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!

家和人和万事兴

 

创世记二十一22－34

亚比米勒与亚伯拉罕立约

上帝曾经应许大大的赐福亚伯拉罕以及他的后裔，并且万国必因亚伯拉罕得福。現在一位外邦君王—亚比米勒，也看出亚伯拉罕是个蒙福的人，因为凡他所行的都有神的保佑（22节）。

亚比米勒同他的军长，主动来与找亚伯拉罕，要与他结盟。亚比米勒想借着立约来确保自己和后人都不会受到亚伯拉罕所欺负，反而得到他的恩待。所以亚比米勒要求亚伯拉罕指着神发誓，不要欺负他和儿子，以及子孙。亚比米勒也答应厚待亚伯拉罕。

亚伯拉罕答应与亚比米勒立约。他同时趁机会翻旧帐，处理亚比米勒的仆人曾经霸占了他的井。亚比米勒答应归还那口水井给亚伯拉罕，而亚伯拉罕也因此赠送七只母羊羔给亚比米勒。他们互相尊重，彼此恩待，有来有往，不想讨对方的便宜。

以『属灵能力』驾驭『属世遭遇』

亚伯拉罕所作的事都蒙上帝的保佑。亚伯拉罕曾经为亚比米勒祷告，使他和家人因此得到医治（二十17节）。还有，亚伯拉罕在年老的时候，仍可以喜获麟儿。不单这样，亚伯拉罕牧畜，种植都成功。

亚比米勒从亚伯拉罕日常的经历中，看见上帝的手在运行祝福他。亚比米勒用属灵的角度诠释亚伯拉罕的属世的遭遇。亚伯拉罕的生命不是属灵和属世二分，因为上帝成了他属灵启导和能力的泉源，影响着他的属世的生活。

我们就此学习到两个功课：第一，我们必须以上帝的教导来衡量事情和指导我们做出正确的决定。今天你了解上帝的话语和心意吗？你是否将上帝的话语和法则贯彻到日常生活里？

信徒最愚蠢的做法就是在属世的生活层面，将上帝推出去，实行我行我素。这种属灵与属世的二分，驱使信徒与上帝渐行渐远，以至于生命枯干软弱！

第二，我们必须在属世的生活里，邀请上帝的手介入，祈求他的能力和恩典庇护我们。这样的话，我们的所作所为，就能够反映出上帝的真实，为上帝做见证。我们每天的生活，都可以从上帝那里支取智慧和力量，好让我们能够力上加力，节节胜利。你相信吗？

如果我们做到以上两点，那么我们属世的生活，必然活出属灵的质素，好像亚伯拉罕的生命。那时我们身边周遭的人就会被我们的生命所吸引，甚至被压迫，好像亚比米勒的感受那样，最后他们就和我们一齐归向上帝。你的生命拥有这种属灵的质素吗？

从『属世事件』转化成『属灵事件』

亚伯拉罕和亚比米勒立约后，得到了迦南地第一口井。他就在立约的地方—别是巴种树作为纪念。树木长青，持久，与亚伯拉罕后代得迦南地永远为业相呼应。亚伯拉罕也在那里求告耶和华永生上帝的名（33节）。这是指到公开敬拜神，向神感恩的举动。

亚伯拉罕和亚比米勒立约，本是在政治和商业的层面，但是亚伯拉罕的回应乃是敬拜，转变成属灵的层面。对他来说，每天的经历都和敬拜分不开。亚比米勒主动来找亚伯拉罕立约是一件属世事件，但亚伯拉罕的回应，就是敬拜，转化成一件属灵的事，而他从盟约里看见上帝给他的应许，一步一步地应验。亚伯拉罕没有把属灵和属世二分，因为他将属世的追求和成就，都归荣耀给上帝，以及献上感恩的祭给上帝。

今天我们是否入世太深，被这世界的物质成就诱惑，拌倒了，而忘记了敬拜上帝？忘记了应当向上帝感恩，奉献？忘记了向上帝祷告？忘记了思想上帝，亲近上帝？

我们应该在工作的地方，在家里，在我们忙碌的空间和时间当中，为上帝建一处祭坛。这样的话，上帝给我们的应许和福气，必然一件一件的应验，好像亚伯拉罕所经历。

“家和、人和”就万事兴

亚比米勒要求亚伯拉罕不要欺负他和自己的后代，那知道亚伯拉罕先下手为强，指出自己受到亚比米勒的仆人欺负，因为自己的井被霸占了。亚比米勒回答说，不知道这件事，暗示亚伯拉罕应该早就向他投诉（25－26节） 。

