15 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 41 耶利米书 41, The Atrocities of Ishmael 以实玛利的暴行

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 41

Theme                      : The Atrocities of Ishmael

 

Ishmael wanted to kill Gedaliah. Most likely he was jealous that Gedaliah was the ruler instead of him. In any case, Ishmael treacherously murders Gedaliah by pretending to be his friend. He killed both Jews and Babylonians. He is so treacherous that he even killed pilgrims who were going to Jerusalem to worship God at the ruined temple. He even populated the cisterns with dead bodies so that the people cannot have drinking water. Ishmael’s atrocities indicate the deep moral corruption of Judah. When Johanan discovered Ishmael’s atrocities, he pursues him and is able to rescue the captives, including Jeremiah and Baruch. Fearing the Babylonians would kill them for the murder of Gedaliah, Johanan and others intend to flee to Egypt.


Praying the Scripture

All the death, suffering and tragedy during the time of war function to give a picture of what hell is like. Ishmael’s behavior shows that evil will go from bad to worse. Evil people will deceive and be deceived (2 Tim. 3:13). He was being used by Baalis the king of the Ammonites. There is nothing good about living in sin. At the end, only destruction and death will result. Praise God for saving us from the deception and destruction of sin through our faith in Jesus.

经文：耶利米书41

主题：以实玛利的暴行

 

以实玛利想谋害基大利，极可能因自己未获委派作省长而嫉妒他。无论如何，以实玛利使用了奸诈的手段，先假装以基大利为友然后谋杀他。他杀害的人包括犹太人与巴比伦人。以实玛利性情如此凶残，甚至杀害一般正前往耶路撒冷圣殿敬拜的朝圣者，还将尸首弃于坑中，导致百姓没有饮用水可取。以实玛利的暴行反映的是犹大道德沦丧之深。当约哈难发现以实玛利的暴行后，他率众追赶，并成功地救回耶利米与巴录等被掳之人。因惧怕巴比伦人会因自己所立的基大利被杀而发怒，约哈难与其他人決定逃往埃及。

 

用经文祷告

战争带来的死亡、痛苦与灾难反映的是地狱的现实情景。以实玛利的行为显明邪恶“必越久越恶”。作恶的人“欺哄人，也被人欺哄”（提后3:13）；他实际上是被亚扪人的王巴利斯所利用。活在罪中并没有益处，最终招来的是有毁灭与死亡。感谢赞美神，藉着我们对主耶稣的信靠，把我们从罪的诡计与毁灭中拯救出来。

14 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 40 耶利米书 40, Jeremiah Remains in Judah 耶利米留在犹大

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 40

Theme                      : Jeremiah Remains in Judah

 

Jeremiah Stays in Judah (1-8)

Somehow during the confusion of processing the exiles, Jeremiah was brought to Ramah with the rest of the captives to be processed before being exiled to Babylon. He was freed after he was recognized by Nebuzaradan. Because of Jeremiah’s love for his people he decided to stay in Judah and to wait for God’s blessings on Judah.

Gedeliah Reigns in Judah (9-16).

Gedeliah was appointed to be the governor over those who remained in Judah. He is the son of Ahikam, who protected Jeremiah (26:24). He was a trustworthy man and capable but did not understand the depth of man’s depravity. His naivety caused him his life in the end because he did not believe that Ishmael, who is from the line of David through Elishama (41:1; 2 Sam 5:16), would kill him. He was right not to listen to Johanan’s plot to kill Ishmael, but he should have taken precautious measures to protect himself from Ishmael.


Praying the Scripture

  1. This chapter proves Jeremiah’s love for his people. All the accusations about Jeremiah’s hatred toward his people were wrong. Jeremiah is a true prophet and servant of God who loves his people to the end. Pray that you will have a heart like Jeremiah, a true servant of God, who does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Eze. 18:23), yet at the same time agrees with God’s righteous judgment. Pray that you will love others like Jeremiah, with righteousness (1 Cor. 13:6). The Christian life is about love and righteousness.
  1. It is in horrific times that one can see the extremity of evil and the extremity of faith. Jeremiah’s incredible, divine-inspired, selfless love caused him to stay in Judah for the benefit of his people, while Ishmael’s lust caused him to kill his own people for his own selfish ambitions. Ishmael is of the devil, while Jeremiah is of God. There is no middle ground. Evil will go from bad to worse (2 Tim 3:13), while righteousness goes from good to great (Prov 4:18). Pray that you will choose God every single day and seek glory and honor.

