Skip to main content

基督首次和最後的試探(二): 基督首次的試探

2022.04.02/03
李耀全牧師

列宣家親愛的兄弟姊妹:

我們最近在敬拜時再唱這首詩歌:“主被釘十架時,你在那裡嗎?”是的,耶穌基督是為了我的罪和我們所有人的罪而死在十字架上。我在前文中,曾分享這個預苦期對我來說是一個深刻反思的時期,因為我嘗試更深入地瞭解基督所受的苦難,特別是再思祂在世上生命最後的一週。我看到耶穌在祂的事工結束時亦曾三次受到“試探”(太 22:15-40)。這提醒我,當主在事工開始時,祂也是三次受到魔鬼的“試探”。讓我們來看能否從中汲取及領受到教訓。

如前文所述,當我重溫基督首次的試探時,我被基督由聖靈引導到曠野受魔鬼試探的事實所懾服,同時啟迪了我以前曾錯過的真理,那就是基督的首次受試探完全是在神主權中的計劃。基督的試探也準備了祂作為能完全瞭解明白我們需要的大祭司。(來 2:16-18;4:15-16) 以下讓我們來細心去看前三個的試探。

在基督首次的試探,魔鬼首先試探耶穌在祂禁食了40天之後,正當祂因飢餓而身體虛弱之時。魔鬼想利用基督的脆弱,對祂說:“你若是神的兒子,就吩咐這些石頭變成食物吧!”(太4:3) 這試探首先是要基督對魔鬼的建議作出回應並聽從,為要讓耶穌過早地使用祂作為神兒子的能力而違背神的旨意,去滿足祂自己的身體需要。耶穌在回應中簡單地引用了神的話(申 8:3):“人活著,不是單靠食物,更要靠耶和華口裡所出的一切話。” 我們在此學到的第一課就是:在我們面對考驗時,必須將我們的眼目轉向基督和祂的話語。

第二個試探是撒但把耶穌帶到聖殿的頂峰,對他說:你若是神的兒子,就跳下去吧!因為經上記著:神為了你,會吩咐自己的使者用手托住你,免得你的腳碰到石頭。魔鬼詭詐地並錯誤地引用了聖經中的保證。這是魔鬼第二次質疑基督是否擁有神兒子的身份。魔鬼這考驗再次涉及讓基督聽從並回應牠,讓耶穌在執行神的計劃之前展示祂的權威,就像基督需要向魔鬼證明祂自己一樣。耶穌對他說:經上又寫著:不可試探耶和華你們的神!’”(申 6:16) 我們可以汲取的第二個教訓是: 我們絕不能因為所受的考驗而諉過於神。我們要學習順服神的主權。

根據聖經學者維爾斯貝(Wiersbe)指出,第三個試探是:“魔鬼為耶穌提供可以避免自己所必須忍受的所有苦難,即能通往祂國度的捷徑。魔鬼把耶穌帶到了一座極高的山上,向祂展示了世上萬國一切的榮華。魔鬼說:你只要跪下來拜我,我就把這一切都給你。耶穌立即隨手可得,享受這一切的盛況與繁華。耶穌回答說 :“撒但,走開!經上記著:當拜主你的神,單要事奉他。’”。(申6:13:10:20) 第三個教訓就是: 我們絕不應因著想要讓自己避免神允許的試煉而屈服於試探誘惑,應當專注於敬拜神,唯獨尊崇神!

一些聖經學者將耶穌被魔鬼試探與撒但在伊甸園中對夏娃的試誘相比。第一個試探是為著滿足肉體的慾念(創 3:1)。第二個試探是與達成個人利益有關 (創 3:4)。第三個試探是與個人的權力或榮耀相關連(創 3:5)。此外,在這幾種情況下,撒但也扭曲及操縱了神的話語

在耶穌開始祂在地上的事工之前,魔鬼想要測試耶穌的自我認證。魔鬼兩次明確地用這話開始牠的誘惑:你若是神的兒子並且含蓄而極巧妙地通過突顯自己作為世界國度的統治者來接受耶穌的敬拜。神兒子耶穌降世為人子,以成為我們的救主和主宰,接受魔鬼的試驗。祂本為神子的身分並沒有被奪去,祂以作為一個人的完全人性而接受考驗。正如在引言中所提到,希伯來書的作者告訴我們:“他並沒有救援天使,只救援亞伯拉罕的後裔。所以,他必須在各方面和他的弟兄們相同,為了要在神的事上,成為仁慈忠信的大祭司,好為人民贖罪。因為他自己既然經過試探,受了苦,就能夠幫助那些被試探的人。(來2:16-18) 作為一個人,基督完全戰勝了人的軟弱,表明祂是神的兒子。

