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疾病、死亡、在基督裡的盼望

教牧心聲 – 2025.04.05/06
周力行牧師

疾病、死亡、在基督裡的盼望

“我們一生的年日是七十歲.若是強壯可到八十歲.但其中所矜誇的、不過是勞苦愁煩.轉眼成空、我們便如飛而去。” (詩90.10)

“他要按著那能叫萬有歸服自己的大能、將我們這卑賤的身體改變形狀、和他自己榮耀的身體相似。” (腓3.21)

很多年沒有患病至這樣重了。二月初的時候患上了嚴重的流感。身體衰弱不在話下,更是不停的發熱,體温徘迴在攝氏101-103之間,甚至到了104度。醫生亦診斷是流感,卻是沒有藥物可以治療,只能休息,讓身體漸漸的回復正常。醫生也提示說,雖然我沒有什麼其他的病徵,但很可能咳嗽等的症狀會在數天後出現。 果真,三至四天後,就真的咳個不停,甚至連身體都抽搐。接連數天都是如此,就再次去就診。醫生認為沒有什麼大問題的,但為確保無一失,還是去接受X光檢查好了。結果顯示,是轉變成肺炎了,就馬上開始用抗生素治療。也許是特殊的藥物,醫生說只需要五天的時間就足夠。後來發現這五天的藥物對我並不足夠,還得再增加二天。

這時,香港傳來噩耗——母親離世了。雖然母親是在睡夢中平靜安詳地與世長辭,但還是帶來不小的震撼。因為母親一直以來都很能照顧自己,包括她的健康。除了血糖過高之外 (她也能控制得很好),就沒有什麼其他問題。而我們早在去年年底就計劃了回港探望親人,一切都鐵定了、安排了。但一瞬間就得把計劃改變了。原來興高采烈的等待,一下子成了哀傷痛楚的靜默。很多的,以往母親在生活中的一點一滴,不論是暖心的照顧、諄諄的教誨、甚至嚴厲的斥責,都不自主地不時的一幕幕出現眼前。想到有太多安慰的說話再沒有機會說了,有太多的孝道不能盡了,有太多的關愛無法再表達了,就有一道莫名的哀傷,油然而生。“人有疾病、心能忍耐.心靈憂傷、誰能承當呢。”(箴18.14)

母親在安靜中永遠的離去了。因着主的恩典,母親的安息禮拜順利結束了。然而,我對她的憶念卻不曾減少。我想,悲傷是當然的,因為失去了全心全意愛護兒女及家庭的母親。但這悲傷卻不是為了母親,而是為了自己。因為母親已經在一個沒有“眼淚.不再有死亡、也不再有悲哀、哭號、疼痛”的地方 (啟21.4),在享受著我們不能理解的福樂。信徒的盼望是有一天,我們也要到那榮美之地,享受主的祝福,眾信徒也必再在天家相聚。

如今,身體是康復了,卻也知道必然是一天比一天衰殘,有一天也必然與世長辭。信徒的盼望在於神的應許,祂要賜我們一個新的榮耀身體,與主復活後的身體相似 (腓3.21)。那將會是一個不再衰殘的身體,一個不再受疾病纒繞的身體, 一個不再會耳鳴眼模糊腰痛血管塞的身體;卻是一個可以永遠與神同在的身體 (啟21.3-4)。我盼望那一天的到來,就與那愛我的主在一起,直到永恆。

“55死阿、你得勝的權勢在那裡.死阿、你的毒鉤在那裡.56死的毒鉤就是罪.罪的權勢就是律法。57感謝神、使我們藉著我們的主耶穌基督得勝。”(林前15.55-57)

榮耀

教牧心聲 2024.12.07/08

周力行牧師

                                                                      榮耀

「榮耀」這詞彙在聖經中頻繁出現,但它的深度遠超過我們的理解。論到神的榮耀,我們常會聯想到祂的光輝、威嚴、聖潔,以及祂的作為。然而,榮耀不僅是外在的光輝,也包括神內在的完美屬性、全然的權能和威嚴。榮耀代表的是神的全能、聖潔、智慧和真理的彰顯,是祂一切屬性的總和。神的榮耀是無可比擬,是祂獨一無二的屬性。

