9 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 21 耶利米书 21, Zedekiah’s Dilemma 西底家的困境

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 21

Theme                  : Zedekiah’s Dilemma

 

Chapters 21-39 are about Jeremiah’s prophecies during the reign from Jehoiakim to Zedekiah, which is toward the exile of Judah. The background of this chapter is the advancement of the Babylonian army on Jerusalem. This will be Judah’s third and final exile (2 Kgs 25). Zedekiah was at the end of his rope and out of desperation he sent an envoy to Jeremiah, hoping he would give a favorable word from God. The Pashhur of this chapter is not the priest in chapter 20 (cf. 38:1). Instead of a favorable word from God, God again spoke of judgment. He said Zedekiah will be exiled to Babylon. However, God graciously urged the people to surrender to Babylon in order to survive. God also addressed the royal line by urging them to carry out their role of delivering justice to the people. If they obey, the pain of the Babylonian conquest would be mitigated.

 

Praying the Scripture

Zedekiah only sought to be delivered by God from punishment and pain, but he did not express any repentance. He is like many non-believers, who do not believe in God but will only plead with God when bad things happen. However, they are not willing to repent and love God. Such plead with God is not from true faith, but is an expression of desperation from unbelief. Pray that when you go to God for help, after God helps you, you do not forsake Him, but you must love Him and honor Him.

经文：耶利米书21

主题：西底家的困境

 

第21至39章记述了耶利米从约雅敬至西底家作王时的预言，主题是犹大的掳掠。本章的背景是巴比伦军队对耶路撒冷的进攻。这将会是犹大第三次，也是最后一次被掳掠（王下25）。西底家已穷途末路，在绝望中差派使者询问耶利米，冀望神通过耶利米给他们报佳讯。本章提及的巴施户珥并不是在20章里的祭司（参38:1）。神不但没报佳音，还再次提及审判。祂说西底家将被掳到巴比伦。然而，神仍满有恩典，敦促百姓向巴比伦归降以便存活。神也呼吁王室要尽责，向百姓施行公义。他们若肯服从，就能减轻被巴比伦侵略之后的苦楚。

 

用经文祷告

西底家只向神寻求免去审判与痛苦，却没有表明要悔改。他就像许多非信徒，虽不信神却在危机之时向神祈求。然而，他们却不愿意悔改与爱神。如此的祈求并不出于真正的信，却只是在不信中对于绝望的表现。祷告当你向神寻求帮助并蒙垂听后不会离弃神，乃要爱祂与敬畏祂。


8 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 20 耶利米书 20, Jeremiah’s Lament 耶利米的哀叹

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 20

Theme                  : Jeremiah’s Lament

 

Jeremiah’s Persecution (1-6).

Jeremiah’s sermons of judgement at the temple and at the valley could not have gone unnoticed by the authorities. Pashhur who is in charge of security at the temple did not like Jeremiah’s negative messages so he beat, tortured and jailed Jeremiah in order to discourage him from preaching. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees beating of the apostles in Acts 5:40. Pashhur means ease, but when God judges him he will be a terror to himself and to others.

Jeremiah’s Lament (7-18).

This passage openly describes Jeremiah’s feelings, struggles, and triumph through time of extreme trial. It reveals Jeremiah’s sin of doubt, distrusting God’s faithfulness because of his torture, imprisonment and marginalization. God did not deceive Jeremiah. God warned Jeremiah of hard times, but also promised to save his life. But during time of pain, Jeremiah had forgotten God’s promise. He does not want to preach anymore, but the guilt, the burning feeling within him is even worse than not preaching God’s message, so he is compelled to continue to preach. Also, he will continue to preach because He knows God will protect him, vindicate him and judge his enemies. For that, Jeremiah praises God. But his joy is interrupted by depression. He wishes he was never born. It is easy to see why Jeremiah would be depressed in such difficult times. It is hard to comfort him in such tragic times. His only hope can only be in the coming Messiah and His Kingdom. God promises to wipe all his tears during the Messianic Kingdom (Is. 25:8, Rev. 21:4). Even though Jeremiah had depression, nevertheless, he was faithful to God and ultimately fulfilled his ministry.

 

Praying the Scripture

Jesus says blessed, or happy, are those who are persecuted for His name sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:10-11). How can one be happy during a time of pain? The only answer is his hope for the Messianic Kingdom. This life cannot be our best life now; it can only be our best life when Jesus returns. Another reason why believers can be happy in a time of pain is because guilt is more painful than torture. Just as it is better for Jeremiah not to feel guilt, the burning feeling inside, than to be tortured by his enemies. Even though, you may not suffer as much as Jeremiah, persecution is inevitable for Christians. Pray that you will love Christ more and be prepared to suffer for Him and do it with joy because you love Him and look forward to the Messianic Kingdom.