希伯來書的作者進一步向我們保證,因為耶穌和我們一樣受過試探,但沒有犯罪,所以耶穌是一位可以明暸我們的軟弱,並在我們需要時給予我們幫助的大祭司。他說:我們既然有一位偉大的、經過了眾天的大祭司,就是神的兒子耶穌,就應該堅持所宣認的信仰。因為我們的大祭司並不是不能同情我們的軟弱,他像我們一樣,也曾在各方面受過試探,只是他沒有犯罪。所以,我們只管坦然無懼地來到施恩的寶座前,為的是要領受憐憫,得到恩惠,作為及時的幫助。(來 4:14-16)作為一個人,基督完全戰勝了人的軟弱,進一步證明他是我們卓越超凡的救主。

最後一個反思就是:在基督的首次試探中,我們看到神的話語可以被魔鬼歪曲和錯誤使用來試探我們,但神的話語也可以有力地在我們的試探中用來反擊魔鬼。因此,我們必須熟讀神的話,才能夠分辨什麼是真假,並靠著神話語在屬靈的爭戰中得勝,因為聖靈的寶劍,就是神的話。(弗6:17b)
下期待續:基督首次和最後的試探(三):最後的試探與勝利

主僕
李耀全牧師

EQUIPPED

2022.03.26/27
From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Karen Quan

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

2 Tim 3:16-17 (New International Reader’s Version)

16 God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.

As previously mentioned, the Online Awana Kids have been focused on this Theme Verse for Sept 2021-June 2022. In Awana, we focus a lot on knowing & reciting the word of God, which reflects that we’ve truly studied & spent time in God’s word. A few more thoughts on this passage….

“It is useful for correcting our mistakes…” or NIV “rebuking”

No one likes to admit or make mistakes but as humans, we are all so limited. Mistakes are a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s trying something for the first time (Eg. making a new food recipe) or (Eg. learning how to treat others), it’s often because of our failures that we are faced with our own shortcomings. Our lives often do not go as planned, but it’s by admitting and growing from our mistakes where scripture can really shape us. When we’re faced with the plain words on the page of our bibles (Eg. Love our neighbors as ourselves — did we really do that?), is the opportunity to re-direct our thoughts, intentions & actions. It is God’s way to transform us more into the likeness of Christ.

“It is useful for making our lives whole again….” or NIV “correcting”

While it’s hard to admit that we make mistakes, the greater purpose beyond recognizing the mistake is to lead to actual change. “Correcting” gives us that chance to fix it & make it right. When we make things right, it can lead to healing and wholeness. I really like how in this Kids’ version of the scripture that this is expressed. That after recognizing the wrong, the point is to lead us to a place of wholeness or completeness. The only One who is truly complete is our God so it makes sense that it’s His Word that can lead us to that place as well. Correction allows us to have a second chance to do it the right way, the way that is in keeping with God’s desire for us to live in honor of him.

May God continue to allow His Word to shape us in this time of Lent, a season of repentance & change in order to truly grow closer to Christ.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Karen Quan

【裝備好】

2022.03.26/27
作者:關潔玲傳道

列宣家親愛的弟兄弟姊妹:

提摩太後書3:16-17《新譯本》

「16全部聖經都是神所默示的,在教訓、責備、矯正和公義的訓練各方面,都是有益的,17為要使屬神的人裝備好,可以完成各樣的善工。」

如早前所述,網上基督少年軍「Online Awana Kids」2021 年 9 月至 2022 年 6 月會專注研讀這一段主題經文。基督少年軍非常重視認識和背誦上帝的話語,這樣反映了我們是認真和擺上時間去學習上帝的話語。有關這一段經文的更多的思想…

「糾正我們的過犯」或《新譯本》「責備」

沒有人喜歡犯錯或承認犯錯,但我們畢竟是人,是如此有限,離不開會犯錯,彷彿這是我們日常生活的一部分。無論是第一次嘗試製作新的食譜,還是學習如何關心和接待別人,往往是因為我們的失敗,我們才認識到自己的不足。我們的生活一般都未必可以百份百按我們的計劃實行,但只要我們承認並從錯誤中成長,這樣,神的話語才可以真正塑造我們。當我們讀到聖經上一些簡單的語句,例如:「愛我們的鄰舍像愛自己一樣」- 我們真的做到嗎?是時候我們找緊機會重新思索我們的思想行為,這是上帝陶造和轉化我們更像基督的途徑。

