百般试炼中要喜乐

落在试炼中要喜乐

雅各书一2-12

『我的弟兄们，你们遭遇各种试炼的时候，都要全然看为喜乐；因为知道你们的信心经过考验，就产生忍耐；但要让忍耐发挥完全的作用，使你们可以又完全又完备，毫无缺陷。』（2-4节）

『试炼』是指人遭受外在问题或苦难煎熬的状况。雅各说，人当把试炼看为喜乐的事。这怎么可能呢？

雅各解释说，经历试炼乃是考验我们的信心。这样的经历帮助我们产生“忍耐”。这“忍耐”会发挥完全的作用，使我们的灵命得以成长，直到又完全又完备，毫无缺陷，因此这是值得喜乐的事！

其实雅各的劝勉，呼应希伯来书十二1：『存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程。』

『你们中间若有人缺乏智慧，就应该祈求那毫无保留地赐恩给众人，又不责备人的神，神就必赐给他。』（5 节）

神的儿女们奔跑天路，迈向完全的过程中，一定会经历试炼困苦。这是神的旨意。在试炼当中，我们的生命出现缺乏、困惑和倒退。这是我们的生命的实况。唯有神才有完全无缺的本体。在试炼煎熬中，灰心沮丧时刻，我们祈求什么呢？雅各告诉我们：『祈求神赐给我们智慧。』

为什么是求智慧？智慧与试炼，有何关系？

一般人的想法是，每当遇到问题或困难problem，最重要是获得知识，即是解决方案solution。生病的时候，我们需求药到病除；机器发生故障时，我们要更换零件。

这种Problem-solving的进路，久而久之使我们感到不需要神。我们只向神要答案，要援助，而不是寻求神本身？若我们的困难这样就解决了，我们也不会因此亲近神，反而会远离神。

雅各所讲的‘智慧’，不是指知识或解决问题的方案。其实，人生许多问题是无法完全解决的！当人注目在解决方案，会因此产生错觉；变得只在乎回答『我的问题』、解决『我的需要』。

这样下去，我们的读书的成绩、业绩、事业等比一切，甚至比生命都重要。这些东西成了人的中心，成了永恒关怀。这不仅错，还会造成悲剧！

白雪公主的后母，把自己的美貌看得比任何都重要。如何保持『世界最美』就是她的唯一关怀，因此所有人必须围绕她的问题团团转。当她知道公主长大后会变得比她更加美丽，她就下狠心杀害白雪公主。这个童话寓言岂不是很多人的内心纠结吗？

雅各说的智慧，是在困境试炼时候，“认识到神的慷慨和美善，然后毅然信靠神，敬畏神，放下个人的执着，愿意遵守神的法则去『妥善使用知识』来重整个人生命”。

这种智慧是敬畏神的智慧，将神看为生命的掌权者和主人。神以外的所有『得失成败』都不是我们的生命的主。唯有基督，那位牺牲性命，买赎我们的救主才是我们的主。我们单单信靠他会照顾我们，保守我们。有基督便足够。

这样我们就会变得自由，释放和踏实。无惧面前的困难，能够沉着应付，并且突破重重障碍，取得改变和胜利。

这种智慧帮助人超越已定下的时间和计划，超越问题与解决方法，却引导人更亲近神、认识神和信靠神。这样信徒生命就在试炼中被炼净，如金子在炉火中被炼净，灵命更趋向完全！

『可是，他必须凭着信心祈求，一点也不疑惑；因为疑惑的人好像海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾。这样的人，可别想从主那里得到什么；三心两意的人在他一切所行的路上，都摇摆不定。』（6-8节）

你现在经历试炼的痛苦吗？神容让信徒经历试炼，总不会超出人所能承受的地步，并且会为人预备一条出路（林前十13）。我们无须惧怕试炼。经历试炼验如炼金一般会使我们的信心与品格更加坚固与成熟。

让我们来信靠神，向神祈求智慧，而且是丝毫不疑惑，专心一志，不心怀二意。神一定赐给我们智慧和恩典去胜过试炼，并且叫我们从中获益。

我们若离开神去依赖其他的出路；我们若离开神，去执着外在的『得失成败』，反而使我们变成海中摇摆的波浪，随风飘荡，失去稳妥和平安，而且无法从神获得任何东西。

『卑微的弟兄要因自己得高升而夸口；富有的人要因自己被降卑而夸口，因为他要如草上的花那样消逝。太阳升起，热气蒸腾，草就枯干，花也凋谢，它的美貌就消失了。富有的人在他人生的追寻中，也要这样衰残。忍受试炼的人是有福的，因为他经过考验之后，必可领受生命的冠冕，就是主应许赐给爱他的人的。』（9-12 节）

我们在试炼中向神祈求智慧，使信心更加坚强，也是为了察觉盼望与爱。保罗在罗马书五3-5说，『不但如此，我们也已患难夸口，要知道患难生出忍耐，忍耐生出老练，老练生出盼望。这盼望是不会落空而使人羞耻的，因为神的爱借着所赐给我们的圣灵，已经浇灌在我们心里。』

