An Alternative Prosperity Gospel

 

Genesis 41:1－57

Joseph was promoted to Prime Minister of Egypt

The robe and the dream were the motif of Joseph’s narratives, for they kept emerging in various turning points of Joseph’s life. Joseph once had a dream which foretold him to be head over all his brothers. His father, Jacob showed him partiality by making him a robe of many colors. These two things made Joseph a thorn in his brothers’ sides and their jealousy caused them to persecute Joseph and sell him into slavery to Egypt.

Then Joseph was accused by the wife of his master, and the cloak he left behind became the evidence of her accusation. While Joseph was imprisoned, he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker. After the cup-bearer came out from the prison, he forgot about Joseph completely.

However, two years later Pharaoh had a strange dream (41:1-7). He needed someone to help him interpret a dream, and the cup-bearer then remembered Joseph. Hence, he took him out from the prison and had him interpret dreams for Pharaoh.

Joseph took off his prison clothes and put on his new clothing, and it signified the beginning of his new life. Joseph was quickly brought to see Pharoah. He successfully interpreted dreams for Pharaoh (41:25-32). After that Joseph was highly appreciated by Pharaoh, so Pharaoh made him the Prime Minister of Egypt and clothed him with court official’s garments of fine linen.

Many years passed by and one day, Joseph’s brothers traveled all the way from Canaan to Egypt to purchase food because famine had broken out in Canaan. They bowed down before Joseph, the Prime Minister of Egypt. At last, the dream Joseph had in his childhood time was realized finally!

Today, we often hear Christians saying that they seek to “live a good and purposeful life that pursue excellence and success”. In fact, what does it mean a successful life?

Joseph went through different stages in life, and he grew from a young and innocent boy to a powerful Prime Minister of the age. He experienced many ups and downs, twists and turns in life. We shall see from Joseph’s life what it a successful life means.

Our success has to come from experiencing trials and a continual growth

Joseph led a happy and carefree life in his young age, and he received a special robe of many colors from his father. In high spirit he told his brothers about his dream. However, it surprised him when he was stripped off his robe of many colors and was thrown into a pit when he happily went to visit his brothers who were shepherding their sheep in the wilderness.

No one came to his rescue when he screamed out for help, and by the time he was pulled out from the pit, he discovered that he was sold faraway into slavery in Egypt. At that time, he could not see any light and it was as if he had fallen into a deep pit.

When he became the servant of Potiphar, he was promoted to be the steward of Potiphar’s house because of his trustworthiness. He then began to have breakthroughs in his life. He became a different man with success and position earned through his own efforts.

Nevertheless, he encountered an unreasonable woman, the wife of his master, who grasped hold of his cloak, and forced him to sleep with her. Joseph had to take off his cloak and ran away from the spot. His master’s wife, who once loved him, turned her love into hatred, and accused Joseph, and Joseph ended up suffering injustice through imprisonment.

Joseph performed excellently in the prison because of God’s presence in his life, and he was assigned to take charge of the prison affairs. He met Pharaoh’s cup-bearer in that prison. The cup-bearer had a dream one night and Joseph helped interpret for him. After the cup-bearer was released from the prison, he soon forgot about Joseph. Joseph thought that he could be remembered and be vindicated after he helped others, but instead, he suffered disappointment and pains. It was nothing less than the injustice he suffered years ago.

Generally, people choose to give up when they come to this stage as they might feel that they are defeated by fate! However, those who wait upon God shall not be ashamed! Finally, the day came when Joseph was called out from the prison to help interpret dreams for Pharaoh.

Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes, and he was brought to the palace of Pharaoh. Not only did Joseph interpret the dreams, he was also promoted and clothed with garment of fine linen and ruled over the country as the Prime Minister (v41-43).  Joseph’s life was changed completely when he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh.

We see that Joseph encountered both good and bad times, and his life was bittersweet. Every stage of his life trained him somehow and he grew continually. From an immature youth, he became an adult who was able to assume a great responsibility.

Hence, it is necessary to get ourselves prepared to go though good and bad seasons, as well as happiness and sorrows, in order for us to become successful. However, man tends to avoid sufferings and goes for happiness. Somehow, it is quite certain that life without trials will not grow, and life without ups and downs, or life without going through bitter and happy moments will be superficial.

Only wealth that is earned through your own efforts and labored with your heart and strength could be considered as your own. Those who win lottery without efforts find it hard to keep their wealth firmly and not to destroy it though they became rich overnight.

Are you pursuing success now? How many stories of dream or robe have you possessed in your life that enable you to compare yourself with Joseph? What trials are you facing now? What is the bitterest experience you ever have in life? Anyway, you must face your trials courageously because you can truly grow and be successful only if you overcome your trials.

Success depends on having vision and executing the vision

Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh in the palace, and he mentioned about seven years of plenty which would be followed by seven years of famine. The destructive power of the seven years of famine was so severe that it would deplete all the harvest of the seven years of plenty. This was ordained by God and this would come upon the land soon. Hence, Pharaoh had to take a speedy action (v32).

We see Joseph interpreted dreams and foretold what would happen in the future, as though he was playing the role of a prophet. However, Joseph did not stop there. He acted courageously and gave suggestion to Pharaoh to take action immediately, so that he could take strategic precaution before things did happen. 

Joseph suggested that Pharaoh choose a man of wisdom and understanding to manage over the entire Egypt, and to collect produces and store them up for food during the years of plenty. Then he needed to post men on duty to guard the barns and storehouses to stop people from stealing the grain.

All these arrangements sought to prepare for the years of famine, so that there could be enough food to distribute to the people. Pharaoh appreciated Joseph greatly, and he felt that Joseph was that man of wisdom and understanding he was talking about, and he was worthy to be appointed to take charge over the affair of entire Egypt (v39).

Joseph had the Spirit of God in him and hence, he could foretell the future. The Holy Spirit gave him wisdom and understanding, and power to execute his tasks, just as the Spirit of God filled Bezaleel with wisdom, understanding and knowledge to do all workmanship (Exodus 31:3).

Many people today also said that they have seen visions! They can instruct others of future plans and direction. But do all these people really possess wisdom and ability to lead their teams? Are they able to go ahead of their followers and work hard on their plans?