「幫助我們重整生命」或《新譯本》「矯正」

承認犯錯的而且確是很困難的,但除了認識自己犯錯,背後更大的目的是,帶來真正的改變。「矯正」給我們機會去修復並且改錯。當我們把事情做得正確,它可以帶來治愈和完全。我真的很喜歡兒童版聖經的表達方式,當我們認識到自己犯錯之後,重點是引導我們重回正軌,我們的生命可才以得以完全。我們的上帝是唯一真正有完全的生命,所以祂的話語可以幫助我們,引導我們的生命達到完全。矯正給我們有第二次機會以正確的方式去做對的事,這正正是上帝期望我們為榮耀祂而活的盼望。

主僕,
關潔玲傳道

The first and last temptations of Christ (1)

2022.03.19/20

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

For me, this season of Lent has been a time of deep reflection on what Christ suffered when he embarked on His final journey to the Christ. This has been helped with studying the last few chapters of Matthew, in the middle of trying to understand and work out my final chapter of serving at RCAC.

When I was preparing to preach on how Jesus was tested three times by those who wanted to trap Him in order to kill him, I remember the film “The Last Temptation of Christ”, a 1988 epic religious drama directed by Martin Scorsese. When researching for this article, I found that the film came with a disclaimer: “This film is not based on the Gospels, but upon the fictional exploration of the eternal spiritual conflict.” My interest here is not to revisit the film nor its voluminous critiques, but to reflect on “the eternal spiritual conflict” as suggested by the disclaimer in the film. My interest is also not the authenticity or accuracy of the account of the Passion Week, as the producers stated in no uncertain terms “This film is not based on the Gospels, but upon the fictional exploration…” But the disclaimer is very thought provoking for portraying the subject of “the fictional exploration” as “the eternal spiritual conflict.” While I believe that both the original author (Nikos Kazantzakis) of the 1955 novel by the same name and the producers and script writers of the film, missed the mark on what constituted the “last Temptation of Christ,” I also think that the producers were surprisingly right on in characterizing Christ’s experience as “the eternal spiritual conflict.” Yes, the “temptation” (conflict) was not in nature just “temporal” and “physical.” It was “eternal” because it was a drama of the God’s redemption of humankind since the fall. It was “spiritual” because it was much more than the physical pains or of carnal human weaknesses (so vividly portrayed or implied in the film), but the ultimate battle of human sin and divine grace.

The ”last” temptation of Christ (at the end of Jesus’ ministry) reminds us of the “first” temptations of Christ by the devil at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, recorded for us in Mat. 4:1-11. I find it interesting to try and contrast the two occasions where Jesus was “tempted” (Mt 4) and “tested”(Mt 22) to draw some lessons from them. As you all would remember, after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Mt. 4:1). I want to pause here right away and reflect on the fact that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit” emphasizing the sovereign plan of the triune God, and Jesus was “tempted by the devil.” What a profound contrast we see here, while we are given a lot of details of the three temptations of Christ by the devil, Matthew was careful to remind us that “Jesus was led by the Spirit…” It was the same Spirit of God that descended like a dove and rested on Jesus, when we hear the voice of God the Father “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt. 3:17) as recorded right before the account of the three temptations of Jesus by the devil.

The thing I want to underscore here is the fact that the temptation experience of Jesus was “Spirit-led” but done “by the devil.” I recall immediately that God allowed Job, a blameless and upright man who feared God and turned away from evil, to be tested by Satan. Yes, the omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God is sovereign and in control, even when Satan wants to tempt us and defeat us. The story of Job clearly tells us that God even allowed Job to be tested by Satan. God allowed the hard testing to happen to Job so that in the end Job in the end was able to say:

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

                                but now my eye sees you;

                                therefore I despise myself,

                                and repent1 in ldust and ashes.” (Job 42:5,6)

The testing of Job by Satan allowed by God resulted in Job seeing and knowing God more fully, making him more aware of his own sinfulness and leading him into deep repentance. Today we may feel we are tested like Job. Of course we are not Christ and therefore do not have the same power on our own to resist the devil. But just like Christ, we can take comfort in that God is in control even when we are exposed to trials and temptation. James reminds us, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)Whatever trials we are in, let us remember that the Lord is indeed compassionate and merciful.

