马太福音

Day 1

第1日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 24:1–14

The temple that the disciples saw was still under re-construction and was supported by King Herod. Although nowhere near the splendour of the original built by Solomon, still, the stones laid for this temple were massive, and its exterior glistened in the sun as a stunning piece of architecture.

1. What did the temple represent as far as the people were concerned?

2. What did the temple represent as far as God was concerned?

3. What is meant by “Not one stone here will be left on another”?

4. What did such destruction mean to the people and to God when the Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 by Titus, the Roman General?

5. The disciples were relating the destruction of the temple also to Jesus’ second coming and the end of the age. Did Jesus dispute their view? Why not?

6. In light of this, list the signs in vv. 5-8.  Consider,
a. What has happened historically

b. What is happening in our days, and

c. What has yet to happen?
7. Do you think we are living in the “end-time”? Why or why not?

8. Preceding His coming, Jesus highlights in vv. 9-12 the signs of persecution. Although the immediate setting was in “local councils” and “synagogues” (according to Mk. 13), it does spread beyond that.

There is a report that there are more martyrs in the last century than any time in the history of Christianity. Name five countries that you know are persecuting believers today (if you have access to the internet, take time to visit www.persecution.org today).

9. Should you be afraid of persecution? (See Lk. 21:19.)

10. In spite of the intensifying of all the signs, what did Jesus cite as the final one before “the end will come”?

11. How then should we live?

12. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音24:1-14

本週我們繼續研讀馬太福音。請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

門徒當時所見的聖殿是重修尚未完工的。雖然其宏美遠不及所羅門的聖殿,但在希律王的鼎力資助下,巨塊石頭仍顯出聖殿的宏偉。

(1) 聖殿對當時的猶太人有什麼重大意義?

(2) 從神的角度來看又如何?

(3) 「沒有一塊石頭留在石頭上」是什麼意思?

(4) 主後七十年這殿被羅馬提多將軍所盡毀,當時的百姓會怎樣領會這事件?神要給他們什麼信息?

(5) 門徒一聽到耶穌指著聖殿所說的話,立刻聯想到主的降臨和世界的末了。耶穌並沒有更正他們,為什麼?

(6) 試把5-8節的豫逐一列出:

a. 這些在歷史上發生了沒有?

b. 在我們現在的年代呢?

c. 若要完全應驗這些,尚欠什麼?

(7) 你以為現今是末世嗎?為什麼?

(8) 耶穌更在9-12節說及信徒會被逼迫的預言。馬可福音13章的記載,雖然是以公會和會堂為背景,事實上,這些逼迫是普世性的。據一些統計,上世紀的殉道者已遠超歷代的總和。你可以想到至少五個國家正在嚴厲的逼害基督徒嗎?(可參閱www.persecution.org 的網站)

(9) 你懼怕逼迫嗎?(參閱路21:19)

(10) 今天我們目睹各豫正在加劇的發生。但主說,必先要發生什麼事情,然後末期才到?

(11) 既是這樣,我們該怎樣活著?

(12) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Indestructible?

The temple in Jesus days, though not comparable, in glamour and quality, to the one built by Solomon, it was still so imposing that one of the disciples said to Jesus,
Look. Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” (Mk. 13:1)
One can only imagine the even more massive stones and greater magnificence of Solomon’s Temple.  No wonder, they could never imagine that God would leave His temple and that it could be destroyed or desecrated by the Gentiles. But it was, by King Nebuchadnezzar. By the mercy of God, some of the exiles were able to return by the order of the Persian King, Cyrus, and the temple was again rebuilt. But it was again destroyed and this time it was desecrated by the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes in BC. 167. While King Herod ruled over Jerusalem as a governor for the Roman Empire, he took the trouble to invest a lot of money to restore the temple in order to please or appease the Jews. Its glamour was such that the Jews, once again thought it was indestructible and that God would not leave His temple. History does have a way of repeating itself. The prophecy about its destruction by Jesus once again was fulfilled in AD. 70.

The Jews were not alone in repeating their mistake. Many in the heyday of the Great British Empire thought that the sun would never set on their empire, but it did. The many European countries which once embraced God as their God and prospered, have one by one seen their world dominance dwindle into insignificance.

As much as we can debate about whether many of the founding fathers of the United States were mere deists, it is indisputable that the nation was built by honoring God as its God and it has risen to replace the Great British Empire as the dominating world power. But the trend is also clear that the nation is following the footsteps of the European countries in getting more secularized and running God out of its public life. If we think that the United States will never dwindle into insignificance as a world power, we have not learned from history. The only hope of the nation is to return to God.

靈修默想小篇
永不末落?

