耶稣为世界的公义再度降临世间的时候，即祂以公义治理世界的时候。对那既不肯悔改，又不愿藉着主耶稣转向神的恶人，唯愿你警戒他们神公义的审判。


25 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 50 耶利米书 50, Judgement on Babylon 论巴比伦的审判

Posted on May 2, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 50

Theme                      : Judgement on Babylon

 

Judgement on Babylon. Babylon is located in current day Iraq. This prophecy of judgement on Babylon is not about the defeat of Babylon by Persia. It is about God’s judgement of Babylon in the end times. There are many reasons to suggest this. One, v. 5 says Israel with never forget God again. This will only happen in the Messianic times. Two, v. 39 says Babylon will not be inhabited. This will only occur in the end times, which is similar to the prophecy in Is. 13:20 (ESV). This prophecy states no Arabs will dwell in Babylon after end times judgement. This is obviously not referring to Persia’s conquest of Babylon, which at the time did not even have many Arabs until the Islam caliphate conquered Iraq in the 7th  century AD. Three, Babylon was not violently overthrown by Persia, so this prophecy is about end times judgement on the current territory of Iraq.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgment it is important to understand that God must judge evil since one of His glorious characters is righteousness. To not judge sin and evil is to belittle His own glorious character and make Himself look cheap. God constantly warns people but when they do not listen, His patience will end one day and then judgment must come. This is righteous of God. You must agree with God’s judgment and at the same time take no pleasure in the death and suffering of the wicked. This is how God views His judgment on sinners, and that is how you should view it too.

经文：耶利米书50

主题：论巴比伦的审判

 

论巴比伦的审判。巴比伦位于现今的伊拉克。这段论巴比伦的审判预言并不在乎巴比伦被波斯攻克，而是关于神在末日对巴比伦的审判。有许多原因暗示了这一点。第一，第5节说以色列将绝不会再忘记神；这只会在弥赛亚国度时应验。第二，39节说巴比伦将无人居住；这也只会在末后的日子发生，与以赛亚书13:20的预言相似。这段预言讲述在末后的审判之后，没有阿拉伯人将居住于巴比伦。这显然不是指波斯对巴比伦的侵占；当代在此地的阿拉伯人不多，一直到伊斯兰教的哈里发于公元第7世纪侵占伊拉克，人数才逐渐增加。第三，波斯并没有使用暴力侵占巴比伦，因此这段预言是关于末后日子对现今伊拉克领域的审判。

 

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，我们必须明白神必须审判罪恶，因为祂荣耀的属性之一是公义；这一点很重要。若不对罪恶作出审判，神便是藐视了自己荣耀的属性，叫祂显得低贱。神持续地在警告百姓，但他们却不愿听从；神的忍耐终有一天要终止，然后审判必然降临。这是神的公义。你必须认同神的审判，但同时不以恶人的死亡与受苦为乐。这是神如何看待自己对罪人的审判，而你也应该如此。


23 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 49 耶利米书 49, Judgement on Other Nations 论列国的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 49

Theme                      : Judgement on Other Nations  

 

Judgement on Ammon (49:1-6).

The Ammonites were descended from Ben-Ammi, son of Lot (Gen 19:38). They conspired against Israel and trusted in their own strength and wealth, therefore God will judge her. However, God will also graciously restore them in the Messianic times just like Moab (v. 6).

Judgement on Edom (49:7-22).

The Edomites were descended from Esau, Jacob’s older brother. Edom’s sin was its pride manifested in its unrelenting and violent hatred of Israel and its rejoicing in her misfortunes (Obad 3, 10–14). There is no prophecy of future restoration for Edom.

Judgement on Damascus (49:23-27).

This is the kingdom of Syria. God also promises to destroy it through the Babylonians.

Judgement on Kedar and Hazor (49:28-33).