Paul reminds us that sometimes God permits us to be tempted because He knows how much we can take. But tells us that God always provides a way to escape if we will trust Him. Paul says “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13) What a comforting thought to know that in all the trials we encounter, He will provide the way of escape, that we may persevere. My prayer is “Lord, my ability is very limited, please let provide me clearly with the way of escape.”

James states the above truth in even clearer terms: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (James 1: 12-14). We cannot blame God when we have trials or temptations, ultimately human weakness is the reasons for our temptations. But God is always there to help us through if we depend on the guidance and protection of the Spirit.

 (To be continued).

Your servant in Christ,

Rev. Simon Lee

基督首次和最後的試探(一)

2022.03.19/20

作者: 李耀全牧師

列宣家親愛的兄弟姊妹:

於我而言,這個預苦期是一個深刻省思基督在踏上祂在世最後的旅程時所遭受苦痛的時期。適逢我們正在這有學習馬太福音的最後幾章經文,故此它亦是我試圖理解及完成我在列宣家事奉的最後篇章的過程中的啟迪。

我在準備傳講耶穌最後旅程,思考祂是如何被那些想要設陷阱而三度問難試探他,為要將他置諸死地時,我想起了電影《基督的最後誘惑》(The Last Temptation of Christ),這是一齣由麥可-西 米羅於1988 年執導的宗教劇。在為這篇文章進行研究時,我發現這部電影附帶了一個免責聲明:“這部電影不是根據福音書改編的,而是對永恆靈性衝突的虛構探索。” 我在這裡並非有興趣去重溫這部電影,也不是要重複作大肆批評,而是反思電影標題所暗示的“永恆的屬靈衝突”。我的興趣非在討論該劇本的真實性或準確性,正如製片人絕不含糊地說明“這部電影不是基於福音書,而是基於虛構的探索……”但免責聲明非常發人深省將“虛構探索”的主題描繪為“永恆的屬靈衝突”。雖然我相信1955 年同名小說的原作者卡山札基 (Nikos Kazantzakis) 以及這部電影的製片人和劇本作者對於“基督最後的誘惑” 完全曲解了基督的「試探」,但我卻認為製片人令人驚訝的是,將基督的經歷描述為“永恆的屬靈衝突”是正確的。是的,“誘惑”(衝突或試探)在本質上不僅僅是“暫時的”和“肉體的”。它是“永恆的”,因為它是描述神自人類墮落以來施行救贖的劇本。它是“屬靈的”,因為它不僅僅是肉體上的痛苦或肉體的人性弱點(在電影中如此生動地描繪或虛構),而是人類罪惡和神聖恩典的終極戰鬥。

基督的“最後”試探 (在耶穌傳道結束時) 提醒我們,在耶穌傳道開始時,魔鬼對基督的“第一次”試探,記錄在馬太福音中。 4:1-11。我嘗試對比耶穌首次“受試探”(太 4 章) 和最後“受試探”(太 22 章) 的兩個場合,從中汲取一些教訓。大家可記得,耶穌接受施洗約翰的洗禮後,他被聖靈引領到曠野接受魔鬼的試探(太 4:1)。我想在此稍為停下去思考“耶穌被聖靈引導”這一事實,強調了三一神的主權與計劃。我們聽到父神的聲音,也看到聖靈像鴿子一般降落在耶穌身上,“這是我的愛子,我所喜悅的。”(太 3:17)。在我們讀到有關耶穌受魔鬼的試探詳細記載前,馬太小心謹慎地提醒我們,耶穌在受洗之後“是被聖靈引導到曠野… ”受魔鬼試探的,我們看到了多麼深刻的對比。

我想在此強調的是,耶穌的試探經歷是“聖靈引導”的,但卻是“由魔鬼試探”。我立刻想起,神讓約伯這個純全正直、敬畏神、遠離惡事的人接受撒但的試探。是的,神是那無所不在、無所不知、無所不能是至高無上的神,即使撒旦想要引誘我們並打敗我們,神仍然在掌管一切。約伯的故事清楚地告訴我們,神甚至容讓約伯受到撒但的試探。神讓艱難的考驗發生在約伯身上,以至於最終約伯能夠說:

“我從前只是風聞有你,
但現在親眼看見你;
因此我厭惡自己,
在塵土和灰燼中懊悔。”(伯42:5,6)