Indeed, we need to work hard and work practically when it comes to serving God!  These people often lack practical wisdom and abilities in serving, and consequently, their instructions cause much confusion, destruction and division, rather than building up others.

In contrast to this, Joseph was a man of vision, and he had good executive power. In fact, we should have vision, plan and goal in lives, or we might as well not mention about success. However, many people do see their future and they do plan for it, but they do not have executive power to put their plans into actions, and all their plans remain as word strategies on their paper. Most probably, they fail because they lack patience, persistence and wisdom to do it practically.

Are you someone who is visionary? Do you have a plan this day? Ask the Lord for wisdom and ability, so that you can take action immediately. If you have understanding and knowledge, and coupled with patience and persistence, you can fulfill your vision eventually. We must devote ourselves with patience and persistency and work hard to be successful whether we are studying, playing musical instruments or running businesses, etc.

Success is about commitment and helping the needy

The dream of Pharaoh was realized! Seven years of plenty came and Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea which could not be counted (v49). After the end of the years of plenty came the seven years of famine, and there was famine in all lands, except Egypt alone had bread.  The Egyptians and people all over the earth came to beg Pharaoh for food. Joseph then opened all the storehouses and distributed food to the needy (v53-57).

This is a very touching scene. Joseph exercised the power given to him by God. He could predict the future and worked according to his plans. He managed to store up enough grain for the time of famine, and the people were spared from facing the predicament of food shortages. Joseph did not seek only his own interest by ascending to a high position, but he rescued the needy around him successfully. He helped the refugees within and outside Egypt who encountered famine.

Success is not about one’s achievement solely, but it is about taking up the responsibility, and helping the needy around us. The merrier it will be with the more people we help. 

Success is not about building more barns and storehouses to accumulate more grain and garner more wealth and enjoy it for yourself, and to be happy and at rest and boast to others. This kind of persons were called the rich fool in the Bible. Their selfishness and stinginess will probably cause a sense of enmity of the society towards the rich.

Someone who is truly successful is someone who knows how to share with others, and someone who will open up his barn and give away his food to those who are in need. In reality, we can start from small, and there is no need for us to wait until we are rich enough to help the needy.

We can share our successes with others with whatever we have, and of course, we can share more with others when we are more successful. We should care for and assist others in their mental and financial needs.

It is sad to see some people show their reverence to God and they are caring and polite towards others superficially, but when it comes to their interest in relation to money issue, they become very calculative and mean.

Christian community now comes mostly from the upper and middle class of the society, and they are in control of knowledge and financial resources. If we actively share our success and wealth with others, the influence of the gospel will thus be expanded and far-reaching!

永远的彩虹

 

创世记40:1－23

约瑟下到监牢里

约瑟在监狱里受到监狱长的任命，管理所有囚犯的事务。不久后，他在狱中认识到法老王的两个贴身官员：酒政和膳长。酒政是负责酒水的官，为法老王试酒，以防有人下毒。膳长是负责烤饼的司厨。他们二人被下到监里，因为在工作上失职，得罪了主子法老。

约瑟和他们都是囚犯，但是经历截然不同。酒政和膳长犯错，得罪了主人法老，约瑟却是不肯犯罪得罪主人和得罪神（三十九9）。

一天晚上，酒政和膳长二人各自作了梦，醒来对梦境感到困惑不解。古代埃及人相信神明会在梦境里表达心意，预示未来。他们二人不明白梦的真正意思，猜测可能是神明提示自己何时能够重获生机和自由。当时他们又在狱中，苦于找不到专人去解梦，就闷闷不乐，面带愁容（6节）。

约瑟挺身而出为酒政和膳长解梦，后来二人的遭遇真的如解梦那般实现了。约瑟从作梦大王（三十七19），成为解梦专家，因为上帝给他解释梦的恩赐。这个转变暗示约瑟的智慧与人生体验又跨越的一大步，他现在胜任担当朝廷能臣了，逐渐实现幼年的梦，成为家族的领袖，众兄弟之首。

我们也可以预料，如果约瑟为别人解梦得到准确实现，那么他自己的梦应该也会实现的。他幼年作梦，展示他将成为家族的领袖，而这梦导致他被兄长妒嫉陷害，卖到埃及。现在约瑟为别人解梦，这举动帮助他后来脱离困境，荣升为埃及的首相，因此梦在约瑟的生命起了很大的作用。

酒政是法老身边的臣仆，很有影响力，因此约瑟请求酒政在法老王面前替他伸冤，好释放他。酒政的确如他所预测地出狱复职。很可惜酒政却将约瑟给遗忘了，没有在法老面前为他伸冤（20－23节）。

约瑟首先在迦南地被兄长出卖，到了埃及被主母陷害，下到监里遇见酒政，经历多番起落与波折。这次他又被酒政遗忘了，希望破灭，上帝怎么帮助他翻身呢？

选择同舟共济，不要幸灾乐祸

约瑟在牢里管理囚犯的事务，处处表现关心别人，主动提出帮助。虽然他自己面临困境，不知会被囚困到何时，仍然施行同舟共济，彼此帮助。他甚至很留心观察别人的神情，问酒政和膳长：『今天你们的脸色为什么这么难看呢？』（7节）

他还说诚实的话，把酒政和膳长二人不同的遭遇，如实道来。

约瑟解释说，三天后酒政就会被法老释放，而且还能够复职。至于那位膳长，三天后就会被法老处决。约瑟接着恳求酒政出监后，在法老面前为自己伸冤。约瑟的这么请求表示他深信，为酒政解梦，必会成为事实。

约瑟无辜被陷害，在监狱痛苦中，还保持积极态度，随时找机会帮助别人，乃是非常难得。许多人在痛苦中，可能是遭到迫害、贫困和逼迫中，往往会变得自我中心、自怜和觉得自己比任何人更惨，大呼：『全世界人都应该来关心我，我哪里有闲情关心别人呢？』

有者甚至愤世嫉俗，内心苦毒，看见别人同样受苦时，就幸灾乐祸，巴不得更多人也和自己一样的不幸。

今天你是否经历人生低谷？

约瑟提醒我们，应该保持乐观和积极的态度。纵然人的处境是自身难保，还是要选择同舟共济，关心和帮助身边有需要的人，又或者不间断地在教会服事和奉献金钱支持圣工。在当人这么做时，必然发现在人生低谷里，还可以活得快乐和有意义，而且借此埋下一粒种子，使到自己在不久的将来能够脱离困境！

