May 02-03, 2020
李耀全牧師

謹在主裡問候各位親愛的弟兄姊妹，願您們平安！

從社交距離到身體距離

“保持距離”已成為抗疫的關鍵術語，以減緩病毒傳播速度。當這術語在個多月前首次出現時，它被稱為保持“社交距離”。之後，很快就修變成了更準確的保持”身體距離”一詞。事實上，我們必須保持 “身體距離”，但絕不能導致 “社交疏離”。作為教會，我們一直在實行保持身體距離，如暫停各堂崇拜、所有團契和聚會。於此之前，我們已經實行避免彼此接觸的問候，如握手。在日常生活中也遵循了彼此需要保持兩米的距離，並盡可能留在家裡的指令。

從身體距離到社交親近

但這些措施，令孤獨感、缺乏與人連繫和接觸的情緒上升–特別是對長者而言，保持身體疏遠，會有失聯的感受，因此保持社交親密關係極為重要。心理學研究指出，我們與其他人的隔離和長期分隔會導致抑鬱，嚴重病例甚至會導致自殺。為要遏制冠狀肺炎病毒感染的蔓延，身體疏遠固然是絕對必要的，但在心理層面上，我們必須做相反的事情，那就是要鼓勵社交親近，更重要的是我們要能達到在靈性層面上，在靈裡的親近。

教會群體的社交親近

令人鼓舞的是，我們許多的肢體正在利用互聯網，建立彼此交流的聯繫，有些弟兄姊妹還是第一次透過網絡相交，或經常登入教會的網站。電話會議不再只限於作為商業用途，更是已成為日常生活中，人與人連繫和交流的重要工具。現在，使用YouTube和在互聯網上不同程式的開會途徑，正適用於我們的各堂崇拜、主日學、團契、職員會會議、小組討論和查經，以及與朋友和兄弟姐妹之間的交流。事實上，若就各堂崇拜登入的人數看來，出席的人數正在飆升，而不是下降。我們也能夠藉以和一些新朋友取得聯繫。肢體間亦透過電話互致問候，增加聯繫，甚至分享烹飪和烘焙美食的食譜。從某種意義上說，能夠以這種方式連接的人，比起以往任何時候，也更具社交親密感。但是，我們絕不能忘記那些不能藉這種方式聯繫而感到孤立的肢體，必須找到與他們聯繫的特殊方式，即透過一些簡單的行動，如在購買食物上作幫助。

在疫情大流行中運用時間上作好的管家
我個人有備受社交媒體上的資訊泛濫所淹蓋之感–如收到數之不盡”免費”娛樂視頻和教育程式等(其中不乏佳作)。因此，我們需要明智地從芸芸資訊中作出適當及有意義內容的選擇，而不是照單全收，在視頻上花費掉大量的時間。同時我也發現，在我必須以每週七天、廿四小時在家工作時，要在時間方面作好管家，作息有序有時，必須自律。在這次疫情蔓延中，我最大的樂趣之一，是能夠利用更多的時間寫作，就像過往我當教授的日子一樣。我很感恩能夠在這個困難時期，藉此作為牧養教會的主要媒介。

從社交親密，達至靈裡相親

在這新冠肺炎疫情下，我們需要從社交親密，達至靈裡相親，不但是人與人之間，更在於我們與神之間。我們在這隔離的困難時期中互相關心問安的同時，更進一步的是能在靈裡與神關係方面彼此勉勵進深。我們可以互相分享在這孤立時期中如何經歷神的信實；我們也可彼此分享如何藉著神的話語得到力量。此外，我們可以一同禱告。約翰曾說：“我們將所看見、所聽見的傳給你們，使你們與我們相交。我們乃是與父並他兒子耶穌基督相交的。我們將這些話寫給你們，使你們的喜樂充足。” (約壹1:3- 4) 。這也是我與您們分享的原因，讓我們在主裡面的喜樂可以滿足。

於我而言，我感到這次疫情蔓延是對我個人靈性(personal spirituality)及牧養靈性(pastoral spirituality)上的重大考驗。在過去的牧會方式，我習慣於竭盡所能地“完成”事工，試圖在一個發展相當完善的教會裡、相對地在較為安舒的情況下盡可能地達成果效。我已習慣於每天和每周內極有效率及重複地完成例行公事。我也慣於依賴一眾全力支持我的長老和執事、教牧團隊、行政同工和各部同工。簡而言之，在疫情蔓延之前，我在教會的安舒區中運作自如。但此期間我再度發現，作為牧者，我不僅是“完成”各範疇繁忙的善工。作為真正的“牧人”，應如何去看守羊群，這是我已既知，而又更深刻地理解及更新的領受。即管現時沒有會眾在當前，我更能逐漸體會到耶穌的比喻，跨步出去尋找”迷羊”的意義，一個都不可少。

由於我身為全職牧者，我個人的靈性，實在是不可避免地與我所牧養的靈性緊密連繫。但正如上述所言，這次藉著能夠蒙福地享用大量時間去默想和深究神的話語，讓我能有更深入及更鮮活的領受作為分享，以切合當前的需要。並且我更能體會詩人所言：“喜愛耶和華的律法，晝夜思想，這人便為有福！”(詩1:1- 2)。除了透過網絡進行經常性的牧養職責外，我也重新體現藉寫作和教學作為主要牧養渠道的重要性，我對這次重新體驗其中的樂趣感到驚喜。我還察覺到，即使通過電話，我們可以為兄弟姐妹祈禱，如此的祈禱已經大大超出了我當前的禱告範疇，包括延伸及我居於不同國家、地域的弟兄姊妹，特別也包括我在網路所連繫的，正在經歷困難和疾病的眾多朋友及學生。

切勿浪費在這次疫情蔓延中的學習

儘管新冠狀肺炎病毒的蔓延給全世界帶來了驚人的死亡人數和破壞，病毒的蔓延會否變相地成為祝福？我想起了耶利米的話：“耶和華說：我知道我向你們所懷的意念是賜平安的意念，不是降災禍的意念，要叫你們末後有指望。你們要呼求我，禱告我，我就應允你們。你們尋求我，若專心尋求我，就必尋見。” (耶 29:11-13) 。讓我們一起從社交的疏離達至靈裡的親近。阿們！

主僕,

李耀全牧師

 

Apr 25-26, 2020
Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor RCAC

Learning to “be still” in COVID

Dear brothers and sisters, Shalom!