我们可以期盼祷告病得医治，问题被解决，收支平衡，但更重要是知道生命比这些问题更大，而我们的神比生命更大。在任何苦难试炼中，我们是有盼望的。我们知道，神爱我们，他不会伤害我们，也不会叫我们的信心落空。

我们来爱神！爱神的人一定相信神，信靠他，甚至在压力下仍然对他忠心耿耿，坚定不移。没有任何人、时局变幻、权力更迭可以将我们与神的爱隔绝。神的爱和我们对神的爱，比任何问题、困难、危机、试炼都大，不管是升高或降卑。

卑微的弟兄升高，我们为此喜乐与感谢神。然而，除非他是紧紧跟从神，走在完全的路上，高升可能是跌倒下坠的第一步。让人真正喜乐的不是‘高升’，因为它如同草上的花一样，必要过去。生命比升职更大，而神比生命更大。

同样，当富足的降卑，生命不会因此倒霉完结。再卑微，一如富贵，也必成为过去。生命比失去工作、挫折更大，而神比生命更大。高升，美貌，才智，能力，健康都没有错，但这一切都是将要逝去的花草。

若神的子民让神以外的花草主导生命，他们会逐渐偏离那完全的道路，信心、盼望和爱消失。这时候他们纵然有再多的技巧、知识和本钱，却没有在基督里丰盛的生命。

若升职、成功、美貌和力量，成为生命的中心，人会因为其他人的升职而感到妒忌；看到有人比你更成功，更美丽，更有力量的时候，心中只会感到不高兴。这样，生命成为一个咒诅而不是祝福。

我们在试炼当中祈求神赐给我们智慧，去认识神，拥抱他作为我们生命的主。有什么比拥有主耶稣的同在，领受生命的冠冕，更为值得喜乐的，哪怕我们正在遭受试炼中？

结语：

我们当中有不少人也如此见证说，在困难中遇见主的同在，生命被炼净，喜乐满怀。现在我们当中也有人正面对试炼苦难，不知道如何面对，甚至不知道要在祷告中向神求什么。

雅各告诉我们，子民在试炼苦难当中，不但是求神赐给解决问题的知识和技巧，而是寻求神自己，丝毫不远离神，继续仰望信靠他，从他获取智慧。

这样子民的生命能够在试炼中得胜，被炼净，灵命成熟；产生坚定不移的信心、活泼的盼望、爱神爱人的心，以及喜乐的灵。

From Assassin to Peace Maker

Judges 3:12-30

Ehud Assassinates the King of Moab

The book of Judges records the immediate period following the Israelites’ settlement in the land of Canaan. In those days, there were no kings in Israel. From time to time, the LORD raised tribal leaders to be “judges”. At the micro level, the judges were entrusted to administer internal affairs. At the macro level, they were tasked to lead the people out of foreign oppression.

In the days of Judges, the Israelites broke the Sinai covenant by assimilating into Canaanite idolatrous culture, which resulted in moral decay. So, God raised Eglon, the king of Moab, to invade and oppressed Israel. And the subjection is worse— “they took possession of the City of Palms” (v13), the city otherwise known as Jericho. This was the place where, supremely, God had given his obedient people victory over their enemies (Joshua 6); now this is the place where God “gave” Eglon victory over them. Further, the subjection is 18 years long (v14).

From Messenger to Assassin

When the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised a deliverer for them. The deliverer was Ehud the son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin. “Benjamin” means “son of right hand” but Ehud was left-handed.

If you look up the references in the Bible to “right hand,” you will find that they are all quite positive. God swears by his right hand, he has pleasures by his right hand, and his chosen One sits at his right hand. Why? Since most people were right-handed, the right hand was a symbol of power and ability.

Verse 15 literally says that Ehud was “unable to use his right hand.” It is very possible that Ehud’s right hand was paralyzed or disabled in some way. He is physically handicapped; would he be a successful deliverer? No one would have looked up to him or naturally chosen to follow him. Yet he is God’s choice.

Ehud was entrusted by the Israelites to present a tribute to the king of Moab (v. 15). They did not order him to assassinate Eglon. But this mission gave Ehud an opportunity to assassinate the king of Moab.

Now Ehud had fashioned a two-edged sword. The sword was a cubit (35 cm) long – just long enough to be strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. In general, a weapon is usually strapped to the left side of the body so that the wielder can quickly draw it with the right hand.

But Ehud was left-handed. So, he strapped the sword to his right thigh instead. This way, his concealed weapon went undetected by the king’s guard. As a result, Ehud was given the security clearance for an audience with King Eglon to present Israel’s tribute (vv. 16-17).

Having presented Israel’s tribute, Ehud left the palace together with those who helped him carry the gift. They did not stop until they reached a safe place, that is, the stone images near Gilgal (vv. 18-19). There, he dismissed his companions but he alone returned to Eglon’s palace.