从消极面来看，亚伯拉罕受欺负，却不出声，这不是处理被人欺负的好方法。他的井被人霸占了，就把愤怒藏在心里，不采取行动去处理，也不告诉亚比米勒；结果，自己心里积怨。

我们如果被人得罪，欺负，应当想办法去处理和饶恕。这样能够阻止不公平的事继续发生，而且有不会积存苦毒和怨恨。

积极来看，在双分立约的时候，乃是最适当的时候去处理彼此的分歧和误解。处理了这些东西后，就能够很坦然的立约，那这才是真正有诚意，稳固的盟约。

以上的立约与和解行动，乃是代表一种睦邻精神，借着结盟，多了一位好邻居，而不是多一个仇敌。的确，他们从此按照合约和平共处，相安无事。这里教导我们善待邻居，大家彼此协助，不是各怀鬼胎，互相攻击，而最后造成仇恨。

我们在家里，在教会里，在公司里也当如此善待每个弟兄姐妹，会友和同事员工等，就能够做到家和、教会和、人和以及同工和就万事兴。

亚伯拉罕和亚米勒立约和平共处后，就得到了迦南地的第一口井，成了这井的主人，行出了得着迦南地为业的第一步。主耶稣指出，温柔的人有福了，因为他们必承受地土（太五5）。

今天我们是否在人际关系上搞到一塌糊涂？这包括友情、亲情、同事、员工和生意伙伴的关系。这故事提醒我们，要享得永久的安稳和财富，家和与睦邻乃是重要的一环！

My Food is to Do the Will of the Father

 

Deuteronomy 8:1-5; Matthew 4:1-4

Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone

We celebrated a joyous Chinese New Year, as usual last year 2020, but we were placed under MCO 2.0 in this 2021 Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is the grandest festival celebrated by the Chinese. What do man live by in all seasons of life? What are those things that do bring us joy and happiness? Is it a feast repleting with all sorts of delicacies served on the table?

When the pandemic spread rapidly with all kinds of “lock-down” measurements implemented over all places, people rush to purchase their food and groceries, and those empty shelves displayed do indicate items that are indispensable in our lives.

Government has made a restriction on people that they would only be allowed to leave their homes on the basis of purchasing their “essentials”, and those stores that sell non-essential products and services have to temporarily suspend their businesses. There are disputes over the definition of “essential” and “non-essential” products and services. However, there is not much to be argued over when food is classified as essential, for man shall live by food.

Yet, “man shall not live by bread alone.” Bible has this statement appeared whenever it describes the moment food is needed by men, with one of those found in the time when the Israelites were facing their food issue in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-4), and another found in the time when Jesus became hungry after His 40 days fast (Matthew 4:1-4; Luke 4:1-4).

When we face an immediate need, the Word of God reminds us that, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

We Live by Following the Leading and Guidance of God

To those Israelites who were about to enter the Canaan land, Moses said,

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.  He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.  Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-4）

The problem of having daily three meals provided was among one of the many tests faced by the Israelites in the wilderness. They crossed over the Red Sea, left Elim and traveled into the wilderness, and they worried they would be starved to death. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and said, “But you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (Exodus 16:3)

It was there that God began to rain down manna and instructed them to collect only their daily portion. And on the sixth day they had to collect their portion for two days, for on the seventh day they would have to rest (Exodus 16:13-32).

Manna was the daily food of Israelites, and more importantly, the act of collecting manna was a means for the Israelites to live in accordance with the instructions given by God.

God gave manna in order “to teach them that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) Since God led the Israelites passed through the wilderness, He would surely provide all their needs.

Far more than having their daily bread provided, Moses said, “Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years” （Deuteronomy 8:4）What the people of God needs to learn is not merely to live by bread, but to follow the instructions of God and to live in accordance with His leading and guidance.

The Heavenly Father shall watch over our lives (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-31). Surely, we must to work hard for our food, but we must pay more attention to “what is in our heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2); Do we plan and strategize in a way that we ignore the instructions of God and not follow His leading and guidance?

In those years, some of the Israelites wanted to get their manna outside of God’s arrangement, and they refused to take heed of His instruction. They kept the manna until the next morning, and they even collected the manna in the Sabbath. This proved their rebellion (Exodus 16:20,28).