主耶穌在世之時,耶路撒冷的聖殿的煇煌當然遠不及所羅門的聖殿,但仍是非常的壯觀,以至門徒在讚嘆:「夫子請看、這是何等的石頭、何等的殿宇。」(13:1)

可想而知,所羅門所建的聖殿是怎樣的無與倫比!無怪,當時的百姓不能想像到聖殿是會被外邦人所毀滅,神會放棄祂的居所的。但結果,那聖殿真的為尼布甲尼撒所毀。在神的憐憫底下,在古列王的允許下,以色列人得以回歸耶路撒冷,重建聖殿。然而,那殿在主前167年亦遭安提亞古、伊凡尼斯所褻瀆及毀壞。在希律統治猶大的期間,他努力討好猶太人,用了不少金錢來重修這殿。殿的宏偉,再一次叫以色列人以為它不再會被摧毀,神也不會離棄他們。可惜,在主後70年歷史重演,藉著羅馬的提多將軍應驗了主耶穌的預言,聖殿再次受毀壞。

但猶太人並沒有從歷史學到功課。正如在大英帝國的頂盛時期,不少人以為英國的太陽不會有下落的一天。結果呢?其實不單是英國,就是其他的歐洲霸權,此起彼落,也一一失去雄霸一方的勢力。

不論美國建國先祖是那樣的基督徒,美國明顯是以神和靠神而立國的。今天卻是步歐洲眾國的後塵,不是把神推出公眾的生活之外,就是單以嘴唇親近祂。如果我們還以為美國不會因此而末落,我們就是尚不懂從歷史學個功課。

Day 2

第2日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 24:15–31

As Jesus continues to foretell of the “Great Tribulation”, it appears that He is addressing different aspects of it:

1. Vv. 15-20: addressing the Jews
a. Who is the main character responsible for the great distress? (You may wish to consult Dan. 7:8, Rev. 19:20, 2 Thess. 2:4-8 etc.)

b. What do you sense about the times conveyed in vv. 16-20?

c. In this section, what might indicate that the Jews are those who are addressed primarily?
2. Vv. 21-28: addressing the entire world
a. How severe will the Great Tribulation be?

b. How does the belief of “pre-tribulation” rapture affect the interpretation of who the “elect” might be in this section? (i.e. if believers are taken up before the Great Tribulation, who might the “elect” be?)
c. If false Christs and false prophets can perform great miracles, how can we tell they are false?

d. How does v. 27 help us in discerning at least the false Christs?
3. Vv. 29-31: Final Signs and His actual coming
a. Try to draw a picture of the final signs

b. While many of the preceding signs might have happened in varying degrees, have these final signs happened yet?

c. Why would all the nations mourn? What would they be mourning over?

d. But to the “elect”, what will that day be like?

4. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


經文默想
馬太福音24:15-31

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

主耶穌繼續從不同的方面談論祂的再來:

(1) 15-20節:在猶太的

a. 是誰引發這些災禍的?(可參閱但7:8, 19:20和帖後2:4-8)

b. 這一段所要顯示的是什麼?

c. 這一段所針對的似是什麼人?

(2) 21-28節:在全地的

a. 這「大災難」 有多大、多可怕?

b. 選民」是指誰?在「大災難前」、「大災難中」和「大災難後」被提的看法,對「選民」的解釋有什麼影響?

c. 假先知和假基督都能行大神蹟,我們如何能分辨他們的假來?

d. 27節如何協助我們分辨假基督?

(3) 29-31節:基督來臨的時刻

a. 試圖繪基督來臨之前最後的預兆?

b. 這些兆頭已出現了沒有?

c. 為何地上萬國要哀哭?

d. 對「選民」而言,這是個什麼日子?

(4) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
The Talk of Jesus’ Coming

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once remarked that if you wish to draw a crowd to the church, preach on either holiness or the end-times. He was being sarcastic obviously. The preaching on holiness would definitely be welcomed, as so many Christians are dying to hear truths that are correctly divided, but not necessarily for their self-consumption, but for the rebuke of others. The preaching on the end-times would give them a similar satisfaction, but also for the satisfaction of their curiosity.

Therefore, as a pastor, I have mixed feelings about preaching on the parousia (i.e. the second coming of Christ). On the one hand, I must as a pastor, for it is only biblical to give urgent warning at a time like this. But, on the other hand, the curiosity about the end-times of the average Christian often goes beyond what is healthy.

As one who benefited greatly from the book The Late Great Planet Earth many years ago, and used it as a very effective pre-evangelistic tool, I do hope that preachers will continue to preach and warn biblically about the imminent return of Christ, but with integrity, sticking to what is knowable and avoiding any sensational speculations.