为自己制造希望

我们看见约瑟虽然身在监狱，却没有容许监狱进入自己的心。他不让自己不幸的遭遇，形成枷锁，使到自己成为“囚中囚”！那么问题是：要怎么才能够在痛苦里仍然能够得胜，获得自由和豁达呢？

答案是，学习约瑟的秘诀——在困境中仍然对上帝有信心。约瑟在苦难中仍然表现对上帝的信心，他虽然没有受过什么专业解梦的训练，却很有信心的说：『解梦不是出于上帝么？』。

这话出现在约瑟口中，乃是可圈可点的，因为他经历被出卖，被陷害诬告成了囚犯。一般人沦落到这田地，极可能放弃相信上帝，抱怨说：『如果上帝是真的，怎么不来帮助我啊！』

然而，约瑟还是相信上帝，虽然他身陷在人生低谷。这信心为他带来盼望。

约瑟对上帝的信心，不被环境的变迁所影响，乃是非常顽固和超越环境的信心。无论在那里，他相信上帝会继续和自己同在，因此态度积极，凡事信靠上帝。他这样的行动其实是在为自己制造希望。

世界历史和人类普世的经验告诉我们，“制造希望”是人们在困境中赖以生存和冲破困境的必要条件。当人活得没有盼望时，他一定提不起斗志，一阙不振，然后被苦难吞噬！信心会带来盼望。有盼望的人生必定是积极和豁达的人生。

约瑟在监牢里还殷勤工作，关心别人，为酒政和膳长解难，就是制造希望的具体表现。今天无论你身处在什么环境当中，纵然困难重重，必须相信上帝仍然保守。让我们现在就开始行动，不是等待别人给我们希望，乃是自己制造希望。

人忘记你，上帝永远记念你

我们应该展露顽强的信心，不受环境影响而继续信靠上帝，因此得以产生盼望。然而，这种信心不是非理性的，它是建立在一个事实，就是——人是会忘记我们，不记念我们，但是上帝不会！

法老选择忘记酒政做过的错事而恩待他，但是酒政却忘记约瑟为他所做的好事，没有按约瑟所求的恩待他。难怪日后酒政对法老说：『我今日想起我的罪来了！』（四十一9节）

那么谁使到法老做梦，促使这一切发生的呢？当然是上帝在背后默默行事，因为他没有忘记约瑟。上帝没有忘记约瑟，日后出现法老做梦，没有人能够解释，就把约瑟从监牢里召出来，成功为王解梦。不单这样，约瑟还透过为法老解梦机会，得以荣升为埃及的宰相。

这么看来，上帝迟迟不让约瑟被释放，重获自由，乃是要考验他的信心和耐心。同样的，我们可以肯定，上帝是永远记念，不忘记人的上帝。他是按照自己定下的日子和方式看顾我们，保守我们，叫我们终于一天能够从困境中被释放出来。

我们从讨论约瑟积极的信靠态度，转移到信心和盼望的基础来自——上帝是信实的。

上帝是信实，永不改变的。人是可以改变，不守信用，忘记我们，但是上帝永远记念我们。上帝的信实是我们信仰的根基和源头，因为上帝是信实的，因此我们的信心和盼望就不会落空。没有这种信念的人，往往在困境中被吞噬，消化，甚至变得愤世嫉俗，制造出更多的伤害。

然而，基督徒信靠一位信实的上帝，因此在困境里可以祈求得着力量去沉住应付，有朝一日跨越苦难，得到高升。这么看来，信仰不是一种纯粹内化的和心理的力量，它乃是建基于客观事实——有一位慈爱的上帝在人以外，看管着每个人。

今天你是否被眼前的失败，恶劣的环境所限制和吞噬，感到斗志全消？你是否被最信任的人，最爱的人忘记了，而感到灰心丧志？你是否感到躯壳里面是空的，万般挣扎也提不起一丝力量？这时刻提醒自己，原来有一位信实的上帝在你以外掌权，控制大局。而且他无时无刻的纪念你，没有把你忘记，但有是否忘记了他呢？

还我纯真

创世记39:1－23

埃及人主母色诱约瑟

约瑟被哥哥们卖到埃及，到了波提乏的家当奴仆。波提乏是法老王的护卫长，孔有武力和大权在握（1节）。然而，约瑟没有因为受到兄长们的加害而自暴自弃，却是殷勤工作，发奋图强。上帝与约瑟同在，使他工作顺利，表现卓越。约瑟就平步青云，从一般奴仆身份，被高升到总管的地位。约瑟终于苦尽甘来，他往后的生命就这样美满快乐地结局吗？不是的，约瑟的生命好像我们当中不少人那样，面临一波三折的不平凡经历。

要胜过『不能抗拒的试探』

约瑟被哥哥们卖到埃及为奴，以悲剧开场。然而，在波提乏家里，上帝与约瑟同在，看顾他，使他所作的都顺利，而且大大祝福他的主人。这使我们想起亚伯拉罕的生命，上帝应许，因为亚伯拉罕的缘故祝福他身边的人。

约瑟被主人欣赏，高升到主人最信任的总管职位（2－3节）。主人无论大小事，都交在他手中管理，除了膳食之外（6节），因为埃及人和希伯来人膳食有别，而且他们也不可以同桌吃饭（四十三32）。

以一个奴仆身份而言，约瑟当时已经是成就非凡。然而，就在这苦尽甘来、顺利、成功和满有上帝祝福的时候，我们看见试探、诬蔑和逼迫接踵而来！全因约瑟不单止办事能干，而且还是体格壮健和容貌俊美（6节）。这应是约瑟从母亲，拉结那里继承过来，因为圣经也是如此形容拉结是容貌俊美（二十九17）。

我们可以想象波提乏是一个魁梧的老粗，与约瑟成了鲜明的对比。约瑟这个优点，被主母看中（这比『以目送情』，更贴近原文），如同猎物被看中那样！主母对约瑟说话非常简短和直接了当：『与我同睡吧！』（7节）。但是约瑟的回答却是理直气壮，长篇阔论（7—9节）。