经文：耶利米书40

主题：耶利米留在犹大

 

耶利米呆在犹大（1-8）。

不知何故，在甄別將被放逐之人的过程中，耶利米又被混与其余的百姓中，一同被带到拉玛，预备被解去巴比倫。然而，在被尼布撒拉旦认出以后，耶利米立即被释放。耶利米因出于对同胞的爱决定留在犹大，等候神施恩。

基大利统治犹大（9-16）。基大利被立作留在犹大之人的省长。他是曾保护耶利米的亚希甘之子（26:24）。基大利是一位可靠又有能力之人，却不明白人性败坏之深。由于他无知，不相信属大卫王的宗室以利沙玛家族的以实玛利竟然会杀他，因此丧失了自己的性命（41:1；撒下5:16）。基大利拒绝听从约哈难的建议杀害以实玛利是正确的，但他应该提防以实玛利，保存自己的安危。
用经文祷告

  1. 这一章显明了耶利米对其百姓的爱；所有关于耶利米对百姓的憎恨之指控尽是错误的。耶利米是一位真先知，是关爱百姓、对神忠贞不渝的仆人。祷告你会拥有一颗像耶利米一样的心，是神真正的仆人，并不为恶人之死而喜悦（结18:23），但同时顺服神公义的审判。祷告你会像耶利米一样以公义（林前13:6）关爱他人。基督徒的生命是应当充满爱与公义的。
  1. 在一个混乱的世代里，人能目睹极其邪恶与坚贞信神的鲜明对比。耶利米无与伦比，由神而来的无私大爱驱使他为了其百姓的好处留在犹大，而以实玛利却因自己的私欲杀害同胞。以实玛利是属魔鬼的，而耶利米是属神的——两者之间没有灰色地带。恶人“必越久越恶”（提后3:13），而义人的路“好像黎明的光，越照约明”（箴言4:18）。祷告你立志每一天都寻求荣耀神，给予祂尊荣。

13 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 39 耶利米书 39, Fall of Jerusalem 耶路撒冷的失陷

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 39

Theme                      : Fall of Jerusalem

 

The Faithless Die (1-10)

God had lovingly and patiently warned His rebellious people to surrender and live. But they continued to disobey. When judgement day came, the faithless received what they deserved. Those who opposed Jeremiah and the Babylonians were killed. Tragically, Zedekiah saw all his sons slaughtered and his own eyes blinded, then he was taken to captivity in Babylon until he died. This was a common treatment of rebels by the Babylonians. It also fulfilled God’s two prophecies about Zedekiah: (1) Zedekiah would see the king of Babylon and be taken there (cf. 32:3–4), and (2) he would die in Babylon without ever seeing it (cf. Ezek 12:13).

The Faithful Survive (11-18).

Those who courageously trust God even in the face of danger, are not put to shame but are delivered by God as He had promised to them. God saves Jeremiah and the foreign eunuch just as He promised.

 

Praying the Scripture

God’s word is true. He delivers the faithful and destroys the faithless. Pray that even in great time of trials, you will be faithful to God, for His promises of blessings and warnings are true. God is not partial, He will honor those who honor Him, even if they are foreigners and disadvantaged like the eunuch. God is the God of the world, whoever believes in Him will never perish or be ashamed, no matter what their gender, social or economical status is.

经文：耶利米书39

主题：耶路撒冷的失陷

 

不信者必灭亡（1-10）。

满有慈爱的神曾耐心地劝戒祂忤逆的百姓要投降以得存活，但他们顽梗抗拒。因此，当审判之日降临时，不信之人也受到他们所应得的。凡与耶利米及巴比伦对抗的尽被杀戮。可悲的是，西底家得目睹自己的众子被杀，之后眼睛被剜掉，再被带到巴比伦囚禁直到离世。这是巴比伦人对反抗者常用的处置方式。这一切也应验了神对西底家的两个预言：第一，西底家会见到巴比伦王，且被掳到那里（参考32:3-4）；其二，他会死在巴比伦，却看不见那地（参考结12:13）。