靈修默想小篇
主再來的吸引

Martin Lloyd-Jones曾說過,我們要多些人來教會嗎?最好就是講聖潔或主再來的題目。當然,他說的是反面的諷剌話。基督徒愛聽聖潔這題目,這表明他們是愛聽純正的真道。但愛聽和愛遵行卻是兩回事。至於主再來的題目,就一定會滿足信徒的好奇心。

我對主再來的講題總是有點猶疑的。身為牧者,我知道必需按聖經真理以末世的事實去警告信徒,但我卻不願意以這些信息去滿足信徒不建康的好奇心。

尚記得在七十年代,我用那本Late Great Planet Earth的內容作為有效的預備傳褔音的工具。我盼望牧者們能按聖經來傳主再來的信息,藉以警世。要傳得誠實,按正意傳講能懂的事實,而不作嘩眾取寵的講論。

Day 3

第3日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 24:32–39

As Jesus wraps up the foretelling of the signs of the end-time in response to the disciples’ questions in 24:3, He uses the fig tree as an analogy:

1. As you mull over all the signs in the preceding verses, do you get a sense that Jesus is “right at the door”? Why or why not?

2. Why does Jesus emphasize that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”?

3. While “this generation” suggests many interpretations or speculations, it is perhaps more natural within the context to assume that it refers to the generation in which all these signs will come together. Will it be our generation?

4. How should we react to the pronouncements of the time of Jesus’ coming from self-proclaimed prophets based on v. 36?

5. Why would our Father God not give us more specific timing to help us better prepare ourselves to face Jesus’ coming?

6. In what ways does His coming resemble that of the flood? Try to analyze your comparisons in detail.

7. What lessons should we learn from the flood?

8. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


經文默想
馬太福音24:32-39

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

在較詳細回答門徒有關祂再來的兆頭後,主耶穌用無花果樹來作結語:

(1) 當你細思以上種種的兆頭時,你有人子「正在門口」的感覺嗎?為什麼?

(2) 為何主耶穌要強調「天地要廢去,我的話卻不能廢去」?

(3) 對「這世代」的解釋,眾說紛紜。按上文下理,應是指著這些末世兆頭都要出現的那世代而言。你以為現今就是那世代嗎?為什麼?

(4) 歷代以來,包括今天在內,仍有人愛預言基督再來的準確時刻。為什麼他們會如此?我們應怎樣看待他們?

(5) 為何父神不更清楚的告訴我們準確的時刻呢?我們豈不是會更儆醒,作好準備嗎?

(6) 主再來與洪水的來臨有何相似之處?

(7) 我們應從洪水事件學到什麼功課?

(8) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Nor the Son of Man

Many liberal biblical scholars use this remark by Christ that no one knows about that day or hour (of His return), nor the Son (Matt. 24:36), to insinuate that Jesus is a lesser God than the Father. If hypothetically these scholars are right, it begs the question why the Father would deprive the Son of such knowledge. There is simply no reason that the Father would not confide with the Son of an event where the focus is the Son.

This statement by the Son is preceded by Him referring to Himself as the Son of Man, a term that clearly points to the humanity of Jesus Christ in His incarnational and substitutional work of redemption of all humankind. I believe He is referring to the side of His humanness to hammer home the important point that no one should speculate on the day or hour of His coming. Why then would He share in detail all the signs that would happen, leading to His eventual parousia? It is really a common-sense answer in that with these signs happening right before our eyes, we have no excuse not to prepare ourselves for His coming. However, even with a clear statement that the hour and day cannot be known, we have seen so many irresponsible and weird speculations over the centuries; just imagine if such a statement had not been made by the Lord!

Christians should not be obsessed with the precise time of the parousia, because even if Jesus does not come in our lifetime, we all have to die and face our Creator after our short earthly existence. In one way or another, we will see Him and will have to give an account of our life.

靈修默想小篇
子也不知道

不少新派的聖經學者用主耶穌說「子也不知道」這句話(24:36) ,來對耶穌是與神同等的身份提出質疑。如果這些學者的推論是對的話,他們還需要回答為何父親不願告訴子該在何時再來這問題。是因為父神尚未決定,還是祂信不過子呢?

主耶穌在說這話之前,是以「人子」自稱的。這自稱清楚的指到「道成肉身」,取了人的地位來完成代罪、救贖的大工 (同時也指出祂是但7:13所指的那位彌賽亞。) 故此,祂這句話是以祂人性的一面而言的。祂警告我們絕對不可妄言祂再來的時刻。有人或會問,既是這樣,為何祂詳述祂再來之前的種種豫兆呢?其實原因是非常簡單的。用意是叫我們看見這些預言逐一應驗時,知道要趕快信主,也要作好準備來迎接祂的再臨。令人奇怪的是,既然主耶穌已清楚的說那日子與時辰是沒有人知道的,為何歷世歷代卻不時有人妄言主再來的日子。如果主耶穌不作出警告,相信會有更多的人費更多的時間作出更多可笑的推測。

信徒不應該浪費時間去鑽研主再來的準確日子。因為就是主未再來,你和我也必要去見祂,向祂交賬的。這只是個遲早的問題而已。

Day 4

第4日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 24:40–51

1. Jesus is using another analogy (a farming analogy that His hearers are more familiar with) to get His point across. What is His point? To whom is it directed?

