2021-11-15

撒迦利亞書14:1-21;詩篇145:1-21

  先知撒迦利亞的信息,有關耶穌基督,以及有關末世的信息在本章結束;但卻是耶穌基督救恩的預備,也是進入末世的預備。神是信實的,神的應許從沒有落空,都要成就。

  本章多次述及「耶和華的日子」與「那日」,在舊約所有的先知信息中的「耶和華的日子」與「那日」都是指向世界的末了,就是指向耶穌基督的第二次再來。然而,在先知事奉的時代,耶穌基督的第一次降臨還沒有來到。

  14:1-15,在末後的日子,v2耶路撒冷城將會被「萬國聯軍」攻擊,城被攻取。在先知預言之後,耶路撒冷 / 以色列 / 猶太人遭遇多次外邦聯軍的攻擊,希臘帝國、羅馬帝國、伊斯蘭阿拉伯帝國、鄂圖曼帝國,歷時二千餘年,國家傾覆不存,猶太人四海飄零,是為無祖國的民族,任人欺凌。

  然而,v3耶和華必出去與那些國爭戰,好像從前爭戰一樣。1948年,二戰結束,以色列竟然在伊斯蘭阿拉伯列國環伺下復國。這不可思議的歷史事件,誠然是神奇妙權能的作為,聖經中所記載神的應許果然應驗。

  v6之後敘述天象改變的景況,正與主耶穌基督描述末後的日子的相同,也正與啟示錄中所記載的一致。那時,v9耶和華必作全地的王,審判世界,v12用災殃攻擊那與耶路撒冷爭戰的列國人,刑罰萬國萬民。v13耶和華必使他們大大擾亂。他們各人彼此揪住,舉手攻擊,民起來攻打民、國起來攻打國,將會是一場普世的戰亂。此處的耶路撒冷,所指乃是屬神子民的國度,必先被世界敵基督的政權勢力攻擊,日期滿足,神必要親自毀滅敵基督的世界的王。

  14:16-21,神的旨意是要拯救,毀滅是對罪的審判,v16刑罰過後,神要使已蒙拯救的世界列國的人,都要來敬拜萬軍之耶和華,並守住棚節。

  守住棚節是神對以色列民的要求,受律法的節制。住棚節是慶祝收穫的節期,萬民當以感恩的心守節歡慶敬拜神。但住棚節還有更重要的意義,七月一日是的新年。七月十四日是贖罪日,次日起一連七天的住棚節,最後一天還有嚴肅會。這樣就可以看出守住棚節的意義,固然是要因為收穫而感恩歡慶,敬拜神。另一重要意義是「贖罪日」,那是舊約律法中最為重要的節期,由大祭司每年一次進入至聖所,為百姓獻贖罪祭,認罪悔改,祈求神赦免百姓。獻祭後,得蒙救贖,罪得赦免,分別為聖,就該歡喜快樂,正是「歸耶和華為聖」。

  神的恩典不僅臨及以色列民、猶大百姓,神的恩典也賞賜給外邦人、普世萬國萬民都可以得到主耶穌基督的救贖。感謝主,我們原都是以色列的外邦人,主耶穌基督的救恩是為普世的罪人設立,當我們因著信耶穌,生命得救;因著信耶穌,我們成為神的子民;因著信耶穌,我們成為神的兒女,得以進入神的家中。感謝主。

詩篇145:1-21

  在研讀撒迦利亞書十四章的同時研讀詩篇145篇,更多體會信息的寶貴。

  v3 耶和華本為大,該受大讚美;其大無法測度。v4 這代要對那代頌讚神的作為,也要傳揚神的大能。從以色列民的歷史,清楚看見神從萬民中的揀選,拯救他們,帶領他們出埃及,過曠野,進迦南,立約應許賜福保守他們。我們也是蒙神揀選,得拯救,出黑暗進光明,在神的新約中蒙恩福、蒙保守、蒙引領。我們應當頌揚主的名,述說祂的榮美、權能、聖潔、公義、慈愛與憐憫。

