We shall continue the study of Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) The Israelites, after their miraculous Exodus, were traveling “from place to place as the Lord commanded.”
Ø How did they know it was the Lord’s command?
Ø Why then should they quarrel with Moses over the lack of water, if they knew it was God’s leading?
Ø Since it was “as the Lord commanded”, why then did God lead them into such a difficult situation?
(2) In Moses’ reply to the people, why did he point out that their action amounted to putting “the Lord to the test”?
(3) What then should they have done?
(4) Are you (or have you been) in a similar situation as the Israelites? Have you complained? Why would God lead you to such a place? What then should you do?
(5) Repeatedly during hardship, the Israelites’ refrain to Moses seemed to be, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die”.
Ø Did they not
know why and who brought them out of
Ø Had they not seen enough miracles?
Ø Did they
really forget about the extreme hardship in
Ø Why then would they make such a bitter attack on Moses?
(6) Since Exodus symbolizes our salvation out of the slavery of sins, how then should we avoid making the mistake of bitterly complaining about our hardship as children of God, saved by the blood of Christ?
(7) How serious was this attack against Moses this time?
(8) How did Moses show his spiritual maturity this time?
(9) How does the Apostle Paul interpret this incident in I Corinthians 10:4? Why?
(10) In naming the place Massah (means testing) and Miribah (means quarreling), what did Moses point out as the key issue of incident?
(11) As churches face divisions and strives, we often hear the same question raised as in v. 7; what should the answer be?
(12) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 在出埃及之後，以色列全會眾都是「遵耶和華的吩咐，按著站口」由一地前行到另一地：
a. 他們怎知是神的引導呢？
b. 既確知是神的引導，為何要與摩西爭鬧？
c. 既是神的吩咐，為何祂要領他們到「無水之地」？
(2) 為何摩西說，他們是在「試探」神呢？
(3) 百姓其實應該怎樣面對神這樣的引導？
(4) 你曾否遇過像這百姓的經歷？你有否發出埋怨？為何神引導你到難處當中？你應怎樣去面對？
(5) 每當遇到難處，百姓總愛向摩西埋怨的說：你為何領我們出埃及去死呢！
a. 難道他們真不知道是誰領他們出埃及的嗎？
b. 難道他們還看不夠神蹟奇事嗎？
c. 難道他們已忘記埃及以前的苦況嗎？
d. 為何他們要如此苦毒的攻擊摩西？
(6) 既然「出埃及」是我們藉著基督的血得以從罪中救贖出來的喻表，我們怎樣才能避免像以色列人一樣的埋怨呢？
(7) 百姓這一次對摩西的攻擊嚴重到什麼地步？
(8) 摩西這次面對百姓的攻擊，如何顯出他靈性的成熟？
(9) 參哥林多前書10:4。保羅怎樣看這事件？為什麼？
(10) 在稱那地方「瑪撒」和「米利巴」時，摩西指出這事件顯出百姓埋怨的原委是什麼？
(11) 在一般教會發生紛爭的時刻中，我們會常常聽到屬靈的基督徒發出像17:7一樣的問題，我們的答案應是什麼？
(12) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼? 你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“And he called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’” (Exod. 17:7)
It is not uncommon to have church fights, because we are only sinners saved by grace. As much as we are “saints” by position, we still have quite a way to go to become fully like Christ and His holiness. In fact, we will not achieve total sanctification until we see Christ. And so we can read in the Bible about the fierce quarrel between two leading saints of the early church, Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39); and we also read about the fierce quarrel between John Wesley and George Whitefield, two great spiritual giants of the past over Universalism of Salvation. But in the end, Paul and Barnabas were reconciled and George Whitefield conducted the funeral of John Wesley.
But during times of controversies or church fights, we often hear some well-meaning Christians ask, “Is the Lord still among us?”
The truth of the matter is, we are His body—no matter how divided we may be in attitude, in opinion or even in action—His body can never be divided. It is always one body.
Yes, there are times, based on our judgment, that one side may have done the most hurtful, unkind or even unethical thing. Still, it does not change the fact that we remain a body of Christ which is expressed through the local churches. Of course, unless the church denies Jesus Christ as the Son of God or other basic doctrines that in essence alters the gospel of Jesus Christ, I truly believe, such a question is not only inappropriate, but it also underestimates the long-suffering nature of the heart of Christ and the reconciling nature of the gospel.
