28 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 31 耶利米书 31, The New Covenant 新立之约

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 31

Theme                      : The New Covenant

 

End Times Restoration (1-30)

This chapter is about Israel’s end times desolation and restoration; it is not about restoration from the Babylonian captivity. Israel’s end times desolation is liken to wilderness, liken to the first exodus and the Babylonian exile. Wilderness is a place of punishment, but it can also be a place of spiritual nourishment for sinners (Rev. 12:14; Hos. 2:14). God disciplines the nation by sending them into “wilderness,” in order to revive them spiritually, just as God disciplines individual believers in order to correct them. Just like the first exodus, Israel (Rachel) will again experience and mourn over the murder of their children (v. 15). This is fulfilled in Matthew 2:15 when Herod murdered every male under two years old in Bethlehem. However, God will comfort all their pain when He fully restores Israel. After God restores Israel, no one can blame their sins on others (vv. 29-30). In this fallen world, our sins can be influenced by others to some degree, especially by our parents; but ultimately each individual is still responsible for his sin. Even though this is an entangled mess, God is still able to judge every sinner righteously.

The New Covenant (31-40).

Since the Mosaic Covenant has no ability to change the Jews’ heart to love God, God needs to establish the New Covenant with Israel in order to change their heart. This covenant was initiated at the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Luke 22:20), but it was not accepted by Israel. Israel will accept the NC in the end times when it will accept Jesus as Lord and savior (Zech. 12:10). The fulfillment of this prophecy is as certain as the shining of the sun. This is why the nation of Israel was miraculously resurrected in 1948. God will never, ever forsake Israel as a nation. Israel will experience desolation again in the end times, but Jesus will return and save them.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. It is amazing and comforting to know that when Jesus establishes His Messianic Kingdom on earth, every bad thing, every tragedy, pain and sorrowful will disappear like a dream because God will comfort us. For those Jews who have experienced the murder of their children, they will see their children again in the Messianic Kingdom. All the pain will vanish like a dream. This truth does not deny the reality of our current pain, but it does give great hope, trust and love for God in the midst of pain. Let us praise God for His marvelous restoration in the future when Jesus comes back. Let us all look forward to His coming.
  1. Every Christian has experienced the New Covenant blessing of a new heart (2 Cor. 5:17, Col. 2:11-13). God has stripped away (circumcised) our former insane, foolish, and dirty nature. This dirty nature is no longer our master, Jesus is. Although this dirty nature still continues to harass us, but by our new master’s power, we are able to put it to death (Rom. 8:13). Let us praise God for delivering us from the insanity and foolishness of our sinful nature (Eccl. 9:3). Let us not be deceived by sin, but gaze upon Jesus who is the founder and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

经文：耶利米书31

主题：新立之约

 

末日的复兴（1-30）。

这一章是关于以色列末日的荒凉与复兴，而不是被巴比伦掳掠后的复兴。以色列末后的荒凉好比旷野，与首次出埃及以及被巴比伦掳掠时相似。旷野是刑罚之地，但也可以是罪人灵命滋润之地（启12:14；何2:14）。为了使以色列国灵命复兴，神将他们差遣到“旷野”管教他们，如同神管教个别信徒以更正他们一样。这与首次出埃及时相似；以色列（拉结）将再次经历其儿女被杀而哀哭（15节）。这在马太福音2:15被应验，即希律在伯利恒杀尽两岁以内的男孩时。然而，当神完全复兴以色列后，祂会抚平其伤痛。那时，无人能将自己的罪怪罪他人（29-30节）。在这堕落的世界里，我们的罪在某程度上是因受他人的影响所致，尤其是我们父母；但最终，每人都要为自己的罪负责。即使是看似分辨不清是非黑白的罪，神仍能按公义审判各人。