  神有大能,但我們軟弱;神要我們持守聖潔,但我們會走偏。既便如此,神的權能與恩典,拯救我們。我們都如羊走迷,偏行己路。v14 凡跌倒的,耶和華將他們扶持;凡被壓下的,將他們扶起。v18 凡求告耶和華的,就是誠心求告他的,耶和華便與他們相近。v19 敬畏他的,他必成就他們的心願,也必聽他們的呼求,拯救他們。這真是何等寶貴,神的應許必在我們身上成就。

  親愛的主,您是有恩惠,有憐憫,不輕易發怒,大有慈愛的。您善待萬民;您的慈悲覆庇您一切所造的。我們何等蒙恩,當我們誠心求告您,您便與我們相近。敬畏您的,您必成就我們的心願,也必聽我們的呼求,拯救我們。感謝主,我們願意傳說您國的榮耀,談論您的大能,好叫世人知道您大能的作為,並您國度威嚴的榮耀。奉主耶穌基督的名禱告,阿們。   — Solomon Liu

2021-11-13

撒迦利亚书13:1-9

  得救与灭亡的预言,神做事总是以祂的应许和预言为中心。
本章祂描绘出世界末后的景况,新时代的开始,神要有一次大清除,所有的邪恶都要被除灭。

一、救恩泉源打开

  13:1 “那日,必给大卫和耶路撒冷的居民开一个泉源,洗除罪恶与污秽” 神的怜悯、赦免和洁净的能力源源不绝,就像那涌流不止的泉水从圣殿流出。

二、击打牧人,羊分散

  13:7 “万军之耶和华说:刀剑哪,应当兴起,攻击我的牧人和我的同伴。击打牧人,羊就分散。我必反手加在微小者的身上。”耶稣曾在马太福音引用这节经文,“击打牧人,羊就分散”这句用在耶稣自己身上,在最后的晚餐前预言门徒会分散,彼得说所有人都会离开耶稣,但是他绝对不会离开,耶稣跟他说,在鸡叫之先,彼得会三次不认他。这是已经发生的事实,门徒真的被破分散。

三、预言三分之一仍存留

  13:8–9是指关乎末后的“余民”要面对考验。祂讲人口减少,将来耶路撒冷人口会减少到只剩下三分之一,这些“余民”在困境中经受锻炼,像金银经过烈火冶炼一样。神的子民要经过火的试炼,我们要顺服神,预备经历这些考验,变得更像基督。

  亲爱的天父,我们来到你的殿中,让我们的生命不断被炼净,每当我们的心里面常常被世界拉走的时候,你从不抛弃我们,总是藉着你的话语提醒我们,在我们软弱的时候,我们仰望你,呼求你,你必看顾和扶持,也藉着你的爱让我们有永生的盼望。阿门!   — Lihua Wang

2021-11-12

Zechariah 12:1-14

  This chapter is a prophecy of what is to come upon the chosen land, city and people of God. In the last days, God almighty who created the heavens and earth and who gave breath to mankind will show Himself strong among His people as they face their enemies from all directions (v.1-3). We got a taste from history, the 1967 Six- Day war between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations-how Israel defeated them all. This time, there will be no question about the status of Jerusalem; even at this time we have already seen the shift of Jerusalem back to Israel with the move of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

  Miraculous events will happen in favor of God’s people in Jerusalem and Judah when all the nations of the earth surround them to attack them (v. 4-9).

  This prophecy reminded me of the Israelites cornered at the Red Sea by the pursuing Pharoah and his army in the book of Exodus. God miraculously delivered His people out of the mighty hand of Pharaoh’s army. Not only did the Israelites experience firsthand the miraculous deliverance from God, other nations that heard of it were filled with fear and terror. God specializes in delivering His people in an impossible situation. Praise God that nothing is impossible with Him; His arms are not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1). Separate ourselves from sins and call upon the Lord and see the great things He can do and let us give Him all the glory.