「他給那地方起名叫瑪撒，又叫米利巴；因以色列人爭鬧，又因他們試探耶和華，說：耶和華是在我們中間不是？」 (出17:7)
教會常有糾紛是很可惜的，但卻屬正常的事，因為我們都是蒙恩的罪人而已。當然，我們都因信耶穌而成為聖徒了，但離完全像基督的模樣尚遠，惟有在見主的時候才會像主的模樣，完全聖潔。所以，在聖經中我們讀到就是在初期教會中，兩個屬靈的領袖—保羅和巴拿巴大大的吵架(徒15:39) ；在教會歷史中我們也讀到兩位極忠心、又具影響力的神僕—約翰衛斯理和左治威復(Whitefield) 因普世救恩論大大的爭吵。但到最後，保羅與巴拿巴復和；左治威復更為衛斯理主持安息禮拜。
在教會的紛爭發生時，我們常常聽到屬靈的人在問：「神還在我們中間嗎？」
事實是：我們是基督的身體—不論我們的心態是怎樣的激烈、意見是怎樣的不合—祂的身體是不能被分割的，仍是一個身體。
誠然，有時候因某一方，以我們的判斷，是作了極其傷害別人、沒有愛心和甚至缺德的行為；但這仍不能改變我們是一個身體，這真理乃是藉著地方教會表明出來的。當然，除非一個地方教會已不再信耶穌為神的兒子，拒絕了救恩基本的真道，傳了另一個福音，否則這個問題是問得不合宜的；因為它低估了基督長久忍耐的心，也忽略了福音是一個使人和好的福音的真理。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) This appears to be the first real battle that the Israelites had to face after Exodus. In terms of “tests”, which might be a greater test—the engaging in a battle or the harsh conditions of the desert?
(2) Why didn’t the Israelites complain about the (presumably unprovoked) attack of the Amalekites?
(3) How did Moses use his staff? What has it become, to him and to the people of Israelites?
(4) Presumably, Moses was raising the staff with both hands:
a. What does such a gesture of raising hands represent?
b. Why did God choose to make them win when Moses’ hands were raised, but lose when Moses’ hands were lowered?
c. Why would Moses lower his hands, knowing that it would cause the Israelites to lose (and by losing, it might mean some being killed)?
d. It is commonly interpreted that the raising of hands means prayers, and thus when Moses prayed, the Israelites would win, and when he did not pray, they would lose. Do you think this is necessarily a lesson (i) on prayer, or (ii) on the need to depend on the Lord or (iii) on who is the only or real source of victory? What do you think and why?
(5) Although this is the method chosen by the Lord for the winning of this battle, Moses was human after all. How did he manage to keep his hands from lowering? What significant lesson can we learn from Aaron and Hur?
(6) Why was it important that “Joshua” would know what actually happened on the hill?
(7) How did God make sure that Joshua knew? Any lesson to be learned from His method?
(8) What did Moses’ actions after the victory signify:
a. With the building of an altar?
b. By calling it, “The Lord is my Banner”?
c. What does banner mean, according to Moses?
(9) In this battle, there were four main characters: Moses, Aaron, Hur and Joshua. With whom can you identify the most? What did each learn in his role?
(10) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
第107日
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。 (1) 這裡的記載應是以色列人出埃及之後的第一次爭戰。為何以色列人沒有因為亞瑪力人的攻擊而埋怨？
(2) 你認為對他們而言，面對沙漠或爭戰是更大的信心和順服的試驗嗎？為什麼？
(3) 摩西怎樣使用他的杖？這杖現在成為以色列人和摩西的什麼象徵？
(4) 相信摩西是用兩手把杖舉起來的：
a. 舉起雙手是什麼的象徵？
b. 明顯的，摩西的心是完全的倚靠神。為何神卻揀選在手舉起時才得勝，手下垂時就退敗？
c. 為何摩西容讓手下垂，引至敵人得勝(意即有以色列人傷亡) ？
d. 你認為手下垂和舉起所帶來的後果，是在乎顯出：(i) 禱告的重要；(ii) 完全倚靠神的必要或是(iii) 得勝真正的源頭？為什麼？
(5) 摩西怎樣解決手下沉的難處？這裡表明了什麼極重要的屬靈功課？
(6) 為何約書亞要確知他爭戰的背後發生了什麼事？
(7) 神要約書亞能確知的方法是什麼？這方法對我們有什麼教訓？
(8) 摩西在這第一次正式的爭戰之後所作的有什麼重要意義？
a. 築壇？
b. 起名為「耶和華尼西」？
c. 「旌旗」在此有什麼特別意義？
(9) 這次的爭戰有幾個不同的角色，包括摩西、亞倫、戶珥、約書亞：那一個是你最能認同的？你從這裡可以學到什麼功課？
(10) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼?你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.’” (Exod. 17:11)
I still remember vividly as I began a new ministry in a church, the one who considered himself “the” leader of the congregation (I did not make it up, he said he was the most influential person in the congregation) came to me and shared with me a problem in the church. I sincerely said, “Let’s pray about it.” To my surprise, he said something to the effect, “what’s the use”!
While he was one of the rare leaders who would openly express his disbelief in prayers; I have found many who are far more spiritual and yet do not really believe in prayers. Even in the last little while, I have been approached by different leaders of a local church who, with long faces and frowns, shared their frustration over presumably a hopeless situation with the church. As I gave them the typical and yet sincere reply that the real solution is “prayer”, I could see the disappointment on their faces. Either they thought they had prayed enough, or they did not really believe in prayers.