经文：耶利米书20

主题：耶利米的哀叹

 

耶利米的逼迫（1-6）。

耶利米在圣殿与山谷地宣讲神的审判显然没被当权者忽视。掌管圣殿保安的巴施户珥对耶利米的负面信息极度不满，便对他施予鞭打、折磨和监禁，目的是阻碍耶利米讲道。这种行为让人联想起在使徒行传5:40中法利赛人鞭打使徒的情景。巴施户珥也作“安乐”，但当神审判他时，他将自食恶果，受到最严厉的惩罚。
耶利米的哀叹（7-18）。这段经文为我们公开表露耶利米在经受极度试炼中的感受、挣扎与欢欣。它揭示了耶利米因受折磨、监禁与排挤，陷入了怀疑与不信靠神的信实之罪。神并没有欺骗耶利米。祂曾告诫耶利米有关眼前的艰难时期，但也应许救赎他的生命。然而，耶利米经受痛苦之时却忘记神的应许。他不想再讲道，但心中的内疚像被火灼热似的，比不传神的道更难受；这促使他继续传道。另外，耶利米坚信神会保护他，为他争辩，以及审判他的仇敌，因此他继续履行职责。故此，耶利米赞美神。然而，沮丧一时淹没了他的喜乐。他希望自己从未出生。耶利米会在如此艰难的时期感到沮丧是不足为奇的。在这种令人悲伤的时期，要安慰耶利米也很难他。他唯一的盼望只能是未来要降临的弥赛亚与祂的国度。神应许在弥赛亚国度必擦去他脸上的眼泪（赛25:8；启21:4）。纵然耶利米感到沮丧，他对神仍忠心，并最终完成其事工。
用经文祷告

耶稣说为祂的名受逼迫的人有福了（或译快乐），因为天国是他们的（太5:10-11）。在痛苦之时，人怎么能快乐呢？唯一的答案就是他对弥赛亚国度的盼望。今生并非我们最好的生活；当耶稣再来时，我们最好的生命才会开始。信徒在痛苦中仍能喜乐的另一原因是罪恶感比受折磨更难受。如耶利米一样，受仇敌外在的折磨终究比心中含如火灼热的内疚更好受。即便你不受耶利米那般的苦楚，基督徒仍难逃离逼迫。祷告你会越发爱主，随时预备以喜乐的心为他受苦，并盼望弥赛亚国度的降临。


7 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 19 耶利米书 19, Broken People 被打碎的百姓

Posted on Mar 5, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 19

Theme                  : Broken People

 

God again uses an object lesson to teach the Jews about God’s wrath against them for their idolatry and for their violence. They even sacrifice their children to idols at Topheth, which means drums. It is another name for the Valley of Hinnom, which is just south of Jerusalem. The drums were used to drown out the cry of the sacrificed babies. Later on, rubbish from Jerusalem was dumped there and continually burned. The place became a symbol for the burning fires of hell, called Gehenna (Matt. 5:22). They massacre babies, so God will massacre them. This massacre is symbolized by the breaking of the flask, which represents Jerusalem. When Jerusalem is sieged, cannibalism will be practiced. This fulfills God’s prophesied punishment in Deut. 28:53-57.

 

Praying the Scripture

The punishment on these wicked Jews is a foreshadow of what hell is like. It is ugly, detestable, hopeless and filled with pain and sorrow. God is love, but if someone does not repent and continues to rebel against God, then God becomes a consuming fire that will give righteous punishment. It is fearful to be punished by the living, righteous God (Heb. 10:31). They will get what they deserve for their outrageous sins. Pray that God’s righteousness against sin will sober your mind and treat God with reverent fear and take sin seriously or you will be burned. God showed the Jews His love during exodus, but He also showed them His holiness so that they will take Him seriously and not sin against Him, but to love God and worship Him with reverence. Pray you will love God and worship Him with reverence.

经文：耶利米书19

主题：被打碎的百姓

 

神再度以一个示例教导犹太人祂对其偶像崇拜与暴力行的忿怒。犹太人甚至把他们的孩子在陀斐特向偶像献祭。陀斐特意为“鼓”；他们用鼓声淹盖孩童被献祭时所发出的呼喊。陀斐特的另一个名称是欣嫩子谷，位于耶路撒冷以南。后来，耶路撒冷的垃圾被扔于此，并持续燃烧着。这个地方也就成为地狱燃烧之火的象征（太5:22）。他们杀戮孩童，因此神也将杀戮他们。破碎的瓦瓶代表耶路撒冷，象征的是这场杀戮。当耶路撒冷被围困时，人类将相食维生。这应验了神于申命记28:53-57所预言的刑罚。

 