  After God’s people in the tiny nation have been delivered from their enemies, they will be filled with the Holy Spirit and will recognize their sins; they will realize their ignorance of rejecting Jesus as their Messiah (v. 10). They will mourn bitterly and will be filled with great sorrow for their part in crucifying the Lord. They will grieve corporately as well as privately like weeping for a godly king Josiah who died in the battle or like one grieving for the loss of their firstborn child (v.10-14).

  The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins and reveals to us our trespasses against God. Believers must repent and not go back to their old way of life that grieves the Holy Spirit; it would be just like a dog returning to its vomit or a washed pig returns to the mud (2 Peter 2:22). The day will come when all knees will bow down and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 5:13). Until that day, pray that the gospel will reach many people and by the grace of God, many souls will be saved.   —  Lai Yee Leong

2021-11-11

撒迦利亚书 11:1-17

  撒迦利亚书(以下简称“亚”)1-8章是重建圣殿的异象。历史上,圣殿重建了,还是叫罗马军队再次摧毁,之后又叫异教徒在圣殿原址上建了个大清真寺,这玩意儿直到今天还在那儿卖呆(见图)。人会说:值吗?值!“原来我们不是顾念所见的,乃是顾念所不见的。因为所见的是暂时的,所不见的是永远的。”(林后4:18)。

  圣殿在以色列历史上一再出现,但不永存,因为以色列一再偏行几路离弃神。不过,拆毁的圣殿预表基督耶稣的复活:“你们拆毁这殿,我三日内要再建立起来。”(约2:19)复活的基督,没有任何力量再拆毁,
因着复活,我们在基督里“渐渐成为主的圣殿”(弗2:21);
因着复活,邪恶的“巴比伦大城倾倒了,倾倒了。”(启14:8);
因着复活,“看哪,神的帐幕在人间。他要与人同住,他们要作他的子民,神要亲自与他们同在,作他们的神。”(启21:3)那日子,神要把罪恶魔鬼永远捆锁在无底坑,成就一个无罪恶的新天地。

  亚 9-14章,是基督道成肉身、升天再来,永远掌权的异象。

  第10、11两章出现牧人的形像,好牧人与坏牧人。坏牧人就是充斥社会的假先知,好牧人是将要来到人间的耶稣基督,但被以色列拒绝。

  第11章描述以色列的荒凉,是因为神对他们的审判,因为他们随从假先知: “1 利巴嫩哪,开开你的门,任火烧灭你的香柏树。2 松树阿,应当哀号,因为香柏树倾倒,佳美的树毁坏。巴珊的橡树阿,应当哀号,因为茂盛的树林已经倒了。”先知预言以色列民将要四散: “3 听阿,有牧人哀号的声音,因他们荣华的草场毁坏了。有少壮狮子咆哮的声音,因约旦河旁的丛林荒废了。”
假先知为羊群提供错误指引,以下几节经文,都指出假先知要来。假先知能骗人,他们说人喜欢听的话,而不是神的话语。拒绝真理的人,会愿意交付他所有的一切,以换取虚谎的应承,拒绝真理的人,会将大门洞开迎接任何诈骗,即使是撒但任何邪恶引诱。这就是人之为何被称作“羊”,也是人为何必须有一个好牧人。

  “4 耶和华我的神如此说,你撒迦利亚要牧养这将宰的群羊。5 买他们的宰了他们,以自己为无罪。卖他们的说,耶和华是应当称颂的,因我成为富足。牧养他们的并不怜恤他们。6 耶和华说,我不再怜恤这地的居民。必将这民交给各人的邻舍,和他们王的手中。他们必毁灭这地, 我也不救这民脱离他们的手。7 于是,我牧养这将宰的群羊,就是群中最困苦的羊。我拿着两根杖。一根我称为荣美,一根我称为联索。这样,我牧养了群羊。”  群中最困苦的羊有福了,因为神差遣先知牧养他们。我们灵里贫乏、哀恸的人有福了,因为好牧人主耶稣让我们得安慰。