But why did he send his companions away?

Ehud did not inform anyone of his plans in advance. He was prepared to be the only one bearing the risk of assassinating the king of Moab. He went back to King Englon and petitioned, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”

Eglon does not expect a handicapped man to be in any way dangerous. He was so drawn by the “secret” that he dismissed his attendants, which gave Ehud the opportunity to strike (v. 19).

Ehud said to the king, “I have a message from God for you.”

The king rose from his seat, which made it easier for Ehud to assassinate him (vv. 20-21).

In the blink of an eye, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into the king’s belly (v21). It is the king’s obesity (perhaps he has grown fat on the tribute he has exacted?) which seals his fate (v 22).

The NIV is over-polite here: the end of the verse should read “the dung came out” (ESV). This explains why, as Ehud mounts his escape (v23), the guards say outside, assuming (based on what they can smell) that Eglon “must be relieving himself” (v24). By the time they open the doors and see their lord dead (v25). Ehud has “got away….and escaped” (v26).

From Assassin to General

Ehud passed by the stone images and escaped to Seirah. When he arrived there, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim. This was Israel’s call to arms (v. 27). He led the Israelite army and gave them orders, “Follow me for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands.” (v. 28)

The Israelites followed Ehud and descended from the hills. Ehud went from being a messenger to being an assassin and now he became a general!

The Moabite army had just lost their commander-in-chief. Ehud seized the initiative to attack them before they could reorganise their command structure. So, the Israelites followed Ehud down and took possession of the fords of the Jordan.

The Moabite army fled helter-skelter in an attempt to cross the Jordan to go back eastward to the land of Moab. However, the Israelites had set up a blockade to prevent the Moabites from going home. “At that time, they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not one escaped.” (v. 29)

That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for 80 years (v. 30).

Conclusion

By coupling his physical defect with an intricate plan, Ehud deceived King Eglon and his guards, which paved the way for his successful assassination of the king.

Many people are unhappy that the chosen agent of God is an assassin, who kills a man having duped him into meeting him alone. Yet Ehud himself says that God was working through him (v28). Israel would never have followed him into battle (v 28-29) if he had not secured the outcome himself, alone, by killing Eglon.

And it reminds us that God does not always work by what we call “normal” or “obvious” methods. He freed his people, giving them triumph over their enemies and peace for 80 years (v30), through and unexpected leader and an unpredicted means.

We also note that the king of Moab’s assassination was the retribution of his wickedness. Those who do evil in the sight of the LORD will attract tragic consequences. God judged both the Israelites and the Gentiles. God’s judgment upon King Eglon of Moab shows that He is against oppressive and repressive regimes of the world.

Ehud’s accomplishment of his mission was not merely due to his brilliance. The will of the LORD was to deliver His people out from being in bondage to their enemy. Ehud’s actions were in line with God’s will and, thereby, received God’s approval. This was the main reason for Ehud’s success.

If anyone repents, seeks for God’s help, and marches to God’s cadence, God will lend a helping hand.

Application

Ehud was handicapped, yet God used his weakness to accomplish the mission. Through Ehud’s weakness, God displayed strength. The LORD was the One who did the fighting. The LORD God can use ordinary, disadvantaged people.

Today, regardless of what pressure we are placed under, or what danger we are facing, or how desperate our situation may seem to be, how disadvantaged we are, God is always our way out. Nothing is too difficult for God!

The whole episode of assassination showed that Ehud made extensive preparations. If we are to serve God, then we must fashion our spiritual swords (Heb. 10:12), which is to have God’s word planted deep in our minds (Col. 3:16).

As servants of God, especially as leaders, we must be equipped and have the clarity of vision to evaluate current events and circumstances, so that we may seize the opportunity to accomplish the work that God has entrusted to us.

Ehud’s killing of Eglon was only a small victory. He did not lose perspective in the euphoria of this small victory. His real goal was to end the oppression of Israel. He displayed the spirit of leadership by calling the people to arms to attack the enemy.

Ehud took advantage of the situation. He gathered Israelite troops to attack the Moabites while the enemy were in disarray due to the loss of their king. He also exhibited mastery of strategy by sending troops to occupy the fords of the Jordan River.

The outcome was, Ehud led the whole body of the Israelite army to rise up and together, they annihilated ten thousand Moabite elite warriors. This was a wonderful display of team work. Ehud had great leadership skills and was adept in integrating manpower. He took charge and led the troops to accomplish the goal.

A good leader must be able to integrate the team and harness its strength, and then the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts. It does not matter how capable a leader is as an individual. He is to mobilise the people and delegate the tasks to them.

Ehud did everything well and so the nation had peace for 80 years. 18 years under Moabite oppression was short-lived but 80 years signified prosperity under God’s presence, enjoying the peace, blessing, and freedom to worship God for a very long period. This is the meaning of shalom.