用经文祷告

这场临到邪恶犹太人的刑罚是地狱的预兆。它是丑陋、可憎、无望与充满痛苦和悲哀的。神是爱，但若有人不悔改并继续悖逆神，祂将是施行公义之刑罚的烈火。被永生公义之神惩罚是可怕的（来10:31）。他们将因自己蛮横的罪行得到应得的刑罚。祷告神对罪恶的公义能使你醒悟，叫你能敬畏神并严肃地看待罪，否则你将被烧毁。神在犹太人出埃及之时彰显了自己的爱，但也同时其他们彰显了自己的圣洁，叫他们认真地看待神，不干犯祂，乃是以敬虔之心爱神，敬拜祂。祷告你会以敬虔之心爱神与敬拜祂。


5 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 18 耶利米书 18, Potter and Clay 窑匠与泥

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 18

Theme                  : Potter and Clay

 

Message of the Potter (1-17)

The main point of this object lesson is to show that the potter, God, has power over the clay. The clay cannot control or manipulate the potter, so Israel cannot control or manipulate God but must humbly submit to God. If they do not, God will not bless them but will bring disaster up them. He has to right to reject defective, sinful people, just as the potter can reject defective clay (Rom. 9:21). The snow of Lebanon and the mountain water are dependable but Israel is fickle and unnaturally goes after worthless idols; therefore God will scatter them. God still tries to reach out to some who have not completely rejected Him. In the Messianic Kingdom, God will make Israel right to fulfill His purpose. Until then, all defective, sinful Jews will be rejected.

Plot against Jeremiah (18-23).

Jeremiah is faithful and loving to his people by praying for them, but they repay him evil for good. Some Jews do not just hate Jeremiah, but try to kill him. Ultimately they hate God and wish to kill Him like the Pharisees wish to kill Jesus. Such outrageous sins done in full knowledge are unforgiveable; therefore Jeremiah calls upon God to deliver justice by destroying them. This is not a vindictive cry for personal revenge, but appeal for God’s justice (Ps. 139:21).

 

 

Praying the Scripture

Those who reject God are defective clay that will be rejected by Him. When God judges them, they will have no power over God’s sovereign, righteous judgement. The end for them will be ugly and horrific. Those who want to kill God’s people will have the most severe punishment. Such people will experience the full force of God’s wrath as a consuming fire (1 Cor. 3:17). In light of God’s great wrath against sin, we need to praise God for our great salvation. Our destination would be the same as these Jews if it were not for the grace of God in Jesus. The only hope for these Jews and for everyone is the promised Messiah. Pray that you will appreciate your amazing salvation in Jesus. Praise God for delivering you from eternal hell fire (Rom. 9:22-23).

经文：耶利米书18

主题：窑匠与泥

 

关于窑匠的信息（1-17）。这段鉴戒的重点是展示窑匠，即神的能力远超过泥。泥不能控制或操纵窑匠；同样的，以色列不能控制或操纵神，乃要谦卑地顺服于神。如果他们拒绝，神将不会祝福他们，而是降下祸害。祂也有权柄拒绝那有缺陷与有罪的人，就好比窑匠可以丢弃烂泥一样（罗9:21）。黎巴嫩的雪与从远处流下的山水是可靠的，但以色列却是易变的，蓄意地跟随虚无的偶像，因此神将他们分散各处。神依然尝试向一部分尚未完全拒绝祂的人招手。在弥赛亚国度里，神将会使以色列归回正路，以完成祂的旨意。直到那时，所有缺陷的，有罪的犹太人都将被丢弃。

针对耶利米的计谋（18-23）。耶利米对其百姓忠实，深爱他们，常常为他们祷告，可但他们却以恶报善。部分犹太人不仅恨恶他，还图谋加害先知。最终，他们恨恶的是神并希望杀害祂，就像法利赛人希望杀害耶稣一样。他们充分地理解自己的所为，蓄意犯下滔天大罪；这样的罪是不可饶恕的。因此，耶利米祈求神惩罚百姓以申彰公义。这并不是为个人仇恨发出的怀恨之呼喊，而是呼求神施行公义（诗139:21）。

 

用经文祷告

那些拒绝神的人好比有缺陷的泥一样，将被祂丢弃。当神审判他们时，他们将没有能力胜过神主权性的公义审判。他们的结局将会是丑陋并可怕的。那些试图杀害神的百姓之人将会受到最严厉的刑罚。这些人将会经历神如火一般的全力忿怒（林前3:17）。根据神对罪恶的巨大忿怒，我们必须赞美神赐予我们的大救恩。若不是神在基督里的恩典，我们的结局也将与这些犹太人相同。对于这些犹太人与每一个人，被应许的弥赛亚是他们唯一的希望。祷告你会因耶稣奇妙的救赎而感恩。要为到祂救你脱离永恒的地狱之火赞美祂（罗9:22-23）。


4 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 17 耶利米书 17, Unregenerate Man’s Deceitful Heart 没有重生的狡诈人心

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 17

Theme                  : Unregenerate Man’s Deceitful Heart

 

Sin of Judah (1-13)

Judah’s sin is engraved deep into their hearts so that her idolatry is incorrigible by human means. They trust pagan nations to protect them instead of God. Such evil will only result in desolation not fruitfulness. Ironically, they will not obtain the very thing that they desire, but will instead receive the opposite of their desire. No matter how much God reaches out to them, they will not listen. Their hearts are deceitful and desperately sick. This is to show that only the coming Messiah can save them.