This action revealed their heart condition. They thought that it was not enough to have God’s leading and guidance, and they thought that God did not give them the best arrangement. Hence, they did things beyond God’s instructions with their own ability and strategies. They planned for themselves and thought that they could gain more.

Man does not live by bread alone. We must examine our hearts and observe to see if we have kept the commandments of God (Deuteronomy 8:2). Be it for our daily meals or our various pursuits, we must keep watch and be alert. If what we pursuit goes beyond the instructions of God, we will eventually rebel against Him and fall into testing.

Whenever we face trials and shortages, we should remember even more not to live by relying on ourselves, but to follow closely the arrangement and the leading and guidance of God. It was God who gave manna in the wilderness, and it was God who kept their clothes from wearing out and their feet from swelling.

We must trust God wholeheartedly.

We Live by Doing the Will of God and Accomplish His Works

Jesus used the statement that says, “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” to resist the temptation of devil.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Matthew 4:1-4）

Jesus became hungry after He had fasted for forty days. He was hungry and it indicated that though He was the Son of God, He was completely a human being, and hence He was restricted physically.

However, devil tempted Jesus and when Jesus became hungry, he tempted Him to do miracle outside of the will of God. He instructed Him to turn the stones into bread in order to remove His sense weariness caused by His hunger.

Jesus did possess the power to turn the stone into bread, for He had turned water into wine before, and He fed the five thousand men with the five loaves of bread and two fish. He enabled the professional fishermen to have a big catch after they had labored the whole night without catching anything.

However, Jesus did miracle to enable people to know Him and believe Him (John 2:11). Jesus healed the sick, drove out the demons, calmed the raging seas, for He wanted others to know and believe that He was the One who would lead them overcome death and evil forces.

Someone ridiculed Jesus when He was crucified on the cross, and he said, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:40)

However, Jesus refused to come down from the cross, for He wanted to give up His life for the ransom of many in accordance with the will of God. Though it was a bitter cup, Jesus did whatever to follow the heartbeat of God (Matthew 26:39) in order to accomplish the work of salvation.

When Jesus mentioned about food, He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) He rejected the temptation offered by the devil, and He persisted to do things in accordance with the will of God amidst his weariness and pains.

Life inevitably will have moments of lacks and uncertainties. May we “not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” so that we will recall the experiences encountered by the Israelites and the example of Jesus, and that we will trust in God’s leading and guidance in the wilderness, and to keep the will of God in our lives.

God will surely watch over us and keep us safe, and He shall lead us through so that we live victoriously and are able to enjoy His peace. 

跑吧，孩子！

 

撒母耳记下18:1－33 

亚希玛斯向大卫报告战情 

故事的背景发生于国家内乱，皇室内讧和篡位的悲怆岁月。大卫王的儿子，押沙龙悉意谋反，背叛父亲。他舍弃忠孝，暗中谋取民心与軍方的支持后，就展开血腥篡位。大卫在情势危急下，被迫逃离京城。大卫剩余的一群心腹大将继续和押沙龙抗争，誓要保护王的江山。约押将军是他们当中的最大功臣。 

押沙龙出手凶狠，但是大卫对他还是百般爱怜，吩咐部下：『为我的缘故，你们要宽待这年轻人，押沙龙。』（５节）

然而，战局是残酷的，押沙龙终于败下阵来。他独自骑着驴子逃走时，经过密茂的树林，头发被树支紧紧勾住，人就吊在空中（９节）。很讽刺的，圣经说，押沙龙头发很长又漂亮，是他最爱惜和感到骄傲的，现在变成自己的致命伤。最后他所爱惜的头发无损，但是永远失去了宝贵的王位和性命。

约押亲自出马，拿起三根短矛，讽刺透了他的心脏（１４节）。押沙龙叛变终于被摆平了，然而他在无能反抗的情况，活生生被杀死. 这当中有喜有忧，谁去把这消息报告给正在后方心急如焚的大卫王呢？ 

『跑得对』重要过『跑得好』 

亚希玛斯出身显赫，他是祭师的儿子，约押的心腹大员。他也是大卫身边的能臣，和皇室关系密切。大卫称他一位好人（２７节）。当然，他还有一样特殊的恩赐，就是跑得好，跑得快，绝对是称职的报信者。