Finally, Ehud did resort to trickery. He was not an ideal and perfect judge, yet an imperfect person can still be used by God to accomplish His will. In fact, all the judges are less than ideal. This all points the way to the most unexpected and “left-handed” person of all.

When the Judge came, “he had…nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:2-3). He achieved his victory all alone, on behalf of his people but not helped in any way by them, and he crushed his people’s enemies through his own weakness, like Ehud.

All of the judges point us to Christ, the perfect and righteous “Judge”—deliverer. Unlike them, he did not use deception (Ehud), need assistance (Deborah/Barak), or display selfish ambition (Gideon), rashness (Jephthah) or sexual weakness (Samson). And yet, like them, Jesus was an outsider, someone the world could not believe was either God’s chosen Ruler or his Deliverer.

But He indeed delivered his people not through great triumph, but through crushing defeat, where He was crucified on the cross. By these instances, God is showing the world that his salvation will not come in a “Hollywood” way at all. It will come from an outsider born in a manger; through weakness, not what the world calls strength; through defeat, not what the world calls victory; through folly, not what the world calls wisdom.

We are not to make the mistake Eglon did as he looked at God’s chosen deliverer, and “esteem him not” (Isaiah 53:3); we look at Christ and see “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

Jesus has already saved us and blessed us in the most unexpected way—through a “left-hander,” and that we are the most unexpected recipients of his grace, “left-handed” as we are. That means we can’t do deals with God like doing deal with idols, because we have nothing to offer God to trade for salvation. We can only totally depend on God, and we love to do that.

And now, as Christ’s redeemed people with absolute free grace, our lives belong to Him. it is only right that we will response by rising up to reap the harvest of His victory. Despite our shortcomings and limitations, we are to be equipped and make proper plans in the service of the church and in the service of society, so that lost souls are won for the Lord; the environment is transformed, ushering in an era of peace and well-being –shalom.

On a personal level, let’s serve God in a way that is pleasing to Him, that is to seek and do His will wholeheartedly. Let’s read the Bible every day, meditate upon God’s truth, pray unceasingly, and draw near to Him.

Then in everything that we do, God will guide our way. He will help us to overcome difficulties and temptations, so that we may experience His long-lasting blessing— shalom!

Desert Consequences

Acts 8:26-40

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Ethiopia is located in Africa. During Jesus' time, the Romans considered Ethiopia as the furthest end of civilization. Ethiopia was ruled by Queen Candace. She had a eunuch, who was a court official taking charge of all her treasures.

Some Gentiles embraced Jewish monotheistic beliefs and teachings of holiness. They could assimilate into the Jewish faith through circumcision and water ritual. Some other Gentiles only went to Jewish synagogues and participated in the reading of Hebrew classics. They were known as “people who feared God”.

This Ethiopian eunuch had come to Jerusalem to worship. He was a powerful man but was castrated. He was thus not allowed to enter into the inner court of the Temple to worship God. He could be a God-fearing Gentile.

This Ethiopian eunuch was returning home from his pilgrimage in Jerusalem, sitting in his chariot on the desert way (wilderness) and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet:

“Like a sheep, he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” (Isaiah 53: 7-8)

Salvation is Found in the Desert Way

Let us contrast Jerusalem against the desert way. Jerusalem was the religious, cultural, political and economic center. During all major festivals, Diaspora Jews would travel long distances to Jerusalem to worship and offer sacrifices. The Temple in Jerusalem made this city the most holy place on earth.

This Ethiopian eunuch also paid homage to Jerusalem, showing that he pursued after God. However, he did not receive the revelation from God in Jerusalem. He did not receive the truth that will bring him salvation. He was travelling out of Jerusalem, on his way home, and came to the desert way. He was disillusioned, reading Isaiah 53 but without understanding.

What does desert or wilderness imply?

The desert way is a desolate, devil-roaring, unclean place. By implication, the brilliant imaginations, life-giving experiences and renewal, God's presence and salvation should 'logically' be found in the heart of worship, i.e. Jerusalem and not in the desert.

But all these things were reversed when Philip, the evangelist appeared to the eunuch in the desert way!

Philip asked the Ethiopian eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?” and he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” and the eunuch invited Philip to come up to his chariot and sit with him.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began with that very passage of Scripture. Philip told the eunuch the good news about Jesus. Jesus was that Lamb being led to slaughter, without a word, before the shearers. The Lamb did not speak but Philip spoke on the Lamb's behalf to declare the good news.

Once the Word, the gospel was proclaimed, the desert way was transformed into the way to salvation. The eunuch believed in the Lord and was saved there, right on the desert way.

This travel narrative contains irony and tension.

Here in this passage, the author Luke undermined the status of Jerusalem. Instead he emphasized that Jesus had come, so the old tradition was no longer relevant. Wherever the gospel of Jesus is proclaimed and made known, the truth is established, and the salvation of God ensued.

Jerusalem's glamour does not deliver salvation, but the desert way is the way to salvation because God’s Word is found there to breathe life into the human soul and renew the human heart.