Prayer of Jeremiah (14-18).

In spite of Jeremiah’s difficulties, he is committed to continue to be God’s prophet. He will continue to be Israel’s shepherd (leader) and will not desire bad things for them (day of sickness). He can do this because he trusts in God’s promise to protect him. Jeremiah also calls upon God to destroy those who persecute him, like the psalmists in imprecatory psalms (Ps. 143:12). Jeremiah both loves his people and hates their sins just as Jesus both loves people and hates their sins (Mark 3:5). He loves them, but when they commit outrageous sins he calls for justice. There is no contradiction. This is right living with loving attitude and proper justice.

Observe Sabbath (19-27).

Sabbath is the sign of the Mosaic covenant between God and the Jews, but not the church, (Ex. 31:16-17, Col. 2:16). It is also part of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:8). Therefore, it is a big deal to break the Sabbath for the Jews. Sabbath is also a foreshadow of believers’ rest in Jesus (Heb. 4:1). It is also a way to prevent idol worship by highlighting God as creator, not idols. God is the creator and provider, He is able to provide for them while they rest, which is not being lazy.

 

Praying the Scripture

The heart of non-believers are deceitful and desperately sick, especially those who are entrenched in deep, evil idol worship like the Jews. As believers we need to learn to deal wisely with non-believers but at the same time be righteous (Matt. 10:16). It is also important not to be overly suspicious to believers in the church or to sinfully judge someone’s heart motive instead of their actions (1 Cor. 4:5). Such sinful, suspicious judgement of people’s motives will not create a healthy environment for saints to grow, but will create an unhealthy environment of distrust and distance. Pray that you will have wisdom to deal with non-believers and love for believers in the church.

经文：耶利米书17

主题：没有重生的狡诈人心

 

犹大的罪（1-13）。

犹大的罪铭刻在其心中，以至她的偶像敬拜变得无可救药。他们不信靠神，反期待信奉异教的列国能给予保护。这样的恶行只会导致荒凉，无法结果子。讽刺的是，他们将得到的与所祈望的恰好相反。无论神多么努力地向其招手，他们充耳不闻。他们的心是狡诈并且病入膏肓了。这表示只有即将到的弥赛亚才能拯救他们。

耶利米的祷告（14-18）。

尽管困难重重，耶利米还是承诺继续作神的先知。他将继续当以色列的牧者（领导者），不希望坏事（灾殃的日子）临到他们。他之所以能如此行是因为他相信神的承诺，必保护他。耶利米也像诅咒诗的诗人一样，呼唤神毁灭那些逼迫他的人（诗143:12）。耶利米就像耶稣一样，爱其百姓同时也厌恶他们的罪（马3:5）。这之间没有矛盾存在。这是具备爱的态度与恰当公义的正确生活。

守安息日（19-27）。

安息日是神与犹太人通过摩西所立之约的记号（出31:16-17；西2:16）。它也是十诫的一部分（出20:8）。因此对犹太人而言，不遵守安息日是一大问题。安息日也是信徒在耶稣内安息的预兆（来4:1）。这也突出神而非偶像为创造者，以此防止偶像敬拜的一种方式。神是创造者与供应者，祂有能力在人安息之时供应他们，而不是叫人变懒惰。

用经文祷告

非信徒的心诡诈，又坏到极处，特别那像犹太人一样深陷邪恶的偶像崇拜的。作为基督徒的我们要用智慧对待非信徒，但同时要作公义的人（太10:16）。另外，切勿过度猜疑教会内的信徒，或是存着不正的心态去论断某人内心的动机，而不是他们的行为（林前4:5）。存有如此心态，并不会为圣徒创造健康的环境让他们成长，反之会造成一个不信任、冷淡和不健康环境。祷告你会有智慧与非信徒相处，并以爱心对待教会内的信徒。

 


3 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 16 耶利米书 16, Bane and Blessing 诛戳与祝福

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 16

Theme                  : Bane and Blessing

 

Bane (1-13)

Even though Jeremiah is lonely, God commands him not to marry and have kids because of the impending disaster on Israel. God wants to spare Jeremiah from greater pains than loneliness. Marriage is supposed to be a blessing from God, but not under such corruption. God also commands Jeremiah not to mourn for his fellow countrymen’s death or celebrate with them in feasts because judgment is looming and God will show no grace to them. Perhaps, it is also God’s way of sparing Jeremiah from further pain later.