2. Read 2 Peter 3:8-10 to reflect on the words of Peter on the same subject. (Mind you, Peter heard these words by Jesus with His own ears.)

3.  (1) The Unexpected Hour: Analogy of break-in:
a. Have you ever tried to stay awake and yet kept going back to doze? What caused you to doze and how could you have avoided it?

b. How can you apply this (a) to “keep watch” as Jesus has commanded us?

c. In the Bible, “prayer” is often associated with keeping watch and being ready (e.g. 26:41). In what way(s) would prayer help us in terms of being awake and of keeping watch?
4.  (2) The Unexpected Hour: Household servants
a. What are the characteristics of a faithful and wise servant?

b. What challenge will the “delay” of the return of the master pose to any servant?

c. What are the characteristics of the wicked servant?

d. How is this servant different from the faithful one in terms of:
  1. Their relationship with the master
  2. How they look upon their charge
  3. How they look upon fellow workers
  4. Their being “prepared” to face their master and
  5. Their ultimate ‘reward”
e. Who might the “hypocrites” be?
5. What then is the essential message of this warning and how may you apply it in your life?

經文默想
馬太福音24:40-51

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 主耶穌繼而以群眾熟悉的例子作提醒。這些例子的背景是什麼?是向誰說的?其重點是什麼?

(2) 請翻閱彼得後書3:8-10彼得對同一要點的提醒。(當時他是在場親耳聽到主的話的)

(3) 想不到的時辰() :像賊來一樣

a. 你曾試過努力睜開眼不讓眼皮掉下來打瞌睡,卻至終不能嗎?是什麼緣故叫你這樣昏昏欲睡呢? 你可以怎樣避免這情況?

b. 你可以怎樣應用在儆醒等候主這事上?

c. 在聖經中,儆醒與禱告似是分不開的(見太26:41) 。究竟禱告能怎樣幫助我們儆醒呢?

(4) 想不到的時辰() :家僕

a. 忠心有見識的僕人有何特徵?

b. 主人的「遲來」對他們為何沒有影響?

c. 惡僕的特徵何在?

d. 他們與前者在以下幾方面的分別何在?

i. 與主人的關係

ii. 對所托的差事的態度

iii. 對同事的態度

iv. 對要準備交賬的態度

v. 最終的結局

e. 「假冒為善的人」所指的是什麼人?

(5) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣應用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Face to Face with Christ, My Savior

So many talks about the second coming of the Lord focus on the negatives. Perhaps it should be so, for those who have yet to believe in Jesus. But for those who are believers, it should be a time of great rejoicing, as we will be able to see the One who loves us so much that He has died for us, the One whom we love so dearly. Let’s reflect on this lovely hymn by Carrie E. Breck (1898).
Refrain
Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!

1   
Face to face with Christ, my Savior,

Face to face — what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ Who died for me?

2   
Only faintly now I see Him,

With the darkened veil between,
But a blessed day is coming,
When His glory shall be seen.

3   
What rejoicing in His presence,

When are banished grief and pain;
When the crooked ways are straightened,
And the dark things shall be plain.

4   
Face to face—oh, blissful moment!

Face to face—to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ Who loves me so.

靈修默想小篇
子也不知道,詩歌:面對面

我們思想過不少帶警告性有關主再來的事物,這對未信的人是必須的。對我們已經相信耶穌的人來說,主再來是我們極渴望及愛慕的時刻,因為我們必要面對面見那愛我們的主,也就是我們所愛的神。就讓我們藉此詩,彼此勉勵。

與救主基督面對面,何等榮耀的相見,

因祂曾為我罪釘死,我羨慕見祂慈面。

如今因有黑雲遮掩,不能清晰見主面,

但那榮耀日必來臨,我必要見主榮面。 

主同在時何等快樂,憂傷痛苦全消除,

彎曲道路全都修直,隱密事都要顯露。

面對面有福的良辰,面對面萬事知清,

面對面見我救贖主,祂的愛何等豐盛。

副歌

面對面我與主相見,在那遙遠的青天;

面對面在主榮耀中,我必親見主榮面。

Carrie E. Breck (1898)

Day 5

第5日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 25:1–13

(3) The Unexpected Hour

In the Old Testament, Israel is often spoken of as the bride of the Lord. Therefore this parable of the virgins may speak to those who think they are surely part of the Kingdom of Heaven within the People of God of Jesus’ days and within the church today.