Today, are you coming down from ‘Jerusalem’, or are you looking for your ‘Jerusalem’? Where is your ‘Jerusalem’?

To some people, ‘Jerusalem’ could be glamorous churches, gospel rallies, talk-shows by international renowned speakers or exuberant music festivals; or to others, ‘Jerusalem’ could be abundance of wealth, high status and fame, or a promising career.

People tend to think that the assurance of God’s favor, blessings and empowerment, will come to them in big huge ways or events. However, God actually promised us otherwise; it is wherever the Word is being proclaimed, in there you will find salvation and blessings.

Now, you may be crossing your “desert way”. You think there is no hope here. But actually, you could be renewed and empowered from strength to strength, because God is here to meet you. Or today you are called by God to go into the “desert way” but you hesitate to go in.

You need to move in and hold fast to this “desert way”. God will lead you to realize wonderful things in the “desert way”.

Even though we live a simple life as the desert way implied, let’s be receptive and be shaped by God’s Word. As long as we spread the Word and take heed of the Word, the presence of God and His salvation will come upon us.

Being Obedient to God Lifts Us over Constraints

Let’s now compare the Ethiopian eunuch to Philip. The eunuch was a God-fearing man. He longed for salvation. That was why he travelled the long journey to Jerusalem.

However, as a eunuch, he was regarded as unclean and incomplete. He could not enter the inner court of the Temple to worship and offer sacrifices. He could only pay homage from a distance, only to admire the magnificent worship of the Temple or merely participating in the synagogue gatherings.

On the other hand, Jerusalem, despite its outward glamour had lost the subtle presence of God. Jerusalem failed to help the eunuch to know God. The eunuch could not recognize Jesus Christ by his own reading of Isaiah 53. Those were his constraints and hurdles of life.

Philip told him that Isaiah 53 was a passage relating to Jesus Christ. And as they came to some water, the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

And he commanded the chariot to stop, and then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him there (Acts 8:36-38).

“What prevents me from….” - this phrase is Luke’s writing strategy to tell us that nothing will hinder us, if we want to respond to God's word.

Before this account, Philip had a very successful ministry in Samaria. He proclaimed to the Samaritans the good news of Christ’s salvation. And when the people in Samaria heard Philip and saw the signs that he did, with one accord they paid attention to what Philip said (Acts 8:5-6). 

But then the angel of the Lord told Philip to… “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place (Acts 8:27).”

And Philip was obedient to the Lord. He rose and went.

And when Philip arrived at the desert road, he saw the chariot of the eunuch. Then the Spirit of the Lord again said to Philip to… “Go over and join this chariot.”

And Philip ran up to the chariot, and heard the eunuch reading the passage of the prophet Isaiah.

Philip obeyed God's call by laying down his promising successes in Samaria for a new ministry in the desert. In Samaria, he led big crowds to faith, but now he arose and went into the desert to do personal evangelism.

He also obeyed the Holy Spirit’s command to run to join the chariot. This is an exciting and beautiful picture: the feet of those who preach the good news run in parallel to the chariot!

Both Philip and the eunuch had hearts of obedience to God which enabled them to cross over constraints and hurdles. Consequently, the gospel swiftly spread from Jerusalem, Judea to Samaria, and unto the Gentiles.

Today, we may have fallen from the peak of ‘Jerusalem’, being thrown to the desert, feeling lost, disillusioned and without direction. We may be spiritually dry and in many aspects, withered. We also face many obstacles in life. The difficulties and hurdles are too overwhelming for us to deal with, too consuming to us.

Our constraints or hurdles could come in terms of finances, aging, being physically frail and ill, busyness with work, lack of education and skill, economic downturn, die-hard bad habits, and etc. What can we do? Are our lives going to be consumed in the “desert”? 

Today God said, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43: 19).” Nothing can prevent us, as long as we are willing to obey God's leading. Let’s put our trust in God again. Even in the wilderness, God's grace is sufficient for us.

There is only one ultimate cause for human to fall—disobedience to God.

Jesus, John the Baptist and King David all encountered difficult times in the desert but they had all overcame! The Israelites were also crossing through the desert but they failed miserably because of their lack of faith and their disobedience to God.

Are you running away from God? Have you forgotten your first love to God?  Today, God has made known His will to you. Are you willing to obey Him?

If you obey God, do respond to Him immediately and decisively. Nothing can hinder you from overcoming the constraints and hurdles in your “desert”!