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be exalted (honored) by every nation.
I will be exalted (honored) throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Lydia (my wife) thinks that I have ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), the hyperactivity-Impulsive type! These days because of COVID-19 and the order (from the government and my family) to stay home, my symptoms seem much more pronounced and have worsened as I have been housebound in “boredom” for over a month! (haha!) For someone like me, this is like being imprisoned, or at least like Paul, in house arrest. However one thing I am trying to imitate Paul but am doing a poor job of, is to try and write more “Prison Epistles!” How is to “be still” even possible in tumultuous times such as ours? We are all restless with nothing to do (?) and nowhere to go! We are all at a standstill during this COVID-19 pandemic, with self-quarantine, self-isolation, and physical distancing, while some cities in the world are even in complete shut-down or lock-down. The world seems to grind to a halt and many hearts are still in fear and even panic. Shouldn’t we rather find ways to “be active?”

Why did the Psalmists say “Be Still”?
But do the Psalmists have something to teach us today? Scriptures tell us they were “the Sons of Korah” who were in fact the principal families involved in leading the people of God in praise and worship in the Jerusalem temple. (2 Chron. 20:19) This Psalm addressed Israel in a time of national crisis. We see this in the reference to ancient wartime scenes of burning shields/chariots, bows and spears, the nations in uproar, yet God’s holy city was not falling (v. 5, 6, 9). The message is, despite being devastated by war, God still dwells in His holy city Jerusalem. (v. 4-5) Indeed, this Psalm begins with the declaration that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (1) We hear war language frequently used in recent days, and comparison is even made to WWII. Yes, we are all fighting a war, with an invisible enemy, COVID-19, but also with “fear” itself. Times are different, but the fear, sickness, and death are the same. Psalm 46 describes a time when the entire world is shaken, as in earthquakes. (2, 3) Nevertheless, the Psalmists were confident that despite all these, “we will not fear.” (2). Is that possible?

What did it mean by “be still?”
The Hebrew word raphah is translated “be still” (in ESV, NIV) [“要休息” in CUV; “要安静” in CCB] or “cease striving” (in NASB) [“要住手” in CNV] or “stop your striving” (in NET), which simply means: to let drop, to relax, to let go, to be still or to be quiet. There are at least two ways to interpret this. In the context of this Psalm, these words could be addressed to the “nations,” warning them to let go and not keep attacking the people of God, bringing an end to the war (9), as God will eventually be exalted among “the nations.” (10b) If however these words were addressed to the people of God, then the people of God were to recognize that the Lord is God Almighty (El Shaddai), and He will fight for them and they need only to “let go and let God.” Either way, it is so comforting to know that with God as our protector, we need not struggle on our own and we can all lay our burdens at His feet.

What does it mean by “be still”?
In the current pandemic, we need to be quiet (still) before God, recognize God for who He is and yield to His sovereign rule. Eugene Petersen in The Message has this rather contemporary and interesting translation: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” I get most frustrated when I am stuck in traffic. At times like ours with COVID-19, we are stuck at home and for many, what feeds our frustration actually is allowing ourselves to be stuck in front of the TV, consuming all the bad news and the latest statistics, or the flood of household secret remedies we can use to prevent us from being infected. Let’s leave those things alone, at least not be consumed by them, and focus on God and His assured triumph over the world and all its troubles. Didn’t Jesus assure His disciples and said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world?” (Jn. 16:33)

Yes, our world is shaken because of COVID-19, our health, our family, our work and our livelihood are all threatened, but if God is with us, and so who can be against us?! Why not take time to be still in God’s presence and recognize again who God is, and be at peace.

How can we “be still”?
While “be still” is clearly stated and it does mean “be quiet,” but our full understanding of what it truly means makes a lot of difference to how we practice it.

First of all, “be still” does not mean “do nothing.” If we sit and do nothing, we are being “idle” and wasting our time. That is the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, Paul was quite adamant against people who were “idle and disruptive,” (Gk. ataktos, undisciplined, insubordinate, I Thes. 5: 14; II Thes. 3:6-15) [“不守規矩的人” CUV, “游手好閑的人” CNV] In fact, in the modern church, there are too many people who want to stand at the sideline and be critical of everything and everyone else. The more we are idle, the more we can see the speck in the other person’s eyes and forget the beam in our own eyes.

Secondly, “be still” does mean to be quiet before God. Christians today are active and uncomfortable with silence and contemplation before God. Our spirituality has become one of “doing” rather than “being.” We feel ill at ease when we need to be in silence, and we try to avoid “the dead air” and somehow we feel the personal need to do something in prayer and worship. We need to learn to pause and gaze upon the beauty of God and enjoy His presence. We are not opposed to active participation, but we must not waste the forced “physical distancing” situation we are in to learn true contemplation. True worship is God-centered and not men-centered.

Thirdly, “be still” means “know that I am God.” “Knowing” is not just head knowledge, and in fact both in the Old Testament and New Testament, the verb is used to describe the most intimate of relationships, as in marriage relationships. “Knowing” is not just cognitive, but encompasses more than simply having knowledge of something or someone. “Knowing” is entering into the most sacred space and being consumed by each and every aspect of the relationship. True “knowing” is true “wisdom.” This is how Paul prayed for the Colossians: “…we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:9-10) In fact “knowing God” is pre-requisite to “knowing ourselves.” (Packer)

For me, I have found that “being still” also means to wait in the presence of God with His word, study it day and night, in order to “know Him” personally and intimately more and more, and have the joy to share the insights with others. In that sense, “be still” is also very much an active spirituality. The true knowledge of God is the foundation of my peace and serenity.