新立之约（31-40）。

既然摩西之约没有能力改变犹太人的心去爱神，神需要与以色列另立新约，以改变他们的心。这约从耶稣受难与复活之时开始（路22:20），但以色列不愿接受。唯有在末日之时，以色列才会接受新约，认耶稣为救主（撒12:10）。这段预言的应验就象太阳闪耀一样确定。这就是色列国在1948年被奇迹般重建的原因。神绝不会离弃以色列国。以色列在末日时将再次变为荒凉，但耶稣将会归来并拯救他们。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 当耶稣在地上建立祂的弥赛亚国度时，所有坏事，所有悲剧、痛苦与悲哀都会象梦一样消失，因为神会安慰我们——这是既奇妙又令人欣慰的事实。对于那些已经历孩子被杀害的犹太人，他们将在弥赛亚国度里再次见到自己的孩子。所有的痛将像梦一样消失。这个真理不会抹灭我们如今所经历的痛苦，但却能在其中让我们对神有大大的指望、依靠与爱。让我们赞美神将来在耶稣归来之时的奇妙复兴。让我们期盼祂的到来。
  1. 每一个基督徒都已经蒙受新立之约所应许的新心（林后5:17；西2:11-13）。神已剥去（行割礼）我们以前狂妄、愚昧与污秽的本性。这被玷污的本性不再作我们的主，耶稣却是。即使这污秽的本性仍继续搅扰我们，但是靠着我们新主人的力量，我们能够将其治死（罗8:13）。让我们赞美神把我们从狂妄愚昧的罪恶本性中解救出来（传9:3）。让我们不要被罪欺骗，却要仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣（来12:2）。

19 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 30 耶利米书 30, Trial and Triumph for Israel 予以色列的试探与胜利

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 30

Theme                  : Trial and Triumph for Israel

 

End Times Trial (1-15)

The book of Jeremiah is often arranged according to theme, not according to strict chronology because the Bible is mainly about principles. The gospels in the NT sometimes also deviate from chronology in order to convey a theme. Chapters 30-33 are about consolation. God uses Israel’s current exile and troubles to prophesy about Israel’s end time exile and troubles. In the end times, Israel will experience a great distressed, called “time of distress (or trouble) for Jacob” (v.7). End times trouble and deliverance of Israel is a clear and repeated theme in the OT. In the end times, Israel will experience trouble like the Babylonian conquest, except it will be even worse, even worse than the holocaust.

End Times Triumph (16-24).

But at the end, it will experience a great deliverance like the return of the Babylonian exiles to Israel, except this deliverance will be much greater because Jesus will deliver them and bless them. It will be an upside down world where their captors will be the captured; their devourers will be devoured. Jerusalem will not only be fully restored but it will be the capital of the Messianic Kingdom. The Jews will multiple in numbers. All these blessings will come after God punishes the Jews for their treacherous sins, just as God will bless the exiles after He has punished the nation for their heinous sins.

 

Praying the Scripture

The OT prophets basically say the same thing over and over again in different ways. The Bible is a big book but the main outline of the book is crystal clear; even a child can understand it. The same old message of sin, God’s righteous judgement, His gracious salvation and future blessing in heaven is repeated in different ways. As Christians let us also repeat the old message of the gospel that includes sin, God’s righteous judgement, His gracious salvation through Jesus and the glory of future heaven. Only the gospel message makes sense of this corrupted world. Only the gospel message is true, not created by man. Only the gospel can save us. Pray that by repeating this old, but true message, you don’t lose your awe of God’s mercy and love. Pray that your heart will always be like a child: dependent and filled with the awe of God’s salvation.

经文：耶利米书30

主题：予以色列的试探与胜利

 

末后的试探（1-15）。

由于圣经主要是阐述道理的，因此耶利米书常常是按主题排列，而不是严谨地根据事件发生的时间顺序记载。为了传达一个主题，新约的福音书有时也会偏离时间顺序的排列。第30-33章是关于慰籍的。神使用以色列现今的放逐与苦难预言末后时代的放逐与困难。末日时，以色列将会经历一场大灾难，称作“雅各遭难的时候”（7节）。以色列末后的苦难与救赎是旧约中鲜明、重复性的主题。那时，以色列将经历类似被巴比伦征服时的苦难，只是这个苦难将比第二次世界大战期间纳粹对犹太人的大屠杀更为可怕、恐怖。

末后的胜利（16-24）。

但最后，以色列也会经历一场如巴比伦被掳之人归回以色列般的伟大救赎，只是这场救赎将会因为耶稣的救恩与祝福更为伟大。世界将会翻天覆地：绑架者将被俘虏，吞噬者将被蚕食。耶路撒冷不仅会完全更新，还要作弥赛亚国度的首都。犹太人将会增多。这一切祝福都会在神审判了犹太人奸诈的罪之后临到，就如神会因以色列的滔天大罪审判她之后祝福被掳之人一样。
 