撒但對約伯的試探,令約伯更充分地看見神、認識神,更清楚自己的罪孽,使約伯深深悔改。同樣今日我們也面臨各樣的試煉和試探。當然,我們不是基督,因此我們自己沒有同樣的力量來抵抗魔鬼。但就像基督一樣,即使我們面臨試煉和試探,我們也可以因著神掌管一切而感到安慰。雅各提醒我們,“看哪,那些忍耐的人,我們稱他們是有福的;你們聽過約伯的忍耐,也看見了主賜給他的結局,知道主是滿有憐憫和仁慈的。”(雅5:11)無論我們落在什麼考驗中,讓我們緊記 : 主確實是滿有關切同情和憐憫的。

保羅提醒我們,有時神允許我們受試探,因為祂知道我們能承受多少。但是聖經告訴我們,如果我們信得過神,祂總是會提供一條出路而叫我們能承受得住。保羅說:“們所受的試探,無非是人受得起的;神是信實的,他必不容許你們受試探過於你們抵受得住的,而且在受試探的時候,必定給你們開一條出路,使你們能忍受得住。” (林前10:13)要知道,在我們遇到的所有考驗中,神必會提供出路,讓我們能夠堅持下去,這是多麼令人欣慰的想法。我的禱告是“主啊,我的能力非常有限,求讓我清楚地看到你給我的出路。”

雅各更清楚地陳述了上述真理:能忍受試煉的人,是有福的;因為他經過考驗之後,必得著生命的冠冕,這冠冕是主應許給愛他的人的。人被試探,不可說“我被神試探”;因為 神不能被惡試探,他也不試探任何人。每一個人受試探,都是被自己的私慾所勾引誘惑的。(雅1:12-14)。當我們遇到試煉或試探時,我們不能歸咎於神,因人的軟弱最終是我們受到試探的原因。但是,如果我們依靠聖靈的引導和保護,神必定會幫助我們度過難關。

(下期待續)

主僕,
李耀全牧師

Sharing from making congee

2022.03.12/13

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

God has given me the opportunity many times since 1997, to visit some Chinese brothers and sisters in various cities in Sweden, to edify and learn from them. During one of my visits, I was invited to a sister’s home for lunch. She served me a pot of congee made with preserved vegetables. The first thought that popped into my mind was: “What? How can preserved vegetables be used in making congee?” Out of courtesy, I didn’t say anything, but this way of cooking seemed unacceptable to me.

There was a Caucasian co-worker at our church who worked as a youth pastor many years ago. He was very easy-going and willing to merge into the Chinese culture and especially liked Chinese food. He told us one time that he had made a pot of delicious congee the night before. The sister standing beside me asked him what he made the congee with?  He replied: “tomatoes.” That sister and I both said at the same time, “What? Making congee with tomatoes? We would never do that!”

Another time, another English co-worker put some tofu in the pot while cooking congee. I also asked him, “Can tofu be used to cook congee?” He said “yes!”  Yes, why not? As long as others like it and feel that it tastes good, it is their choice. Why do we have to insist on our usual way of cooking?

The different ways and methods of cooking have given me some space to think and learn from others. In fact, I am also trying to copy from them now. I even tried their way of making congee- something I never would have done before – and I think it is quite good.

Upon reflection, I find that we often miss many opportunities to learn new things or new perspectives on doing things, because we have insisted on doing things in our own way and are unwilling to make changes. Many times, we might hurt each other or even break the relationship between people because of insisting that our way is the only “right” way and refuse to give in. The teaching of the Bible is: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 -NIV)

Rev. Dr. Kiven Choy Siu-ki, President of the Alliance Theological Seminary, quoted an historical saying in the devotional material teaching us to lower ourselves and be humble, to give up our insistence on “self”, and to hold Christ as our example : “In essentials, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity” (to put love first).