Yours servant in Christ
Rev. Dr. Simon Lee

Apr 25-26, 2020
李耀全牧師

主內親愛的弟兄姊妹平安：

“要保持靜止 (Be still) ，要知道我是神！

我要在列國中被尊崇！我要在普世中被尊崇！” (詩 46:10)

賢妻美華常認為我患有過動症 (ADHD.注意力缺陷多動障礙症) ，而我是屬於過動性-衝動型之類！在這段時期，由於新冠狀疫情蔓延指令，我必須坐立不安地留在家中，我過度活躍的癥狀越發明顯，或可說更顯嚴重，因為我已經在家裡“監禁“了超過一個月！ (一笑！)於我而言，有如身在囹圄，或至起碼好像保羅般被軟禁。我於是嘗試仿效保羅撰寫「監獄書信」，可是與保羅相比實在是望塵莫及！詩人提到「靜止」(be still)，在我們處身於像這樣動蕩的時期，怎可能做到呢？若有人是無所事事，無處可去，就會感到焦躁不安！在這次新冠狀疫情蔓延期間，我們因著避疫，要被迫自我隔離及與人群疏遠，以致處於隔離靜止狀態。世上一些城市甚至完全封鎖。整個世界似乎已陷入停頓狀態，不少人感到恐慌，人心惶惶。在這被動式的停頓中，我們是否反要想法「活躍」一點呢？

詩人為何說「要保持靜止」?

詩人對處於今天的我們可有什麼教導？這詩篇的作者是“可拉的後裔”，他們基本上是在耶路撒冷聖殿中參與帶領敬拜和讚美神的主要家族。(代下20:19) 本詩是在民族面臨危機時對以色列人傳講的信息。經文提到古代爭戰的場景–燃燒盾牌和戰車、弓箭和矛槍、舉國的喧囂，但神的聖城卻沒有傾覆 (5,6,9節)。所要傳講的信息是–儘管戰爭可以摧毀，但神仍然以聖城耶路撒冷為祂的居所 (4-5節) 。事實上, 本詩開首以“神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助”(1節) 作宣告，是一個在非常困境況中的宣告。我們近來在疫情中常聽到戰爭的術語，甚至有人與第二次世界大戰作為比較。是的，我們都在打一場仗，與一個無形的敵人新冠狀病毒打仗，另一更大的敵人乃恐懼本身。雖然我們與詩人的時代不同，但恐懼、疾病和死亡卻是一樣的。詩篇46描述了整個世界被震撼的情境，有如地震一樣。(2, 3節) 但是，詩人相信，儘管有各種天災人禍發生，“我們也不害怕！”(3節) 。在這一場新冠狀病毒疫症大流行，這有這可能嗎?

昔日「要保持靜止」是什麼意思?
原文“ raphah”「靜止」一詞，在和合本是“要休息”; 在新譯本中作 “要住手”; 在CCB譯本作“要安静”[ESV, NIV譯本作” 静止”(be still)；NASB作“要停止掙扎(cease striving)；及 NET作“要停止獨自掙扎”(stop your striving)]，其含意簡單來說是：放下、放鬆、放手、保持靜止或安靜。其含義至少可循兩方面解釋。在本詩篇中，這話可以是針對“列國”而言，警告他們要放手，不要繼續攻擊神的子民，結束戰爭(9節)，因為神最終將會被“列國”尊崇(10節下)。若這些話是對神的子民而言，那麼神的子民要認識到神是“全能神”(El Shaddai)，他們只需要“放下“或“放手給神”(let go and let God)，神自會為他們爭戰。令人欣慰的是，無論作那方面解釋，只要知道有神作為我們的保護者，我們不必獨自去掙扎，我們可以放心地把重擔卸在祂的腳下。

今日「要保持靜止」是什麼意思?

在目前的疫情蔓延中，我們需要在神面前保持安靜(靜止)，認定神是誰，順服於祂的主權帥領下。Eugene Peterson在《The Message》譯本中很有創意地以當代及風趣用詞的翻譯: “從交通阻塞(塞車)中出來！以充滿愛的眼光深深地看著我–就是你至高的神，超越於政治，高於一切的主！”。每當我被困於交通阻塞中，我會感到很沮喪。正如現在，我們被困在家中，或我們一些人卡在電視機前，讓所有的壞消息和最新的統計數據，去滋養我們的沮喪，或冀圖藉大量的家傳秘方資訊以防治感染。讓我們把那些東西拋諸腦後，至少不要被它們所蠶食，把注意力放在神(祂保證戰勝世界及所有世上的煩惱)之身上。耶穌豈不是曾向祂的門徒保證：“我將這些事告訴你們，是要叫你們在我裡面有平安。在世上，你們有苦難；但你們可以放心，我已經勝了世界” (約16:33) ?

是的，我們的世界現正因疫情蔓延而動搖，我們的健康、我們的家庭、我們的工作和生計都受到威脅，但如果有神與我們同在，那麼有誰能敵擋我們呢?! 為什麼不多花些時間靜候在神的面前，再次確認神是誰，以得著平安？

我們怎能「要保持靜止」(be still)呢?