用经文祷告

旧约的众先知基本上以不同的方式反复传讲同样的信息。圣经是一本厚书，但其主要大纲却是清楚明显的，甚至孩童也能明白。罪的古老信息，还要神公义的审判、祂伟大的救恩与在未来天堂的祝福——这些都通过不同方式重复显现。身为基督徒，我们也要反复地传讲福音的古老信息：罪、神的公义审判、神藉着耶稣的伟大救恩与未来天堂的荣耀。只有福音的信息能让我们透视这腐败的世界。只有福音的信息是真实的，不是人所编造的。只有福音能拯救我们。祷告我们能藉着重复这个古老但真实的信息，不失去对神的怜悯与爱的敬畏。祷告你的心将永远像小孩一样：依靠主与充满对神救恩的敬畏。


18 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 29 耶利米书 29, Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles 耶利米给被掳之人的信

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 29

Theme                  : Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

 

Warning against False Prophets (1-23)

Jeremiah writes to the exiles in Babylon, who were taken during the reign of Jehoiachin, about 5 years ago (2 Kgs. 24:10-17). He encourages them to submit to God’s exile and live obediently in Babylon by settling down and serve the Babylonian government. They will not return until 70 years of punishment were over. God warns them to not listen to false prophets who were telling them that their exile will end sooner. God predicts that the next generation of believers will cry out to God with sincere hearts and God will listen to them and return them to Israel. As for those who are left in Israel, they will be destroyed. They are not the blessed ones. Those who are in exile are the blessed ones because God’s plan is to bless them, not harm them.

Judgement on Shemaiah (24-32).

The false prophets in Babylon, including Shemaiah, did not like Jeremiah’s message to the exiles, so he instigated someone in Jerusalem to silence Jeremiah. For Shemaiah’s sins, God promises to destroy him and his family, who of course, are as evil as him. They will not see the blessings that God will bestow on the exiles in the future. God reserves the darkest part of hell for false prophets (2 Pet. 2:17).

 

Praying the Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses on Christian decorations. God only promised these things to the exiled Jews in Babylon. He does not promise a smooth and easy life to all Christians, but He does promise Christ-likeness to all Christians (Rom. 8:28-29), which may involve some turbulence. But rest assure because God can help us through any turbulence. Pray that you do not worship a life of ease, comfort and pleasure, but worship a life that is conformed to the character of Christ, who out of love and faithfulness, suffered and died for us so that He leaves us an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21).

经文：耶利米书29

主题：耶利米给被掳之人的信

 

对假先知的警告（1-23）。

耶利米给约五年前，在约雅斤统治期间被掳去巴比伦的人写信（王下24:10-17）。他鼓励他们顺服于神的放逐，并服从于巴比伦的执政权柄，在巴比伦安顿好，并服侍其政府。他们将不会归回，直到70年的刑罚结束。神警告他们不要听信假先知的话，以为他们被放逐的日子即将结束。神预言下一代信徒将诚心地向祂呼求；神要垂听，使他们归回以色列。对于那些仍留在以色列的，他们将会被毁灭。他们并不是蒙福的一群。那些被掳去的才是真正蒙福的，因为神所怀的意念是要赐福而不是伤害他们。

对示玛雅的审判（24-32）。

在巴比伦的假先知，包括示玛雅，都不喜欢耶利米给被掳之人的信息，所以示玛雅指使个别在耶路撒冷的人杀害耶利米。对于示玛雅的罪，神应许毁灭他及与他一样恶毒的家人。他们将不会看到神于将来赐予被掳之人的福分。神把地狱最幽暗的部分保留给假先知（彼后2:17）。
 

用经文祷告

耶利米书29:11是在基督教装饰品中最常被引用的经文之一。实际上，神仅仅向被掳于巴比伦的犹太人应许这些事。神并非向所有基督徒应许他们将平稳安逸一生，却应许他们会有基督的样式（罗8:28-29）；这可能包括艰难困苦。即便如此，我们可以依靠神助我们度过重重患难。祷告你不会敬拜安逸、舒适与享乐的生命，却要敬拜符合基督之品性的生命，因为那是基督出于爱与信实，为我们受苦并牺牲的品性，给我们留下榜样去跟随（彼前2:21）。

 


17 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 28 耶利米书 28, Hananiah the False Prophet 假先知哈拿尼雅

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 28

Theme                  : Hananiah the False Prophet

 

This chapter goes into detail what false prophets are saying in order to contradict God’s word through Jeremiah. Hananiah the false prophet claims that God will break the yoke of Babylon within two years and return the exiles to Israel. We do not know all the reasons why Hananiah did this, perhaps one reason is to cheer people up and motivate them, much like motivational speakers today, who are filled with platitudes of self-confidence. Jeremiah appeals to history in order to dissuade the crowd from listing to Hananiah. His message is the same as prophets of old. But Hananiah forcefully breaks Jeremiah’s yoke in order to get people’s attention. God warns Hananiah that his message will bring an iron yoke upon Israel instead of a wooden one that he broke. This means by listening to Hananiah, the Jews will suffer even more when Babylon comes to quell their rebellion. For Hananiah’s treacherous sin, God kills him within a year.