This strange strategy of winning with Moses’ uplifted hands (or his staff) is God’s way of demonstrating beyond a doubt who was solely responsible for the victory. If God was solely responsible for the victory over the Amalekites then, He is solely responsible for the victory in the battles of our lives and those of the church today. Nothing has changed. God has not changed.
And, this strange strategy of winning undoubtedly demonstrates that the only method of securing God’s help is prayer — “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord” (17:16).
Since we know the source of victory is God, and the only way to secure His helping hand is prayer, why don’t we believe? What are we waiting for?
If you are assuming the role of Moses, quickly find your Aaron and Hur and pray fervently and regularly. If you are an Hur or Aaron, quickly go to your Moses and support him or her with prayers, again fervently, regularly and as a team, together. It is time we truly believe in prayers.
「摩西何時舉手，以色列人就得勝，何時垂手，亞瑪力人就得勝。」 （出17:11）
當我初進某一個教會事奉的時候，就有一個自命是教會裡最具影響力的執事來跟我分訴教會的一些難處。我聽後很誠意的說：「讓我們禱告，交托給神吧。」誰知，他衝口而出的說：「那有什麼用？」
當然，他是少有如此坦白，自認不相信禱告的執事，但我卻遇見很多的「屬靈」領袖，內心是不相信禱告的。就是最近，我接觸到不同的教會領袖，他們與我分享教會種種的難處。當我鼓勵他們把這些難處用禱告帶到神面前時，他們的面容和態度告訴我，他們一是以為禱告夠了，或是他們根本不相信禱告。
神在以色列人與亞瑪力人的爭戰中，藉著摩西舉手(相信手中仍握著杖) 來清楚的表明，誰是得勝的惟一原因。神既是以色列人戰勝亞瑪力人的惟一原因，祂也是我們勝過我們和教會的爭戰惟一的原因。因為神是沒有改變的。
而摩西舉手得勝，這奇特的方式同時清楚的表明，能取得神的幫助惟一的方法就是禱告，就如英譯本NIV按一部份抄本的記載所譯：「因為手已向耶和華的寶座舉起」(17:16)
我們既然知道神是得勝的惟一源頭，也知道能取得神的幫助惟一的途徑是禱告，為何我們仍然不相信？我們還在等待什麼呢？
如果，今天你有摩西的位份，要快快找你的亞倫和戶珥，一起的禱告。如果，你是有亞倫和戶珥位份的，就快快去與你的摩西，一同恆切的禱告。這是我們真正相信禱告的時候。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) Since
the Bible mentions the two sons of Moses in details, let’s reflect on
them. We know when, where and why Moses
named his firstborn, Gershom (see Exod.
a. When likely was he born?
b. Where likely was he born?
c. Why was he named Eliezer?
(2) What changes in Moses can you detect between the births of the two sons?
(3) From the details the Bible gives of what Moses told Jethro in vv. 7-8, can you tell how Moses looked upon his father-in-law?
(4) Why did he mention hardship as well, and not just the miracles in Egypt?
(5) It is debatable whether Jethro was a Midian priest to idols or the Lord. The Talmud appears to favor the former. In any case:
a. What had Jethro learned about God because of Moses?
b. What did his offering to the Lord represent?
(6) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
第108日
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。 (1) 聖經這裡提到摩西的兩個兒子。我們知道他首生的兒子是何時、何地出生的，及命名的原因(見出埃及記2:22) ，至於以利以謝：
a. 他該是何時出生？
b. 該是何地出生？
c. 命名的原因是什麼？
(2) 兩個兒子出生之間，藉著他們不同的名字，你可以看到摩西那方面的改變？
(3) 按摩西在18:7-8與岳父分享的內容，你可以怎樣形容他與岳父的關係？
(4) 為何在述說出埃及的神蹟外，還提到路上的艱難呢？
(5) 葉忒羅是耶和華的祭司，或是其他神靈的祭司，我們不可得知。似乎一般猶太古時拉比的文獻(尤其是Talmud) 是指後者。若是如此：
a. 葉忒羅藉摩西的見證對耶和華有什麼認識？
b. 他的獻祭又代表了什麼？
(6) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake…” (Exod. 18:8)
I found the visit of Jethro most interesting.
Moses, by now, has established himself as “the” leader” chosen by God to lead His people and the people “put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant” (Exod. 14:31).
Although Moses continued to face problems and rebellions from within, anytime he turned to the Lord, he would find answers and solutions and he would receive advice or power to overcome his problems. What’s more, the Lord often came down in glory to speak to him. One would expect Moses to be such a super-leader that he needed no one but the Lord.