约瑟主要是说，我不可以做这恶事，免得得罪主人和上帝。这种经文的修辞凸出主母赤裸裸，迫不及待的欲念，却凸显约瑟的正义和纯真。主母还天天引诱，然后升级到用暴力捉住约瑟，强迫他屈服。她从『勾引』变成『侵略』约瑟。她抓住他的衣裳，再次说：『与我同睡吧！』，当时适逢家里没有人（12节）。

约瑟纵然身陷这么难以抗拒的情况，还是坚决不就范。他被迫脱下外衣，狼狈逃离现场。在迦南地，约瑟被兄长脱去彩衣，然后被丢进坑里。这里主母抓住约瑟逃走时脱下的外衣，成了诬告的证物，叫约瑟下到比坑更痛苦的监牢里。主母对约瑟由爱成恨，不惜残酷地陷害他，决定恶人先告状。况且她也要保护自己，害怕约瑟会说出真相，叫丈夫会怪罪自己。

波提乏回家后，听完妻子的话，就很生气（19节）。经文却没有说波提乏向谁大怒，他到底是向约瑟或者自己的妻子发怒呢？可以想象，他可能不完全信任妻子的话，但是他不便公开怪罪自己的妻子，因为这么做会令到家丑外扬。波提乏在盛怒下，退而求次把约瑟下在监牢里，就是王的囚犯被囚的地方（20节）。

约瑟面对严重的窘境：试探不断加剧、主人对奴仆的威迫、受害者非常无辜、求助无门、以及无论怎么回应，后果仿佛都是遭殃！如果我们有一天也遇上这种不能抗拒的试探，我们会怎么回应呢？约瑟打了一场胜仗，他选择保持清白，纵然为此付出昂贵的代价。

我们可以想象得到，当一个人身在高处，有权有势，自然会感到前途一片美好，凡事都在自己的掌握当中，因此就会松懈下来。这种人生会觉得不必依靠上帝，或者说没有了上帝，事情还是会如常地办妥的。从此人就会渐渐不把上帝，不把许多人放在眼中，最后更不把『试探』这回事，放在眼里！

当时约瑟身在总管的地位，换作别人，可能产生傲慢，以为大可以和主母狼狈为奸，只手遮天！我们很熟悉旧约圣经提到的大卫王，他在高升为王之后，就被受到安逸生活和权力的败坏，犯了奸淫和杀人的罪。

约瑟和大卫王比较，恰恰相反。约瑟在成功，风光时也不没有造次。他保持敬畏上帝的心，不敢得罪上帝，也不敢得罪人。他在不能抗拒的试探的处境当中，仍然保持警醒自守，实属难得！

今天让我反省，是否自己处在成功的巅峰，因此对得罪上帝，得罪人，已经不当作一回事了？让我们回到上帝的怀抱，亲近他，敬畏他，谦卑地向他祈求恩典和力量，以便能够战胜自己的软弱，战胜世界的试探。

上帝在顺境中，也在逼迫和苦难中与我们同在

约瑟在波提乏的家凡事顺利，当上了总管，经文说是因为上帝与他同在。然而，当约瑟遇见试探，被诬蔑的时候，经文却没有提到耶和华上帝与约瑟同在。约瑟一路走来，从迦南地到波提乏的家，上帝都与约瑟同在，但是现在上帝仿佛保持缄默了！我们不禁问：『难道现在上帝不在掌控了吗？』当然不是！

我们看见，约瑟下到监牢后照常努力工作，没有因为遭逢劫难而沮丧，自暴自弃。经文说，上帝与他同在，向他施恩，使他得到监狱长的欢心（21节）。约瑟在忧患中仍然能够成大业，做大事。监狱长非常欣赏约瑟的能力和态度，提升他管理牢房所有的囚犯和大小的事务（22－23节）。

原来上帝在波提乏家使约瑟高升，与他同在。在监牢时上帝也与他同在，叫他在低处，危难处，也能够获得高升。这证明一点，当约瑟受试探，受到攻击时，上帝也在那里看顾着他，没有撇弃他。上帝的同在是超越任何环境的，他帮助我们经历好时光，也经历忧患，因此我们就看出他的信实。

当我们受试探的时候，或许感觉不到上帝的同在，就好像耶稣在旷野受魔鬼试探，圣经没有说到圣灵在旷野和主同在，直到试探结束，才说耶稣满有圣灵的能力，回到加利利（路四14），而且魔鬼离开了，才说有天使来服事他（太四11）。这意思说，当我们受试探时，上帝其实没有离开，他好像是暂时袖手旁观，乃是为了我们的好处，叫我们能够通过苦难不断成长。

约瑟一生就是经过许多苦难，而每一次的苦难，都叫约瑟更加老练，更加获得高升，最后成了埃及的宰相！原来有上帝同在的日子，我们还是会受到试探和攻击。但是无论在哪一种境况，我们看见上帝一直在看顾约瑟。苦难，试探或是环境变迁，无法阻碍上帝与我们同在。

当我们凡事顺利、身体健康的和成功的时候，应当为着上帝的祝福而感恩。同时，我们必须有心理准备，必须警醒，知道苦难与试探可能会接踵而来。如果我们认识清楚这点，那么在试探和苦难当中，我们就不至于信心动摇，怀疑上帝的真实。

今天你面对什么处境呢？应当记住，无论在什么境况，上帝与我们同在，上帝仍然在掌权。不要信心动摇，学习等候上帝，因他是我们及时的拯救！

在劫难中，要与上帝契合

如果说上帝的同在是超越环境的限制，那么约瑟本人就是不容许环境的变迁，影响到自己的品行和忠心。一般人在无辜受屈，恶劣环境压迫下，自然反应是愤世嫉俗、苦毒、自暴自弃和怨天尤人。约瑟的许多生存条件和人身自由被剥夺了，但是他拥有一样永远不能被剥夺的，就是他的选择能力。

约瑟在监牢里和劫难当中，选择继续信靠上帝，忠心和努力地工作。人不能改变残酷的环境，却可以选择如何去面对这环境，这种内在的选择自由是不能被剥夺的。我们在最痛苦的环境中要善用这种自由，选择以信心和盼望去过每一天。

今天你是在『波提乏的家』或是在『监牢里』？今天你经历试探，或是遭到劫难呢？我们要相信上帝从不缺席，他在苦难当中看顾我们。我们也要存着盼望，知道苦难终会过去。在苦难里，我们受到磨炼，然后获得高升。