Praying the Scripture

  1. There is nothing wrong with motivating people, God tries to motivate us all the time. But motivation that is based on lies will only exacerbate and accelerate disaster. Pray that when you hear preachers preach, make sure you do not judge the message based on your feeling, but judge the message based on the truth: the Bible.
  1. Putting on a yoke means to submit and recognize the master’s authority. Jesus says that sinners are burdened because they do not submit and recognize His authority (Matt. 11:28). By rejecting God’s yoke and doing whatever you want, you will only bring disaster in the future, even though it may feel good for a few years. Disaster will always follow, if not in this lifetime, it will come when you die and are judged by God in hell. True life, peace and joy come from submitting to Jesus and learn to be like Him in His character of gentleness, humility, and righteousness (Matt. 11:29). Pray you will put on Jesus’ yoke gladly and joyfully submit to His loving lordship.

经文：耶利米书28

主题：假先知哈拿尼雅

 

这章经文深入假先知话语的细节，叫我们能看见它如何与神藉着耶利米传讲的话语抵触。假先知哈拿尼雅声称神将在两年内折断巴比伦的轭，并把被掳去的人带回以色列。我们不知道哈拿尼雅如此行的原因；他或许是使百姓振作起来，鼓励他们，就像今日所见一些激励人心的演讲者一样，充满着老生常谈的自信心。耶利米为了劝阻众人莫要听从哈拿尼雅而提及历史。他的信息与过往的先知是一样的。但是，哈拿尼雅为了取得百姓的注意，强行折断耶利米的轭。于是，神警告哈拿尼雅：他的信息将会给以色列带来铁轭，以取代之前他所折断的木轭。这意味着因听从了哈拿尼雅，当巴比伦来镇压抵抗之时，犹太人将承受更大的苦。因着哈拿尼雅奸诈的罪，神在一年内将他杀了。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 激励人心并没有错；神也常常试着激励我们。然而，建于谎言之上的鼓励只会促进祸害，并将之恶化。祷告当你听道时，你不会按自己的感受论断信息，乃根据圣经的真理作出判断。
  1. 负轭意味着顺服与承认主人的权柄。耶稣说罪人因为没有顺服与承认祂的权柄，所以劳苦重担（太11:28）。拒绝神的轭并做自己想做的事的，即便几年后仍自我感觉良好，最后必然招致祸害。祸害将会一直跟随你；若不是今生，离世后也要在地狱受到神的审判。真正的生命、平安与喜乐源于顺服耶稣，并学习效仿祂柔和、谦卑与公义的品性（太11:29）。祷告你会乐意地负上耶稣的轭并喜乐地顺服于祂慈爱的主权。

16 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 27 耶利米书 27, The Yoke of Babylon 巴比伦的轭

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 27

Theme                  : The Yoke of Babylon

 

Message to Ambassadors (1-11)

Chapters 27-29 attack the false optimism of Judah’s false prophets. Israel is on the verge of revolting against Babylon. Surrounding nations send ambassadors to try to forge an alliance against Babylon. But God warns them not to rebel. If they rebel, they will die. But if they submit to Babylon, the will live. This message is vividly proclaimed through the display of Jeremiah’s yoke. A yoke symbolizes submission and recognition of the master’s authority (Matt. 11:29).

Message to Israel (12-22).

God also warns Israel not to rebel against Babylon or else they will die. Jeremiah warns them not to believe in false prophets who were saying the opposite. They were so optimistic that they thought everything that Babylon had taken from Israel in the previous two conquests would be returned to Israel soon. They falsely proclaim that God’s judgement on them will be over soon, it will not last for 70 years.

 

Praying the Scripture

God’s heart is pure. He does not desire any suffering for anyone, even the wicked. That is why He even warns Israel and surrounding nations to submit to Babylon in order to live and not be destroyed. All the warnings and blessings in the Bible are designed to guide us to spiritual and physical well-being. If God even warns the wicked for their good, how much more does He warn His beloved for our own good? Pray that you will believe in the warnings and blessings in the Bible and trust in God’s goodness to you.