Blessing (14-21).

Bane is never God’s last word for Israel and the world. In the end, the nation will be restored; even the gentiles will worship God. This blessing in the end is referring to the Messianic Kingdom when both Jews and gentiles will confess that their idols are just worthless scarecrows and lies. God will do this so that all will know His glorious name and be in awe of Him (Eph. 1:6).

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Jeremiah’s life was difficult but God’s grace was still with him and enabling him to endure. God’s grace is demonstrated by His command to Jeremiah not to marry so that he will be spared from the extreme pain of seeing his family suffer. No matter how hard our circumstance is God’s grace is always with us. He promises to never leave us (Matt. 28:20). He also promises a way to endure and escape from our temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Praise God for His faithful grace so that we can live confidently, not in fear for we know His faithful character. He will never leave us or forsake us, but is always working for our good, which is to be like Christ (Rom. 8:28-29).
  1. We may wonder why God allowed sin to enter the world and corrupt the whole world. Why does pain and corruption must exist first then redemption and heaven? Why not just have heaven in the first place and never let it be corrupted in the beginning? The answer is so that the triune God can display the totality of His glorious character of compassion, mercy, love, faithful, and justice through redemption and restoration. Believers are invited to see God’s amazing work and character so that we will be in awe and enjoy Him forever (Eph. 1.6). The mystery is that God is in control, yet He is not responsible for man’s sins, but man is responsible for his sins. Such mystery cannot be solved until Christ comes back, but we can trust His word is true and that He is fully righteous because His character is at stake. God’s character is His highest glory, even greater than His power (Ex. 34:6-7).

经文：耶利米书16

主题：诛戳与祝福

 

诛戳（1-13）。

即便耶利米是孤独的，但由于以色列即将发生灾难，因此神吩咐他不要娶妻与养儿育女。神不希望耶利米经受比孤独更大的痛苦。婚姻本该是从神而来的祝福，但却不是在如此败坏的时代中。神也吩咐耶利米不要为其同乡百姓的死而哀哭，或是与之在宴席中庆祝，因为审判已经隐现，而神也不会向他们施恩典了。这也可能是神免去耶利米经受更大痛苦的方式。

祝福（14-21）。

诛戳绝不是神对以色列和全世界最后的话。最终，以色列将会被复兴；即使外邦人也会敬拜神。这在末后的祝福指的是弥赛亚王国；那时候，犹太人与外邦人都要承认其偶像只是无用的稻草人，全是谎言。神将如此行，叫世人都晓得祂荣耀的名并敬畏祂（弗1:6）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶利米一生都是艰难的，但神的恩典持续与他同在，叫他有能力忍受得住。神的恩典在此：祂吩咐耶利米不要娶妻，叫他无需经受目睹家人受难的极致痛苦。无论我们的处境有多艰苦，神的恩典常与我们同在。祂应许绝不离弃我们（太28:20）。祂也应许了一条路让我们可以忍受并且脱离试探（林前10:13）。我们要赞美神信实的恩典，因为我们认识祂信实的品性，我们就能以信心，而不是以恐惧活着。神总不撇下我们，也不丢弃我们，且持续完成祂为我们所作的善工，乃更像基督（罗8:28-29）。
  1. 我们或许不能理解神为何允许罪恶进入并败坏全世界。痛苦和败坏为何必须先存在，才有救赎恩与天堂？为何不单单把天堂摆在最初，叫世界原先就不堕落？答案就是三以神要通过救赎与复兴彰显祂全然的怜恤、怜悯、仁爱、信实与公平的属性。信徒被邀看见神奇妙的作为与品性，叫我们永远敬畏和享受祂的同在（弗1:6）。这奥妙就在神掌管一切，但祂对人的罪没有责任，人却要为自己的罪负责。直到耶稣的再来，此奥秘是不会被解开的，但我们可以相信神话语的真实性，也能相信祂是完全公义的，因为这关系到祂的品性。神的品性是祂最高的荣耀，甚至比祂的能力更为大（出34:6-7）。


 


2 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 15 耶利米书 15, Unrelenting Wrath 不后悔的忿怒

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 15

Theme                  : Unrelenting Wrath

 

Unrelenting Wrath (1-9)

God has made up His mind to destroy these unrepentant, persistent rebels. Even if godly intercessors like Moses and Samuel were to pray for mercy, God still will not relent. He has been weary of relenting His righteous judgement; therefore He will act now. Their sins are too great.

Jeremiah’s Sin (10-21).