我的成功神学

 

创世记41:1－57

约瑟荣升为埃及的宰相

『衣服、梦』是约瑟叙事的题旨( motif )，重复出现于约瑟生命各个转折点。约瑟曾经幼年做梦，预示他成为众兄弟之首。父亲雅各偏心，为他缝制了一件彩衣。这两件事令他成了兄长妒嫉的对象而受到迫害，被卖到埃及为奴。

然后他被主母诬告，留下外衣服，成了证物。约瑟下到监牢里为酒政和膳长解梦。酒政出监狱后，却把他忘记了。然而, 两年后碰巧法老作了奇特的梦（41:1-7），需要人解梦。这时候酒政才记起约瑟很懂得解梦，就把他从监牢里召出来，为法老解梦。

约瑟出牢时脱下囚犯的衣服，换上新衣服，预示新生命的开始。约瑟成功为法老解梦后（41:25-32），得到法老的赏识，被任命为宰相，又穿上名贵的官服。多年后的一天，约瑟兄弟们因为迦南地饥荒，老远来到埃及买粮食。他们附伏在身为埃及宰相，约瑟的面前。至此，约瑟幼年的梦终于实现了！

今天常听到人追求“做人要有梦想、梦想会成真、做人要活出美好、标杆人生、追求卓越与成功”。其实什么是成功的人生呢？约瑟经历不同阶段的人生，从幼年到成年，从家里面一位天真无邪的小弟，到权倾一时的宰相，经历许多起落和转折。我们从约瑟的生命来看看什么是成功人生。

成功在于经历熬炼，不断成长

幼年时约瑟度过快乐无忧的日子，从父亲那里得到一件特别的彩衣，然后意气风发地将所作的梦告诉兄长。然而，出乎他意料的，当他兴致勃勃地跑去探访在外地牧羊的兄长，却被剥去彩衣，丢下坑，叫天不应。等到被拉上来时，发觉原来是被卖到远方的埃及做奴仆。

这时他感到如同跌进深坑，看不见曙光。当他做了波提乏的奴仆，因为表现好荣升为主人信任的总管。这时他人生开始有突破，亲手挣来成功与地位，仿佛判若两人。然而，他却遇见不可理喻的主母，抓住他的外衣，强迫他通奸。约瑟被迫脱下外衣服，匆忙逃离现场。主母由爱变恨，诬告约瑟，叫他含冤下到监牢。

在监牢里约瑟因为上帝的同在，有出色的表现，被任命管理囚犯大小的事。也是在这监牢里，约瑟遇见酒政。酒政一天做梦，约瑟替他解梦。酒政被释放后却忘记了约瑟。约瑟帮助别人后，以为会被纪念，可以得到伸冤，但他经历到失望和痛苦，不逊色于当年含冤受屈。

一般人到了如此田地，大都觉得被命运打倒了，而选择放弃。然而，那等候神的人必不至羞愧！终于一天来到，约瑟被召出监牢要为法老王解梦。约瑟就剃头、刮脸和换衣裳（14节），接着被带到法老王宫。约瑟不单止解释梦，还被提升，穿上细麻衣受命为宰相管理国家（41－43节），为法老解梦，改变了约瑟未来的一生。

我们看见约瑟的生命经历顺境和困境，苦乐参半。每个阶段让约瑟得到熬炼，不断在成长。他从一个不成熟的少年人，变成可以接受大任的成年人。这么看来，人若是要取得成功人生，必须做好准备，经历顺境和逆境，快乐和痛苦，但人的天性是逃避苦，趋向乐。

无论如何，可以肯定的是，没经过起落，没尝透苦与乐的人生是肤浅的，无法通过熬炼的人生是不会成长的。人必须透过亲手努力，劳心劳力争来的家财才是真正属于自己的财富。那些没经过努力经营，因为中了博彩奖金的人，虽然一朝成了爆发户，却很难稳固地守住这笔财富而不败坏。

今天你是否在追求成功？你生命中有多少个『梦、衣服』的故事可以和约瑟的媲美呢？今天你面对什么人生熬炼呢？什么是你人生最苦的经历？无论如何，我们必须勇敢地面对熬炼，因为这样的人才会真正地成长，步上成功之路。

成功在于有异象，加上积极地实行

约瑟在王宫里为法老解梦，说到埃及地首先会有七个丰收年，然后是七个荒年。荒年的杀伤力非常严重，甚至把七年的丰收一扫而空。这是上帝的命定，而且很快就到，因此法老必须迅速行动（32节）。

我们看见约瑟解梦，同时也是预告将来发生的事。他仿佛扮演先知的角色。然而，约瑟没有停在这里，他做事果敢，提议法老立刻行动，采取未雨绸缪的应对之策。约瑟提议法老拣选一位聪明和有智慧的人管理埃及地，以及差派官员在丰收年时，征收出产以及储蓄粮食。然后要派人看守，免得被人偷盗。

这些安排是为了应付将要来的饥荒年，到时可以有足够的粮食分给人们。法老非常欣赏约瑟，觉得他就是那位有知识和有智慧的人，配得上被委派去治理埃及地（39节）。约瑟拥有上帝的灵，叫他能够预示未来。圣灵也给他聪明智慧，有办事的能力，正如上帝的灵使比撒列有智慧、聪明和知识，能做各样的手工（出三十一3）。

今天也许有不少人说，我看见异象！我能够指示未来大计与方向。然而，这些人是否也有智慧和能力去领导团队，身先士卒，努力实干呢？服事神，是要努力实干的！这些人往往缺乏实际服事的智慧和能力，后果是他们的指令引致混乱、拆毁和分裂，而不是建立。

与之相反，约瑟是有异象的人，同时也是有执行能力的人。诚然，人生必须有异象，有计划和目标，不然成功无从谈起。然而，纵然许多人看见未来，也为将来计划，但是没有能力将计划付诸于行动，一切都是停留在纸上谈兵。很可能他们失败的原因就是缺乏耐力，恒心和实干的智慧。

今天你是有异象，有计划的人吗？向上帝求智慧和能力，好叫你立刻投入行动，能够有聪明和知识，又加上耐力和恒心，逐步将你的异象实现。无论是求学读书、弹奏乐器或经营生意等，我们都必须投入耐力和恒心，努力实干方能成功。