信神者必存活（11-18）

那面对危难却勇敢信靠神的人必不至羞愧，因为神搭救了他们，正如祂所应许的。神按着祂的应许拯救了耶利米与那位外邦太监。
 

用经文祷告

神的话是属实的。祂必然搭救信靠祂的人；不信者则要灭亡。祷告你在面对甚大的试炼时仍会对神忠心，因为祂所应许的祝福与警戒是确实的。神不偏待人；祂会使荣耀祂的人得荣耀，不论他们是外邦人与否，或如同太监一样处于劣势的人。神是宇宙万物的主，凡相信祂的，无论性别、社会或经济阶层是什么，都绝不会灭亡或蒙羞愧。

12 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 38 耶利米书 38, God Rescues Jeremiah 神拯救耶利米

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 38

Theme                      : God Rescues Jeremiah

 

God Rescues Jeremiah (1-13)

During the siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah warns the people to surrender in order to live. Consequently, those officials who are pro-Egyptian and anti-Babylonians want to kill Jeremiah for treason. Ironically, they accuse Jeremiah of not looking out for the welfare of the people when in reality the opposite is true. They do not care about the people by trying to silence the truth, while Jeremiah obeys God and warns them. For this, Jeremiah is put in a cistern and left there to die by Zedekiah’s officials. Zedekiah is too weak morally and spiritually to intervene. He fears men more than God (Prov. 29:25) and lacks trust in God. The only person who cares about Jeremiah is a foreign eunuch. For his faith in God and care for Jeremiah, God saves the eunuch’s life after the siege (39:18). God is faithful to fulfill His promise to protect Jeremiah’s life.

God Warns Zedekiah (14-28).

The faithless and morally weak Zedekiah once again wishes to hear from Jeremiah because he was hoping God would change His mind without their obedience. God repeats the same message of mercy for those who surrender, but death for those who resist the Babylonians. Again, Zedekiah is faithless to trust in God, too afraid of his officials and too weak morally to do what is right for his people. God lovingly warns the Jews, but He is also faithful to fulfill his promise to destroy those who do not surrender. At the end, Jeremiah, a man of faith, is rescued, but faithless Zedekiah is destroyed.


Praying the Scripture

Those who try to preserve themselves while disobeying God will surely forfeit their lives and God’s blessings. But those who are willing to lose their lives in order to obey God will surely gain eternal life, even if they lose their temporal, physical life (Matt 16:25). This is the lesson of this chapter. May you trust in God’s warnings and blessings in the Bible. Sin and disobedience will never result in permanent happiness and safety, but will result in destruction and pain. Whatever comfort, peace and joy that sin may bring are only short-lived. Pray that you will believe in God’s word. If God’s warnings and blessings to His enemies are true, His warnings and blessings to His beloved are even surer.

经文：耶利米书38

主题：神拯救耶利米

 

神拯救耶利米（1-13）。在耶路撒冷被包围的期间，耶利米劝百姓降于巴比伦以得存活。结果，那些亲埃及、反巴比伦的首领起意要以叛国之罪谋害耶利米。他们控告耶利米没有寻求百姓的利益，但事实却是相反的。他们实际上并不关心百姓，因为他们试图掩盖真相；耶利米却是顺服神，尝试向百姓予以警戒。为此，首領将耶利米扔在地牢里，想置他于死地。由于西底家不敬畏神，个性又懦弱，所以不敢干涉。他惧怕人过于敬畏神（箴29:25），同时又不愿信靠神。唯一关心耶利米的人则是一个外邦太监。因着他对神的信靠与对耶利米的关心，当耶路撒冷沦陷后，神拯救了他的性命（39:18）。神是信实的——祂成就了自己必拯救耶利米的应许。神警告西底家（14-28）。那既不信神又昏庸无能的西底家再次希望聆听神藉着耶利米所传的信息，因为他希望神能在百姓不愿顺服的情况下改变祂的心意。神重申了同样的信息：那投降于巴比伦的将得怜悯，反抗者则要灭亡。西底家再次因着对神的不信、对首领的惧怕，以及个人的软弱，仍旧无法为他的百姓做出正确的选择。满有慈爱的神给犹太人警戒，但也必然履行自己的承诺，毁灭悖逆顽固的百姓。最终，坚信神的耶利米被拯救，而不信神的西底家则遭灭亡。

用经文祷告

那试图保存自己性命却不顺服神的人必然丧失自己的生命，也失去神的祝福。然而那些不惜牺牲自己的生命以便顺服神的人将要得着永恒的生命，纵然他们会失去短暂的、属肉体的生命（太16:25）。这是本章的教训。但愿你相信圣经所记载有关神一切的警告与祝福。罪恶与悖逆决不能带来永恒的快乐与平安，却会招来毁灭与痛苦。罪所带来的安慰、平安和喜乐只是短暂的。祷告你会相信神的话。神对祂仇敌的警告与祝福必然成就，因此祂对所爱的人的警告与祝福便是更确定的。