1. Why are the characters in this parable called “virgins” and what are their roles?

2. In what ways are they being likened to the Kingdom of heaven?

3. How is the use of five versus five similar to 24:40-41?

4. In the parable
a. When should the virgins prepare their lamps?

b. How should they do so?

c. Why would they not do so?

d. Why can’t the foolish ones go and get oil when the bridegroom comes?
e. What is their fate?
5. Since “sleep” is often used to describe death, and all the virgins dozed off as the bridegroom is a long time in coming, and “oil” depicts the Holy Spirit:
a. How should we prepare for Jesus’ coming?

b. When should we do so?

c. Why is it too late, if we have not done so when Jesus comes?

d. What would be our fate?
6. Why would Jesus call five out of all foolish and the others wise?

7. In what way would this parable serve as a warning to the Jewish hearers?

8. What then is the essential message of this warning to you in terms of the “unexpected hour” motif and how may you apply it in your life?

經文默想
馬太福音25:1-13

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

想不到的時辰(): 十個童女

舊約聖經多次的比喻以色列為神的新婦(如賽54:4-562:5;耶2:2;何1-3) 。這比喻適用於自以為一定在神國有份的猶太人,也適用於新約教會中自以為一定在神國有份的教徒。

(1) 這比喻中的童女是指什麼人?她們的位份是什麼?

(2) 這婚筵如何是天國的比喻?

(3) 五比五的引用與24:40-41有何相同的意義?

(4) 在這比喻中

a. 童女該在何時作好準備?

b. 該如何作好準備?

c. 為何其中五人不如此作?

d. 新郎到後為何已太遲?

e. 這五個沒有油的童女有什麼結局?

(5) 在聖經中「睡覺」是死亡的隱喻。十個童女都因新郎「遲延」而睡著了。如果「油」像聖經一般的隱喻是指「聖靈」的話,那末:

a. 我們當如何準備迎見主的再來?

b. 當在何時作好這準備?

c. 為何到主出現時已太遲?

d. 不準備好的後果將是如何?

(6) 為何主稱五人為愚拙的?另五人為聰明的呢?

(7) 這喻言對猶太人有什麼意義?對教會中的人又如何?

(8) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
LinSanity

They're calling it “LinSanity” in New York, and it hit fever pitch tonight after Lin’s game winning 3-pointer with less than a second to play in the Knicks win. He finished with 27 points and a career-high of 11 assists.

But despite the “LinSanity”,  he seems to have his head on straight. The Knicks overnight phenom Jeremy Lin quotes from a section of John Piper’s book Don’t Waste Your Life in an online testimony recorded last June:
“God created us to live with a single passion to joyfully display His supreme excellence in all the spheres of life.”
Lin then adds the following commentary about his coming to treasure Jesus more than basketball success:
“When Paul wrote in Philippians to press on for an upward prize, he was living for that, and it made his life meaningful (Phil. 3:15). And I realized I had to learn to do the same. I had to learn to stop chasing the perishable prizes of this earth, I had to stop chasing personal glory, I had to learn how to give my best effort to God and trust Him with the results. I have to learn to have enough faith to trust in His grace and to trust in His sovereign and perfect plan. I had to submit my will, my desires, my dreams — give it all up to God and say, ‘Look, I am going to give my best effort, go on the court and play every day for you, and I’m going to let you take care of the rest.’ This is something I struggle with every day. . . Playing for great stats is nice, but that satisfaction — that happiness — is only from game to game. It’s temporary.”

靈修默想小篇
LinSanity

首位NBA美籍華裔球員林書豪(Jeremy Lin)自去年7月份與金州戰士隊(Golden State Warriors)簽約後,人氣急升,贏得美國華裔社區及台灣NBA球迷的愛戴。在將近一年的NBA生涯中,他經歷過成敗得失、榮耀羞辱,最終靠著信仰克服了黑暗的幽谷,重新得力勇往直前,並真正地領悟到人生的真理:要為天國的獎賞而活。

Jeremy近日獲某華人教會的邀請,向幾百位青少年分享見證。以下是他的見證撮要:

在台上的Jeremy沒有絲毫的驕傲,以主內弟兄的身份坦誠地分享了自己的故事,主要是圍繞最近一年的NBA生涯。Jeremy說,去年剛剛與金州戰士隊簽約的時候,他感到自己的生命彷彿在一夜之間改變了。他覺得好像站在全世界之上。媒體爭相採訪他,還接到了一千人以上的邀請要做他的臉書朋友。起初,他感到可以過這樣的生活很酷、很有趣,也很有自信可以面對NBA的挑戰。可是,當開始NBA集訓的時候,他垮下來了。