经文：耶利米书27

主题：巴比伦的轭

 

给使臣的信息（1-11）。

第27-29章抨击了犹大假先知的虚假乐观主义。以色列蠢蠢欲动，想抵抗巴比伦。周边列国都派出了使臣试图结成联盟对抗巴比伦。然而，神警告他们不要反抗。倘若他们如此行，便将招致灭亡。可是，他们若肯降服于巴比伦，他们便能存活。这信息通过耶利米的轭更形象化了。轭象征着对主人权柄的顺服与承认（太11:29）。

给以色列的信息（12-22）。

神也警告以色列不要反抗巴比伦，否则将招致灭亡。耶利米警告他们不要相信背道而驰的假先知。他们竞乐观的认为巴比伦在前两次征战所夺走的一切，都会在不久后归还于以色列。他们错误地宣告神对以色列的审判不久就会结束，不会有70年之久。
 

用经文祷告

神的心是纯净的。祂不喜悦任何人受苦，包括恶人，所以祂警戒以色列与她的邻国降服于巴比伦，好叫她能存活，不致毁灭。圣经里的警戒与祝福都是为指引我们得属灵和物质的好处的。神尚且为恶人的好处警戒他们，而我们这些蒙祂所爱的，岂不更是如此吗？祷告你会相信圣经里的警戒与祝福，并且相信神对你是良善的。


15 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 26 耶利米书 26, Jeremiah Threatened with Death 耶利米被死亡威胁

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 26

Theme                  : Jeremiah Threatened with Death

 

Warning of Judgement (1-15)

The event in this chapter occurred during the time of the temple address in chapter 7. God prophesies desolation for Jerusalem if they do not repent. Predictions of divine judgment are conditional. The true repentance of the people of Judah at any time before the hour of doom would have been met by God’s willingness to relent from his threatened punishment. However, instead of repenting, they tried to kill the messenger, Jeremiah. This clearly showed they were unrepentant. In the face of death, Jeremiah courageously defended the authenticity of his message.

Jeremiah’s Life Spared (16-24).

Upon hearing Jeremiah’s defense, the civil officials and the people decided against the priests and the prophets, who had wanted to kill Jeremiah, and freed Jeremiah. Some elders of Israel, those who were advanced in age and whose words were taken seriously, supported Jeremiah by showing his message concurred with the prophet Micah, who had lived a century ago (Micah 3:12). Hezekiah listened to Micah and was delivered by God, but Jehoiakim did not listen to God but killed His messenger, Uriah. Jehoiakim was not delivered by God but was exiled. Ahikam was a civil leader under Josiah. God used Ahikam’s influence to secure Jeremiah’s freedom.

 

Praying the Scripture

Jeremiah had many weaknesses, but he trusted God and was strengthened by Him. At the end, he courageously proclaimed God’s word. Pray that you will be like Jeremiah. Even with all your weaknesses, if you trust in God and depend on Him, God will strengthen you and enable you to stand and serve Him.

经文：耶利米书26

主题：耶利米被死亡威胁

 

对审判的警告（1-15）。

這章经文描述的事件发生在第七章，即耶利米在圣殿门口宣讲神话语的时候。神预言倘若百姓不悔改，耶路撒冷必成为荒场。这类神圣审判的预言是有条件性的：犹大人只要在神降灾难之前真心悔改，神必然愿意收回祂即将施行的刑罰。然而，他们不但不肯悔改，反倒试图杀害神的使者耶利米。这清楚显示他们仍然执米不悟。另一方面，面临死亡威胁的耶利米仍无所畏惧地为他所传讲的信息辨护。

耶利米逃脱死亡（16-24）。

听了耶利米的申辩，民间首领和百姓一致反对祭司与先知判耶利米死罪，并要求把耶利米释放。几位年迈，其言语又受尊重的以色列长老都支持耶利米，指出他与一百年前的先知弥迦所传达的信息是一致的（弥3:12）。希西家因听从弥迦而蒙神拯救；但约雅敬却不听从神，还杀了祂的使者乌利亚，所以神没拯救他，而且将他放逐。亚希甘是约西亚在位期间的民间首领。神藉着他的影响力保全了耶利米的自由。
 

用经文祷告

耶利米有许多软弱，但他信靠神，也被神坚固。最后，他勇敢地宣告神的话语。祷告你会像耶利米一样。即使你有种种的软弱，但只要你坚定信靠神，凡事交托于祂，祂将坚固你，使让你能站立得住并侍奉祂。


14 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 25 耶利米书 25, Judgement through Babylonian Conquest 藉着被巴比伦征服的审判

Posted on Mar 13, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 25

Theme                  : Judgement through Babylonian Conquest

Seventy Years of Captivity (1-14)

God had been patiently warning the Jews for 23 years through Jeremiah. But they would not listen, but continued to provoke God to anger. Therefore, God will exile them to Babylon for 70 years.