永恒的圆满大结局

启示录21-22章

新耶路撒冷-新天新地

17-18章预示或宣告了巴比伦受审判被惩治之后，第19章以天上崇拜的景象为总结。有声音代表天上和地上所有受造物，重复了四次，召人来赞美神，因为神行了公义的审判，他的主权高高在上。羔羊就要来迎娶他的新妇（7节）。

约翰看见天开了，一位带着很多冠冕的骑士，骑着白马出来。他拥有宇宙的权柄。他的袍有血迹因为他曾经流血而死，而得胜。他就是耶稣。他有一群天军跟随着他。

接着神的军队与魔鬼的军队对峙，但是没有事，因为耶稣已经透过他的死和复活得胜了。首先是巴比伦被消灭，接着海兽，地兽扔进火湖（11-16节）。

我们发现，在约翰的论述神对地上邪恶施行公义的审判之后，紧贴着的是敬拜。对神的崇拜不仅被理解为仅是属灵或礼仪操练。崇拜是由神学、社会、政治的关注所主导。

启示录的崇拜景象让读者认清，受造物敬拜和臣服的对象只有一个，就是施行公义和审判的神。这个敬拜的信念叫每一个读者去辨识，以及拒绝认同任何组织、国家或民族大义，宣称自己有绝对位置去扭曲或欺压其他人。

第20章开始介绍『千禧年』，魔鬼被捆绑。这时候圣徒兴起与基督同做王。这『千禧年』是象征耶稣第一次来之后，直到他再来期间。耶稣的死和复活，战胜了魔鬼。这时候魔鬼被限制活动，出现很多人归主的现象（二十1-6）。

一千年过去了，撒旦被释放。他在短期内出去迷惑世人，攻击教会。然而，基督骑着白马抵挡魔鬼，并且捉拿了魔鬼，扔进火湖（7-10节）。那条大红龙，二兽，淫妇全部都被消灭了。

现在，上帝开始坐在白色大宝座审判世人的行为（二十12）。罪人是因信称义，得救，不是靠行为，但是这个大审判彰显了我们从信心而发的好行为。有信心没有行为是死的（雅各书二26）。真正的信徒，他们的名字记载在羔羊的生命书（十三8, 二十15）。

约翰的异象呈现了历史的真相。看来满有力量的权势，至终是失败，被消灭。相反的，那看似软弱的遭难受害者，竟是体验永生的胜利者。神才是真正的掌权者，是所有受造物必须面对和效忠的主宰。

第21-22章提到第二次死的终局，但是重点放在生命—『生命册、生命河水以及生命树。』

我们现在的宇宙，当主再来时候会被更新（5节，以赛亚六十五17;六十六22; 马太十九28,罗马书八18-25）。在新天新地，神与人面对面同在。神的子民有密切认识神的生命，好比新郎与新妇的契合。

得胜的子民住在神的城有保障。这城是新耶路撒冷，是立正体cube，正如圣殿里头的至圣所。这城里没有圣殿因为神与城内的子民面对面了，整座城都是圣殿了。

这城的美轮美奂好像伊甸园。这城没有黑暗，没有海，因为神的荣光日夜照亮。没有不洁的能够进入这城，唯有生命册上来自万国的子民能进入(二十一15-17)。

这城有河从神的宝座流出来，滋润人的干渴。河边长了生命树（以西结47章）。饥饿的可以摘果子吃。叶子可以医治万民的疾病。神会擦干子民的眼泪，不再有痛楚，哀伤，疾病和死亡。

这时候再没有咒诅了。这是逆转创世记3章，失去伊甸园的堕落状态。

然后神的宝座出现，表示神掌权（4，5章）。万民都俯伏在神的宝座前敬拜他，与神面对面见面（约一3:2；林前十三12）。这是神创造人的终极目的，就是受造物与神面对面同在，享受在神同里的蒙福与安息。

最后约翰强调启示录是他们听见和看见，真实的神的启示。读者必须相信和遵守这启示，并且完整的宣扬这启示内容。当基督再来的时候，将有一个大分隔：与羔羊住在新耶路撒冷，或者接受审判，被排除出去。

耶稣三次说，我要快来（7，12，20节）！

其实耶稣在十字架上已经得胜了，神的国，子民新的生命已经开始了，因此基督真的来了！圣经说的『永生』已经开始了。这是一种蒙福，密切认识神的生命。这样的生命从我们信主的一刻就开始，但要等到主再来时候才完满成就consummated。

约翰所见的圣城耶路撒冷，表述了一切光明、美善、和谐、生命和医治。新天新地的异象，既是人类未来的憧憬。这个未来的憧憬使我们得着当下生活的勇气。

启示录的远像不仅是未来生命的安顿和应许，也是现今生活的提醒。启示录的启示既非为逃避生活而宣示，也非提供密码破解生命的谜团。启示录的先知预言是要人遵行，实践的生命之道，决定我们今天如何生活。

启示录的神学

启示录作者为艰苦困惑的读者勾画神国度的憧憬和远像，唤醒他们认识神的权柄和威严，基督的救赎与恩慈，让他们看清楚宇宙和历史究竟属于谁。

1.  神高高坐着宝座上。他是自由永远，开始成终的，全能、超然和救赎的神。他创造、看顾、救赎、审判、胜利、又与子民进入婚筵的亲密关系。

2.  神的心意与救赎，与创造界之间存在隔阂，但是解开这隔阂的是那位与神一同在宝座上被杀的羔羊—基督。耶稣基督就是神完全的表述和彰显。启示录的神学是以神为中心，但是银币的另外一面是羔羊耶稣基督为中心。