“靜止”(Be still) 的意思清楚明確有“安靜” 之意，但我們往往在實踐方面與我們充分理解它的真正含義，有很大的差別。首先，“靜止” 並不表示“什麼都不做”(do nothing) 。如果我們袖手旁觀，什麼都不做，我們就流於“懶散”，以致浪費時間。這遠非其含義。事實上，保羅對「懶惰和破壞性」的人直斥其非，(希臘文“ataktos”指不守紀律、不服從的人- 帖前5:14;帖後3:6-15)，和合本作“不守規矩的人”，即在新譯本作“遊手好閒的人”。可能昔日有信徒錯誤地認為主再來在即，寧願袖手旁觀「等候」指控他人。事實上，在現世的教會中，也有太多的人想站在一旁，對一切人與事持批評態度。我們越是自我中心和消極，就只能看到別人眼中的刺，而忘記自己眼中的樑木。

其次，“靜止” 確實指在神面前保持安靜(be silent)。今日信徒實在太活躍，不習慣安於在神面前安靜等候。我們不要單注重“活動” (doing) 而不著重“本質” (being) 。當我們需要靜止(silence)時，我們常感覺不自在, 不斷試圖避免“靜止”。我絕不反對投入祈禱與敬拜，但不知何故，我們總覺得需要做一些事才能投入。我們需要學會靜止下來去瞻仰神的榮美，享受祂的同在。讓我們決不要浪費在這 “人與人之距離”(physical distancing) 指引下學習默觀。真正的敬拜是以神為中心，而不是以人為中心。

第三方面，“靜止”的意思是 “知道我是神。”“知道”不僅僅是頭腦知識，事實上，在新舊約聖經中，這動詞都用於描述最親密的關係，比如婚姻中關係。“知道”不僅是認知，不單是對某物或某人的認識，而是進入最神聖的空間，被雙方的關係在各方面所填滿和攝取。真正的“知道”是指 “真智慧”。這就是保羅為歌羅西教會的信徒所作的祈求：“我們…為你們不住的禱告祈求，願你們在一切屬靈的智慧悟性上，滿心知道神的旨意；好叫你們行事為人對得起主，凡事蒙他喜悅，在一切善事上結果子。” (西1:9-10) ；事實上, “認識神”是 “瞭解認識自己”的先決條件。(Packer)

於我而言，我體驗到“靜止”是指藉著神的話語，在祂面前靜侯，日以繼夜地研讀默想主道，個人和親密地認識祂，並享受與他人分享其中領會的喜悅。從這角度來看，“靜止”也是一種動態的靈性，在靈裡積極的行動。對神真正的認識是我獲得平靜與安寧的基礎。

主僕,
李耀全牧師

Apr 18-19, 2020
Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor RCAC

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I sincerely pray that after the celebration of Easter, the hope of the resurrected Christ has again reminded us that Christ died and rose from the dead for all of us so that we may have life, and life abundant!

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to our individual lives, our family lives, our community life and the communal life that we share as a church family. Never have I felt so isolated, helpless and inadequate. I am learning afresh to be a pastor, to lead the Church to be the Church, and be totally reliant on Christ our Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King.

At times like these, I feel like a chef who had prepared a menu and before he knows it, he has to start all over again from scratch. Because of the current pandemic and the order to stay at home, in response I have finally decided to change the current preaching series to this extended theme: “Jesus calms the storms in our lives / Restore us, O Lord.” Starting in May and ending in June, we are going to look at the Old Testament book of Lamentations. Indeed this is the time to lament. I felt led by the Spirit eventually to the book of Lamentations which tells us how the people in Jerusalem and of Judah lamented after the destruction of their city of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. They lamented also because they knew the destruction was because of the judgment of God. There are lots of similarities as well as dissimilarities, but we hope that we can all use this book to reflect on our sovereign God in times like these.

In such times as these, we all are naturally looking to God for answer to the suffering and death caused by this pandemic. We wrestle with the issue of theodicy, that is, the vindication of divine goodness and providence when we are faced with the existence of evil and suffering. There are three books in the Old Testament that specifically address the issue of suffering: Job, Lamentations and Habakkuk. Job deals with the problem of personal suffering. Lamentations and Habakkuk both deal with national suffering. Naturally, in the midst of our global catastrophes we gravitate to these latter books and I have chosen for us to reflect together on Lamentations.

Often when natural disasters or calamities caused by human beings, the question is asked, whether it is God’s punishment of humans because of our sins. Indeed in many cases, we can see a relation, as in the repeated pattern and vicious cycle of Israel sinning bringing God’s judgment, and then repentance bringing God’s grace and mercy, then repeated over and over again. But then sometimes God actually allows suffering and evil, as in the case of Job, as a means of testing, and as in the case of Judas, in accomplishing God’s sovereign plan of redemption in Christ. The simple answer to such questions of “why” is “we do not know,” and therefore we should not be tempted to come to the quick conclusion that the suffering we are experiencing must be the judgment of God on this sinful world. But most certainly we can treat what’s happening as warnings pointing us to the end times so we can repent of our sins and  can be prepared when Jesus comes again, as surely he would.  Maranatha!

A brief introduction to Lamentations:

 Author:

“Although probably written by Jeremiah, the book is very likely intentionally anonymous in order to allow anyone to identify with the pain of the ‘I am the man who has seen affliction (3;1).’” (Constable)

Date and Place of Composition:

586-538 B.C.  The place of composition was in Judah following the destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC), or in Egypt shortly thereafter, or both.

Purpose:

Its purpose then would have been to memorialize God’s faithfulness which includes bringing covenant punishment on His people for their unfaithfulness to the Mosaic Covenant. The book would then be used to teach later generations the importance of covenant faithfulness and God’s faithfulness.

Structure and Genre:

The book consists of five laments. All but the third of these describe the Babylonians’ destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and its aftermath. Yet the basic structure of the book is chiastic, with the central theme “Great is thy faithfulness,” as follows:

A            The misery of Jerusalem’s citizens ch.1 (THE LONELY CITY)

B            God’s punishment of Jerusalem ch.2 (THE MERCILESS JUDGEMENT)

C            Jeremiah’s personal reactions ch.3 (GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS)

B’           God’s severity toward Jerusalem ch.4 (THE GOLD GROWS DIM)

A’           The response of the godly ch.5 (RESTORE US, O LORD)

The first four chapters are acrostic poems, which would have helped the Jews remember these laments. Chapter 5 while not an acrostic poem, also contains 22 verses.

Dear brothers and sister, I sincerely hope and pray that studying the book of Lamentations would help us understand the situation we are in, be able to say and sing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and sincerely respond by praying to God humbly: “Restore us, O Lord.”