Judgement on Israel and Surrounding Nations (15-38).

God prophesies judgement on all the nations in the Middle East, beginning with Israel because they sinned the greatest since they are the most privileged. God will use Babylon to judge all of Middle East, including the mighty Egyptian Empire. But afterward, God will also judge Babylon for its sins. In this fallen world, God’s uses fallen instruments (like Babylon) to judge fallen instruments (like Israel and other nations), but this kind of judgement will end when God uses a perfection instrument (the Messiah) to judge fallen instruments.

 

Praying the Scripture

God is patient but His patience does not last forever. Many non-believers do not have reverent fear toward God, but presume on His patience and think judgement will never come. The Jews sinfully presumed on God’s patience and at the end they were destroyed. Pray that you will not be like these Jews by presuming on God’s patience. If you are convicted of sin, repent now.

经文：耶利米书25

主题：藉着被巴比伦征服的审判

 

为俘虏七十年（1-14）。

神曾藉耶利米耐心地警戒犹太人长达二十三年之久。可是，他们仍不听从，且继续惹神发怒。因此，神将把他们放逐到巴比伦七十年。

对以色列与其邻国的审判（15-38）。

神预言审判必临到中东列国，而以色列则首当其冲，因为他们特别蒙受了恩惠，所以罪愆最大。神将藉巴比伦之手审判中东列国，包括强盛的埃及帝国。然而，巴比伦之后也会因自己的罪行受到神的刑罚。在这堕落的世代，神用腐朽的器具（如巴比伦）审判其他腐朽的器具（如以色列与列国）。但是，这种审判终必停止，因为神将以完美的器皿，即弥赛亚，审判这些腐朽的器具。
 

用经文祷告

神有忍耐，但是祂的耐心不会永远持续。非信徒对神没有敬畏之心，对神的耐心持着自以为是的态度，并对将来的审判漠然置之 。犹太人就是因此而最终被毁灭了。祷告你不会象这些犹太人一样。倘若你觉得自己有罪， 赶紧向神认罪悔改吧。


12 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 24 耶利米书 24, Good Figs and Bad Figs 好无花果和坏无花果

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 24

Theme                  : Good Figs and Bad Figs

 

The purpose of the vision was to declare that those who went into exile with Jehoiachin, aka Jeconiah, would be better off than those left behind in Jerusalem; those who escaped the deportation would naturally think just the opposite. The good figs represent those who went into exile with Jeconiah, which was Jerusalem’s second exile (2 Kgs. 24:10). Ezekiel was part this second wave of exile. The bad figs represent those who stayed in Jerusalem under the reign of Zedekiah. The exiles were not morally superior, but they will obtain God’s favor. God promised to build them up and to return them to Israel one day. But the bad figs, those who stayed in Jerusalem, will not obtain God’s favor. They will suffer from sword, famine and pestilence.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

Even in the midst of judgement, God continues to exhort His people to obey Him and to receive His blessing. God is a compassionate God who desires His people to repent. Jesus did the same for others. He continued to reach out to the gentiles by sending the healed maniac to reach out to the gentiles even after the gentiles had rejected him (Luke 8:39). Pray that you will develop a heart of compassion like God, who continuously warned the Jews with patience.

经文：耶利米书24

主题：好无花果和坏无花果

 

这个异象的目的是要宣告与约亚斤，即耶哥尼雅，一同被掳去的犹太人将会比那些留在耶路撒冷的境况要好；那些逃过掳掠之灾的人自然会以为情况是相反的。好的无花果代表与耶哥尼雅一同被掳去的人。这是耶路撒冷第二次被掳（王下24:10）。先知以西结属于这第二次被掳的人群中。坏的无花果代表那些留在耶路撒冷并受西底家统治的人。被掳的人在道德上不比留下的优越，但他们得到神的眷顾。神应许要建立他们，并使他们总有一日归回以色列。但是，坏的无花果，即留在耶路撒冷的人，将不会得到神的眷顾。他们将受刀剑、饥荒、瘟疫之苦。

 

用经文祷告

即便在审判中，神继续劝告祂的百姓要顺服祂，并接受他的祝福。神是一位怜悯的神，祂渴望百姓悔改。主耶稣为其他人做了同样的事。即便外邦人拒绝自己，祂仍持续向外邦人伸手，打发祂所医治被鬼附的病人向外邦人传说祂所作之事（路8:39）。祷告你会有一颗怜悯的心，像神对犹太人一样用耐心持续地劝告他们。


11 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 23 耶利米书 23, The Righteous Davidic King 公义的大卫之王

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 23

Theme                  : The Righteous Davidic King

 

Righteous Branch (1-9).