These cities were on the Arabian Desert. Even the desert will not provide safety for them from the coming Babylonian invasion. Kedar (v.28) was an Ishmaelite desert tribe (cf. Gen 25:13; Isa 21:13, 16; Ezek 27:21). These nomads, who were rich in livestock (vv.29, 32) and were good at archery (Isa 21:16–17).

Judgement on Elam (49:34-39). Elam was also not spared by the Babylonians. This kingdom is in modern day Iran. They were famous for their archery (Is 22:6). God promises restoration of Elam in the Messianic times.

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God’s judgement is never a revengeful judgement, it is always a justifying judgement based on righteousness. God is not a cosmic bully, but a cosmic righteous judge. His judgement is based on His glorious, righteous character (Ex. 34:6-7), it is never out of a natural disposition of hatred or revenge. Pray that when you execute justice it is never out of joy or revenge, but out of a sense of justice, also with a sense of pity. This may sound to be a strange combination of feelings, but if you have ever disciplined your children correctly, this is not strange at all.

经文：耶利米书49

主题：论列国的审判

 

论亚扪的审判（49:1-6）。

亚扪人为便亚米，罗得之子的后裔（创19:38）。他们密谋对抗以色列，并倚靠自己的力量与财富，因此招致神的审判。然而，如摩押一样，满有恩典的神将在弥赛亚国度使他们复兴（6节）。

论以东的审判（49:7-22）。

以东人为以扫，雅各之兄的后裔。以东之罪在于骄傲，即对以色列的无情与强烈憎恨，并庆幸以色列受患难得以显出（俄3节，10-14节）。至于以东，神并没有予以任何有关未来复兴的预言。

论大马色的审判（48:23-27）。

这是叙利亚的王国。神也应许通过巴比伦人将其毁灭。

论基达与夏锁的审判（49:28-33）。

这些城市位于阿拉伯沙漠。然而，即使是沙漠也无法在巴比伦入侵时将他们保全。基达（28节）是以实玛利的一个沙漠民族（参照创25:13；赛21:13, 16；结27:21）。这些游牧民族拥有很多的牲畜（29节，32节），也善于射箭（赛21:16-17）。

论以拦的审判（49:34-39）。以拦也不能幸免巴比伦人的侵略。这王国是现今的伊朗，闻名的技术是射箭（赛22:6）。神应许在弥赛亚国度复兴以拦。

 

用经文祷告

当读到神诸多的审判时，切记神的审判绝不是基于报复，而是基于公义的审判。神不是一位巨大的土霸，却是一位广大无边的公义裁判。神的审判是按祂荣耀的、公义的品性而定（出34:6-7），绝不基于憎恨或报复。祷告当你施行公平时，绝不出于喜乐或报复之心，而是出于正义和怜悯。这或许听起来是一个奇怪的情感组合，但你若曾经以正确的方式管教你的孩子，这是不足为奇的。


22 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 47-48 耶利米书 47-48, Judgement on Philistines and Moab 对非利士与摩押的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 47-48

Theme                      : Judgement on Philistines and Moab

 

Judgement on Philistines (47:1-7).

Philistines lived on the western coast of Israel. They were perennial enemies of Israel. One of its major cities is Gaza. Even though the people of Philistines no longer exist today, but the current inhabitants of Gaza is still a perennial enemies of Israel.

Judgement on Moab (48:1-47). Moabites are descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. They were often against Israel. The most consistent sin that God highlights about Moab is their pride. Of all the sins in the world, pride is listed as one of the most hated sins by God (Prov. 6:16-17). Pride is the root sin of Moabites. It was also the root sin of Satan. But even for Moab, God promises restoration in the Messianic times, in the latter days (v. 47).