亚希玛斯向约押毛遂自荐说，让我跑去向大卫王报告胜利的好消息吧！约押很爱惜这位部下，称他做我儿，不准许他前往（１９－２２节）。对于大卫来说，他所爱惜的儿子死了，不是一件好消息，因为他老早吩咐过，不要伤害押沙龙。因此报信者不会得到奖赏，而且很可能惹来杀身之祸！

约押派最低级的古实人奴仆去报信，但是亚希玛斯坚持要去，虽然这时候古实人已经启程了。他认为现在是自己展现才能的时候，能够赶上古实人的。诚然，他终于赶过了古实人，成了第一个报信给大卫的人。他跑得快，跑得好，甚至远方的守城门人，从他跑的姿势看出来，那人是亚希玛斯（２７节）。

亚希玛斯不理会上级的劝告，也要跑去报信。他太在意自己的恩赐才能，只想到要派上用场，忽略领袖的劝告，忽略时机是否适当。他可能体念到大卫此时正在煎熬当中，忧心重重，必须立刻报告好消息给他。然而，事实证明亚希玛斯不够约押的老练，他跑错了，虽然他跑得非常好。

亚希玛斯到达大卫跟前时，只能够说声：『平安！王的敌人被摆平了。』（２８节）他没勇气全盘托出，告知大卫最想知道的消息，就是有关押沙龙的安危。亚希玛斯因此成了一位不称职的报信人。大卫吩咐：『你退到一旁，站在那里』。

飞毛腿，跑起来风驰电制，但是现在被勒令，站在那里不能动，这就是他的奖赏！很讽刺的，古实人从后而至，却是全盘报告战情，吐露押沙龙阵亡的消息，成了忠实的报信人。

今天我们在人生跑道上，每个人都是赛跑选手，当中不乏跑的快，跑得好，而且跑得远的『亚希玛斯』。人可能非常依重自己的恩赐，抓住每个机会表现自己，但是最后发现，原来自己跑错了！错在跑错方向，错在没把握好适当的时机，后果是与真道背道而驰，达不到上帝要我们达到的目标，而且对大局无补于事！上帝说，没有奖赏，你退出去，站在一旁！ 

今天你在那方面跑得很起劲，跑得很好，但是你跑对了吗？你为事业冲刺，为自己，为家庭累积财富和名誉，然而，这些进取，是否符合上帝的旨意呢？是否彰显上帝的慈爱，平等，和公义？是否朝向上帝所立目标，落实上帝给你的使命？是否对上帝的国度有所贡献呢？ 

『信息』重要过『载体』 

亚希玛斯跑得快，能够赶上对手，甚至很快的就超越了比自己先起步的古实人。他跑得非常好，姿态美妙，迎风飘逸，从远方就看得出，那人是亚希玛斯！然而，这是大卫王所要求的吗？不是的！大卫当时忧心如焚，因为挂心儿子，押沙龙的安危。大卫想要听到利好，安慰的信息，他不在意那些乘载信息的载体，报信者。

使人灵魂苏醒，内心捆绑得到释放的是信息的内容，不是外表包装美。今天人努力包装自己，包装教会，包装福音，拍戏讲求美的包装，因为包装好就能够吸引人的关注。这是肤浅的世代，人们讲究包装，不怎么懂得欣赏内容。然而，上帝的心意还是在于信息，在于内心，在于内容，过于一切的包装。

我们必须真诚的敞开自己，不要扮属灵，装属灵腔，不要欺骗人，也不要欺骗上帝。我们是扎实的宣讲圣经真理，不是玩花巧，专门搞笑。我们呼召人谦卑自己，敬拜和服从上帝，爱人和爱上帝，不是把福音变成商品，满足消费人心态的信众。 

今天我们顿首想想：我们是追求内在丰富和真实的人格吗？我们的四周围，五光十色的包装里，还有多少是神圣的信息、神圣的临在和遵行上帝的旨意呢？ 

『生命』重要过『胜败』 

亚希玛斯觉得自己跑得比别人都快，当然是一位胜任的报信者。现在押沙龙叛变被平定了，胜负已定，如果向大卫报凯旋的消息，王一定很高兴的。所有当他一见到王，就说：『平安！上帝已经将王的敌人打倒了。 』亚希玛斯看重胜败得失，然而大卫怎么反应呢？

大卫只关心一件事，立刻问：『那年轻人，押沙龙平安吗？』（２９节）

显然大卫只在意儿子的生命，过于自己的胜负，过于自己的王位。这时大卫已到老年阶段，他经历了人生一切胜败荣辱。王室内讧，儿女自相残杀，叛变篡位，就在家里开始，蔓延到全国人民。