During the season of lent, we meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and His love for us. He gave up his rights, and his own life for us: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

從煲粥說起

2022.03.12/13

歐陽鑽玲傳道

自1997年開始,神給我多次往訪瑞典的機會,特別到瑞典南部的幾個城市探訪一些中國弟兄姊妹,與他們分享及彼此造就。在我一次的行程中,我被邀請到一位姊妹家中午膳,她給我煮了一鍋梅菜粥。當時我心中第一個湧出來的意念是:「甚麼?梅菜怎可以用來煲粥?」由於禮貌起見,我沒有說甚麼,但心理上似乎不能接受。

教會之前有一位外籍同工是負責英語部青少年事工的,他很隨和,也很願意投入中國文化,尤其愛吃中國美食。一天,他回來很開心地對我們提起他前天晚上在家煮了一鍋美味的粥。我身旁的姊妹便問他用甚麼材料煮粥?他回答:番茄。那姊妹和我也不約而同地說:「甚麼?番茄也用來煲粥?我們從來不會用番茄煲粥的!」

另一次,一位負責英語部的同工在煮粥時把豆腐放進去,我也問他:「豆腐可用來煮粥嗎?他說可以的!」是的,為什麼不可以?只要別人覺得好,是他的選擇,他感到滿意就好了。

從以上的不同煮食方式,給予我空間去思想並學習其他人的做法。其實,我現在也嘗試學他們的做法,把以前不會用的材料做嘗試,覺得也不錯。自我反省一下,我們往往是因為自己一貫的做法,不願改變,或是因著不想接受其他方式而錯失了不少學習新事物或新觀點的機會。許多時候,我們更會因著堅持自己的做法“才是對的”,不肯讓步而引致彼此間的不悅,甚至破壞了人與人的關係。聖經的教導就是: 「可能的話,總要盡你們的所能與人和睦」 (羅12:18-聖經新譯本),除了真理原則必須堅持之外,做法是可以改變的。

建道神學院院長蔡少琪牧師在“爾道自建”的靈修資料中引用歷史名句:重要的事情,合一。爭議的事情,自由。在所有的事情,愛(以愛為重)。

“In essentials, unity; in doubt matters, liberty; in all things, charity.”

基督來世,就是為我們捨棄,放下祂應有的權利,「他本來有神的形象,卻不堅持自己與神平等的地位,反而倒空自己,取了奴僕的形象,成為人的樣式;既然有人的樣子,就自甘卑微,順服至死,而且死在十字架上。」(腓2:6-8) 。

在這默想記念主為我們捨棄犧牲的預苦期中,讓我們同來思想,並學效主基督的捨棄!

Reflecting on Lent starting with Ash Wednesday during COVID

2022.03.05/06
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

We are no strangers to pain as we all have experienced different degrees of pain and suffering in our lives. But the past two years of COVID have made us all even more vulnerable to all sorts of physical, mental and/or spiritual trials or attacks that can break the best of us and cause us to be susceptible to all sort unexpected anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological disorders, and even moral and spiritual failures. Even though we should now feel safer as so many are fully vaccinated against the virus, the fact is we still feel so vulnerable, including myself.

Some telltale signs that we may be burnout or on the brink of breaking under the stress are that we are easily irritable, constantly negative, quickly becoming impatient, lacking in self control in our emotions, inability for positive rational thinking, developing low self-esteem, and losing our vision and the ability to deal with the everyday pressures of life. When we find ourselves being unable to cope in such situations, we become angry with the world, with others and some ultimately with ourselves for being so helpless. In trying to cope, we can become defensive and aggressive, becoming totally out of character from our normal self. We become the epicenter of all that are going wrong in the world, around us and in our lives, and bitterness and negativity consumes us. Even though we are Christians, even Christian leaders, we cry out to God and lament, saying “Why?” and “Why me?”

The season of Lent is here, our question is, what is Lent and how does Lent and the practices in Lent help us cope with the pressure of life that we are all facing now in the pandemic? Up front, the answer is, we turn our eyes upon Jesus, and away from the wind and the waves around us.

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of the period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) before sundown on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. These are the most important dates in the Christian calendar, followed and observed more closely within Churches with liturgical traditions. By observing the 40 days of Lent, some Christians also attempt to replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars of Lenten practices, in preparation to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection at Easter. Prayer is to help us walk closer to God. Fasting is the practice of self-control, to abstain from the luxuries of life so as to turn our heart to Christ. This is practised in many Christian churches where Christians are urged to give up something during Lent to help them focus on Christ. Almsgiving is the intentional giving to the poor and needy.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are all good Christian disciplines that we can practise throughout the year. But to do that more intentionally during Lent, a preparation for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is especially meaningful. The sacrifice of Christ, the death and the resurrection of Christ are at the very heart of the Christian faith. In the practice of prayer, fasting (or giving up of certain personal pleasures during Lent) and almsgiving, we are reminded to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in giving up everything in heaven to come and pay the penalties for our sins.