But
such was not the case. Being “the”
leader, Moses was lonely. Both Aaron and
Hur appeared to be his assistants. I am sure that Moses would consult them as
well from time to time. But to
share his inner feelings—especially his doubts and
fears—he needed someone more mature than he was. This he found in his father-in-law.
I believe that as he named his second son Eliezer because “My father’s God was my helper, he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh”, this son was probably born right after the crossing of the Red Sea—the drowning of Pharaoh’s soldiers and the end of Pharaoh’s pursuit. Then Moses, perhaps, due to the hardship of the desert, but more likely due to his wanting his father-in-law to know first-hand the miraculous deeds of the Lord, sent his wife and sons back to Jethro. With such miraculous accounts, Jethro, being a priest, would not want to miss any of the actions. So, he came to visit Moses.
Now, Moses did not only reiterate most of the miracles that his wife must have told Jethro, he shared with him “the hardships they had met along the way” (Exod. 18:8).
One can imagine the loneliness of Moses as a leader, having to shoulder such an impossible task, facing immense hardship and opposition. Now God provided him Jethro, his father-in-law, a more mature, wiser and older saint to be his mentor, to listen and to give advice. I wonder if Aaron was the one who suggested the delegation of both responsibility and power, would Moses have listened? But coming from the mouth of Jethro, Moses took his advice immediately.
I believe all spiritual leaders, even those as great as Moses, need a mentor and a listening ear.
「摩西將耶和華為以色列的緣故向法老和埃及人所行的一切事，以及路上所遭遇的一切艱難，並耶和華怎樣搭救他們，都述說與他岳父聽。」(出18:8)
我對葉忒羅的到訪甚感興趣！
摩西到了這時候，已經穩穩的成為以色列的領導人，是眾人公認神所指派的領袖，以至以色列人「信服祂和祂的僕人摩西」(14:31) 。
雖然，摩西仍繼續會面對百姓的難處和悖逆，但每次他把難處帶到神的面前時，他總得到答案和神的幫助。不但如此，神也不時在榮光中降臨，向摩西說話。故此，我們會以為摩西是如此超奇的人物，有神他已足夠，他不需要別人的指導了。
但事實並不是這樣。作為「惟一」的領袖，摩西是孤單的。當然，亞倫和戶珥是他的副手，我相信摩西也有請教他們的時刻的，但他能否也坦然分享心中的感受，包括恐懼和疑惑呢？恐怕，這些只能與較屬靈的長者分享。葉忒羅的到訪正給予摩西這個機會。
我相信摩西的次子是生於剛出埃及，神使法老軍葬身紅海之後的，以至他給他起名以利以謝，因他說「我父親的神幫助了我，救我脫離法老的刀。」(18:4)
或許因著面對沙漠的艱巨，又或者因為他希望岳父能盡快聽到神拯救的大能，他就把妻兒送回岳父家中。但葉忒羅，身為祭司，怎會不想從摩西口中，先聽為快呢！所以他要親自到訪摩西。
聖經告訴我們，摩西不但把神向埃及人所行的一切告訴岳父，更給他述說「路上所遭遇的一切艱難」(18:8) 。
我們可以想像到這位神僕的孤單，獨自的承擔這人絕對不能承擔的重任、面對這麼多又大又難的挑戰。但現在，神為他預備了葉忒羅—他能信任，比他年長的屬靈人，成為他的聆聽者和導師。我相信，如果這分擔工作的建議是出自亞倫的口，可能摩西是不會接受的；但出於葉忒羅的口，他立刻的聽從。
我相信每一個屬靈的領袖，包括如摩西這樣偉大的領袖，也需要一位良師作聆聽者，作輔導者。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) What did Moses do as the judge of his people? (vv. 15-16)
(2) Why did Moses alone act as the judge for the people?
(3) Why did he not at least delegate this responsibility to or share it with Aaron, Hur and Joshua?
(4) What might be his worries?
Ø What might be the worries that were justified?
Ø What might be the worries that were not justified?
(5) How will you describe Moses’ style of leadership? Why, according to Jethro, was it “not good”?
(6) What did Jethro say that Moses should retain as his responsibilities and what he should delegate?
(7) To what kind of men should Moses delegate such important tasks?
(8) Still, what might be the risks would Moses be taking by delegating such important tasks?
(9) Why did Moses listen?
(10) While Jethro saw his advice as necessary, he under-girded his recommendation with “and God so commands” (v.23). How important is this attitude?