Because of God’s persistent message of judgement on their sins through the mouth of Jeremiah, Jeremiah has become everyone’s favorite target. He is hated by everyone. So Jeremiah complains to God. He says he loves God’s word but he is now lonely and spurned by everyone. He is in pain. He wants God to take immediate vengeance on his persecutors. Sadly, during Jeremiah’s deep despair, he sinned against God by calling Him a deceitful brook, an unreliable, unfaithful God who cannot fulfill His promise to protect him. But God rebukes Jeremiah and commands him to strengthen his trust in God. God will definitely fulfill his promise to save Jeremiah from his persecutors. In the end, even Jeremiah’s enemies will ask him for prayers.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire that judges sinners with righteousness. Do not take God’s love for granted and treat Him with no reverence. Those who do not revere Him will be consumed, just like the Jews. They did not fear God, but treated Him lightly. Pray that you will take God seriously and take sin seriously because it offends God. Do not presume on God’s grace, for that is a sin in itself. God is love but He is also righteous and just.
  1. Jeremiah sinned by doubting God’s promise to him. Doubting God’s word is to doubt His character. That is why it is a sin. That is why unbelief is so ugly. If you doubt your spouse’s love and promise to you, you offend your spouse’s character, honour and glory. To doubt God’s word is even worse because He is the king of the world. If you think God has failed you, either you have misinterpreted the Bible or you are not patient enough like Jeremiah. Repent and trust in His character, which is His glory and honour.

经文：耶利米书15

主题：不后悔的忿怒

 

不后悔的忿怒（1-9）。神已定意毁灭这些不肯悔改，顽梗的叛者。即便有敬虔的中保如摩西和撒母代他们祈求怜悯，神仍断然要拒绝他们。以色列民罪孽深重，以至神不愿再收手，必要施行公义的审判。

耶利米的罪（10-21）由于神藉耶利米的口传讲罪之审判的信息，耶利米便成了众矢之的，被人憎恨。因此，耶利米向神抱怨。他说他爱神的话语，但如今却是孤独的，并被人鄙弃。他处于痛苦之中，唯愿神立刻向逼迫他的人报复。可悲的是，在耶利米深深的绝望中，他因称神为诡诈的、不可靠的，不信实的，并无法履行祂的应许保护他而触犯了神。神斥责耶利米并吩咐他要坚固自己对神的信心。神必定成就祂的应许，从逼迫者手中保护耶利米。最终，即便是耶利米的敌人也会向他求告。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神是有怜爱的，但祂也是用公义审判罪人的烈火。不要把神的爱当作理所当然，也不要对祂不尊重。对神不尊重的人将会像犹太人一样被歼灭。他们不敬畏神并轻忽祂。祷告你会认真对待神与罪恶，免得触犯了神。不要臆断神的恩典，因为这也是罪。神是爱，但祂也是公义和公正的。
  1. 耶利米因怀疑神的应许而犯罪。怀疑神的话同等于怀疑神的品性；这乃是罪的原因。这就是为什么不信是如此的丑陋。如果你怀疑你的配偶之爱与承诺，你就触犯了他/她的品性、尊严与荣耀。由于神是世界之王，若怀疑祂就更为严重了。你如果认为神辜负了，事实上你不是误解了圣经，就是你像耶利米一样不够耐心。要悔改并相信祂的荣耀与尊严的品性。

1 Mar 2016, Jeremiah 14 耶利米书 14, Famine, Sword and Pestilence 饥荒、刀剑与瘟疫

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 14

Theme                  : Famine, Sword and Pestilence

 

Famine and Judgement (1-12)

Jeremiah prophesies about a coming drought that will languish the whole land. The people pleads with God for mercy but God will not listen to them. God even commands Jeremiah not to pray for these people because they have committed unforgiveable sins against God, just like the Pharisees committed unforgiveable sin against Jesus (Matt. 12:31). God will never forgive them even though they will cry out to God because of their pain.

Lying Prophets (13-22).

The Jews seem to be repentant but their actions do not show it. This is clearly seen in their rejection of God’s word through His true prophet, Jeremiah, and the acceptance of false prophets. These prophets and priests are like businessmen who do not care about God’s kingdom, but only care about expanding their own kingdom, their own business. On one hand they plead for God’s mercy and say all the right words, but on the other hand they continue to worship idols.

 

Praying the Scripture

There are many Christians today who are like these Jews, especially in the no lordship or antinomian groups, sometimes called easy-believeism or cheap grace. They only accept Jesus as their savior but not their Lord. On one hand, they cry out to God to save them, but on the other hand they do not care to submit to His lordship, but still want to be their own masters. They also hire pastors who are businessmen instead of men of God. Such so-called Christians will be rejected by God in the end (Matt. 7:21-23). A true Christian is not perfect and still sins but he has submitted himself to God’s lordship and pleads for God’s grace to overcome sin. He does not trying to manipulate God so that he can continue to love sin and harbor idols in his heart. Pray that you will understand the difference between false Christians and struggling Christians. Pray that you will pursue righteousness by His grace (Matt. 5:6).