3.  崇拜场景往往紧接灾难的发生和神的审判之后。作者强调神在困苦中依然掌权。在苦难受逼迫境况中的信徒，应该坚忍，仍然尊神伟大，相信神的审判与救赎近在眉睫。

敬拜神并不是情感抒发而已，而是不折不扣的政治行为，其中牵涉对生命的主权、立场、价值和方向的认信和宣告。崇拜的唯一对象是神，其他各种对象都是偶像崇拜，必然走向灭亡。

4.  基督徒当挺身抗争。这勇气来自那曾经受苦被杀又得胜了的羔羊—耶稣基督。信徒当跟从他们的主那样地经过受苦，为真理做见证，然后也一样的得胜。

5.  终末的争战已经在基督里（死而复活）得胜了already，但是也有待实现but not yet ，因为大龙、二兽和大淫妇依然在搅乱中垂死挣扎。尽管邪恶势力是真实又猖獗，神终归要将凯旋带到他的创造里。这样的信念将现世和末世紧扣在一起。启示录对世界权势的批判，不嘉许信徒有分离遁世的思想。

6.  启示录将『神义论』收纳在『终末论』内。当下的现象和处境，并不代表终极的答案。此时的胜利并不是最后的凯旋。现实的屈辱绝不是郁郁而终。一切的解答系于终极末世的呈现。

7.  终末的审判和公义，牢牢建立在羔羊受苦事实上，即是坐在宝座上的，开启密封的印的，是那位被杀的羔羊。神的义在羔羊的职事上完全彰显。神原来是有血有肉的。他与子民透过苦难连接起来。

8.  信徒在现实生活中服从神的旨意，就是见证和表达神国度的价值与质素，也就是打击谎言、谴责所有的暴力压迫，以及抗拒权利的诱惑。殉道者的见证、流血和哀哭呼求神，表达了跟随主，为主做见证的楷模。

大国倾倒了！

启示录17 – 18 章

骑在兽上的女人以及巴比伦倾倒了

17章揭示，拿着七碗的其中一位天使指示约翰去观看。约翰看见一个女人骑着一头朱红色的兽。那兽遍体都有亵渎的名号，并且有七个头，十只角。这是海兽。

那女人穿着紫色和朱红色的衣服，并戴上金子、宝石和珍珠为装饰。这是极度奢华的表征。她手里拿着金杯，杯中盛满了可憎之物和她淫乱的污秽。她额上写了一个奥秘的名字：“大巴比伦，地上淫妇和可憎之物的母亲”。

她喝醉了圣徒的血和为耶稣作见证之人的血。这位大淫妇不是某一人，乃是巴比伦大城，也就是罗马城。

创世记十8-11记载含的子孙宁录建立巴比伦城。宁录代表的是不敬虔人的谱系。创世记十一1-9记载宁录领导人在巴比伦建立巴别塔，传扬自己的名和上达高天，逾越了神与人的界限。

乃至公元前六世纪出现的巴比伦帝国，都是敌对神，奴役神子民的威权、奢华、骄横可憎和邪恶的象征。

以赛亚十四12-15如此论及巴比伦：『明亮之星、早晨之子啊！你何竟从天坠落？你这攻败列国的，何竟被砍到在地上？你心里曾说，我要升到天上！我要高举我的宝座在神众星之上；我要做在聚会的山上。在北方极处；我要升到高云之上，我要与至上者同等。然而你必坠落阴间，到坑中极深之处。』

教会传统上采用上述的经文来描述魔鬼撒但的坠落！启示录作者就用了巴比伦作为符号指涉第一世纪的罗马城。

朱红色的兽就是海兽，指罗马强大的军事和威权统治（硬实力）。这兽的外形带有亵渎僭妄、傲慢骄横的意义。妇人和兽的朱红色，与12章的大红龙，正好与基督以及其跟从者的白色对立，明显是与神对峙。

『妇人骑在兽上』是象征罗马社会那奢华、贪婪、欺压和败坏的经济、文化和宗教祭祀（软实力），在其军事政治力量（海兽：硬实力）支持下，得以扩张和推动，造成经济上垄断、剥削、压榨，以及信仰上逼迫神的子民。

地上的君王与这大淫妇行淫，泛指地上的名人领袖与罗马的不道德虚华富裕同流合污。这位大淫妇使人沉醉在其应许的繁荣和利益，同时叫人罔顾神的公义和审判（淫乱）。圣徒有者背叛信仰与她行淫，有者因忠贞于主的道受到逼迫。