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 摩西是怎樣作百姓的審判官？(見18:15-16)
(2) 為何他是獨自一人去作？為何不授權給亞倫、戶珥或約書亞？
(3) 他不給別人分擔這重任可有他的掛慮嗎？
a. 什麼是他值得掛慮的地方？
b. 什麼是他不應掛慮的地方？
(4) 你可以怎樣形容摩西的領導方式？為何葉忒羅認為是「不好」？
(5) 葉忒羅認為摩西應該把什麼職務與人分擔，但卻應保留什麼呢？
(6) 葉忒羅認為摩西應該揀選什麼人來分擔他的職務？
(7) 這樣把權責分授有什麼風險？
(8) 為何摩西接受這建議？
(9) 葉忒羅作出這甚合理的建議，然而在18:23他加上了一個備註，這備註是什麼？這備註是否極其重要？為什麼？
(10) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“What you are doing is not good. You and all these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.’” (Exod. 18:17-18)
I have seen quite a few Christian leaders who will do everything themselves without delegating some of their work to others. Reasons range from
(1) The lack of time to train: as much as they recognize that they are over-whelmed already with their work, they are so busy that they cannot find time to train so as to delegate. They do not understand that although things will be hampered somewhat by the time they devote to training, in a long run it will work much better for everyone;
(2) The inability to relate to people: many leaders have a hard time relating to other people. They are basically loners who cannot work in a team environment. So, they prefer to do it all, thus avoiding the need to communicate, to associate and to relate to other people. They might be great with people that they serve (i.e. people that benefit from their service), but not people they serve more or less together with on a similar or slightly lower level.
(3) Most do-it-alone leaders do not trust people — because their responsibilities are so important, they think they are the only ones qualified to do the tasks. They are the only ones who know God’s will better; they are the only ones who interpret Gods’ word correctly; they are the only ones who can be trusted.
I believe Moses was such a humble person that he had no problem relating to other people. It would probably be that he was so busy (acting as the judge of some 2 million plus people) that he did not find time to train. But, being someone who was so faithful to God and His commands, it would be his genuine concern that by so delegating, and no matter how carefully he might choose godly leaders with integrity, there was a good chance that some would turn out to be bad judges. And I believe some did turn out to be bad apples. But ultimately, it is a matter of trust. Moses would eventually understand that even he, himself, would err (which cost him the privilege of setting foot on the Promised Land itself).
As spiritual leaders, we should learn to trust, to give others the opportunity not only to learn to serve, but also to make mistakes and learn from them. And ultimately, we are trusting God to see us through, because it is His ministry, His people after all, not ours.
「摩西的岳父說：你這做的不好。你和這些百姓必都疲憊；因為這事太重，你獨自一人辦理不了。」(出18:17-18)
我見過不少的基督徒領袖凡事親力親為，不願把事工分配給別人分擔。我發覺原因有幾個可能性：
(1) 沒有時間去訓練：他們往往忙碌到一個地步，他們不是不想訓練別人來承擔一部份的責任，乃是連訓練的時間也抽不出來。他們不曉得，雖然停下來去訓練別人是會使事工暫時有損，但長遠計，卻會使事工得最大的益處。
(2) 不能與人相處：有些作帶領的不能與別人同工。他們習慣了作獨行狹，不願與人同工，以為自己做，效果更佳；故此盡量避免與人接觸、溝通和共事。他們與被服侍的相處甚佳，但對平輩的就不能容忍。
(3) 不信任別人：往往因為所負的是重任，他們以為惟有自己才能勝任，才有資格去承擔。他們甚至以為自己才最忠心、最明白神的旨意、能正確的解經。故此，不輕易信任別人。
我們都知道摩西為人謙柔，與別人相處是沒有問題的。故此，他的難處是在乎找不到時間去訓練其他的領袖。處理相信超過二百萬的群眾豈是容易的事呢！
同時，我們也知道摩西是甚忠心的神僕，也忠於神的誡命的。故此，想到要交托按神的話語來審判群眾這神聖的責任，他是恐怕所托非人。他也知道不論他是如何小心的挑選，總會有選錯人的可能。至終，他的難處是在乎「信任」。摩西及後明白到，就是他自己也會犯錯，而且會犯大錯(引至他不能進入應許地) 。
作為屬靈的領袖，我們需要學習信任，不但給予他人學習事奉的機會，也給予別人從失敗中學習的機會。至終，我們是學習信靠神，相信祂會看顧屬祂的人，和屬祂的事工—對，不是屬我們的人，也不是屬我們的事工；一切都全屬於祂的。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
Presumably, this was where it all began,
(1) Read Exodus 3:12. What was the sign that God talked about? How far-fetched did the command and the promise seem to Moses at the time?
(2) What if Moses succeeded to refuse the commissioning?
(3) Now, what happened as he obeyed this impossible heavenly vision?
(4) Before the Lord delivered the all important Ten Commandments, He wanted them to know how special they were to Him:
a. God brought them to Himself: what does it mean?
b. Carried them on eagles’ wings: what does it mean?
c. Why did God stress that “the whole earth” is His?
d. The ultimate purposes of Exodus were explained as:
i. “for me”: what does it mean?
ii. a kingdom of priests: what are its implications?
iii. a holy nation: what are its implications?