Since Coniah is the last king from the royal line, a new king is needed. The promised righteous Branch, Jesus, is that king. He is the hope of Israel, and the world. They cannot put their hope of a glorious future in any king, but king Jesus. Only Jesus can usher in the Messianic Kingdom and make them dwell securely (v.6).

Lying Prophets (10-40).

The rest of the chapter is about false prophets. Besides for kings, these false prophets are one of the main reasons why Israel has strayed from God. Jeremiah speaks of false prophets more than anyone in the OT. These false prophets claim to be God’s messengers, but they lead people away from God. Instead of encouraging people to worship God, they encourage people to worship idols like Baal and to worship evil, sexual immorality, and lies. Their sins are extremely serious. In the end, God’s judgement will be very, very severe on them because their sins are very treacherous. They will not enter the Messianic Kingdom, but will enter into one of the most severe punishments in hell (2 Pet. 2:17).

 

Praying the Scripture

Today’s Christendom is full of lying prophets, especially from the charismatic camp. Many of them prophesy under false reverence in order to obtain their lust for pride and authority. They often say God revealed a special revelation to them so people must do this or that. Their prophecies directly contradict the Bible. Falsely prophesying on behalf of God is a very, very serious sin. So serious that it deserves death under the Mosaic Law (Deut. 13:5). God certainly interacts with us through His Spirit and through the Bible by convicting us (John 16:8), but the offices of apostles and prophets have ceased (Eph. 2:20). Those who prophesy wildly and contradict the Bible are false prophets like the false prophets of Jeremiah’s days. They will be rejected by God. Pray that you will avoid and call out these lying prophets and warn people not to associate with them because they are deadly viruses that will kill people’s souls.

经文：耶利米书23

主题：公义的大卫之王

 

公义的苗裔（1-9）。

哥尼雅是王室家族的最后一个君王，因此一位新王需要被立。被应许的公义苗裔耶稣就是那一位。祂是以色列及全世界的盼望。除了主耶稣，人是不能将拥有荣耀未来的盼望寄托于另一个君王身上。唯独主耶稣能开创弥赛亚国度，使人能在此安然居住（6节）。

说谎言的先知（10-40）。

这一章经文其余的部分是关于假先知的。除了不义之王，这些假先知是导致以色列偏离神的主要原因之一。在旧约中，耶利米对假先知的事讲得比任何先知还多。这些假先知自称是神的使者，却引导百姓离弃神。他们鼓动百姓敬拜如巴力一样的偶像，也崇拜邪恶、奸淫与虚妄，而不是鼓励百姓敬畏神。他们的罪恶深重。最终，他们奸诈的罪必然招致神严厉的惩罚。他们将不能进入弥赛亚国度，却会面临地狱里中最严厉的刑罚（彼后2:17）。
 

用经文祷告

现今的基督教界充满了说谎言的先知，尤其是灵恩派的阵营。为了满足人对名声和权利的欲望，他们伪装敬虔宣讲预言。他们常说神向他们有特别的启示，藉此操纵信徒的生活。他们的预言直接与圣经抵触。藉神之名作假预言是极其严重的罪行；按摩西律法，这是死罪（申13:5）。神固然藉圣灵与我们交通，并通过圣经叫我们知罪（约16:8），但是使徒与先知的职份已经停止（弗2:20）。那些胡乱抵触圣经作预言的是假先知，就象耶利米时期的假先知一；他们会被神拒绝。祷告你会远离这些虚妄的先知，并向人指出他们，慎告人不要与之为伍，因为他们如致命性的病毒杀害人的灵魂。


10 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 22 耶利米书 22, Exhortation to Davidic Kings 予大卫王室的劝诫

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 22

Theme                  : Exhortation to Davidic Kings

 

Message to Shallum (1-12).