那兽的七个头就是『七座山/七位君王』都是指到罗马政权，但也遥指未来历史上任何邪恶、欺压人、悖逆神的权势和力量。那兽的十个角就是十王。

这十角/十王的十，不是指某个时期的数值的组合，而是指罗马政权，也象征人类历史的普及权势同心合意与兽（帝国）结盟，抗拒神，与羔羊争战。

然而，从天上的角度，即是终极和永恒的角度看，这种“淫乱”终必在神的审判下沉沦，因为羔羊必胜过那些与兽结盟的人（14节）。

大淫妇坐在『众水』之上，乃是指普及地上臣服于罗马统治的势力。然而这个势力联盟（大淫妇；兽；众水）也是脆弱的，因为在政权更迭，利益网络被颠覆之后，就会彼此反目成仇，互相攻击，直至全体倾倒。

其实神已经定意如此，并且把这计划放在敌人心里，要他们实行他的旨意（16-17节）。这是强调神是在控制大局。

巴比伦或罗马帝国，一个以自我利益挂帅、贪婪、骄横，偶像崇拜、文化霸权、经济、军事和政治力量，至终在神审判下全然倒塌。罗马的繁盛是透过不公义的压制，抢夺、剥削致富。当中也涉及偶像崇拜、邪术和暴力。

神为受苦的人伸冤，就审判这个大淫妇，使她崩溃和倾倒。曾经是极度奢华威权，但是因为抵挡神，行可憎恶的事，终必成为荒场，而所有依附她力量的至终只能哀嚎哭叫因为失去利益。

18章展示一系列的挽歌，哀悼巴比伦倾倒了的悲惨下场。从中我们得以一瞥当时罗马政治、经济和商业的盛况。

首先是一位荣耀的天使大声呼喊说：『大巴比伦倾覆了，倾覆了！』

从天上的角度看，一度富强和奢华的巴比伦倾倒了。地上万族、君王和商人就此失去旧日的利益来源。

另外一把从天上来的声音说：『我的子民啊，要从那城出来！免得你们也承担她的罪……』。

子民应该远离巴比伦，免得受到她的污染，在审判降临时候也免于波及。神没有忘记她的不义，会加倍报应她。

地上有君王、商人和水手唱挽歌哀叹巴比伦倾倒了！他们哀叹曾经从巴比伦的各种资源充足和繁华盛况得益，但现在一切都消失了。巴比伦成了赤裸的荒野（9-19节）。

这时候天上地下的众圣徒欢庆，因为欺压圣徒的巴比伦受到神的审判。约翰听见天上有群众的声响，哈利路亚，救恩、荣耀和权能都属于我们的神！因为他的审判又真实又公义。

他们再一次说：哈利路亚,大淫妇被神消灭了。二十四位长老和四活物俯伏敬拜坐在宝座上的神说：阿们！哈里路亚！

又有一大群人的声音说，哈里路亚，羔羊举行婚礼的时候到了，他的新娘也预备好自己了。那些出席羔羊婚宴的人有福了！这羔羊的婚宴—基督与新妇的联合与巴比伦大淫妇和与他们联盟的相互伤害和倾倒，成了强烈的对比。

应用

世界历史出现不同的帝国或威权政权的崛起和倾倒，应验这大淫妇—巴比伦倾倒。巴比伦一直都存在于历史，就是一股政治、经济和文化氛围，里头充斥偶像崇拜、财富挂帅、贪腐、道德沦亡、奢华、不公义、暴力、极权和骄傲。有圣徒活在当中受到引诱而背道，有者因为忠于神的道而被逼迫至死。

今天我们的社会是否反映这种奢华、贪腐、浪费、威权的压制人、不公义和敌对神的邪恶权势？

譬如：国际大财团和投资基金，进行金融狙击和洗黑钱？某个大国崛起，透过一带一路进行扩张、掠夺资源和输出贪腐？以民族主义挂帅的威权政权，压抑信仰自由？潮流文化和偶像崇拜，荼毒和僵化人的思想和心灵？社会信用评分、大数据和非现金交易的方法来监控人民？

启示录17-18章就是要批判这“巴比伦大淫妇”—社会文化、经济，与威权政治相互勾结的败坏氛围。神的子民必须慎思明辨，虽然人住在“巴比伦”，但是身心灵要从“巴比伦”出来，远离“巴比伦”的价值观或淫行。

圣徒行事为人要根据神的爱和公义的心意，并且积极争取社会公义和参与社会关怀。不要唯利是图，总是以个人利益为中心；切勿不择手段取得成功，不惜剥削弱势群体；切勿以威权政权或民族大义来取代对神的忠心。

大淫妇与兽会威迫利诱圣徒去背叛神。忠贞的圣徒经过苦难和逼迫会被炼净，成为贞洁无瑕疵的新妇。圣徒当洁身自爱，不然也会与大淫妇一起受到神的审判。

启示录不仅是第一世纪希罗世界的历史报道，却又不是为末世预言解码的文本。启示录要呈现的是，在任何时期，任何社会经济处境中，神的审判与拯救工作都从未间断，直至主耶稣再来时终结历史。