在集訓營中,Jeremy的表現不是很好,甚至比不上很多非NBA球員,一直只是得到20分左右。雖然教練不斷地鼓勵他,但是他已經失去了信心,好不容易地掙扎著。他特別提到去年12月底的一場分組賽事中,他竟然只得了10分。他滿腹都是他給自己的壓力,他擔心121日淘汰截止的那一天,他會因表現太差而被趕出來;他更加擔心到時候不知道要如何向一直支持他的家人、朋友和亞裔社區交代自己的失敗。當晚他徹夜無眠,在日記上寫下了這句話:「這應該是我人生中最近乎憂鬱的時候。我在球場上失去了信心,籃球對我來說再也不好玩了,我不想再參加任何的分組賽了。」121日淘汰截止的那一天,Jeremy又寫了「我希望我從來沒有簽過金州戰士隊」。

Jeremy笑著說,現在回頭看的話真的覺得自己當時瘋了。他那時……已經失去了打籃球的喜樂、熱情和目標。NBA球星擁有的高等待遇、名譽地位、美夢,這一切對他來說都不再有意義了。

就在Jeremy瀕臨崩潰的非常時刻,神的話語將他的靈喚醒,使他看到自己生命中的缺口,再次轉眼定睛在神的身上。

Jeremy說:「我突然明白到,籃球已成為了我的偶像。籃球對我來說變得非常重要,甚至成為了我生命中的首位。」這就是為何籃球消耗了他的喜樂他的喜樂是基於打籃球的表現好不好打得不好的時候,他就不快樂。

Jeremy發出內心的呼求:「我開始發現,我需要信靠神。」

Jeremy說,打NBA分組賽的期間,有一位牧師鼓勵他要每天花一個小時來親近神。Jeremy順服的去做,他的生命也就大大地被神的話語更新。引用哥林多前書924-25節「豈不知在場上賽跑的都跑、但得獎賞的只有一人?你們也當這樣跑、好叫你們得著獎賞。凡較力爭勝的、諸事都有節制,他們不過是要得能壞的冠冕,我們卻是要得不能壞的冠冕 」,Jeremy解釋自己對人生的看法如何被扭轉了。

他說:「以前我是為『能壞的冠冕』而打籃球,我一直為了好的比賽、好的得分、為金州戰士隊爭光、為能續簽球隊合約、為了他人的期望打球,我為了我自己打球。」

腓立比書314節「向著標竿直跑、要得神在基督耶穌裡從上面召我來得的獎賞」又再提醒Jeremy,在基督耶穌裡是有「從上面來的獎賞」的,這就是與耶穌基督一同享受永恆的同在。

「我學會了,我們要追求的真正的獎賞是在天國裡的。」Jeremy見證說。「使徒保羅在哥林多前書所說的獎賞是指那永恆的獎賞,他為這個獎賞而活,所以他的生命變得有意義了。」

他繼續說:「我學會了,我應該要停止追逐能壞的冠冕和個人的榮耀。我要學習向著神擺上我最好的,並且把結果交托給神。我要學習相信祂的恩典、祂偉大和完美的計劃。我要學習把我的想法、我的慾望和我的夢想全都交給神,禱告說『神啊,我要盡最大的努力去為祢打球,我把結果都交托給祢。』」

Jeremy從心裡獻上這樣的禱告,他的靈就得到了釋放。他在球場上的表現也漸有進步,在短時間內打出了前所未有高的得分,順利通過了分組賽的考驗。

Day 6

第6日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 25:14–30

Apart from the “unexpected hour” motif, another recurring theme of this series of parables is “the journey” of the master or king:

1. Why does Jesus stress the length of “the journey” over and over again through these parables (24:48; 25:5)?

2. What is the basis on which the varying “talents” are given?

3. If the basis is “ability”, then talents cannot be ability (as the word is being coined today). What might it be?

4. Rev. Stephen Chan opined, as a result, “talents” are really opportunities. If this is the case, it means that even if we have the ability (or gifts), we still have to wait for God’s assigned opportunity, timing or task. Do you agree?

5. How much might you be affected by the amount of God’s given ability and task when it comes to our attitude of serving, especially when others have received far less or greater than ours?

6. What are the rewards given to the first two servants? Is there any difference between the two? What is the message being conveyed by Jesus?

7. What reasons are given by  the last servant for not using the talent at all?
a. Is what he says of the master true?

b. By what he says, can you tell his relationship with the master and his attitude toward the task assigned?

c. Do you think his reasons are valid or are they excuses?
8. What is the verdict of the master, and is his verdict justified? Why?

9. How do verses 28-29 play out in real life, that is, when it comes to serving in the church?

10. What kind of a warning is it to the immediate audience, i.e., the Jews?

11.What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

經文默想
馬太福音25:14-30

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

在這連串的比喻中,耶穌除了強調沒有人知道祂再來的時辰外,亦重複提到祂的再來會是隔一段較長的時間的:

(1) 為何主耶穌要如此的重複?(參閱24:4825:5)

(2) 這主人是按什麼來定銀子的分配?(25:14)

(3) 既是按「才幹」,這些銀子(talents) 就不可能是才幹了。銀子若非是才幹,會是什麼呢?