Your servant in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Simon Lee

Apr 18-19, 2020
李耀全牧師

主內親愛的弟兄姊妹：

在慶祝復活節剛過去之際，我誠心祈求，願基督從死裡復活所帶來的盼望，再次提醒我們，基督因著為我們受死及復活，使我們得著新生命，更得著豐盛的生命！

新冠狀疫情的蔓延令我們的個人生活、家庭生活、社區生活和我們教會大家庭的彼此分享生活帶來了劇變。我從未感到如此疏離、無助與不足。我正在重尋及更新作為牧師的意義，和怎樣帶領教會去達成作為教會的意義，並學習全然地靠賴我們的救主基督、成聖者，醫治者和再來之王。

處身於這樣的時刻，我自感有如一個廚師，以為一切菜單已预備好了，但在毫無準備下一切卻要從零開始。為著回應目前的疫情蔓延及必須留在家中的指令，我決定將原定的講道系列更改為這更詳盡的主題：「耶穌平靜我們生命中的風浪/求祢更新我們的日子」。從5月份開始至6月底，我們將研讀舊約《耶利米哀歌》。事實上，現正是令人哀歎的時候。我感到聖靈在引領我們去研讀耶利米哀歌，因本書論及在主前586年巴比倫人摧毀耶路撒冷城之後，耶路撒冷和猶大人民所面臨的哀傷。他們的哀歎更是因著知道毀滅是從神的審判而臨到。書中有不少類同之處和不同之處，我們希望能透過此書反省我們的神在這特別時刻中的主權。

在這樣的時期中，我們也會不期然地為著新冠狀疫情蔓延所引致的痛苦和死亡向神尋求答案。正當我們面對邪惡和苦難的存在時，我們糾纏於「神義論」(theodicy) 之課題–到底在苦難中神的善良和旨意如何作辯解。聖經中有專門涉及苦難問題的三本書：約伯記、耶利米哀歌、哈巴谷書。約伯處理個人痛苦的問題，耶利米哀歌和哈巴谷書則講論有關民族苦難。正當我們在面對全球病毒的大流行之災難，就讓我們一起研讀上列最後的書卷 — 耶利米哀歌，藉此一同從信仰的角度來反省人間之苦罪懸迷。

人們在天災人禍當前時常會問：是否因人類的罪而受到神的懲罰。事實上，在許多情況下，我們可以看到此種相連關係，如以色列重蹈覆轍的犯罪惡性循環，犯罪離開神帶來神的審判，繼而在悔改後帶來神的恩典和憐憫，週而復始。但有時神實際上會容許痛苦和邪惡，如以約伯的情況為例，是作為一種試驗的途徑；又如猶大所為，神容許這情況是祂在基督的救贖計劃完成上的主權。對於「為什麼」這樣的問題，簡單的答案是「我們不知道」。故此，我們不可蓋棺論定，不應試圖要得出一個急速的結論，認為我們正在經歷的痛苦必定是神對這個罪悪的世界之審判，這顯然是不必然的。不過，可以肯定的是，我們可以把它指向作為對末日的警惕，以引領我們悔改，預備迎接主的再來。我們肯定主必會再來！ 主阿，我願祢來(Maranatha)！

 

耶利米哀歌簡介:

作者:

據Constable認為，雖然本書的作者最有可能是耶利米，但本書亦很可能是故意匿名，以讓任何在痛苦中的人能認同 –“ 我是遭遇困苦的人”(哀3:1)。

著書時間及地點：

主前586-538年猶大，在耶路撒冷城被攻陷之後不久(主前586年)，又或於其後被埃及摧毀，或指兩方面而言。

著書目的：

寫書之目的是要紀念神的信實，其中包括因著人對神的聖約不忠而得到的懲罰。本書亦被用作教導後世有關神的信實及人對與神所立聖約的忠誠之重要性。

結構與體裁：

本書由五個哀歌組成，主要是描述巴比倫人在主前586年毀滅耶路撒冷及其後果。然而，本書的基本結構(A/B/C/B’/A’)如下，主題信息在中間–祢的信實廣大：

A            第一章：耶路撒冷居民的苦難 (孤寂的城市)

B            第二章：神對耶路撒冷的懲罰 (無情的審判)

C            第三章：耶利米的個人回應 (祢的信實廣大)

B’      第四章：神對耶路撒冷的嚴厲 (失去色澤的金子)

A’           第五章：敬畏神的回應 (耶和華阿，求祢更新我們)

本書的前四章皆用希伯來文22個字母以離合(acrostic)詩的手法寫成，以便於猶太人能記得這些哀歌。第五章也包含22節經文，但不是一首離合詩。

親愛的兄弟姊妹，我衷心盼望和禱告：透過研讀《耶利米哀歌》能幫助我們瞭解自身的處境，令我們能夠講述和向神頌唱“祢的信實廣大”，並能以真誠謙卑回應神，向神祈求：“神啊，求祢更新我們！”

主僕,

李耀全牧師

Apr 11-12, 2020
Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor RCAC

Dear brothers and sisters,

First of all, Christ has risen, He has risen indeed! Have a joyous Easter!

Yes, as we have already seen in the past weeks, we have learnt through the Serenity Prayer, the serenity to accept the things that we cannot change, and the courage to change the things we can. Above all, we need God to grant us the wisdom to know the difference, and choose wisely accordingly.

Needless to say, in our current discussion, the question of “wisdom” is what we should decide to do or not do in the current coronavirus pandemic. When WHO finally decided to declare that we are in a worldwide pandemic, they had carefully analysed all the data they had collected to see whether the spread of the virus from the then epicentre Wuhan to other countries had exceeded numbers more than 100 and the number of confirmed cases and death were escalating rapidly daily out of control. Before that they had been regularly sending out warnings to the world community about the importance of preventive measures, for individuals as well as for all countries. That takes discernment and courage. But obviously “wisdom” is needed in all spheres of our lives, beyond COVID-19.