大卫遭逢浩劫后，明白到人生最终极的价值，不是胜负输赢，而是人的关系和生命的意义与本质。他巴不得押沙龙还活在世上，父子二人能够重修彼此的裂痕。他巴不得在有生之年，看见皇宫室成员和全国人民，尊崇上帝，彼此和睦共处，落实真正的平安shalom。Shalom 意义深厚，意思包含生命安妥，社会昌盛，国泰民安，社会在上帝掌管下蒙福。 

今天的社会人心又是如何的呢？人们一般上讲求胜负过于生命。人说，如果要确保继续生存和享受安逸，一定要保持竞争力。其实竞争的状态是好的，因为能够鞭策人上进。然而，竞争也驱使人和人之间出现紧张关系，叫人为了胜利，不择手段，不顾道义和伦理，也要打倒对手。

我们认真想想，做赢家真的是那么重要吗？赢了比赛，输了人格，又有何用呢？ 每个游戏里，每一个领域内，只有一个冠军，那么冠军得主以下，就一定是真正的输家吗？ 

人们常说：我要拼，就会赢。财富要多，但因此和上帝渐行渐远，那值得吗？孩子读书要考第一，做了医生或律师，但是不爱神，不爱人，不服事上帝，那值得吗？教会要大间，但是如果不是传讲圣经真理，里头冲斥血气，权术和私欲，那值得吗？

许多人高呼，我要赢，不要落人后！然而，圣经提醒我们，必须注重人的关系与生命的塑造。如果人赢得了天下，却失去了生命，又有何用呢？

Massah and Meribah versus Jehovah Nissi

 

Exodus 17:1-16

The Israelites camped at Rephidim

After Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt, they headed to the Promised Land. They arrived at Rephidim and camped there. There, the people murmured because they had no waters to quench their thirst, and they rose and quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.”

Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

At last, the LORD instructed Moses to hold his staff, and walk pass the people to go the rock at Horeb. The LORD would be there with them at Horeb. Moses did this and he hit the rock by following the instructions given by God, and waters gushed out from the rock, so that the people could drink it (v5-6).

Moses named that place Massah (testing), and it was also known as Meribah (quarreling), because the Israelites tested God there and said, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (v 7)

It was at this same place of Rephidim that the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites. However, Moses led the people to resist their enemies. He summoned Joshua to immediately lead an army into the battlefield to fight the Amalekites.

Something interesting took place in the battle when the Israelites’ victory depended on whether Moses’ hands would be able to keep holding up until sunset (v11-13)! We see many interesting points when we make a parallel contrast between the two narratives mentioned above. It was at the same place, Rephidim, that:

The people complained because their needs were not met in the first case, whereas the people rose courageously to defeat their enemies in the second case. Complaints were found overwhelming in the first case, whereas the song of victory was sung in the second case. They had water to drink after using the staff of God to hit the rock in the first case, whereas they overcame their enemies by holding up the staff of God in the second case.

They ended up in disputes and testing God in the first case, whereas they ended up with Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner, when they trusted their God and went to wage war with their enemies in the second case. The focus was on men’s weaknesses in the first case, whereas the focus was on God’s mighty power in the second case.

Get Rid of Negative Sentiments, Arise and Fight our Enemies

The Israelites had never fought a war before, because they were slaves in Egypt. They were weak and often beaten, and under the bondage of the Egyptians. It was like sinners living in their own sin and were bound by it without realizing its existence before their conversion.

Hardships came upon the people after their exodus from Egypt while crossing the Red Sea and entering the wilderness. They had no water to drink, no food to eat, and hence, they complained.

The Israelites grumbled against God, accusing Him for leading them out of Egypt but made them suffer in the wilderness. They tested their God and threatened Him to meet their needs immediately. They did not pray to God nor seek Him for solutions. They were “Massah and Meribah” – testing and quarreling with God.

At last, God showed them mercy and performed a miracle for them, so that they had water to drink. Yet, when they were provided for and satisfied and started to relax, the enemies came and gave them a sudden attack. It was something they never expected, and it was their first hands-on war experience. How then should the people respond to it?

The journey of Israelites’ exodus is akin to Christians’ journey of faith. Today, we may be making complaints and grumbling against God, questioning Him the reasons why He does not satisfy our needs on time whenever we encounter difficulties in life. We are often at the first section of Rephidim—Massah and Meribah.