(4) 陳終道牧師認為是事奉的機會。如果是這樣,有了才幹(即恩賜) ,我們還要等候神安排機會、崗位和時間;你同意嗎?為什麼?

(5) 當我們看到別人的恩賜和崗位與我們的有很大差別,這會否影響你的事奉態度呢?請誠實的自省。

(6) 首二位僕人的賞賜有分別嗎?為什麼?耶穌在此要道出的信息是什麼?

(7) 第三位僕人把銀子埋藏在地裡的藉口是什麼?

a. 他對主人的形容是真的嗎?

b. 他跟主人的關係是怎樣的?對他所被分派的崗位的看法又是怎樣?

c. 你認為他的藉口有理嗎?為什麼?

(8) 主人對這惡僕的判決是什麼?他的判決是否公允?為什麼?

(9) 今日在事奉中是否已見到神施行第28-29節的原則嗎?

(10) 這比喻對當時的猶太人和今天教會中的人有什麼警告?

(11) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
Did Jesus have a change of timetable?

It appears that all Biblical scholars opine that the Apostles and disciples of the first church expected an imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ and they lived and preached in light of this understanding. The natural question appears to be whether the Apostles had the wrong understanding or whether Jesus had a change of plan in terms of the timing of His return.

As we read the many parables in the latter part of Matthew, the repeated motif is not only the unexpectedness of the timing of Jesus’ return, but the much longer wait than anticipated, and so the wicked servant considers his master being away “for a long time” (24:48); and the ten virgins all have fallen asleep as “the bridegroom was a long time in coming” (25:5). These parables point to the fact that the wait will certainly be unusually long. It is true that the early believers did fervently desire the soon return of their Lord, and some, because of the perceived delay, began to doubt. This is perhaps why Peter had to remind them that,
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9)
It is interesting to note that Peter did not say that Jesus was patient with the non-believers who would perish, but with us. That means if there is any delay, it is caused by us, who are too slow to accomplish the Great Commission entrusted to us.

靈修默想小篇
耶穌是在耽延嗎?

解經家一般都認為初期的使徒都以為主耶穌必會快來,以至他們的傳講都帶著逼切性。有不少人卻繼而認為使徒是誤解了主要快來的話,甚至以為主耶穌所言不實。

讀到馬太福音連篇有關主自己必再來的講論,其實祂早已提醒我們,祂的再來是要等待一段很長的時間,長到一個地步令人以為祂在遲延了。(參閱24:48; 25:5)

對,初期的信徒確是甚盼主必快來,但在久候時產生了疑惑。就因這原故,彼得覺得有需要提醒他們說:「主所應許的尚未成就,有人以為他是耽延,其實不是耽延,乃是寬容你們,不願有一人沉淪,乃願人人都悔改。」(彼後3:9)

請留意,彼得不是說主在寬容未信的人,乃是在寬容我們。換句話說,祂的「遲延」是我們的過失,我們實在「遲延」了大使命的完成。

Day 7

第7日

Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below.
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反複思考問題。

Scriptural Reflection
Matthew 25:31–46

1. Jesus now turns the focus of His message from the “long journey” to His eventual arrival or return. What is He declaring about His return in vv. 31-32?

2. He then gives us a picture of His judgment over “all the nations”, using a pastoral analogy, that of the division of sheep and goats. Who are the sheep and who are the goats?

3. What is the reward of the righteous? Try to understand what this reward really is and how great it is.

4. What is the “reward” of the cursed? Why are they called the “cursed” and do you get a sense that where they will be sent is not really originally meant for them?

5. What is meant by “one of the least of these brothers of mine”?
a. Why are they called the least?

b. Why are they called His brothers? Can we base our understanding by comparing to Hebrews 2:11?
6. As we seek to understand this passage, what can we observe about the first church in the Book of Acts in this respect?

7. Throughout the New Testament, the clear message of salvation is that of faith in Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16 etc.):
a. What message might you get from this as a stand-alone passage?

b. What message might you understand when taken together with the rest of Scripture?
8. What is the purpose of Jesus giving this sermon as one of His final ones?

9. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?


經文默想
馬太福音25:31-46

請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍,然後反復思考問題

(1) 在此,主耶穌把焦點由「遠行」轉到祂再來的時刻。第31-32節怎樣形容祂再來時的情景?

(2) 祂用一個牧人的背景來形容給「萬民」的審判。綿羊與山羊分別代表什麼?

(3) 義人得的是什麼賞賜?請細思這獎賞不可思議之處。

(4) 被咒詛的所得的審判是什麼?「為魔鬼和他的使者所豫備的」是什麼意思?