11 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 37 耶利米书 37, Resolute Jeremiah and Weak Zedekiah 坚决的耶利米与软弱的西底家

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 37

Theme                      : Resolute Jeremiah and Weak Zedekiah

 

Chapters 37–39 are prophecies during the reign of Zedekiah. They deal with events and messages during the siege and capture of Jerusalem. After the exile of Coniah, Zedekiah begins to believe that Jeremiah is a true prophet and other prophets are liars. That is why he wants to hear from Jeremiah. But he still does not want to obey the Lord, he was just hoping God would change His mind without the people repenting. After the Babylonians temporarily lifted the siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah decides to return to his home town in order to settle some matters. But he is maliciously and wrongly charged with the intent to desert to the Babylonians. Jeremiah is beaten and locked up in a dungeon. Zedekiah is so afraid of his officials and others that he had to secretly meet with Jeremiah. He knows Jeremiah is a true prophet, but still he is too weak to do the right thing by obeying God. However, Jeremiah, because of his faith, was faithful to God and proclaim His words humbly and confidently. He humbly pleads with Zedekiah to not send him back to the dungeon. Zedekiah grants his request. Zedekiah is like Pilate, who knew the truth about Jesus but was too afraid to believe in Him. This led Pilate to eternal death.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Jeremiah is an example of how God faithfully preserves His servants even in times of trouble. God promised to save Jeremiah physically and He faithfully fulfilled His promise to Jeremiah. God will always fulfill His promise to His people. May you find comfort and peace in God no matter what your situation is, because God is faithful and He promises to give us grace when we trust Him.
  1. The fear of man is a snare (Prov 29:25). Such paralyzing fear of man in the face of death can be overcome by a greater fear: the fear of God (Matt 10:28). Such a fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). When you are weak in faith, remember the fear of the Lord and do not let the fear of man lead you to faithlessness and eternal death like Zedekiah.

经文：耶利米书37

主题：坚决的耶利米与软弱的西底家

 

第37-39章是关于西底家统治期间的预言，记述的是耶路撒冷被围攻与占领时的事件与相关信息。随着哥尼雅被放逐后，西底家开始相信耶利米是真先知，其余的则是骗子；这也是他为什么想聆听耶利米口中的信息。然而，他仍不愿意顺服神，只是希望神会在百姓不愿悔改的情况下改变原有的审判。就在巴比伦暂停对耶路撒冷的围攻时，耶利米为了处理一些事情决定回到自己的家乡。可是，他却被误解，因投降敵人之嫌而被拘禁。耶利米在牢房里被锁，也被打。由于西底家害怕自己手下的首领与臣仆，他必须私下与耶利米见面。西底家晓得耶利米是真先知，但他过于懦弱，不愿顺服神，行正确的事。然而，因着耶利米对神的信心，他始终对神忠心，并谦卑地、自信地宣告神的话。他恳求西底家不要让他回到地牢里，西底家也应允了。西底家与彼拉多一样；他们都明白有关耶稣的真相，却因胆怯而不信靠祂。由此，彼拉多面对永恒的死亡。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 即使在患难中，神必信实地保守祂的仆人，而耶利米就是一个实例。神应许拯救耶利米的性命，因此祂必成履行这份承诺。神也必然成就祂对百姓的诺言。无论你的境况如何，但愿你能在神里面找到安慰和平安，因为神是信实的。我们若信靠祂，祂必赐予恩典。
  1. 惧怕人的，陷入网罗（箴29:25）。人在面临死亡时总有巨大的恐慌，但我们若有敬畏神的心，便能胜过这样的恐惧了（太10:28）。敬畏神是智慧的开端（箴9:10）。当你信心软弱时，谨记要敬畏神，不要效法西底家，因惧怕人而不信神，终而陷入永恒的死亡里。

2 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 36 耶利米书 36, Jehoiakim Burns God’s Words 约雅敬烧毁神的话

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 36

Theme                      : Jehoiakim Burns God’s Words

 

Writing and Reading of God’s Words (1-19)

God told Jeremiah to write his Holy Spirit inspired prophecies into words through a secretary, Baruch. This is the same as the writing of Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired letters through a secretary (Rom. 16:22). The purpose for writing the prophecies was to spur the people to repentance. Written word indicates the seriousness of God’s warning. This warning affected some people (v. 16), but not on Jehoiakim.