(5) In order that they could fulfill these ultimate purposes, what were the people to do? (v. 5)
(6) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
現在，摩西重回初次在荊棘中遇見神，接受這完全改變了他一生的使命的西乃山，帶領著這使命要拯救的百姓，到此敬拜神：
(1) 請重溫出埃及記3:12。當日，神所提出的「證據」是什麼？這「證據」對當時的摩西而言是很實在，還是虛渺的？為什麼？
(2) 當日，如果摩西成功的拒絕了這使命，會帶來什麼後果？
(3) 但是，他卻是順從了神和祂的使命，結果是怎樣？
(4) 在宣佈這重要的「十誡」之前，神要以色列人知道他們是何等的、特別的蒙福：
a. 「歸我」是什麼意思？
b. 「如鷹……背在翅膀上」又是什麼意思？
c. 「全地都是我的」是什麼意思？
d. 請細思以下出埃及最終的意義是什麼：
i. 「屬我的子民」？
ii. 「作祭司的國度」？
iii. 「聖潔的國民」？
(5) 如果要活出這些，他們當如何行？(19:5)
(6) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“(Y)ou will be for me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.” (Exod. 19:6)
As the Lord explained the very special privilege accorded to the people of Israel, He prefaced with these words: “Although the whole earth is mine.” It means while they are now being chosen as a special people, the fact remains the whole earth—every people on earth—belongs to Him. All peoples on earth are His, not just the Israelites.
However, they are now chosen for some very important and special purposes:
(1) A people belonging to God: the words God uses are “for me” which means they do not exist for themselves anymore. They now belong to God to be protected by Him, molded by Him and used by Him. That is a privilege—a privilege that extends, of all peoples on earth, only to them; but that is also a mission—a special mission that only they can fulfill.
(2) The mission is being described as being “a kingdom of priests”: yes, they will be a powerful nation, comparable to any kingdom on earth, and yet it differs or stands out from all other nations as a kingdom of priest—i.e. a people who stand between God and all other peoples—to reveal God to them and bring them to the knowledge of God. That is the chief end of a priest.
(3) The distinct mission is to be accomplished through how they live out their mission: to be a holy nation. It is their relationship with the Lord, lived out in their total dedication to the Lord in full obedience and keeping of His covenant. The implication is that as they live out their holiness, their separateness as a people for God, the other nations will know that their God is the Lord—the Creator God.
As we know:
(1) The people immediately responded “together” to do everything the Lord has said;
(2) And they never had come close to fulfilling their end of the covenant;
(3) As a result, we who were once not a people, but now we, Christians, are the people of God, and this is the way Peter puts it: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation…” (1 Pet. 2:9)
Therefore, New Testament believers are a priesthood of believers is not a new idea, but one which is as old as Exodus, and God’s ultimate purposes for us remain the same as He had explained 3,500 years ago to the people of Israel.
「你們要歸我作祭司的國度，為聖潔的國民。這些話你要告訴以色列人。」 (出19:6)
在吩咐摩西告訴以色列人他們是何等蒙福的子民時，神特別的指出：「全地都是我的」。因為，雖然以色列民是神的選民，但他們需要明白，全地，也即全人類是屬於祂的—全世界的民族，不單是以色列人，都是屬於神的。
既是選民，他們確有極重要的地位和使命：
(1) 「屬我的子民」：既是屬神的，他們再不屬自己了。屬神的，自然為神所看顧、被祂模造、為祂所用。這是他們的特權—是其他民族所沒有的；但這特權卻是帶著使命的；
(2) 「祭司的國度」：這正是他們的使命。對，他們已成為一個國度，像其他的邦國一樣；但不同的是，他們是一個祭司的國度：是在神和其他的世人之間，把神彰顯給他們看，也把世人帶去認識神。這是祭司的職責。
(3) 「聖潔的國民」：這是他們完成使命的途徑，作為聖潔的國民。若然，他們能活出單屬於神、過與世人有別的聖潔生活，其他的邦國便會認識他們的神為惟一的創造主、獨一的真神。
我們都知道，雖然他們立時的都同聲回答說：「凡耶和華所吩咐的，我們都要遵行」，他們只是說卻沒有這樣做。結果，我們這些「從前算不得子民，卻作了神的子民」，因信耶穌基督的原故，我們成為了「被揀選的族類、是有君尊的祭司、是聖潔的國度、是屬神的子民」(彼前2:9-10) 。
換句話說，基督徒是祭司並非是新約的觀念，乃是神早在以色列人出埃及之後，清楚表明的心意：不論是舊約的子民，或是新約神的子民，神揀選我們的心意同是要叫我們宣揚那召我們「出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。」
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) What was God’s game plan to make sure the people would listen to His appointed leader, Moses? Do you think it would work?
(2) Do you think if that’s how God chooses to reveal Himself to you, you will definitely be totally obedient to Him? Why or why not?
(3) In order that they would meet with God, what were the preparations they needed to do? Why?