(5) 什麼是「我這弟兄中最小的」?

a. 為什麼稱他們為最小的?

b. 為何主稱他們為祂的弟兄?

c. 希伯來書2:11又如何解釋?

(6) 在使徒行傳中使徒怎樣行出這教訓?

(7) 整本新約聖經道出因信耶穌才得拯救的道理(3:16是這道理典型的經節)

a. 如果單以馬太福音25:31- 46來看,你會得到什麼結論?

b. 如果用整本新約聖經的教導來看,你會得到什麼結論?

(8) 耶穌在祂最後的講道中,特別提出這信息的原因是什麼?

(9) 今天你得到的主要信息是什麼?你會怎樣用在你的生命中?

Meditative Reflection
The Basis of Righteousness

I have to admit that the judgment of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 is a tough passage to understand in light of the apparent basis on which judgment is being pronounced by the Lord at His coming. If based simply on the immediate context and contents of the passage, we have to admit that
(1) this is a judgment pronounced not only on the church of God, but on all nations; and thus the treatment of “the least of these brothers of mine” can be carried out by believers and non-believers alike;

(2) the judgment or reward is pronounced clearly based on the word, “for” in v. 35 and v. 42, and it is based on works of caring for the “least” of His brothers or the lack of which; and

(3) the judgment is clearly eternal fire for the wicked and the kingdom of heaven for the righteous.
However, we do need to interpret scripture with scripture and cannot develop an entirely new theology based on the narrow interpretation of one single verse or, in this case, one single passage.

Thus, if the entire teachings of Jesus are taken as a whole, together with the teachings of the Apostles (which have been learned from the Lord), it is unmistakably clear that
(1) salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ, and not by works, (Eph. 2:8-9);

(2) "there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved;" (Acts 4:12)

(3) Jesus clarifies what “work” means when it comes to eternal life and that is “to believe in the one He (the Father) has sent.” (Jn. 6:29)
So, as much as Jesus points out the reward of those who do not neglect to care for the least of His brothers is to inherit the Kingdom, and calls them the righteous, He does not say that they are declared righteous because of their actions. Rather, given the overall teachings of the Bible, they have obtained righteousness through faith already, but their caring for the “least” invite great reward from the King.

The question that needs to be considered is then: Why would Jesus expound such a teaching in one of His last sermons, apparently without clarifying the important essence of believing in Him as He did in other places.

As Christians, we need to take Jesus’ words seriously and examine ourselves that as we claim that we have truly believed in Him, how come we do not care about the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed with whom Jesus has clearly identified! As James, certainly follows Jesus’ teaching in this respect, powerfully points out, “faith without work is dead.” (Jas. 2:20)

While it is irresponsible for us to care for the body and not the soul, it is also hypocritical for us to care for the soul and not the body.

靈修默想小篇
靠行為稱義?

我得承認,馬太福音25章有關主再來時分別綿羊、山羊的信息是不容易了解的。如果單以這一段的內容來看,我們會有以下的領會:

(1) 這審判是施予「萬民」(有譯「萬國」) 的。故此,給「我這弟兄中一個最小的」對待,可以是信主和非信主的人;

(2) 賞罰的基礎由兩個「因為」帶出(25:35, 42) ,明顯是與對這些最小的所作的行為有關;

(3) 罰的是永火;賞的是神的國。前者是被稱為被咒詛的;後者被稱為義人。

不過,正如約翰衛斯理所愛用的重複語:解經是應該以經解經的,這樣就免去「一節解經」的錯誤。「一段成章」也是危險的。

故此,當我們把主耶穌和使徒的一貫教導一起來看,就清楚的知道:

(1) 我們是靠恩典、因信稱義的。與行為無關(2:8-9)

(2) 除耶穌以外,別無拯救;因為在天下人間,沒有賜下別的名,我們可以靠著得救(4:12)

(3) 提到與永生有關的「工作」或「行為」時,主耶穌就澄清說:「信神所差來的,這就是作神的工」(6:29)

故此,當耶穌稱讚並賞賜那些善待「最小的」時,祂並沒有說這是他稱義的原因。其實按聖經一貫的教導,我們可以知道,這些已因信稱義的,因著關心這些「最小的」會得極大的賞賜。

不過,我們仍需面對為何主耶穌特別在最後的講道中要強調這信息。作為基督徒,我們需要誠實和嚴肅的聆聽這信息。如果我們真的已相信耶穌,就絕對不能不關心主所關心的一群: 就是被人遺忘的一群。故此,雅各鄭重的提醒我們:「沒有行為的信心是死的。」(2:20)

衹關心別人的身心,而忽略靈魂,是不負責任的。但只關心靈魂,而忽略別人的身心,卻是假冒為善了。