“Wisdom,” according to the dictionary is “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise; or, “the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Similar words are: intelligence, understanding, insight, discernment, prudence and foresight…  As you can see, wisdom is seen as doing the right thing based on the experience and knowledge that one has accumulated.

The opposite of wisdom would be “stupidity” or “folly.”  Unfortunately, the internet has given us an abundance of information, knowledge, and fake news, all available at the tip of our fingers on our computers or gadgets!  There is so much information out there that we no longer seek for true wisdom, we just look for the most accessible information on which we can lay our hands, and often “pragmatism” rules.  In fact the Bible tells us “knowledge puffs up,” (I Cor. 8:1) and indeed we are seeing more and more of men’s arrogance and pride as they amass more and more knowledge.

As Christians, wisdom is not just measured by human knowledge and surely it must move beyond that. Jesus tells us, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”(Mt.10:16)  So “being wise “involves “being shrewd” and have discernment, knowing that we are sheep among wolves, in a world of deceit and danger. Ultimately, the scriptures tell us “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Pro. 9:10) Here the word “fear” in “the fear of the Lord” (Heb. Yirat Adonai) in context does not refer to (the usual meaning of) dread or terror, but rather, “to stand in awe and reverence (of the Lord).”  The word “wisdom” (Heb. Hokmah) appears 141 times in the Old Testament, found mostly in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. To stand before God with awe and reverence is the highest wisdom man can have. Indeed in the current pandemic, let us not be filled with “fear” but rather with the “fear of the Lord” so that in the awesome presence of God, we are only filled with “reverence” for Him.

King Solomon, after God offered him anything his heart desired, requested wisdom. The Scripture tells us:    ¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. ¹⁴ And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (I Kings 3:10-14) May we ask this “wisdom” above all other things, and in so doing, God will also bless us in others ways.

On this Easter Sunday, let us also remember the words of Paul in I Corinthians 1: 18:“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Paul goes on to say: “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are” (2: 27-28). Let us all heed these words with wisdom.

Christ has risen, He has risen indeed! Have a joyous Easter, be wise, choose and live wisely!

Your servant in Christ

Rev. Simon Lee

Senior Pastor

Apr 11-12, 2020
李耀全牧師

親愛的兄弟姊妹們：

首先，基督復活了，祂的確復活了！祝您復活節快樂!

我們在上數星期透過寧靜禱文所啟迪，學習需要以平靜的心去接受我們無法改變的事物，並要勇於改變我們可以改變的事物。首要的是，我們需要神所賜予的智慧以瞭解兩者之間的分別，並作取捨。

按照我們於近期的談論，論到“智慧”，毋庸置疑，是指我們在冠狀病毒大蔓延當前是，要去決擇應當做還是不應做的事。在世衛組織詳細分析所收集的眾多數據，以查看該病毒從當時的震央武漢的傳播是否已超越至百多個國家，以及確診病例和死亡人數迅速日增，無法控制後，最終決定宣布，我們的世界現正處於病毒大蔓延的情況之中。在此之前，世衛已定期向國際社會發出警告，說明預防措施對個人和所有國家的重要性。這需要洞察力和勇氣。但明顯地，除了冠狀病毒之外，我們生活的各方面也需要具備“智慧”去面對。

“智慧”根據字典的解釋，是“具備經驗，知識和具有真知灼見及明智判斷能力的質素；相近的意思是：睿智，具理解力，洞察力，辨别力，精明和具遠見等。如您所見，智慧被定義為根據所積累的經驗和知識去做正確的事情。

智慧的反面是“愚蠢”或“愚昧”。不幸的是，互聯網為我們提供了過剩的資訊、知識和虛假新聞，只需輕觸，大量資訊和虛假新聞信息，都可以在我們的電腦和手機上隨手可得。我們往往基於“實用主義”只求方便，而引致我們不再尋求真正的智慧。聖經告訴我們“知識是叫人自高自大”（林前8：1），事實上，隨著知識的積累越來越多，我們越來越看到人的自大和驕傲。

作為基督徒，智慧不僅是以人類的知識來衡量，而且肯定超越人的知識。耶穌對門徒說：「我差你們去，如同羊進入狼羣；所以你們要靈巧像蛇，馴良像鴿子。」(太10:16)事實上，因為人間險惡而人心比萬物更為詭詐，我們需要各樣處世處人的「智慧」。  聖經告訴我們：“敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端，認識至聖者便是聰明。”（箴9:10）在此，“敬畏” 一詞在希伯來文（Yirat Adonai）的含義是指“敬畏耶和華”的“畏懼”，不是指一般的“恐懼”或“懼怕”的意思，而是“存著肅然起敬的心站在耶和華神面前對神的敬畏”。“智慧”（Hokmah）這希伯來文一詞，在舊約出現了141次，主要是在約伯記，箴言和傳道書中。敬畏和尊崇地站在上帝面前，是人所能擁有的最高智慧。確實，在疫症蔓延當前的時候，讓我們不要被“恐懼”充滿，而是在大而可畏的神面前，我們對祂充滿“敬畏”的心。

所羅門王在神答允賜予他心所想望的一切時，他向神祈求智慧。聖經告訴我們，神為所羅門所求的感到喜悅：”所羅門因為求這事，就蒙主喜悅。神對他說：你既然求這事，不為自己求壽、求富，也不求滅絕你仇敵的性命，單求智慧可以聽訟，我就應允你所求的，賜你聰明智慧，甚至在你以前沒有像你的，在你以後也沒有像你的。你若效法你父親大衛，遵行我的道，謹守我的律例、誡命，我必使你長壽。”（王上3：10-14）願我們以尋求神的“智慧”為先，神也必會在其他方面賜福我們。

在這復活節的主日，讓我們也謹記保羅在林前1：18中所說的話：“十字架的道理，對走向滅亡的人來說是愚笨的，但對我們這些得救的人，卻是神的大能。”。保羅接著說：“神卻揀選了世上愚笨的，使那些有智慧的羞愧。祂也揀選了世上軟弱的，使那些剛強的羞愧。祂也揀選了世上卑賤的和被人輕視的，以及算不得甚麼的，為了要廢棄那些自以為是的，使所有的人在神面前都不能自誇。” （1：27-28新譯本）。讓我們一同聆聽神的恩言，同得智慧。

但神卻揀選了世上愚笨的，使那些有智慧的羞愧。他也揀選了世上軟弱的，使那些剛強的羞愧。

再次祝您復活節快樂，要以智慧去選擇您的生活!