  8-17 节是好牧人耶稣基督和坏牧人敌基督的对比。当耶稣基督道成肉身来到以色列人当中,他是好牧人。(约 10:11)不但是以色列的好牧人,也是外邦人的好牧人: “我另外有羊,不是这圈里的。我必须领他们来,他们也要听我的声音。并且要合成一群,归一个牧人了。”(约10:16)但作为一个整体,以色列拒绝了好牧人。拒绝的结果是,神的怒气向他们发作,让他们历尽苦难,直到好牧人再来。先知说,“我拿着两根杖。一根我称为荣美,一根我称为联索。” 他以神的荣美牧养,而不是假先知的欺诈;以联系牧养,而不是假先知的虚无。什么联系?神与以色列人立约、神与他子民之间的联系。荣美和连索,是好牧人的标记。

  但以色列拒绝好牧人,神的回应是:“8 一月之内,我除灭三个牧人。因为我的心厌烦他们,他们的心也憎嫌我。9 我就说,我不牧养你们。要死的,由他死。要丧亡的,由他丧亡。余剩的,由他们彼此相食。10  我折断那称为荣美的杖,表明我废弃与万民所立的约。”就在以色列跟随假先知法利赛人的日子,他们感到了来自罗马帝国的辖制,他们图谋要挣开这辖制,结果是,他们再被罗马人征服,被掳。因为以色列拒绝好牧人,神拒绝以色列。

  “11 当日就废弃了。这样,那些仰望我的困苦羊,就知道所说的是耶和华的话。12 我对他们说,你们若以为美,就给我工价,不然,就罢了。于是他们给了三十块钱,作为我的工价。13 耶和华吩咐我说,要把众人所估定美好的价值,丢给窑户。我便将这三十块钱,在耶和华的殿中丢给窑户了。”先知笔下的三十块钱,在福音书中,是犹大出卖耶稣的价钱,于道成肉身之前数百 年精准预言。这里的思维流,是道成肉身的基督被以色列拒绝,犹大的作为是罪人拒绝救主的造极表示。

  拒绝好牧人的,和充当假先知的有祸了。“16 因我要在这地兴起一个牧人。他不看顾丧亡的,不寻找分散的,不医治受伤的,也不牧养强壮的。却要吃肥羊的肉,撕裂它的蹄子。17 无用的牧人丢弃羊群有祸了。刀必临到他的膀臂,和右眼上。他的膀臂必全然枯干,他的右眼也必昏暗失明。”

  几十年来,见过不知多少圣经大字没读过一个便信口开河攻击圣经真理的。他们开口学术,闭口科学,而圣经中的真学术和真科学,他们却视而不见,懵然不知。在我们基督徒眼中,圣经涵盖历史,字字精金。我们跟随圣经所表述的好牧人耶稣基督。   — David Yip

2021-11-10

撒迦利亞 10:1-12

  在這一章中,神宣告他要拯救他的百姓。

  祂要降甘露給眾人,使田園生長菜蔬。甘露或雨水也可以代表聖靈。菜蔬可給我們身體提供物質的需要,而聖靈進入我們的心,則使我們的靈魂得飽足。

  祂宣告那些假神(家神,卜士,做夢者)的言論將要落空,故我們不要去聽從那些屬世的聳人聽聞的所謂預言,惟有神的話才應該堅信不移;祂要眷顧他的羊群,就是猶大家,也就是我們基督徒,故我們對未來有信心;祂的子民必要戰勝仇敵;神要堅固並憐恤祂的子民;神要救贖他的兒女,失散的孩子要回歸;神必使我們倚靠祂。

  讀這一章真是讓我振奮,神讓我知道,不管我多麼微不足道,祂都愛我,會保護我,幫助我。我知道,有時我會偏離神的道路,追求世俗的喜好,祂會管教我,讓我吃苦頭,逼着倚靠祂。被責打很痛苦,但我明白,這都是神的美意。
感謝主!願聖靈永遠與我們眾人同在!   — Jinhua Yang

2021-11-9

Zechariah 9:1-17

In chapter nine we read of 1. God’s defense of His church; 2.  Christ’s coming and His kingdom; 3.  Promises to the church.