 

Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God does not delight in punishing the wicked. He is a kind God who does not have a disposition of enjoying people being punished. Instead, He is a kind hearted God who desires all to repent (1 Tim. 2:4). This is why He wants Christians to pray for all unbelievers (1 Tim. 2:1-3), to preach the gospel to the whole world (Matt. 28:18-20), and to love all unbelievers (1 Pet. 2:12). His love for the lost and His feelings for them are genuine. But when they refuse to repent and turn away from evil after much patience by Him, then God must punish them out of justice, not out of a love for cruelty. The Bible often mentions God weeps while punishing the wicked (vv. 31-32, v. 36; Luke 19:41). As you interact with unbelievers and witness to them, pray that you will have the same heart of love and justice toward unbelievers.

经文：耶利米书47-48

主题：对非利士与摩押的审判

 

对非利士的审判（47:1-7）。

居住于以色列西海岸的非利士人，素来是以色列的敌人；迦萨则是其主要城市之一。即便非利士人如今不复存在，但现居迦萨的人民仍是与以色列为敌的。

对摩押的审判（48:1-47）。摩押人是亚伯拉罕之侄子罗得的后裔；他们常与以色列对抗。神强调摩押最显明的罪恶是她的骄傲自大。在众罪孽之中，骄傲被神列为可憎的罪恶之一（箴6:16-17）。骄傲是摩押人罪恶的根源，如同撒旦一样。即便如此，神应许她在弥赛亚的日子必得复兴（47节）。

 

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，切记神并不以惩罚恶人为乐。祂是良善的神，并不喜悦百姓受惩罚，而是愿意万人悔改（提前2:4）。这就是神要基督徒为所有非信徒祷告（提前2:1-3）、向全世界传福音（太28:18-20），并爱所有非信徒的原因（彼前2:12）。祂对失丧之人的爱与怜悯是真诚的。然而，经过神百般的忍耐，人仍拒绝悔改，不愿意远离罪恶，因此按神的公义，祂必须惩罚罪人。神怀的不是报复的心态。圣经常提及当神惩罚恶人时，祂是哭泣的（31-32节，36节；路19:41）。当你与非信徒交谈并向他们作见证时，祷告你会以同样的爱与公义之心对待他们。

 


21 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 46 耶利米书 46, Judgement on Egypt 论埃及的审判

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 46

Theme                      : Judgement on Egypt    

 

Judgement and Grace on Egypt (1-26)

From chapters 46 – 51, God lists His prophetic judgement on the surrounding nations of Israel, moving from west to the east. They are not in chronological order. God predicts Egypt would be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. This is exactly what happened in history. Nebuchadnezzar won a decisive victory over the Egyptians at Carchemish, but he cut short his conquest because he had to return to Babylon to be crowned king after the his father had died. But eventually Egypt was subdued by Nebuchadnezzar and was subjected to him by paying tributes. Amidst God’s judgement on Egypt, He promises grace in the future in v. 26 when He declares Egypt will be inhabited again. Is. 19:23 says, they will also worship God in the Messianic Kingdom.

Judgement and Grace on Israel (1-26)

God shows His impartiality in judgement when He also pronounces judgement on sinful Israel. Just as God judges sinful Egypt, He will also judge sinful Israel (Rom 3:9). But in the end, God will save Israel because of His covenant with Israel. All the deeds of God is righteous (Deut. 34:4).


Praying the Scripture

When reading so much about God’s judgement it is important to keep in mind that God’s judgement is impartial. He does not have a double standard for Israel. He gave justice to both Israel and the foreign nations. The only difference is that, God gives grace to Israel by not completely destroying her, but will restore her. This is because God has bounded Himself to Israel through His covenants with Israel. Otherwise, Israel would disappear like rest of sinful nations. Even though God gave grace to Israel as a nation, still individuals were punished according to their own deeds. Pray that you will be marked by impartiality like God, with no double standards of righteousness.