主僕，李耀全牧師

Apr 04-05, 2020
Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor RCAC

The Serenity Prayer (3): Serenity: courage

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Serenity Prayer (Adapted by SL) begins this way:

“God grant me the serenity

to not be anxious for things that I cannot change;

courage to care (be concerned) and do the things I can,

at this time of the Coronavirus pandemic;

and the wisdom to know the difference.”

We have been looking at serenity and acceptance (submission) in the Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr), learning to not be concerned about the things over which  we have absolutely no control. Now we would like to move on to the topic of “courage” – the courage to change the things that you and I can change, especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. I like to think of this, the courage to change the things I can, as the opposite of serenity (to accept the things I cannot change), as the courage in such a time as this, to care (be concerned) about the current situation and be concerned enough to do all that we can.

“Courage” is defined as “the ability to do something that frightens one,” or “strength in the face of pain and grief.” Similar words are bravery, valor, fearlessness and boldness. The opposite would be cowardice and timidity. When people talk about courage, they usually think of physical courage when faced with danger or moral courage when dealing with moral issues.

As Christians familiar with the stories of Exodus and Joshua, we think immediately of how God commanded Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” We read,

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall give people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success whenever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-7)

The first time God gave Joshua the command to “be strong and courageous” was for him to complete the task of conquering the Land of Canaan that God had given him and the people of Israel because it was the promise of God himself. That takes faith. The second time God gave the same command even more emphatically was for Joshua to follow God all the way while he was completing the task. That takes integrity, especially when tempted to take short cuts or the easy way out. So from this command of God we see that spiritual courage involves faith and integrity: Faith to believe God at His word and “Just do it” and integrity to persevere when the going gets tough.

Here in view of the current Coronavirus pandemic, I have taken the liberty to interpret and apply “courage” in my adaptation of the Serenity Prayer, to mean “courage to care (be concerned) and do the things I can. While “serenity” is taken to mean “not to be concerned” about things that only God can change, here we are talking about taking care to do the exact opposite, to be concerned and do the things that are within our power. This means the moral courage to do the right thing to help contain the virus, things like physical distancing and staying at home as much as we can. This means using all sorts of means like Zoom to maintain communication with our brothers and sisters despite the suspension of all church gathering and activities. This means using all sorts of means to care for people who are at greater health risks than us by doing simple things like helping with the deliveries of groceries. In sort, this means that we will have courage to do the right thing even though it is difficult. Niebuhr elaborates on what he means by this with these words:

“Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in  this life

and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.”

Indeed, what this means in the current situation is, despite the dark clouds that we are living under, we will live with courage in the present, seeing things from God’s perspectives and not through the lens that we put on. This courage comes also from knowing that we have the promise of peace and hope given to us by the Coming King. Above all, as Christians, we know that we can be courageous because our help is from God. The Scriptures are filled with gems to help us “be strong and courageous,” here are some of them for us at this time of pandemic:

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 27: 1-3 The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Only be strong and very courageous.

 

Apr 04-05, 2020
李耀全牧師

親愛的弟兄姊妹，以下的禱文由本人(李耀全牧師)改编：

“求神賜予我平靜的心，
不為我無法改變的事情而焦慮；
在這次冠狀病毒大蔓延時；
讓我能儘我所能地勇於關懷（關心），
並有智慧去了解兩者之間的分別。”

我們在過去的兩週，曾透過Reinhold Niebuhr 的“寧靜禱文”學習以平靜的心去接受那些我們絕對無法控制的事物，學習不去焦慮。在此，我們嘗試以“勇氣”為主題–勇於改變您和我可以改變的事情，特別在這COVID-19大流行之時，就這方面去思想。“勇於改變我可以做的事情”，“與保持平靜”（接受我無法改變的事情）剛好相反：能夠有勇氣，就是在身處於這樣的時刻之中，盡我們所能的去關心（關注）當前的情況。

“勇氣”的定義是“有能力去做令自己感到恐懼的事”，或“面對痛苦和悲傷的力量”。相類似的形容詞是勇敢，英勇，無畏和有膽量。相反的是怯懦和畏怯。當談論到勇氣時，一般會指在面對危險時想到血氣之勇，或在處於道德問題時持守道德立場的勇氣。

提到“堅強而勇敢”，作為基督徒的我們，很容易會聯想起出埃及記和約書亞故事的事跡。“你當剛強壯膽！因為你必使這百姓承受那地為業，就是我向他們列祖起誓應許賜給他們的地。只要剛強，大大壯膽，謹守遵行我僕人摩西所吩咐你的一切律法，不可偏離左右，使你無論往哪裡去，都可以順利。”（書1：6-7）

當神第一次向約書亞發出“要剛強勇敢”的命令，是為了約書亞及以色列人要憑著神的應許完成征服神所賜迦南地的任務。那必須憑藉信心。神第二次更加有力地向約書亞發出了同樣的命令，是要他在完成任務時一直緊隨神。這需要整全一致性，尤其是在面對走捷徑或簡單出路的試誘當前時。因此，從神的命令中，我們可以看到關乎屬靈的勇氣及信心和誠信：信心就是要絕對相信神的話，“只要照著做”；誠信則是可以在面對艱難的過程中堅持不懈。