经文：耶利米书14

主题：饥荒、刀剑与瘟疫

 

饥荒与审判（1-12）。

耶利米预言即将临到的干旱之灾会使全地衰败。百姓恳求神的怜悯却不蒙垂听。神甚至吩咐耶利米不可为这些百姓祈求，因为他们就像法利赛人对耶稣一样（太12:31），行了干犯神的不可饶恕之罪。即使他们因痛苦向神呼求，神也绝不会饶恕他们。

说假预言的先知（13-22）。

犹太人看似痛改前非，但其行为却没有证明这一点。他们拒绝了神藉着真先知耶利米所传达的话，却听信假先知的谎言。这些先知与祭司好比商人一样，不关心神的国度，却只关心扩展自己的国度和的事业。他们一方面说尽好话恳求神的怜悯，另一方面却继续敬拜偶像。

 

用经文祷告

今日的基督徒有很多与犹太人相似，置身于否认基督的主权或反律法主义的教导中；这些教导与易信主义或“廉价恩典”主义是同出一徹的。他们承认耶稣是救主，却不尊崇祂作生命的主。他们一方面向神呼求拯救，另一方面却不愿意顺服于祂的主权，仍然想当自己的主宰。他们聘请商人而非属神的人为牧师。这些所谓的基督徒最终将会被神拒绝（太7:21-23）。一个真正的基督徒并不完全，仍会犯罪，但他已顺服于神的主权下，并恳求神的怜悯以胜过罪恶。他不会尝试操纵神，叫他能继续喜爱罪恶，并把偶像怀在心中。祷告你能分辨何谓假基督徒与争战中的基督徒。祷告你能在神的恩典中追求公义（太5:6）。


29 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 13 耶利米书 13, Corrupted Nation 败坏的国家

Posted on Feb 29, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 13

Theme                  : Corrupted Nation

 

Ruined Loincloth (1-11)

God commands Jeremiah to buy and hide a loincloth in Babylon, and then dig out the ruined loincloth. This symbolizes Israel’s exile in Babylon because they are useless and corrupted. But God promises to restore this ruined loincloth so that it will be useful again and cling to God.

Ruined Nation (12-27).

The thoroughly corrupt nation will drink the wrath of God’s wine. God threatens judgment on them but also appeals them to repent. The statement “Give glory to the Lord your God” is an OT idiom for “Confess your sins” (cf. Josh 7:19; John 9:24). But they will not because they have persistently sinned. Their conscience has been seared. For the Jews to repent is like suspending the laws of nature, like a leopard changing its spots. Their only hope is in the mercy of God who promises to restore the nation in the future.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

This passage teaches that humans are hopeless and helpless sinners who cannot change themselves. They are dead in their transgression (Eph. 2:1). Their only hope is God’s undeserved grace, who is inclined to mercy when we ask for mercy. This is why it is important to pray for non-believers when you evangelize. And it is also why we must pray for ourselves and for other believers to be refined, to continuously be changed by God in order to conform to the image of Christ. This is what it means by being filled with the Spirit in Eph. 5:18. We must depend on God and let God change us. Any effort to change ourselves and others without depending on God is futile. Even your best effort is useless. It is like a Ferrari without gas; looks great outside but cannot go anywhere.

经文：耶利米书13

主题：败坏的国家

 

变坏的带子（1-11）。神吩咐耶利米去买一根带子并藏在巴比伦，然后把变坏的带子刨出来。这象征以色列将被放逐于巴比伦，乃因他们的无用和腐败。但神应许复兴这已变坏了的带子，使它重新变得有用并紧贴着神。

变坏的国家（12-27）。这彻底败坏的国家将要喝神忿怒之酒。神警告他们的审判将临，却也呼吁他们要悔改。“将荣耀归给耶和华你的神”是旧约时代的惯用语，意为“承认自己的罪”（书7:19；约9:24）。然而他们不愿那么做，因他们的良知早已被他们持续的罪行如同被热铁烙惯了一般。悔改对犹太人而言就如终止自然界的规律一样，也好比豹子改变其斑点。他们唯一的希望就在神的怜悯，因祂应许在将来会复兴以色列国。

 

用经文祷告

这段经文教导我们：人是绝望、无助的罪人——他们是无法改变自己的。他们都死在自己的罪恶过犯之中（弗2:1），其唯一的指望是神白白的恩典，而凡向神祈求怜悯的，祂不会掩耳不闻。这就是我们向非信徒传福音时必须祷告的原因。这也是我们为何要常常为自己与其他信徒祷告，祈求神不断地雕刻我们，叫我们能满有基督的形象。这就是以弗所书5:18所说“被圣灵充满”之意。我们必须依靠神改变我们。任何不依靠神而想改变自己与别人的努力都是枉然的；即使尽再大的努力也是无用的。这好比一辆没有汽油的法拉利名车——它有好看的外表，却没有实际的用途。