Jehoiakim Burns God’s Words (20-32).

Instead of repenting in dust and ashes, Jehoiakim burns God’s words and tries to kill God’s messengers. For such serious sin God judges him and promises that none of his descendants will occupy the throne of David. This punishment was also mentioned in Jer. 22:28. See the BRG comments on chapter 22 to understand how Jesus can still fulfill God’s promise of being God’s forever king from the line of David and yet circumvent this curse on Jehoiakim.

 

Praying the Scripture

Destroying or twisting God’s written words are serious sins that have serious consequences. Revelation 22:18-19 also stipulates serious consequences for those who tamper with God’s word. Many prophets from the charismatic movement are tampering with God’s word by claiming direct revelation from God that often contradict the Bible, such people will receive severe punishment from God. Let us grow in discernment and stay away from such false prophets. Let us also warn other of such danger.

经文：耶利米书36

主题：约雅敬烧毁神的话

 

书写与阅读神的话（1-19）。

神告知耶利米要藉着文士巴录将圣灵向他默示的预言写成文字。这与保罗通过一名文士书写圣灵所默示的书信是相同的（罗16:22）。记载预言的目的是为了激起人们悔改之心。话语的记载显示神之警戒的严重性。这个警戒影响一部分人（16节），却不是约雅敬。

约雅敬烧毁神的话（20-32）。

约雅敬烧了神的话并试图杀害神的使者，却不在尘土与灰烬中悔改。因着他极大的罪恶，神审判了他，并应许其后裔将无一人能坐上大卫的宝座。这惩罚在耶利米书22:28中有所记载——请查阅《每日读经计划》第22章的注解，以便理解耶稣如何仍算为大卫的支派，却绕过了降在约雅敬身上的诅咒而成为神永恒的王，以此实现了神的应许。

 

用经文祷告

毁灭或扭曲神的话是严重的罪；其后果是很严重的。启示录22:18-19对于那些篡改神话语的人列下了严重的后果。灵恩派的许多“先知”通过宣称拥有从神而来的直接启示篡改了神的话。然而，这些话常常抵触圣经，而这些人将受到神严厉的惩罚。让我们在话语中成长，愈加有分辨是非的能力。让我们远离这些假先知，并警告他人避开这样的危险。


1 Apr 2016, Jeremiah 35 耶利米书 35, Faithfulness of Rechabites 利甲族人的信实

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 35

Theme                      : Faithfulness of Rechabites

 

Faithfulness of Rechabites (1-11)

In contrast to the unfaithfulness of the slave owners and leaders, God points to the faithfulness of the Rechabites. Their forefather, Jonadab son of Rechab, commanded his descendants to live a nomadic life and not to drink wine in order to honor God. Jonadab lived during the apostate time of the northern kingdom, Israel (2 Kgs. 10:15-23). His descendants willingly obeyed Jonadab’s command. By their own choice, they were convicted to live a nomadic life and stuck to their conviction like their father Jonadab.

Unfaithfulness of Judah (12-19).

Unlike the faithful Rechabites, the Jews in Jerusalem were faithless. They covenanted themselves to free their slaves but then they rescinded their promise later. For their treachery, they deserve to die. However, as for the Rechabites, their family line will exist forever.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

This chapter is not about God desiring believers to live a nomadic life. It is about God’s desire for us to be faithful by fulfilling our commitment. This principle is again upheld in Romans 14:5-9, 22-23. In the area of Christian freedom, that is, in areas that are not prohibited by God, one can covenant with God to perform something in order to honor God. For example, Paul covenanted with God in Acts 18:18 to cut his hair because he made a vow with God for some unstated reason. His vow was a way to honor God. God is not approving Paul’s hair cut, nor does He desire every believer to cut his hair. However, He is pleased by Paul’s vow to honor Him. Christians can still make such vows to God, but make sure you fulfill it because it is a serious sin to not fulfill your vow to God. Making vows to God is a serious thing, do not foolishly and hastily make vows to God or you will end up feeling the pain of Jephthah (Judg. 11:29-40). Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions were not vows to God, but to himself and he depended on God’s grace to fulfill his resolutions in order to honor God. This is the type of vow that Christians make most of the time. It is the Christian equivalent of freewill offering in the OT (Lev. 7:16). Pray that you will make such vows in order to honor God and depend on His grace to fulfill them. Such vows are done out of thanksgiving and dedication to God. This is pleasing to God.