(4) How do you meet with God corporately these days? What preparations then should you do in order to come close to His holy presence?
(5) In the actual gathering, God put limits around the mountain, why?
(6) What would happen to those who violated these limits? Why should God put such severe penalties to the violators?
(7) What did the sounds of a long blast of ram’s horn signify?
(8) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 神在此作了什麼很特別的事，為要百姓聽從摩西？你認為收效嗎？
(2) 如果神今天是同樣的向我們顯現，你以為我們就必定完全的聽從祂嗎？為什麼？
(3) 為了要近前來就神，百姓需要作什麼準備？為什麼要如此？
(4) 今天，你是怎樣與弟兄姊妹一同就近神的？你該作什麼準備？
(5) 為何神卻要給百姓定界限？祂今日有否給我們定就近祂的界限？為什麼？
(6) 百姓如果超越這些界限會有什麼後果？
(7) 拖長的角聲有什麼作用？
(8)今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“Put Limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain and touch the foot of it…’” (Exod. 19:12)
A team of brothers and sisters and I were privileged to participate in an outreach ministry to Muslims in an Asian country. It was a short term learning mission trip, and before our trip, we had been briefed on both the culture and beliefs of Islam.
As part of the trip, we were often engaged in cultural exchange dialogues as we visited some of the mosques in the area. At times, we listened to the Imam share their faith, and we also had the opportunity to share ours in return.
At one of these occasions, we were visiting an education center for Muslim youth, and received a one-sided presentation about Ramadan by a local Islamic leader. However, we were allowed to mingle with the young children and teenagers after breaking fast with them.
While I was having an interesting encounter with a young man who engaged me in exchanging views of Christianity and Islam, one of the sisters in the team had the wisdom to ask a girl if she ever heard of God dwelling within the hearts of people. Of course, according to Islamic teachings, this is something unthinkable, because God is so holy, how can He dwell in the hearts of humans?
The little girl was fascinated by her question, and when the sister asked if she would like to have God dwell within her heart, she eagerly said, “Yes!”
As longtime believers in Christ, we often forget how unthinkable it is for God, the holy and majestic God, to become a man. It is even more inconceivable that He could die, and especially die for human sin. It is even more incredible that He could and would live within the hearts of sinful human beings.
But such is the work of salvation brought about by the incarnation, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As He became the Lamb of God who died for the sins of all mankind as an atoning sacrifice, the veil— the veil of sin that separated sinful humans from the Holy God — has been torn apart. With the blood of Christ, we who believe in Him can approach boldly before the throne of God which is not a throne of judgment any more, but a throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). We can enter into His holy presence. In fact, His Spirit now dwells in the hearts of believers―who even call Him Abba Father. (Rom. 8:15)
Such is the truth that Muslims find hard to believe; such might even be a truth that the people in the time of Moses would have found hard to believe.
As The Lord would later on instruct Moses and the Israelites of the way to approach Him through the sacrifice with the blood of animals (Leviticus 16), it actually signifies the truth that God can be approached and desires to be approached by us in spite of His holiness and majesty. The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. He never changes.
As one who now has the Indwelling of the Spirit of the same holy and majestic God, we tend to take His presence for granted. So, the question we need to ask as we study passages like Exodus 19 is “How then shall we live in the presence of our holy God.”
「 你要在山的四圍給百姓定界限，說：你們當謹慎，不可上山去，也不可摸山的邊界；凡摸這山的，必要治死他。」(出19:12)
我曾有機會與其他的弟兄姊妹在亞洲一個地方參與向回教徒宣教的體驗團。在出發之前，我們有機會對回教徒的文化和信仰有多一點的學習。
在這次行程中，我們到不同的回教寺作宗教和文化的交流。一般的探訪是包括聆聽寺堂的主持講解回教的要道，然後我也有機會起來分享基督的信仰。
在其中一個訪問中，我們探望一個回教的青年教育中心。這一次只有他們講解回教Ramadan齋期的意義，我沒有機會作回應。不過，及後，我們卻有機會與他們的年青人個別的交談。我遇到一個健談的青年，願意和我討論有關基督教和回教共通的用語。我們其中一位姊妹更有機會與一個女孩個別的談話。聖靈感動她去問這女孩是否知道神願意住在我們的心裡。這正是回教徒認為不可思議的，如此偉大聖潔的神，怎會住在有罪的人的心中！
這女孩不但覺得很新鮮，當那位姊妹問她是否想神住在她裡面時，她立刻表示願意。
我們信耶穌已久的信徒，恐怕忘記了那位榮耀無比、聖潔無比的神，成為肉身，住在我們當中是何等不可思議的事；祂為我們罪人而死在十架上，就更是叫人吃驚的事；祂因我們的相信而住在我們裡面，就更是叫像回教徒般的人，不能接受。
但因著基督降世為人，藉著祂的死和復活，這一切不但成為可能，更已變成事實了。
相信這不但是回教徒不敢接受，相信當日目睹神榮耀降臨在西乃山的以色列人也不敢相信。但是，日後藉著摩西所頒佈贖罪日獻牛羊為祭，流血贖罪的喻表(見利16) ，神向他們表明祂是人能就近的神，也是希望我們就近祂的神。
其實，神是沒有改變的：祂是舊約的神，也是新約的神。
故此，今日憑信而得神的靈內住的我們，不應視神的內住為等閒。我們雖然已蒙主耶穌寶血所遮蓋，我們因有無比偉大、聖潔的神的內住，我們仍需自問：我當如何活著？
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) It had to be an awesome sight as the Lord appeared to them by descending onto Mount Sinai. Try to list all the awesome sights, tremors and sounds as God appeared. How would you feel if you were there?