9:1-8

Here judgements are foretold on several nations. While the Macedonians and Alexander’s successors were in warfare in these countries, the Lord promised to protect His people. God’s people lie in the midst of many enemies and are light in great darkness. God’s power and goodness are seen in Israel’s special preservation. The Lord encamps about His church, and while armies of proud opposers circle, He watches over her, so that they cannot prevail, and the time will come when no enemy shall pass by her anymore!

9:9-11

The prophet breaks forth into a joyful words of the coming of the Messiah.  He took the character of their King, when he entered Jerusalem amidst the hosannas of the multitude. But His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. It is not advanced by outward force or carnal weapons. His gospel will be preached to the world and be received among the lost. A sinful state is a state of bondage; it is a pit, or dungeon, in which there is no water, no comfort; and we are all by nature prisoners in this pit. Through the precious blood of Christ, many prisoners of Satan have been set free from the horrible pit in which they must otherwise have perished, without hope or comfort. As we seek His holiness and truth, may His goodness be shown in our spirits and conduct. This invitation speaks to all the call of the gospel – the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

9:12-17

Sinners are prisoners, but have hope; our case is sad, but not desperate; for there is hope in the King. Christ is a strong Tower, in whom believers are safe from the fear of the wrath of God, the curse of the law, and the assaults of spiritual enemies. We must turn to Him in faith; to Him we must flee and trust in His name under all trials and sufferings. It is promised that the Lord will deliver his people. The more we seek Him and are satisfied with His goodness, the more we shall admire the beauty revealed in our Redeemer. Whatever gifts God bestows on us, we serve Him cheerfully with them and as we enjoy His great blessings, we say: How great is his goodness!             — Mary Mauderer

2021-11-8

撒加利亚书8:1-23;诗篇144:1-15

在撒加利亚书短短的二十三节经文,共十次写到“万军的耶和华如此说”,有说罚有说奖励,有说现实的有说将来的。耶和华是创造天地万物的主,他说立就立,他说毁就毁,他说死就是死,他说生就是生,这就是神的能力。以色列人不肯听从神的话,扭转肩头,塞耳不听,心硬如金钢石。故此,万军之耶和华大发烈怒,他们的地就荒凉,甚至无人来往经过,因为他们使美好之地荒凉了。但当他们听见先知所说的话,手里强壮,他们就平安撒种,葡萄树必结果子,地土必有出产,天也必降甘露。神使这余民享受一切的福。

神的祝福在诗篇第一百四十四篇也有同样的表述,“我们的儿子从幼年好像树栽子长大;我们的女儿如同殿角石,是按建宫的样式凿成的。我们的仓盈满,能出各样的粮食;我们的羊在田间孽生千万。我们的牛驮着满驮,没有人闯进来抢夺,也没有人出去争战。我们的街上市上也没有哭号的声音。遇见这光景的百姓便为有福。有耶和华为他们的神,这百姓便为有福!” 亲爱的弟兄姐妹, 在神没有难成的事。 “耶和华我的盘石是应当称颂的;他教导我的手争战,教导我的指头打仗。” 在被掳的人中,只有一小群从巴比伦返回耶路撒冷,他们就是余剩的民。他们要重建耶路撒冷圣殿,要在那里挣扎求存,又常常遇到敌国的攻击,他们变得灰心了。他们很难相信有一天神会在这城里亲自掌权,这块土地会享有极大的平安和繁荣。我们的神是全能的,他无所不能。我们遇到似乎不可能完成的工作或绝望的处境时,要记住在神凡事都能。

神的应许鼓舞人心。神要重新与犹太人立约,他要充满整个群体,与他们同在。赦罪和回归的应许临到所有神的百姓,不论他们住在哪里。总有一天,百姓为罪的禁食将变成欢宴与快乐。万国都要“寻求万军之耶和华”。这是多么理想的情形!我们作为神的子民,就要做世上的盐,世上的光,不然就没有灯台的见证,使福音被蒙蔽,救恩的光不得彰显。