经文：耶利米书46

主题：论埃及的审判         

 

对埃及的审判与恩典（1-26）。

从46-51章，神论及祂对以色列周边多国将面临的审判，从西至东边。这些叙述并不按照时间顺序排列。神预言埃及将被尼布甲尼撒打败，正如以后历史所记载的。尼布甲尼撒在迦基米施击溃埃及，夺得了决定性的胜利，但因父王逝世得立即赶回巴比伦继位，从而暂停他对埃及的征服。然而，埃及最终还是被尼布甲尼撒击败，并要降服于他，交纳贡物。在神对埃及施行审判当中，祂在26节应许将来必向她予以恩典，宣告埃及必再有人居住。赛19:23也说，他们将在弥赛亚国度里一同敬拜神。

对以色列的审判与恩典（1-26）。神同样对犯罪的以色列施行审判；这显明了神的审判是公正无私的。就如神审判犯罪的埃及一样，祂必不姑息以色列的罪恶（罗3:9）。然而最终，因为神与以色列的盟约，祂必拯救以色列（申34:4）。凡神所作的尽都是公义。

用经文祷告

当我们读到神诸多的审判时，切记神的审判是公正的。祂并不以双重标准对待以色列，乃以公义衡量以色列与外邦列国，唯一的差别是，祂施恩予以色列，没完全毁灭她，但要使她复兴。这是鉴于神与以色列的约定；神从而与以色列连结。否则，以色列就会像其余的罪恶列国那样消失。即便神施恩予以色列国，个人仍然要按其作为受审判。祷告你会效法神，让公正为念，对公义绝不存双重标准。


20 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 45 耶利米书 45, Message to Baruch 给巴录的信息

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 45

Theme                      : Message to Baruch

 

Baruch came from an influential family of nobility. He was the grandson of Mahseiah (cf. 32:12), governor of Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:8). His brother had been chief chamberlain in the court of Zedekiah (cf. 51:59). Baruch was seeking great things for himself. Perhaps, he was hoping to attain a high office or the gift of prophecy. But such expectations were not realized. Rather, he was to spend his life in a secondary role. This caused him to be depressed and in self-pity. God’s reply to Baruch’s complaint (v.3) was simple: do not expect to be more than you are (v.5). Why should Baruch be so concerned about his own greatness while the nation is suffering? Under such difficult times, Baruch should be satisfied that his life was spared. With this he must be content. God exhorted him to be more humble and more self-giving instead of self-serving.


Praying the Scripture

The Bible tells us that often times our depression or self-pity is the result of our pride and selfishness. We think we are entitled to some great things, when in reality, we are not entitled to anything. Greatness is God’s gift and grace. God wants us to seek the character of humility and self-giving like our Lord Jesus (Phil. 2:5-9). God does not want us to seek power, authority or fame. Even Jesus in his humanity did not pursue the authoritative office of the high priesthood, it was given to Him (Heb. 5:5). If you pursue power, authority, or fame, you displease God by becoming like those nonbelievers at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:4). You are setting yourself to be humbled by God (Matt. 23:12). Pray that you will humble yourself by not pursuing power, authority or fame; instead pursue humility and service to others.

经文：耶利米书45

主题：给巴录的信息

 

巴录来自有影响力的贵族家庭。他是约西亚在位期间的邑宰（参照代下34:8），是玛西雅的孙子（参照32:12）。他的兄弟是西底家王宫的主要管家（参照51:59）。巴录为自己图谋大事，可能希望得到高官职位或是先知的恩赐。然而，这期望并没有实现；他一生只能扮演次要的角色。这令他感到消沉，并让他陷入自怜中。神对巴录之抱怨（3节）的回应很简单：不要期望自己该得的更多（5节）。当国家陷入危难时，巴录为何还如此关心自己的成就呢？在如此艰难的时期，巴录当为自己幸免死亡而感到满足了。神劝诫他要更谦卑，自我奉献，而非只顾念自己。

 