鑑於目前的冠狀病毒蔓延，我借題發揮地藉著“寧靜禱文”去闡釋和應用“勇氣”的含意。勇氣意即“勇於關心並儘我所能”。雖然在禱文中“寧靜”被用於“不關心”只有上帝才能改變的事情，但在此我們要應用在相反方面，即關心和做我們能力範圍所能及的事。這表示在道德上勇於做應做的事來幫助控制病毒，例如身體上的疏遠和盡可能地留在家裡。這也意味著儘管暫停了所有教會聚會和活動，但仍使用諸如Zoom之類的各種途徑來與我們的兄弟姐妹保持溝通。也意味著要透過一些簡單的行動（例如幫助運送食品）來關懷比我們更具健康風險的人。從某種意義來說，這意味著即使有困難，我們要憑勇氣去做正確的事。尼布爾用以下詞句詳細地說明了他的意思：

認真地去過每一天，
享受生命的每一時刻；
迎接艱難，作為進入平安的途徑；
按照主的方式，
面對這不是我所想要的罪惡世界；
堅信主會使正義彰顯，一切更新。
只要我順服祢的旨意；
在今生我得享滿足的喜樂，
來生與主同享永世的歡愉。

阿們。”

確實，這意味著，面對現時的境況，儘管我們在烏雲籠罩下，若能透過從神的眼光看事物，而不是以既定的方式去看事情，我們仍能夠勇往直前地生活。這種勇氣來自我們那再來之主所賦予我們的平安與盼望的應許。作為基督徒，在一切之上，我們知道我們之所以能够剛強壯膽，是因為我們的幫助來自神。聖經中充滿了珍寶，以下是其中一些能以幫助我們在疫症蔓延之時可以“堅強和勇敢”的經文：

詩46:1-3 神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。所以，地雖改變，山雖搖動到海心，其中的水雖匉訇翻騰，山雖因海漲而戰抖，我們也不害怕。

賽 41:10你不要害怕，因為我與你同在；不要驚惶，因為我是你的神。我必堅固你，我必幫助你；我必用我公義的右手扶持你。

詩 27:1-3耶和華是我的亮光，是我的拯救，我還怕誰呢？耶和華是我性命的保障，我還懼誰呢？那作惡的就是我的仇敵，前來吃我肉的時候就絆跌仆倒。雖有軍兵安營攻擊我，我的心也不害怕；雖然興起刀兵攻擊我，我必仍舊安穩。

申 31:6;8你們當剛強壯膽，不要害怕，也不要畏懼他們，因為耶和華你的神和你同去。他必不撇下你，也不丟棄你。耶和華必在你前面行；他必與你同在，必不撇下你，也不丟棄你。不要懼怕，也不要驚惶。

只要剛強大大壯膽！

 

 

Mar 28-29, 2020
Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor RCAC

Responding to “A Call to Prayer”

1. Let’s Praise and Give Thanks (Psalm 95:1-5)

Psalm 95:1-5
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

Yes, Lord. I am so glad to be at the enthronement of the King, just like the people of God was at the enthronement of King David. You are still and always is the King of Kings. May we echo the hymn,

“Crown Him with many crowns, the lamb upon the throne:
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless King throughout all eternity.”

Yes, as the psalmist declares,
“The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
The Lord is robed in majesty
And is armed with strength.” (Psalm 93:1a)

Indeed we are marching into your presence with song of praise in our hearts. Even though we cannot physically be in your sanctuary with the rest of the Church, we are all now in your presence because you are omnipresent. For you are King of Kings and creator of all things. You can conquer the Coronavirus and even use the pestilence (pandemic) to bring victory against your enemies, and bring glory to your name! Yes, we praise you because we know “the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.” Amen!

2. Let’s gather and worship (Psalm 95:6-7)

Psalm 95:6-7
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,

Lord, you are not only “the Lord,” you are “the Lord our Maker.” You are the Lord of our lives and our creator.” You are not only “God” but “our God” the giver of life who has given us life and hope.

Just as King David declared,
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise
because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:1, 2)

How reassuring it is to that you Lord personally lord over my life, you have everything under your control, despite the appearance of total chaos around me due to the pandemic.

Lord, how comforting to know that you our God is also the great Shepherd, and “ we are the people of his (your) pasture, the flock under his (your) care.” (Psalm 95:7)

Just as David the Psalmist so eloquently assures us,
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
He (you) makes me lie down in green pastures,
He (you) leads me beside quiet waters…
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4)

Yes, I come with all my brothers and sisters and bow down before you and knee (kneel??) before our creator, not only with our physical body but also with all our heart and soul, and worship you and surrender our lives to you, with all our worries and concerns. Amen!

3. Let’s Pay Heed Together (Psalm 95:7b-11)

Psalm 95:7b-11
7b Today, if only you would hear his voice,
8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors tested me;
they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways.’
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

O Lord, how often do we keep repeating the same mistakes in the same way that the people of God (Israelites) committed over and over again. More than the people of Israel, we have been redeemed and delivered by God through Christ’s supreme sacrifice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Also since our decision to follow you Lord, we continue to experience your mercy, forgiveness and grace. But forgive us Lord that we have continued to “test” your patience and “murmur” (argue and quarrel). May we our present generation not have to learn our lesson the hard way, only after 40 years of wandering with fear and anxiety in the wilderness. May we live to see and enter into the Promised Land. May we truly find you, Lord, the only one that can fill the void and vacuum of our hearts.

I hear the words of prophet Isaiah beckoning me with these words from the Lord:

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow’
Though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

Lord, if the pandemic is meant to wake us all up to repent, may we do so quickly.

Lord, help all those who are in deep fear and anxiety to heed this call and return to God in faith and in full dependence on you, reclaiming the peace you have promised us.

Lord, help and strengthen those who are staying and working frantically in hospitals healing the sick, so that we can stay safe in our home.

Lord, help the experts and authorities to do and say the right things with understanding and wisdom from you and you alone. Indeed the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Lord, help your church be the church and let the world have hope and peace beyond (through??) understanding in Christ our Saviour, our Sanctifier, our Healer and our Coming King.
Amen