 世人看不见神,看不见圣灵,也看不懂圣经;不过,他们会观察信徒的行为,看得出信徒的喜乐,看得见神的同在,那就是神的彰显,有不可抗拒的力量,使人不能不信。愿神与我们同在吸引更多的人归向主,更多的灵魂被得救。阿们! — Haiyue Nie

2021-11-6

撒迦利亚书 7:1-14

        犹大人被掳后在每年八月(公历)为耶路撒冷陷落禁食,到大利乌王在位第四年时,已有七十有年了,这时耶路撒冷的重建已经完成,百姓就来问圣殿的祭司和先知,今后要不要继续禁食。神没有直接答复这个问题,反而告诉他们行公义,各人以慈爱怜悯弟兄,并且怜悯软弱的人。“不可欺压寡妇、孤儿、寄居的和贫穷人,谁都不可心里谋害弟兄”。7:10

        7:5-9以色列人失去了爱神与祂建立良好关系的热诚。撒加利亚告诉他们,尽管他们禁食,却非真正敬拜神,并没有想到神,也未追想,当初被掳的原因。

        7:11-12撒加利亚向百姓解释他们的祖宗心里刚硬,不听律法引起神的震怒。人常会犯错不理或不听神的警告,会使我们的心刚硬。愿神的话应用在我们的生活上,对神话语的顺服,让我们的心软化,使我们能按照神的标准生活。

        亲爱的天父,求你赐给我们明亮的眼睛,做你真正看重的事,保守我们的心,紧紧跟随你,阿门!            — Lihua Wang

2021-11-5

Zechariah 6:1-15

  As I am reading the Book of Zechariah, I thought how nice it would have been if I have Joseph from Genesis who interpreted Pharaoh’s dream or Daniel from the Book of Daniel who interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar to help me with interpreting Zechariah’s visions. After breaking down the scriptures and analyzing the possible meaning of the vision, I decided to go out on a limb on my interpretation with the help of the Holy Spirit and some commentaries.

  This is probably the eight vision Zechariah had witnessed so far. The prophet probably saw judgement coming from angels who came from the presence of God (v. 5). Judgement was going to be carried out by the angels who rode the chariots of horses. God’s determination to bring judgement could be characterized by the immovable, unbending bronze mountains which the chariots came out from between the two mountains. The nations that over-afflicted God’s people would face the consequences of a swift and powerful judgement (Isaiah 47:9) from the angels who rode the straining powerful horses. There were four chariots driven by four different colors of horses: red, black, white and dappled. The colors of the horses probably carry its significance, but the passage only illumines the purpose of the black horses- the angel who rode this chariot brought judgement upon the nation toward the north (v. 8), probably referring to the nation of Babylon (Isaiah 47). God’s fury was appeased (just as the angel’s was) after judgement was unleashed upon the land of the north (Babylon) where evil was done against God’s people (v. 8, Zechariah 2: 6-9; Psalm 137).

  God used the nation Babylon as an instrument to punish His people when they disobeyed Him. However, the Babylonians were very wicked, and arrogant people who lived in defiance of God. They treated God’s people with such brutality that God had enough (Isaiah 47:6). He sent the angel to destroy and break up this great empire (Jeremiah 50:9, Jeremiah 51:1-14). God reminds me of a parent who loves his child and one who keeps his word! He punishes us for our own good, but His love toward us is unfailing. The covenant He made and promises to His people that they would return to their land after 70 years in captivity would be fulfilled. God had compassion on His people when they repented and cried out to Him. Praise be to God! If not for His compassion, faithfulness and love, none of us will live because He is a holy and righteous God.