经文：耶利米书35

主题：利甲族人的信实

 

利甲族人的信实（1-11）。

与那不信实的奴隶主人和领袖相比，神表扬了利甲族人的信实。他们的先祖利甲的儿子约拿达曾吩咐其后裔要过游牧生活，并且要敬畏神，不能喝酒。约拿达是在北国以色列不信神的时期生活的（王下10:15-23）。他的后裔乐意顺服约拿达的吩咐。因其自身的选择，他们甘愿过游牧的生活并坚持其父亲约拿达的信念。

犹大的不信实（12-19）。

在耶路撒冷的犹太人却不忠不信，不像信实的利甲族人那样。他们立定盟约要释放其奴隶，之后却反悔。因他们背信弃义，他们罪有应得。相反的，利甲族人将永远长存。

 

用经文祷告

这个篇章的主要内容并非神渴望信徒过游牧生活；神渴望的是我们忠心履行个人的承诺。罗马书14:5-9, 22-23支持同样的原则。至于基督徒的自由，只要不是神禁止的事，人可以与神立约行事荣耀祂。例如在使徒行传18:18中，保罗为了某些缘故与神立约许愿后，剪了头发还愿。他的愿是敬畏神的一种方式。神不是在赞赏保罗剪头发，也不渴望每个信徒都剪头发。然而，神喜悦保罗因着敬畏祂而做的事。基督徒仍可以向神许愿，但也要确保你还愿，因为不向神还愿可是严重的罪。向神许愿是严肃的事，不要愚昧地或冒然地向神许愿，否则你将尝到如耶弗所受的痛苦（士11:29-40）。爱德华兹（Jonathan Edward）

的决志并不是向神所许的愿，乃是对自己的承诺，并依靠神的恩典实践心志荣耀神。这是基督徒多数会许的愿。这同等于旧约的甘心献祭（利7:16）。祷告你会为了荣耀神许下这类承诺，并恳求神施恩，使你能履行所立的愿。

完成此愿是出于对神的感恩与奉献。这是蒙神喜悦的。

31 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 34 耶利米书 34, Unfaithful to Slaves 与奴隶背约

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 34

Theme                      : Unfaithful to Slaves

 

Mistreatment of Slaves (1-16)

Chapters 34–38 are largely occupied with Jeremiah’s experiences during the siege of Jerusalem. They are not in strict chronological order. This chapter reveals the depth of the sins of Jews and God’s mercy to warn them to surrender to the Babylonians. During the siege by Babylonians, they set free their slaves, but when the Babylonians temporarily withdrew from the city (vv. 21-22) they rescinded their promise. This was a very treacherous sin. First of all, they were not supposed to keep Hebrew slaves for more than six years. Second, they violated their own covenant to free the slaves. This is an treacherous sin and reflects badly on God’s character, whom they worshipped. God rules righteousness so they ought to be righteous. Their piety was not true piety, but only panic piety.

Punishment for Unfaithfulness (17-22).

Because of their treachery, God will bring back the Babylonians to siege Jerusalem and kill everyone who violated the covenant to set free the slaves. Since they denied freedom to the captive, God will give them freedom to die by the sword, famine and pestilence. This is exactly what they deserve because when they ratify the covenant, they passed through split calves, which symbolizes that they will die like the split calves if they do not fulfill their covenant.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is so plain that we are all sinners and need salvation through Jesus. We were all like these unfaithful Jews who broke even our own standard of morality (Tit. 3:3). Even without the Bible, pagans can understand their sins through their conscience (Rom. 2:12). Thank God for saving us. Out of thankfulness we need to agree with God that unfaithfulness is dishonorable and ugly. It needs to be rejected. Pray that out of thankfulness for God’s salvation you will be faithful to fulfill your commitment to God and to others, especially to His people. Unfaithfulness tarnishes God’s faithful reputation.