As mentioned, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent.  There is no mention of Ash Wednesday (nor Lent) in the Bible, and it is a tradition of the Church. However, there is a tradition of donning ashes as a sign of penitence that predates Jesus. Job repents “in dust and ashes,” and there are also other associations of ashes and repentance in the Old Testament books of Esther, Samuel, Isaiah and Jeremiah. Some people trace the origin of this church tradition even to ancient Rome, but Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, ended this practice in the reformation. For us, if we observe this day, it is to help us to start the season of Lent in humble repentance as we meditate on why Christ had to suffer and die for us on the cross.

In some churches, Ash Wednesday is observed with a prayer service. Typically, during the service, the priest (pastor) would mark the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person with some ashes. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, His followers carry and wave palm branches to welcome Him, singing “hosanna.” Nowadays, sometimes the ash used for Ash Wednesday is made of palm branches used on the Palm Sunday of the previous year, burnt into ashes. We can see how this symbolism of the cross of ashes on the forehead can be a powerful reminder that we are all saved by the death of Christ.

Whether we have this practice or not, the important thing is to start the season of Lent with a reflective and repentant heart and become more impacted by the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ. This year we are going to hold two mini silent retreats in March (in Cantonese) to prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter.  Hope you can come and join us.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Simon

疫情中反思聖灰日與預苦期

2022.03.05/06
李耀全牧師

列宣家親愛的弟兄姊妹:

我們都明白何謂苦痛,因在生活中也曾經歷過不同程度的痛苦和苦難。可是在過去的兩年,因為疫情導致我們的身心靈更脆弱,更容易受到各樣身體、心理或靈性上的考驗及攻擊,能破壞我們最好的一面,以致令我們容易產生各方面預料不到的焦慮、抑鬱和其他情緒及心理與生理的障礙異常,甚至引發道德和靈性上的失敗。儘管我們現在因著已有這麼多人完全接種了病毒疫苗,而應該感到較前安全,但事實上我們仍然是感到極為脆弱,我自己也不例外、無可免疫。

從一些跡象顯示,我們可能正在壓力下感到耗盡或瀕臨崩潰而不自知,例如:我們會很容易煩躁,經常消極負面,很容易變得不耐煩,情緒缺乏自制力,無法積極理性思考,自尊心低,並失去我們的視野/異象和應對日常生活壓力的能力。當我們發現自己在應對這種情況時力不從心,我們會因此感到無助而對世界、對他人以及至終會對自己感到憤怒。在力圖應對時,我們可能會變得很自我防衛性和攻擊性,變得不像我們正常的自我。我們成為世界、我們周圍和生活中所有問題的核心,任由苦毒和消極情緒吞噬著我們。即使我們是基督徒,甚至是基督徒領袖,我們也會向神呼喊並哀嘆發問:“為什麼?”、“為什麼是我?”

預苦期已開始,我們的問題是,什麼是預苦期,預苦期與我何干?它能否幫助我們去應對疫情中所面臨的生活壓力?答案是:當然可以,我們可學習如何不在圍繞我們的風浪被沖擊,將眼目轉向勝過一切痛苦與死亡的耶穌。

上週三是聖灰日,標誌著預苦期40 天(不計算主日)的開始,直至耶穌受難日前一天的聖週四之日落前。這些是教會年曆中最重要的日期,不少禮儀宗的教會更緊密地遵循和持守40 天的預苦期。在這思念基督受苦受死的一段期間,一些信徒還會仿傚耶穌基督的犧牲和退到曠野40天。

預苦期是一個為期40 天的祈禱、禁食和施捨的操練時期,這是實踐預苦期的三大支柱,以準備準備自己在復活節慶祝主的復活。禱告是為了幫助我們更接近神。禁食是一種學習克制自我的實踐,戒除奢侈生活的操練,以讓我們的心轉向基督。不少基督教會也鼓勵信徒藉著實踐放棄一些本身所看重的東西,以讓自己能專注於基督。施予的行動是刻意對窮人和有需要的人付出。

祈禱、禁食和施捨都是很好的屬靈操練,我們可以在全年內實行這些操練。但在預苦期間,為著思念耶穌受難日和復活節而刻意地這樣做,是特別有意義的。基督的犧牲、基督的受死和復活是基督教信仰的核心。在祈禱和禁食中(或在預苦期放棄某些個人享樂)和透過施予的實踐,我們被提醒去反思神兒子耶穌基督的偉大犧牲,祂怎樣捨棄天上的一切來到塵世為我們贖罪忍受我們罪孽應受的懲罰。