成功在于担起责任，帮助有需要的人

法老的梦境终于成真！七个丰收年来到，约瑟累积的五谷什多，如同海边的沙，无法计算（49节）。丰收年一完，七个饥荒年就来到。当时各地都是饥荒，唯独埃及有粮食。埃及以及各地的人都来向法老哀求粮食。约瑟就开了各处的粮仓，发粮食给有需要人（53－57节）。

这是非常感人的一幕。约瑟行使了上帝给他能力，预知未来，还按照计划成功储蓄了足够的粮食来应付饥荒，没陷入缺粮的困境。约瑟不单止为自己的谋福利，爬上高位，他也成功解救身边有需要的人。在非常时期，他帮助到全埃及和埃及以外遭遇饥荒的难民。

成功不是单单个人取得成就，而是做个负责任的人，能够帮助身边有需要的人，而且帮助到越多人越好。成功不是单单为自己制造更多的粮仓，累积更多的粮食和财富，然后就以为安乐啦，独享其乐，而且还向别人炫耀。这种人，圣经称之为无知的财主。他们的自私和吝啬态度，很有可能引发社会的仇富氛围。

真正成功的人，乃是打开粮仓，分粮食给有需要的人，懂得和他人同享的人。其实我们可以从小数目做起，不必等到一天腰缠万贯时，才可以帮助有需要的人。我们有一分的成功，就拿那一分与人分享。有更多的成功，当然就更多拿出来与人分享。

我们在精神上关心别人，也应该在经济上伸出援手。很讽刺的，一些人对上帝处处显得敬虔，对人表面上体贴有礼，然而一牵涉到实质的金钱上的利益，就变得非常的计较和小家。

今天基督徒群体大多是属于中上阶层，掌握知识和经济资源。如果我们踊跃推行将成功和财富拿出来与别人分享，那么福音的影响力，一定会随之扩展至无远弗届！

如何活出不平凡

撒母耳记上9:1-10:13

扫罗找驴，找到了王位 

你我皆凡人，生在人世间，平平凡凡一个人，究竟如何脱颖而出，活出精彩？怎么寻得我们的出头天呢？

这段经文敘述扫罗被膏立为以色列第一个君王的经过。扫罗的父亲吩咐他去寻找丢失了的驴。驴有多种通途，在圣经时代是运载货物的牲口，用来运货，拉车与耕作。驴是当时必须的劳动生活资源，就连最穷苦的家庭也会养一头驴。扫罗开始是去寻找父亲丢失的几头母驴。这是一件极其寻常的任务。

扫罗来自便雅悯，属於小支派，而他也是一位小人物。不过他长得英俊高大。扫罗走遍了北国各城镇，还是寻不到遗失的母驴，直到他和仆人二人，恐怕连自己也在远方迷失的那刻，先知撒母耳遇见了他们（九14-15）。撒母耳邀请扫罗一同进入宴席，还特地为扫罗供上最好的腿肉。『吃喝』是旧约时代里，献祭和立约时的例常场景。

过后，当撒母耳和扫罗单独一起时候，先知就拿了一瓶膏油，倒在扫罗的头上。先知发预言说，上帝膏立扫罗作为上帝产业的领袖（十1）。这里强调以色列乃是上帝耶和华的产业，不是扫罗的产业，扫罗只是领袖而已。

古代以色列王即位时，不但加冕，还被膏立。加冕是政治行动，使君王统治全国；受膏则表示君王成为神的代表，属於宗教行动。君王经常是由祭司或先知膏立，所用的膏油是橄榄油、没药和其他贵重的香料特别调和而成的。这膏油浇在他的头上，预表圣灵的大能临到他身上。

膏立君王的仪式，是叫他牢记自己责任重大，要靠神的智慧而不是靠自己的聪明来领导人民。耶稣基督的“基督”就是受膏者-Messiah的意思。谁膏立耶稣呢？耶稣的一生都获得圣灵充满，是圣灵膏立他成为弥赛亚。

扫罗被膏立之后，他就回家，一路上获得印证，包括遇见一群游行先知组成的诗班，他就突然和先知们一样地受感说话——『说方言』。在那一刻，扫罗变成不一样的人。最后，他找到了母驴，也找到了王位。（5-6节）

从『母驴的遗失』到『王位的寻见』显出一点，人的际遇可以在平凡事件，日常生活中脱颖而出，成为不平凡，因为上帝在引导着我们。 

平凡中活出不平凡 

扫罗只是芸芸人海里的一个便雅悯人，基士的儿子。他出去的任务是去找迷失的母驴。他已经走到了人力量的尽头，还是找不到。他感到很迷惘，担心连自己也迷失在寻找的过程中。

在这里，我们看见一个平凡的人，正在做一件平凡的事。然而，在平凡的背后，上帝无形的手在干预，拣选扫罗。扫罗寻找驴，最终寻到了王位。扫罗寻找驴的当儿，其实上帝也是在寻索他。

我们常会以为很多事件是偶然发生的，但好从扫罗的经历看出，神可能使用平常的事件，来达到他的目的。我们要相信一切的境遇皆可能是“神所命定”的，对塑造我们的一生都是非常的重要的。

今天，上帝还是在介入世界的历史，介入每位信徒的生命里。上帝透过日常平凡的事情，来指引他的子民得到『王位』，活出不平凡的人生。你今天在寻索什么呢？你寻到了吗？什么是你的『王位』呢？

请你思想影响你的顺逆机遇或碰见的人，你能否从中看出神的旨意？他可能想使你具有某种素质，或者要领你在另一方面事奉他。上帝寻到人，而人要得到『王位』，过程当中附带什么条件和考量呢？ 

当寻求神人帮助，不可远离上帝 

人走了很久，到了很远的地方去找迷失的驴子，最终可能自己反倒迷失了！人在现实的生命旅程里寻寻觅觅，很容易被空间的辽阔和时间消磨所吞噬！人在俗世洪流里迷失自己、失去靠岸的方向、失去原则、失去信仰；换来疲累、沮丧和绝望。

我们千万别忘记，要去找神人！让他告诉你，该走的路。当人愿意找神人，上帝就会指引，好象指引扫罗和撒母耳见面，最后扫罗找到王位。

今天你愿意邀请上帝进入你的人生，一同去寻索吗？或者是，你只要依靠自己的才干，依靠自己的外交手腕去寻索，反而将上帝推出了？什么是有『神人』在身旁的意思呢？那就是跟神亲近，从他那边获得引导。