用经文祷告

圣经告诉我们自己所感受到的消沉与自怜多数是源于自身的骄傲与私欲。我们认为自己配得拥有伟大的成就，但实际上，我们是不配得拥有任何事物的。卓越的才能是神的恩赐与恩典。神要我们效法主耶稣，追求谦卑与自我奉献的品性（腓2:5-9），而非权力、权柄或是名声。即便主耶稣成为人的样式后，祂仍不自取荣耀作大祭司（希5:5）；这个职分是赐予祂的。你如果所追求的是权力、权柄或名声，便如同古时建巴别塔的非信徒一样（创11:4），是不蒙神喜悦的。你是在等待神来使你谦卑（太23:12）。祷告你会以追求谦卑与事奉他人为首，而不是追求权利、权柄或名声。


19 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 44 耶利米书 44, The Idolatry of the Remnant 余民拜祭偶像

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 44

Theme                      : The Idolatry of the Remnant

 

Warning against Idolatry (1-14)

God appeals to the remnant to learn from history. All the disasters that had happened to Israel were because of their idolatry. Now if the remnant continue in idolatry, they will be destroyed by God too.

Persistence in Idolatry (15-30).

However, the remnant continue to persist in idolatry. This passage shows how blind unbelief can be. Unbelief can be insanely foolish and devoid of reality. Instead of repenting, they believe their disasters occurred because they had stopped worshipping idols (most likely during the time of Josiah). They thought that when they worshipped idols they had abundance and peace. Nothing could be further from the truth. Their form of idol worship was predominantly performed by women. Their husbands, like Adam, passively went along with it.


Praying the Scripture

The tragedy of the Fall in the garden of Eden is being replayed in this chapter. Like Eve, the women of Israel are being deceived by the devil to worship idols. Like Adam, the husbands of Israel did not stop their wives’ sinful worship but passively followed their wives into sin instead of correcting them. Sin skews reality, but faith in God keeps us firmly in reality and truth. Pray that you will stay firm in your faith in God and help others to stay firm in their faith. Especially those who are married, may you help your spouse to stay firm in faith.

经文：耶利米书44

主题：余民拜祭偶像

 

对拜祭偶像的警告（1-14）。

神呼吁余民以历史为鉴。以色列所经历的灾祸皆因他们敬拜偶像而起。如今，余民若继续重蹈覆徹，他们也将会被神完全剪除。

始終执迷不悟（15-30）。

然而，余民继续坚持拜偶像。这段信息显示不信者是何等盲目，他们极其愚昧而脱离现实。百姓不但不悔改，反倒相信灾祸的缘由是他们停止拜偶像（极可能为约西亚时期）。他们认为拜偶像就能获得富足与平安，但事实与此截然相反。他们的偶像敬拜主要是由妇女带动，而她们的丈夫，就像当年的亚当一样，被动地配合了妻子。
 

用经文祷告

在这一章里，伊甸园之堕落的悲剧再次重演。以色列的妇女像夏娃一样被魔鬼蒙骗而拜偶像，而以色列的丈夫就像亚当，既不阻止，也不纠正妻子罪恶的敬拜，还被动地跟从她们陷入罪中。罪使人偏离现实，但神的信心让我们扎根在现实与真理中。祷告你对神的信心是坚定不移的，并帮助他人建立同样的信心。特别是已婚人士，愿你能帮助自己的配偶坚定对神的信靠。


18 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 43 耶利米书 43, Flight to Egypt 逃往埃及

Posted on Apr 18, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 43

Theme                      : Flight to Egypt

 

Flight to Egypt (1-7).

After God forbids the remnant to go to Egypt, Johanan and other leaders immediately reject God’s command. They try to save face by diverting attention away from their previous vow to obey God’s words by focusing on Baruch’s deception. Jeremiah is an old man now and it is plausible that he can be manipulated by his secretary, Baruch. The rest of the remnant decides to listen to Johana instead of God. So they head for Egypt and force Jeremiah and Baruch to go too.

Judgement on the Remnant (8-13). The remnant wants to avoid death and war, but because they disobey God’s command, God promises to bring war and death to them. God promises to bring Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Egypt and destroy Egypt’s idols. History confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt in 586 B.C.