27 Feb 2016, Jeremiah 12 耶利米书 12, Righteous God 公义之神

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 in Devotions, Jeremiah |

Scripture Reading  : Jeremiah 12

Theme                  : Righteous God

 

Jeremiah’s Puzzlement (1-4)

Like Habakkuk, Jeremiah understands God is righteous but he does not understand why a righteous God would let sinners prosper. The wicked insincerely say they love God, but their hearts hate Him. They think God does not know their hypocrisy. Why does God not punish these hypocrites immediately? Why does God let sinners ruin His land with their sins, including the righteous and even the animals?

God’s Answer (5-13).

God does not completely answer Jeremiah’s question, instead God says Jeremiah needs to be more patient and needs to strengthen his faith so that he can endure greater trials in the future. His current trial with the men of Anathoth is nothing, like a safe land, compared to his future trials, like the thicket of the Jordan. In the future, even his own family will betray him. Even though God does not judge immediately, God’s future judgement on the wicked is so certain that God uses the prophetic perfect tense to describe their future punishment as if it has already occurred. He will use foreigners (symbolized by wild beasts and shepherds) to destroy His beloved Israel.

Blessing for Repentant Nations (14-17).

The nations around Israel (Syria, Moab, and Ammon) will also be exiled along with Israel. But amazingly, God promises to bring both Israel and their neighbours back. In addition, if they repent and have faith in Him instead of their idol: Baal, then God will be their God. This promise is applicable for every nation and individual now.

 

Praying the Scripture

Like Jeremiah, we don’t understand some things on earth because we don’t have the right perspective. Jeremiah does not understand why God does not punish the wicked immediately so that the land can be revived because Jeremiah does not understand God’s greater plan of redemption for Israel and all mankind, not just for the Jews of Jeremiah’s days. God is working toward the Messianic Kingdom when even foreign nations and individuals can be with God through faith in Jesus, the Messiah. Immediately punishing the wicked will not usher in the Messianic Kingdom; it will not bless the whole world (Gen. 12:3). When we are puzzled by how God runs the world (for example, terrorists, killing of Christians by terrorists, and perversion of the true gospel by the prosperity gospel), we need to trust in God’s righteous character and His grand plan for the full restoration of the world through the Messianic Kingdom. God’s ways are higher than our ways.

经文：耶利米书12

主题：公义之神

 

耶利米的困惑（1-4）。

耶利米像哈巴谷一样，虽然明白神是公义的，却不明白公义的神为何会让罪人亨通。恶人虚情假意地说他们爱神，但内心却憎恨祂。他们以为神不晓得他们表里不一。神为何不立即惩罚这些假冒为善的人呢？神为何就让罪人以他们的罪行破坏祂的地，包括地上的义人，甚至动物在内呢？

神的回答（5-13）。

神并没有全面回答耶利米的问题，而是告诉他需要更耐心，并坚固其信心，以便日后能承受更大的试探。神或许知道耶利米的抱怨大部分归因于他所承受的苦难，并非神学知识有误。现时他与亚拿突人的试探犹如平安之地；与他将来像是在约旦河边的丛林之试探，那不算什么。将来，即使是他自己的家人也会背叛他。尽管神没有立刻施行审判，祂日后对恶人的审判是如此肯定，叫神以预言性的完成式表达对他们将来的惩治，如以发生过一样。祂将会用外邦人（以野兽和牧人为象征）毁灭祂所爱的以色列。

对悔改列国的祝福（14-17）。

以色列周围的列国（亚兰、摩押和亚扪）将会与其一同被放逐。但令人惊讶的是，神应许把以色列及其邻舍一同带回来。再者，倘若他们愿悔改并信靠神而非他们的偶像巴力，神将会是他们的神。如今，这个应许适用于每一个国家与每一个人了。

 

用经文祷告

由于我们没有正确的视角，我们是无法明白世上的某些事情，就像耶利米一样。由于耶利米不明白神对以色列以及全人类更伟大的救赎计划，不单是为了耶利米时代的犹太人，因此他无法明白神为何不立刻惩罚恶人，使全地更新。神正为弥赛亚的国度做工；那时，即使是外邦国家和个人也可以通过对弥赛亚耶稣的信而与神同在。立刻惩罚恶人是无法引进弥赛亚国度的；它将不能赐福全世界（创12:3）。当我们为神管理世界的方式感到困惑时（例如恐怖行动、恐怖分子杀害基督徒，以及致富福音对属实福音的曲解），我们需要信靠神公义的品格，与祂藉着弥赛亚国度更新全地的宏大计划。神的道路高过我们的道路。


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