  Zechariah was to collect silver and gold offerings from certain exiles who returned from Babylon (v. 9). Specific instructions were given to Zechariah regarding where and what to do with the precious metal (v. 10-11). A crown of silver and gold was to be made and set upon the head of Joshua, the high priest. But God wanted Joshua to know there was going to be another individual by the name of Branch who would branch out and build the temple (v. 12). This person will also be a king and a priest (v. 13). There will be peace in the political and religious arenas (v. 13b). The crown of Joshua was to be kept in the temple as a memorial as to what is to come (v. 14). Zechariah encouraged the leaders and people to be committed to God. By doing that they would receive help that came from afar and then they would know that the Lord had spoken through Zechariah to them (v. 15).

  In this day and age, it is so easy to be distracted with the busyness of life. The above passage reminds me to be careful in following the Lord and to stay committed to Him. Whether in possession, time or energy, I must remember the Lord’s work and to do it unto Him. May the Lord help me to stay focused and to persevere even when I am ready to throw in the towel. The Lord encouraged His people through His words and teachings of His servants. May all who endure will rejoice at the coming of our King and Lord Jesus Christ who is the spiritual Branch. We will live with Him and there will be peace, harmony and joy in the New Jerusalem.    — Lai Yee Leong

2021-11-4

撒迦利亚书 5:1-11

  撒迦利亚书与旧约但以理书、新约启示录一道,被归类为圣经的主要启示书卷(apocalyptic scrolls),因为这些书卷都有一个共同特点:使用像征语言与图像去叙述和表达。

  简单地说,撒迦利亚书(以下简称“亚”)1-8 章,是重建圣殿的异象,9-14 章则是基督降世、再来、永远作王。1-8 章中记载了 8 各异象,全都发生在同一晚上。本篇专分享第五章的异象:飞行的书卷。(1)这书卷跟别的书卷不同, “长二十肘,宽十肘” ,换算一下,是长 10 米, 阔 5 米。一卷 50 平方米面积的书卷往返飞行,其上所载,一清二楚。

  如果您对圣经不很熟悉,飞行的书卷或许会让您有摸不着头脑的感觉。其实,对飞行书卷的解释就在下文。“他对我说,这是发出行在遍地上的咒诅。凡偷窃的必按卷上这面的话除灭。凡起假誓的必按卷上那面的话除灭。”(3)公义的神发话说,他的话语(飞行的书卷)要审判世上的罪恶和不义。

  读下去,更有异象:“我见有一片圆铅被举起来,这坐在量器中的是个妇人。天使说,这是罪恶。他就把妇人扔在量器中,将那片圆铅扔在量器的口上。我又举目观看,见有两个妇人出 来,在她们翅膀中有风,飞得甚快。翅膀如同鹳鸟的翅膀。她们将量器抬起来,悬在天地中间。我问与我说话的天使说,她们要将量器抬到哪里去呢?他对我说,要往示拿地去,为它盖造房屋。等房屋齐备,就把它安置在自己的地方。”(7-11)先说明,示拿就是巴比伦的别称,这异象表明:罪恶被神审判,罪恶被神赶逐。

  这有可能表示过去发生的事件,因为犹大地的罪恶,“律法放松,公理也不显明。恶人围困义人。所以公理显然颠倒”,(哈 1:4)所以犹大被神审判,并被赶逐到巴比伦。这已经发生。更有可能表示,不久的将来,神把罪恶彻底捆锁,洁净全地,让罪恶永远被从全地赶逐。就如启示录的异象:“巴比伦大城倾倒了,倾倒了,成了鬼魔的住处,和各样污秽之灵的巢穴(或作牢狱下同),并各样污秽可憎之雀鸟的巢穴。”(启 18:2)

  无论如何,在神的时间表中,他要彻底清除一切罪恶。这完全的救赎,我们今天仍然没有体验到。耶稣基督十架上的舍身,把我们从罪的惩罚中解放出来,我们因此得以被算为义,更与神重新和好,我们的解放已经发生。眼下,圣徒蒙神的保守,可以脱离罪的捆锁,走一条成圣的路。有一天,我们会与罪完全隔绝,完全圣洁,因为主耶稣的复活,他把罪和撒担放逐到永远的无底坑中去了。   — David Yip