经文：耶利米书34

主题：与奴隶背约

 

虐待仆人（1-16）。

第34-38章的内容大部分与耶利米在耶路撒冷被围困的经历有关；其记载并非按照时间顺序排列。这一章揭示了犹太人罪恶之深重，以及神如何藉着告诫他们向巴比伦投降显出祂莫大的怜悯。在被巴比伦围困的期间，他们释放奴隶，但当巴比伦暂时从城中撤退时，他们就反悔了（21-22节）。这是极其奸诈的罪。首先，他们不应该让希伯来奴隶服侍超过六年。其次，他们违背了释放奴隶的约。这是欺骗的罪，从而亵渎了他们所敬拜的神。他们本当效仿神，按公义治理万物。他们的敬虔并是真诚的，只在紧急状况之下暂时表现敬虔罢了。

背约的惩罚（17-22）。

因为犹太人背信弃义，神必使巴比伦再次围困耶路撒冷，并灭尽所有违背此约之民。既然他们违约不释放奴隶，神就罚他们“自由”地死在刀剑、饥荒和瘟疫之下。他们罪有应得，因为他们曾立定盟约，从被劈开两半之牛犊中走过，藉此象征违约者的下场将如那被牺牲的牲畜一样。

用经文祷告

毋容置疑的是，我们都是罪人，并需要耶稣的救恩。我们都如这些不忠实的犹太人一样，连自己的道德规范也违背了（多3:3）。即便没有圣经，异教徒也能因着良知晓得自己的罪（罗2:12）。感谢神拯救我们；为此，我们当以感恩之心与神认同违约是既不光彩又丑陋的事，决不容此。以感谢神救恩的心祷告你必忠心地遵行所定的承诺，不论是对神或对人，尤其是属神的百姓。违约沾污了神信实的名声。


30 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 33 耶利米书 33, The Righteous Reign of the Davidic Ruler 大卫家君王的公义统治

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 33

Theme                      : The Righteous Reign of the Davidic Ruler

 

Certainty of Destruction (1-6)

Chapter 33 ends the theme of consolation in chapters 30-33. God again foretells the certainty of Israel’s defeat and exile. But that is not the end for Israel. Permanent restoration is God’s ultimate plan for Israel. If Jeremiah wants to know the details of God’s plan, he can ask and God will answer.

Certainty of Renewal (7-26).

Just as the fall of Israel is certain, the permanent restoration of Israel will certainly occur also. God is not referring to the restoration of Israel from Babylon, but the permanent restoration of Israel in the end times when Jesus comes back (vv. 15-16). This promise is so big and so unbelievable to the human mind, especially during the time of captivity, that God needs to repeat it often to reassure His people. When all the nations of the world see God’s blessing on Israel, they will tremble in amazement. Everything that God is doing is geared toward this ultimate restoration. The key to God’s restoration plan is the righteous Branch, the Messiah Jesus. He will reign righteously and fulfill God’s promises to bless every family on earth (Gen. 12:3). When Jesus comes back the second time, He will fulfill God’s covenants with David (2 Sam. 7) and with Phinehas (Num. 25:10-13).

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT saints constantly looked forward to the appearing of the Messiah (Luke 2:25). He is their ultimate hope in this fallen world. Their lives were revolved around the appearing of the Messiah. We have read about the Messiah’s first coming and now like the OT saints we long for the second coming of Jesus. His first coming amazingly fulfilled many OT prophecies, including the forgiveness of our sins through Him (Is. 53:5). Just as we are in awe of Jesus’ accomplishments during His first coming, let us wait in eagerness for His second coming. Let us be like the OT saints who revolved their lives around the appearing of the Messiah: our righteousness and glory.

经文：耶利米书33

主题：大卫家君王的公义统治

 

毁灭的肯定（1-6）。

第30-33章所含的主题，即安慰，终结于此。神再次预言以色列的击败与被逐。然而，以色列不会就此结束，因为神对以色列最终的计划是永久的复兴。如果耶利米希望知道神之计划的细节，他可以诉诸于神，而神必然回应。

复兴的肯定（7-26）。

正如以色列的沦陷是确定的，她的永久复兴也必要临到。神不是指以色列从巴比伦归回的复兴，而是在末后当主耶稣再来时的永久复兴（15-16节）。对人类而言，尤其被俘虏之时的百姓，这应许实在太大，难以置信。故此，神必须多次向祂的百姓阐述这事实以肯定祂的应许。当万国看到神对以色列的祝福时，他们将因惊奇而惧怕战兢。神所做的一切都是为这最终的复兴规划的。神的复兴计划之关键是那公义的苗裔，弥赛亚耶稣。祂将按公义统治世界，并应验神的应许，祝福地上的万族（创12:3）。当主耶稣再来时，祂会应验神与大卫（撒下7）和非尼哈（民25:10-13）所立的约。
 