如上述所言,聖灰日是預苦期的開始。聖經中沒有明文提到聖灰日(也沒有預苦期),這是教會的傳統。然而,在耶穌之前就有披麻蒙灰作為懺悔的標誌的傳統。約伯“在塵土和爐灰中”懺悔,舊約中的以斯帖、撒母耳、以賽亞和耶利米書中也有其他關於披麻蒙灰的實行。有些人甚至將這種教會傳統的起源追溯到古羅馬,但基督教改革領袖馬丁路德在宗教改革中結束了這種做法。對我們來說,如果我們今天遵守這預苦期,乃是為著幫助我們以謙卑悔改作開始,在此期間內思想基督為什麼必須在十字架上為我們受苦和受死的大愛和意義。

一些教會在聖灰日會舉行祈禱會。特別在聚會期間,神甫或牧師會用灰燼在信徒額上塗灰,劃上十字架的標記。當年耶穌進入耶路撒冷時,跟隨他的群眾,揮舞著棕櫚樹枝歡迎他,高唱著“和散那”。至今,一些聖灰日所用的灰燼是由前一年棕枝主日所使用的棕櫚樹枝燒成灰燼所製成的。由此可見,塗在額頭上的灰劃上十字架記號的這種象徵意義如何有力地提醒我們,我們都是因著基督的受死而得救的。
不論我們是否有這種做法,重要的是要以反思和悔改的心開始預苦期,並讓我們的靈命更能夠受到基督死亡和復活意義所影響。今年我們的粵語會眾將在三月舉行兩次小型的安靜退修會,作為悔改認罪的修練,並為慶祝復活節作準備。誠邀您來參加我們的安靜退修會。

主僕,
李耀全牧師

Plum Blossom

2022.02.26/27
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Before the tree is in proximity and the flowers is seen comes a gust of delicate fragrance, it must be the plum blossoms!

Tiny flowers growing on strong thin stems, each plum flower usually has five petals in double layer. White centre with pastel peripheries, complemented with creamy stamens, what a rich display!  This floret is also plentiful in hue: red as the sunset, white as the skift, green as the jade!  The plum tree can grow to 10 metres, with curved trunk and swirling branches.  When it flourishes, it bears a resemblance to the twinkling and gleaming stars.  You will sure be dazzled with such a picturesque scene!

Plum tree neither soars as the pine and the cypress, nor exhibits gracefulness of the willow.  She lacks the elegance of the lily or the stunning beauty of the rose!  She never joins up the floral spring contest, or shows off its splendour. No one notices her silhouette in the flourishing spring.  Yet when all florets wither in the ice and snow, she turns up to be so energetic and vibrant with its enchanting bloom!

She is not lonely without butterflies flying around, and is not gloomy without honey bees trailing after.  Plum blossom is not fearful and never lose heart towards the snow fall. The more severe is the cold, the more bullying from the snow storm, she blooms with even more delicacy.  She stands in the blizzard with pride, yet not arrogant.  Going together with her is not the temperate spring breezes, but the freezing frost bites. Moisturizing her is not the warm rivulet, but chilling iciness all over the place.  Lightening her up is not the brilliant sun, but the winter afterglow.  Nevertheless, being endorsed by the harsh winter snow, she brings about the intoxicating fragrance of the plum blossoms.

“With deep ice at the cliff, stands the smart blossoming branches”

Though the plum blossom is pretty, it is not long-lasting.  It blooms at the beginning of the freezing winter, and it withers when spring creeps in.  The lifespan of the plum blossom might be brief, its fragrance is long-lasting!  If you visit the plum blossoms, its fragrance will adhere to your clothing and stay with you for a few days!

For ages, plum blossom denotes dignity and resilience, aristocracy and fine-looking, refined and unique.  Likewise, it also symbolizes the Christian life: instead of going with the flow of and imitating the world, we follow God’s will and be transformed by the renewing of our mind, understand and practice a God-pleasing life in all aspects (Romans 12;1-12).  However, life will be full of challenges as we go against the world, just like the experience of Paul:

23 … I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

Going though these difficulties, Paul overcomes these challenges without failing or tumbling.  Christians are able to overcome the world. (1 John 4:4, 5:4) Let’s follow the example of Paul, as Paul followed the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Hope to see traits of the plum blossom in your life, glorifying our Heavenly Father in the same way!

Your servant in Christ
Rev. Raphael Chow