今天我们来审察：我还在祷告、敬拜、服事、奉献、遵从上帝的教导和追随基督的脚踪吗？但愿我们都做到！当我们不远离上帝，纵然活在平凡中，上帝寻到我们，而我们将得到上帝的引导，叫我们得着『王位』。

祈求圣灵的浇灌，活出上帝掌权的人生 

扫罗得王位，最终的印证是被圣灵充满—说方言。那一刻扫罗经历了生命的改变，成就了『新生、新心、新人』（十6，9节）。这样的描绘是说到人的生命进入一个新的阶段，活出被上帝掌管的人生，遵守上帝的旨意，顺服上帝的引导。这『新心、新人』是很重要的，因为它凸显着一位王者的属灵状态，使到他不单得着王位，而且在王位上稳打稳扎。

以后，扫罗当上了王之后，他在很多事上违背上帝，神就厌弃他，而他最终失去王位。那时候的扫罗堕入一个完全相反的对立的状态：圣灵离开扫罗，有邪灵来干扰他（十六14）、自动的脱下王袍去寻索女巫（二十八8）、吃了女巫给的食物（二十八24-25）。

被圣灵充满的扫罗，当上了王之后，怎么会堕落，犯那样的恶行呢？

在整个旧约时代，神的灵感到一个人，是暂时性的，好让神使用他来成就伟大的作为。在以色列的士师身上，神呼召他们拯救百姓时，就常常有神的灵感动他们，给他们力量去攻打敌人。神的灵也感动工匠，给他们恩赐去打造圣殿的器皿。但这样的圣灵感动不是永久性的，只是暂时性的降临。

扫罗在作王的初期与先前判若两人，因为圣灵在他身上运行的结果。但当他权力增长时，却骄傲起来。后来他不肯顺服神，甚至做出抵挡神的恶行，圣灵就连离开了他。他的能力和王位也烟消云散了。

今天我们活在新约时代。主耶稣离开世界后就差派圣灵下来，永远的住在我们里头。我们的身体是圣灵的殿，圣灵是我们的保惠师，从旁协助我们，帮助我们，给我们力量和各种属灵恩赐；圣灵也叫我们的生命得到改变，活出圣灵的果子。

因此当我们各自寻觅『王位』的同时，一定要祈求圣灵的充满，顺服圣灵的引导，不要叫圣灵忧伤！我们靠着圣灵的力量，无论在哪方面冲刺，将主权交在上帝的手上。很多基督徒只要救主，不要生命的主，不要被上帝寻到，这是错的！

我们的生命必须首先被改变，被圣灵紧紧抓住，活在圣灵的同在里。这样我们的人生价值观被转化，生命得改变，然后才会获得蒙上帝喜悦的『王位』。如果信徒的生命表面非常蒙福，凡事成功，但是生命没有改变，这将会带来灾难性的后果；就会成为第二个扫罗，最终被上帝厌弃，失去上帝要赐给我们的“王位”！

How to Live in this Troubled World

 

Matthew 11:1-30

Jesus and John the Baptist

This is a Troubled World Yet with Blessing from God (vv 1-15)

Matthew 11 begins by telling us about the story of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the forerunner of the Lord, who pathed the way for Him. He used to proclaim that the Lord Jesus was the Lamb of God, and He baptized Jesus in the water. However, he was then unsure of whether Jesus was the coming Christ, and hence, he sent someone to ask Jesus about it.

At that time, John was imprisoned by King Herod, because he had openly rebuked Herod and his sister-in-law about their unlawful marriage. Given that John was imprisoned for a long time, he began to doubt Jesus’ identity as the coming Messiah.

Jesus replied to John and said that He healed the blind, the lame and the deaf, and healed lepers from their leprosy. He raised the dead and preached the good news of God’s favor to the poor. All these miracles were done under the anointing of the Holy Spirit which testified Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus did not feel offended by John’s confrontation. He did not accuse John for being weak, backsliding, and stumbling along his spiritual journey. Jesus understood and sympathized with John. He understood that John was imprisoned, and was not in his good mood, and hence he became doubtful.

Instead, Jesus praised John, and referred to him as prophet Elijah of the day. It was because John played the role of prophet Elijah, that he resisted the evil boldly and directed people to God.

Jesus also said that there was no one who was better than John in accomplishing the missions of God. However, in the coming Kingdom of God, all others shall receive more spiritual inheritance than John, as they have seen and known Christ and trust in His finished work on the Cross.

Today, the grace that we have received from Jesus is beyond what John have received, and we are indeed the blessed ones! Since we are so blessed as children of the Heavenly Kingdom, our lives should reflect the identity of the Heavenly people. In that, we should live out our lives full of courage, unwavering faith, determination and perseverance, for hardship and persecution shall follow all followers of Jesus.

This is a Troubled World with Indifference and Cynicism (vv16-19)

Jesus gave John a good compliment, but He made charges against this age, and said, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others; We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” (v 16-17）

People blow pipe when there are happy events at home, like when a bridegroom fetches his bride, a birthday celebration, a full-moon celebration of a child, or an unemployed person finds a job, etc. When someone’s relatives and friends all gather together and rejoice in celebration, yet you are the only one who think it unnecessary, and shake your head and walk away with a twitching mouth.

Mourning is observed during sad events, for example, when somebody’s parent pass away, or when someone’s baby dies prematurely, or when somebody’s life partner meets an accident or is inflicted by a disease, etc. The person involved is stricken with sadness, but we are indifferent in seeing all these.

The Bible requires us to remember those who are in prison, as if we are together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if we are suffering (Hebrews 13:3); And we must rejoice with those who rejoice; and mourn with those who mourn.  (Romans 12:15).

Unfortunately, everywhere there are indifferent and self-centered people. When they hear people playing pipe, they do not dance, and when they see people mourning, they do not beat their breasts! This generation is indifferent and self-centered.

The people of this age not only are indifferent, but they are also people of cynicism. They like to look at people negatively. They attacked John the Baptist and said that he was crazy, because he lived in the wilderness, wore clothes made of camel’s hair, ate locust and wild honey, and called people out for repentance the whole day near the Jordan River.