用经文祷告

旧约圣徒不住地盼望弥赛亚的到来（路2:25）。在这堕落的世代里，祂是他们唯一的指望。他们的生命环绕着弥赛亚降临的盼望。我们已读过弥赛亚首次的到来，而如今我们也像旧约的圣徒一样，盼望着主耶稣的再来。祂的首次到来奇妙地应验了旧约的许多预言，包括我们的罪是如何藉着祂得赦免（赛53:5）。让我们迫切等待主耶稣的再来，就像我们在祂首次到来时对祂所成就的一切深感敬畏一样。让我们像旧约圣徒一样生活，把生命的中心围绕着弥赛亚的再来；祂是我们的公义与荣耀。

 


29 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 32 耶利米书 32, Manifestation of Faith 信心的表现

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 32

Theme                      : Manifestation of Faith

 

Buying Property during Siege (1-15)

While Babylon was laying siege on Jerusalem, Jeremiah’s cousin took the opportunity to sell his property to Jeremiah while the Babylonians had temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem (37:5). According to Mosaic Law it is the duty of the owner to offer the property to kinsmen first (Leviticus 25:23–28). God commands Jeremiah to buy the property.

Jeremiah’s Perplexity (16-25).

Jeremiah is perplexity by God’s command to buy the property since the Babylonians will confiscate everything from the Jews. Jeremiah prays to God and his prayer is grounded in solid theology. It is fine to ask God for illumination, but it must be done within the boundary of truth. Jeremiah knows God is the creator of the university and there is nothing too hard for Him to accomplish. He also acknowledges God’s boundless grace and also His righteous judgement on evil. He knows God will continue to do amazing things in the future just like what He did during the first exodus. But still, he does not understand why God commanded him to buy a property during a siege.

God’s Answer (26-44).

God affirms those truths that Jeremiah acknowledges about Him. He wants Jeremiah to live out his faith in God’s promise to return the Jews from the Babylonian captivity and to permanently restore Israel in the end times. Jeremiah will take part in the permanent restoration of Israel when God resurrects him during the Messianic Kingdom. Also, the descendants of the Babylonian captivity will return and again settle in Israel. Jeremiah’s act of faith is to demonstrate his faith is real. His faith works and lives according to his faith.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is easy to say you believe in such and such facts about God and His promises; but it is a much harder thing to actually live out God’s truth in a consistent way. If we truly believe that Christ’s return is eminent, then without a doubt, all our lives would change in some way. Pray that your life will be consistent with your beliefs, especially in line with God’s character and the imminent coming of His Messianic Kingdom.

经文：耶利米书32

主题：信心的表现

 

被围困时买地（1-15）。

当巴比伦围攻耶路撒冷时，耶利米叔叔的儿子趁机在巴比伦军暂时从耶路撒冷撤回之时把他的地卖给耶利米（37:5）。根据摩西律法，地主有责任把地先让与至近的亲属（利25:23-28）。神吩咐耶利米去买这块地。

耶利米的困惑（16-25）。

神有如此吩咐，耶利米为之困惑，因为巴比伦最终还是会充公犹太人的一切。耶利米向神祷告，而他的祷告是扎根在坚定的神学基础上的。我们若要向神问明白一些事情是可以的，但这必须是在真理的范畴以内求告。耶利米知道神是宇宙的创造者，在祂没有难成的事。他也承认神无边的恩典与祂对罪恶公义的审判。他知道神将继续行奇妙的事，就如祂救以色列出埃及时所行的。但是，他仍不晓得神为何吩咐他在被围困之时买一块地。

神的答案（26-44）。

神申明耶利米所承认关于祂的真理是正确的。神应许使犹太人从巴比伦的俘虏中归回，并要在末日时永远复兴以色列；基于此，神要耶利米活出他的信心。当神于弥赛亚国度将耶利米复活时，他会参与以色列永久的重建。再者，被巴比伦俘虏之人的后裔将会归回并再次定居于以色列。耶利米信心的行为表明了他的信心是真实的。他的信心是按照他的信动工与活出生命的。
 

用经文祷告

说你相信关于神的某些事实与应许是容易的，但实际上以一贯的方式活出神的真理更为艰难。如果我们真正相信基督的到来是显明的，那么我们的生命必然在某种程度上会有所改变。祷告你的生命将会与你所信的一致，尤其要符合神的品性与祂即将来临的弥赛亚国度。


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