Instead, what we should do is pray and seek God, for complaints could not solve our problems. It will cause us more troubles. Prayer helps calm our mind and heart to listen to God’s guidance.

Not only that, the enemies would attack us after our needs are met, and when we are relaxed in a comfortable state. These enemies are also the enemies of God’s kingdom. They represent all the evil forces that resist God’s will. They want to destroy the Church and tempt us to doubt and leave God.

Are we alert and keeping watch? Are we perceiving God’s enemies as our own enemies? Are we rising to fight the enemies?

This opposing evil force consists also of crimes, violence, greed, corruption, unjust laws and unrighteous government, and all sorts of hardships. The imminent one is the pandemic that hinders the Church from functioning in a normal way. We are facing a spiritual warfare.

May the Holy Spirit fill us and keep us vigilant in identifying our enemies that are before us. We should rise and wage war against our enemies. But how should we fight? What is our war strategy?

Fight in a Team with One Heart and Mind

Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites.” (v9)

Moses acted fast in choosing the leader, assigning him with a task and empowering him with authority, and he trusted in his ability. Then Moses brought along Aaron and Hur and they went to the top of the hill. (v10) When Moses held up his hands, the Israelites was winning the battle, but when he lowered his hands, the Amalekites was winning it.

In fact, leaders are sometimes weak. Moses’ hands were not able to hold up for long hours, and he needed support from his co-workers. These two co-workers took a stone and allowed Moses to sit on it. Then, they held Moses’ hands up, one on one side, and one on the other. By doing so, Moses’ hands remained steady until sunset. (v12)

The two co-workers helped to hold up the hands of Moses, and God was pleased with their ways of helping him. The Israelite army won the battle at the end. Why did God react in such a roundabout manner and why did His aid come in such a peculiar way to enable the Israelites win the battle? Why did not God simply send forth His heavenly host and destroy their enemies straight away? And Moses just had to make a benediction prayer behind it?

This story tells us that God wants his people to fight with a team spirit. Every pastor and leader should have capable co-workers who can come alongside him in assisting him. When a leader’s hands are lowering down, it is the responsibility of his co-workers to help hold up their leader’s hands, and speak forth words of encouragement, and pray for their leaders. Then the leader will be renewed in his strength.

The entire team of co-workers should help instead of pulling down each other and seeking for replacement or trying to prove that one is smarter than the other. Leaders and co-workers are not supposed to fight with one another for power and position!

In addition to this, every leader needs assistance from their co-workers and successor.  However, the question arises as to how willing is a leader in discipling his co-workers? Are we confident of delegating tasks to our co-workers? Do we trust them? Some leaders are wary of their co-workers, and they are fearful that the latter would outshine them and possibly replace them in future!

The Church needs everyone’s involvement and support in driving her various ministries, and teamwork ministry is our model and strategy for battles. The relationship between Moses and the Israelite army is akin to the relationship between a pastor and his members. They are people in the same boat. Our strategy for battle is to care for one another, understand one another, and help one another so that each can be strengthened by each other.

Who would like to avail yourselves to be “Joshua, Aaron and Hur” this day? If nobody is willing to step out to help the leader, we will be defeated badly, and we will remain in “Massah or Meribah.”

Jehovah Nissi, The Lord is Our Banner

Finally, we can see that in both incidences, the exaltation of the staff of God was mentioned in solving their problems. The staff of God was used to hit the rock to allow the water to flow out. The staff of God was also held up and this helped the Israelites win their battle. Holding up the staff signifies that God is our strength and He is the One we depend on.

It is not because of someone that helps meet our needs and grant us victory over wars. But it is God helping from behind us. Moses built an altar and called it “the Lord is my banner,” and said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” (v15-16)

Let’s leave behind our “weaknesses in Egypt” and our “negative sentiments of Massah and Meribah”, and let’s work on and enter the state of “Jehovah Nissi,” the Lord is our banner, and be ready for battle. May we trust the Lord all the way. May we stand up to and fight the devil’s attacks, so that we can remain unshaken over the MCO period, and win our city for the Lord.

Let’s put aside our personal gains and losses, and let’s neither grumble nor be affected by complaints made by others. Instead, let’s fix our eyes on the Lord, and raise up the banner of God and charge into the battlefield and defeat the devil’s attacks. This is the holy war entrusted to us by God.