Shallum is another name for Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah who tried to steer Israel back to worshipping God. After Josiah died, his son Jehoahaz ruled Israel, but he worshipped idols instead of God. God commands him to turn away from idols and violence; and turn to God. If he and his court continue to destroy innocent people, God will destroy them. In the end, Jehoahaz did not listen so he was exiled to Egypt (2 Kgs. 23:32-33). God says Jerusalem should not weep for Josiah, who had died, but for Jehoahaz who will be exiled in Egypt.

Condemnation of Jehoiakim (13-23).

Jehoiakim excelled in covetousness. He was a wicked king. He was so bad that after he dies, no one will even cry for him or give him a dignified funeral fitting of a king. Instead he will be buried like a donkey, being dragged out of the city and dumped like trash. This happened when Babylon sieged the city for the second time (2 Kgs. 24:1).

Rejection of Coniah (24-30).

Coniah is another name for Jehoiachin (2 Kgs. 24:10). He destroyed Jeremiah’s book; therefore God will destroy him and prevent his entire line from ruling Israel (36:30). Jesus circumvents this curse by being the physical son of Mary, who is from the Davidic line of Nathan not Coniah (Luke 3:31), and by being Joseph’s legal son, who is entitled to the throne of David because Joseph is from the line of Coniah (Matt. 1:12).

 

Praying the Scripture

God is love, but He will also deal with sin accordingly. Those who do not take heed to His warnings and blessings will have eternal consequences. Galatians 6:7 says we reap what we sow. If someone persistently oppose God, he will be punished by God severely like Coniah, who dared to burn God’s word. Thank God for rescuing you from His righteous judgement, but also take sin seriously, not in a presumptuous way, thinking you can do whatever you want since God has forgiven you in Jesus (Ps. 19:13). Some heretical preachers like Joseph Prince teach people to commit presumptuous sins. They abuse God’s grace; instead of being dependent on God’s grace to overcome sin. Pray that you will not presume on God’s grace in Jesus, but submit to God’s lordship and depend on His grace to overcome sin. God will surely answer your prayers (1 John 5:14).

经文：耶利米书22

主题：予大卫王室的劝诫

 

给沙龙的信息（1-12）。

沙龙的另一个名称是约哈斯，是曾尝试引导以色列归回敬拜真神的约西亚之子。约西亚逝世后，他的儿子约哈斯统治了以色列，并敬拜偶像而离弃神。神命令他弃绝偶像敬拜与强暴行为，并转向神。如果他与其官员继续歼灭无辜百姓，神将毁灭他们。最终，约哈斯没有听从，因此被掳掠至埃及（王下23:32-33）。神告诫耶路撒冷无需为已过世的约西亚哭号，乃要为将被掳掠至埃及的约哈斯哀哭。

对约雅敬的谴责（13-23）。

约雅敬贪财无尽，是一个邪恶的王。他恶名张注天曹，以致离世后没人为他哀哭或为他举办合乎君王的庄严葬礼。他反而会像驴子一样被埋葬，被拉出城外，然后像垃圾一样被扔掉。这事发生于巴比伦第二次围堵此城之时（王下24:1）。

对哥尼雅的弃绝（24-30）。

哥尼雅是耶哥尼雅的另一名称（王下24:10）。他毁灭耶利米的书，因此神也将毁灭他，并阻止其家族统治以色列（36:30）。耶稣规避了这个诅咒，因为祂是玛丽亚的肉身之子，而马利亚属大卫家的拿单一族，不是哥尼雅那一族的（路3:31）；此外，由于耶稣是约瑟合法的儿子，而约瑟又属哥尼雅一族（太1:12），所以祂有资格坐上大卫的宝座。
 

用经文祷告

神是爱，但祂也必定惩罚罪恶。漠视祂的警告与祝福的人将承受永恒的后果。加拉太书6:7道明：我们种的是什么，收的也是什么。如果人顽固地与神对敌，他必受到神严厉的惩罚，像那大胆焚烧掉神话语的哥尼雅一样。当感谢神把你从其公义审判中拯救出来，但也要认真地对待罪，不要以为神既然已在耶稣里饶恕了你，你就能任意妄为，自行其事（诗19:13）。有传讲歪曲之道的假教师如约瑟·普林斯竟教导人们行任意妄为的罪。他们滥用神的恩典，而不是依靠神的恩典胜过罪。祷告你不会视神在耶稣里的恩典为理所当然，乃顺从神的主权并且依靠祂的恩典胜过罪恶。神必应许你的祷告（约一5:14）。


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