John said also that God “would raise up stones to replace us, and the ax is already at the tree, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” They thought that John’s words were ridiculous, for they perceived themselves to be the true descendants of Abraham and hence, they would surely not be destroyed!

On the other hand, they also did not see Jesus as the Messiah, but someone who was a glutton and drunkard, for he invited Zacchaeus, the tax collector, to dine with him. Jesus in fact did attend the feasts of the Pharisees, and he was also present at the wedding feasts.

Little did they know that neither did John the Baptist go crazy because he was not possessed by evil spirits, nor was Jesus a glutton and a drunkard. People made such criticism and judgment because their hearts had become calloused. They only knew how to behave righteously before men, but inside they were full of wickedness (Matthew 23:29).

Jesus reproached this generation that they only knew how to ridicule and doubt those things that were true and meaningful. Jesus in fact challenges us to leave our comfort zone and self-centered living.

The Apostle Peter admonished us that we must keep our tongues from evil if we would love life and see good days. He commended that Paul’s letter was full of the heavenly wisdom (2 Peter 3:15-16).

The words of Apostle Peter make us come to realize that we need people who know how to appreciate, understand, and sympathize more with others and people who are willing to contribute their efforts.

Please do not be that kind of people who have words without deeds, and would only criticize and judge and find excuses for themselves. Please don’t be the people who always want to be seen living on a moral high ground but actually have done nothing to remedy the wrongs and damages.

This is a Trouble World that Refuses to Repent and Turn to God (vv 20-24)

Tyre, Sidon and Sodom were notorious ancient cities, and they were either cursed or destroyed by God because of their wickedness. The city of Nineveh was heinous, but Nineveh “believed in God and declared a fast” after hearing the words of Jonah. The people in the whole city put on their sackcloth and they confessed their sins and repented before God.

Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were cities near the Sea of Galilee. The people there had witnessed the great miracles of healing and deliverance performed by Jesus, and they heard Him preaching the Word of God.

However, these Jews were stubborn and stiff-necked, and they refused to believe in the words of Jesus and the signs and wonders He performed. They did not want to repent in their sackcloth and ashes. It was probably because they were too familiar with Jesus, and they overlooked him and only saw his outward appearance, but they could not see “life in Him.” (John 1:4)

The Lord Jesus said to Bethsaida, “Woe to you!” and to Chorazin, “Woe to you!” And He said to Capernaum, “You will go down to Hades.” The Lord likened Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum to the most wicked city of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom. The people in those cities who had seen the miracles of Jesus would have to receive greater punishment than those who never saw it.

Today, many places all over the world have churches and every family does have their own bibles. If these people would not to repent and believe in Jesus, they have no excuses for their sins and have to receive severe punishment!

How shall Christian live in this generation? How? Disappointed? Forsaking their faith? Don’t feel like praying? Not going to the house of worship? Have you grown weary for seeing such a rebellious world and thinking of stepping down from serving God? See how the Lord Jesus responded!

Submit to God and preach the Gospel of God’s favor in this Troubled World (vv 25-30)

When Jesus was accusing this generation for not repenting, for not believing in Him, He raised His head and thank the Heavenly Father, and acknowledged that the Heavenly Father was Lord, and all powers were in His hand.

Jesus pointed out that there are two kinds of people in this world. The first kind is the intelligent, who is puffed up because of their knowledge. The other kind is the humble like a baby, who open themselves to accept the truth of God. Are you clever in your own eyes or are you seeking the truth with a child-like faith?

Jesus is Christ, the Holy Son. In Him, the Heavenly Father is revealed fully to all. Jesus revealed to us clearly all the aspects that we need to know about the Heavenly Father, so that we can know Him. We can be accepted by the Heavenly Father through trusting in Jesus. Therefore, Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

This generation has been inflicted by many disasters. It is like a blind leading another blind, and the foolish could not understand the truth. The wicked are still arrogant and defiant, and kind people are still under persecution.

I listen to the daily news, and therein are news that talk about the human atrocities, anger, sadness and lawlessness, which make people helpless and it is beyond their control.

Living and being well informed in this current context, we however must not be affected nor start doubting about our faith when we face such many problems. E.g., we doubt whether we are saved, and whether our sins are forgiven, and whether God is working in our lives, and whether God reigns in this world, etc.

Only God has the answers, and He shall reveal them to the innocent. Only when we become like children, and we purely believe and trust in Christ like how little children believe and trust in their parents, then only can we see the goodness of our Heavenly Father and be blessed by Him.

We are to observe God’s promises and evidence given to us when we study the Bible. We must walk with God and not turn away from Christ, but to turn to Him. By this, we will surely see our lives changed, and the whole world will be changed accordingly. Those who consider themselves “wise and learned” will only see temporal things before their very eyes, and they will be deceived by the devil to leave the way of God. They will suffer in the long run and in the eternity.

When Jesus was charging against the generation that refused to repent and believe in Him, He was preaching the Gospel humbly to them and hoping for them to repent. Jesus wants to deliver us from the yoke of slavery, and to give us rest. It means we shall receive God’s love, healing and peace in His presence. Building relationship with God turns our meaningless and troubled lives into lives that are full of direction, meanings and spiritual effectiveness.

We must also follow the footsteps of Christ in preaching the Gospel of peace and rest to this generation. I pray that the Heavenly Father will forgive and heal the earth. I pray that the Heavenly Father will bless our friends, neighbors and relatives, and that He will bless my family too.

Though many things have happened around us, including things that have caused us troubles, we might not understand the reasons behind them, but we raise our hands and praise our Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father has His own plan and timing of doing things. And like our Lord Jesus, we must submit to His will and give Him the highest honor. “Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

Our Heavenly Father knows what is better, and His will is the best. Life is fleeting and insignificant, and there are many things we cannot understand, many burdens we can’t bear, and endless questions we can’t afford to answer. Let the Heavenly Father take sovereignty over us! We need to submit to God for these things.

On the other hand, we need to take care of others. Let us extend our hands to many others who are in need, by giving them even a cup of cool water, a word of encouragement, a word of comfort, and a word that sounds good in their ears.

We need to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to cry with those who cry, and lend a hand of support to others in their ministries. Let us learn from our Lord Jesus and give others a ray of hope and a beam of light. And let us tell others that Jesus is aware of their bitter burden, and He shall give us rest!