(2) All these awesome sights, tremors and sounds—were they for show as a scare tactic or were they part of the reality of the descent of the Holy God?
(3) As our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father are one (Jn. 10:30), read also the glory He revealed in Revelation 1:12-17. Therefore, can you understand what Jesus had forsaken by becoming a man?
(4) Why were the people not allowed to go up to the mountain even they had consecrated themselves?
(5) Why were the priests, if they had consecrated themselves, allowed to approach the Lord (19:22)?
(6) Eventually who made it to the top to meet with God and why?
(7) Given the holy and majestic nature of God, how could He dwell in human hearts these days?
(8) What should be the implications to you that the Spirit of God now dwells in your heart? How then shall you live? (Rom. 8:9)
(9) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 耶和華降臨西乃山的情景確實可畏；試細列當時的百姓和摩西眼所見、耳所聽、鼻所嗅、和心所感的詳細情景。如果你當日在場，你會如何？
(2) 這樣可怕的情景是神特別做作，以生警告之效，或是祂聖潔、偉大顯現的必然？
(3) 既然我們的主耶穌與父神「原為一」(約10:30) ，祂同有一樣的榮耀(可參啟1:12-17) 。你對祂降世為人所放下的有什麼更深的領會？
(4) 為何百姓已自潔，卻不能闖上山上見神？
(5) 為何祭司卻可以？(19:22)
(6) 最後，我們知道是誰得上去見神？
(7) 神既是這樣的聖潔可畏，祂如何能今日住在我們裡面呢？
(8) 今日，神的靈確實住在我們信的人心中，我們該當怎樣活著？(羅8:9)
(9) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently…” (Exod. 19:18)
As I read the awesome appearance of the Lord at Mount Sinai, it reminds me of an old gospel song that Cliff Barrows used at the Billy Graham Crusade. The lyrics have touched me over the years, as I learn to listen to His voice, I would like to share the song with you:
When God Speaks
1. When God speaks, the high mountains tremble.
When God speaks, the loud billows roll;
When God speaks, my heart falls to listening,
And there is response in my soul.
Refrain:
Speak to my heart!
Speak now I pray, God of salvation, and Lord of creation,
Oh, speak to my heart today!
2. When God speaks, the angels obey Him;
When God speaks, all nature is stirred;
When God speaks, the hard hearts are softened,
For no sweeter voice e’er was heard.
Refrain
Speak to my heart!
Speak now I pray, God of salvation, and Lord of creation,
Oh, speak to my heart today!
3. When God speaks, the sad hush their crying;
When God speaks, the weary find rest;
When God speaks, in sweetness of comfort,
With infinite peace I am blest.
Refrain
Speak to my heart!
Speak now I pray, God of salvation, and Lord of creation,
Oh, speak to my heart today!
4. When God speaks, ‘tis mine then to answer,
When God speaks, my tempest to still.
When God speaks, ‘tis mine then to follow,
And following Him, do His will.
Refrain
Speak to my heart!
Speak now I pray, God of salvation, and Lord of creation,
Oh, speak to my heart today!
「西乃全山冒煙，因為耶和華在火中降於山上。山的煙氣上騰，如燒窯一般，遍山大大的震動。」(出19:18)
當讀到神降臨在西乃山向百姓說話時那使人驚懼的場面，我就想到在葛培理佈道會領詩的Cliff Barrows所領唱的其中一首詩歌：「當神說話」。願意與大家分享這歌的歌詞：
1. 當神說話，高山震動
當神說話，煙氣上騰
當神說話，我心俯伏聆聽
心靈發出回應。
2. 當神說話，天使聽從祂
當神說話，萬物震顫
當神說話，硬心要溶化
從未聽聞更甜美聲音。
3. 當神說話，憂心止住哭泣
當神說話，疲憊者得息
當神說話，帶來甜美的安
充滿無限平安。
4. 當神說話，我須作出回應
當神說話，我風暴須靜止
當神說話，我心須追隨
追隨，遵行祂旨。
副歌：
請向我說！
現在請說，救我的神、創造的主。
請今天就向我說。