 

Praying the Scripture

History always repeats itself because human nature does not change. The remnant did not learn from past mistakes. They keep relying on themselves in order to save themselves and to find safety and comfort. In so doing, they disobey God’s clear commands and ironically receives death and destruction, the very things they try to avoid. If only they would obey God, they would find safety and comfort. Pray that in all situations, you would trust and obey God even when you are afraid or do not understand your situation. God’s path is always the right path.

经文：耶利米书43

主题：逃往埃及

 

逃往埃及（1-7）。

在神禁止犹大余民往埃及后，约哈难与众首领断然拒绝神的命令。为了挽回面子，他们将主谋之罪推在巴录身上，以转移人对他们先前曾立下顺服神之誓约的关注。耶利米如今已年长，所以是有可能受巴录摆布的。余民决定听从约哈难而非神，因此他们前往埃及，并强迫耶利米与巴录同行。

对余民之审判（8-13）。犹大余民想要逃离死亡与争战，但由于他们不顺服神的命令，他们必受到神的刑罚：死亡与争战。神预言祂会用尼布甲尼撒攻击埃及，并拆毀埃及的廟宇和神像。历史证实此预言已应验；尼布甲尼撒确于公元前586年侵略埃及。

 

用经文祷告

因人类本性不变，历史总是反复重演。余民并没有从过去的错误中学习，他们继续依赖自己，试图自救，想自己寻得平安与慰籍。他们极力要逃避死亡和毁灭，甚至不惜悖逆神的命令，但最终所面对的就是死亡和毁灭。如果他们愿意顺服神，他们就能得到平安与慰籍了。祷告无论在任何处境，即便是感到惧怕或不理解当下的情况，你仍会信靠与顺服神。神的道路永远是正确的。

16 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 42 耶利米书 42, Warning against Going to Egypt 警告勿往埃及

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 42

Theme                      : Warning against Going to Egypt

 

The remnant is afraid of the Babylonians, but is also afraid of going to Egypt. So they ask Jeremiah to inquire God for them. In reality, they did not want to seek God’s guidance; they only wanted to ask God to affirm their choice of going to Egypt. God warns them not to go to Egypt because the temptation to worship idols will be even greater in Egypt. It was idol worship that caused God to judge Judah. God had spared the remnant from death and exile, but if they go down to Egypt they will worship idols in Egypt. For such sin, God will destroy them. If they go to Egypt, the very things that they are afraid of: death and war, will happen to them. The remnant insanely rejects God’s warning and stubbornly disobey God


Praying the Scripture

The sinful, fleshly nature possesses insanity (Eccl. 9:3). This sinful nature bounds the will so that the will of unregenerate people are enslaved to sin. They will distrust God no matter how much God tries to reach out to them. Only by God’s grace can unregenerate people’s hearts be changed and trust God as lord and savior. Praise God for saving you. If He did not show grace to you, you would be like these Jews who will always insanely reject God.

经文：耶利米书42

主题：警告勿往埃及

 

犹大余民既惧怕巴比伦人，又对前往埃及感到不安，因此求耶利米代他们寻问神自己当如何行。实际上，他们并不想寻求神的带领；他们只想求神在他们所作出的决定上印上盖章。由于敬拜偶像的试探会更重，神警戒他们勿往埃及；犹大曾因敬拜偶像而招致神的审判。神已使这群余民幸免死亡与掳掠，但倘若他们下到埃及，他们将会在那里敬拜偶像，由此招致神的刑罚。倘若他们下到埃及，他们将会面临自己当时所不愿面对的一切：死亡与争战。犹大余民像疯子似的极力拒绝神的警告，更顽梗地违抗祂。

 

用经文祷告

世人的心充满了恶，活着的时候心存狂妄（传9:3）。罪性辖制着人的意志，尚未重生者是罪的奴役，故此不能信靠神。唯有藉着神的恩典，未重生之人的心才得改变，相信神是救主。赞美神拯救你，若不是祂向你施恩典，你也可能像这些犹太人一样顽梗地拒绝神。

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