我們需要認識的是,一切的榮耀都屬於神。神的榮耀不僅體現在祂的創造和奇蹟中,也體現在祂對我們的愛與拯救中。神清楚告訴我們:“我是耶和華,這是我的名;我必不把我的榮耀歸給別人,也不把我當受的稱讚歸給雕刻的偶像。”(賽42.8) 這句話表明,神的榮耀是獨一無二的,祂不容任何人、任何事物與之分享。

然而,人卻常有一種自然傾向,那就是爭取榮耀。這種傾向自亞當夏娃以來就可見一斑。撒但就是以神的榮耀誘惑夏娃:“你們吃的日子眼睛就明亮了,並且你們必像神一樣,知道善惡。” (創世記3:5) 撒但用這樣的話語誘惑夏娃,讓她渴望像神一樣擁有定善惡的權能和知識,自己能夠取代神的位置。換句話說,就是自己也有與神同等的榮耀。

日常生活中,這種獲取榮耀的誘惑常常不自覺地出現。在取得了一些成就,或是得到稱讚時,人的內心難免會有一絲興奮的情緒。在不同環境下可能會不自覺地把自己放在焦點,期待別人的認同和讚美。然而,聖經告訴我們,所有的榮耀最終都應該歸給神。無論是我們的成功、才華、還是努力,都是神賜予的恩典,並非我們自己憑著能力所得。

尼布甲尼撒王的事件給予了強烈的警示 (但4章)。這位巴比倫君王因為自己的偉大成就自傲,並且說:“這大巴比倫城不是我用大能大力建造作我的京都,為顯我威嚴的榮耀嗎?”( 但4:30) 然而,神立刻對他施下懲罰,使他失去理智,像野獸一樣過了七年。七年期滿,他恢復了理智,就認識到“他[神]的統治永無窮盡,他[神]的國度直到萬代”,並且宣告神的榮耀 (但4.34-37)。

在基督徒的生活中,我們更應該時刻警醒,避免觸犯神的榮耀。耶穌教導門徒:“你們小心,不要在眾人面前行你們的義,讓他們看見;如果這樣,就得不到你們天父的賞賜。”(太6.1) 因此,一切的行善或服侍,都不應帶有任何想要被人看見的動機。若心中帶著“我想被稱讚”的意念,就不是全然為神,也有為一己的榮耀。這樣的動機會使我們錯過真正的祝福,並且讓我們的行為失去神的心意。

信徒應該時刻謙卑,把一切的榮耀歸於神。所有的成就並不是我們自己努力的結果,而是神的恩典在我們生命中的彰顯。保羅提醒我們:“所以,你們或吃或喝,無論做什麼,都要為榮耀神而行。”(林前10.31) 這不僅僅是指那些重大的事,也包括每一天的生活,甚至是最平凡的吃喝,都應該出於對神的敬畏,至終目的就是要榮耀祂的名。作為基督徒,我們的生命應該是神榮耀的見證。當我們謙卑自己,把神的榮耀放在首位時,我們的生命就會被神的光照亮。

親愛的弟兄姊妹,有一位牧者曾說:「若有人在事奉神的時候不敢觸碰神的榮耀,那就沒有什麼事情是神不能透過這人成就的了。」甚願在事奉以後,人們的記憶裡只有神的恩典,沒有你我的影子。

「祂必興旺,我必衰微。」(約3.30)

 

小貓

2024.05.04

周力行牧師

有一回,一位朋友告訴了我一則關於貓的故事。

數年前,在他的一次生日派對中,有一位朋友送了他一隻小貓。牠有一對透亮像小水潭的眼睛,幽深而清亮。全身是均勻的棕灰色,毛茸茸的十分可愛。剛出生一個月的牠,不吵不鬧,卻好奇心十足,到處探察,不時發出可愛的叫聲。

小貓在他家中漸漸成長,為他的家庭帶來了不少的歡樂。他的二個小孩特別高興,每天下課後就急忙回家,伴着小貓,也照顧着小貓。媽媽也為他們定下了規則:必須完成習作,把當天的學習處理好了,才能與小貓玩耍。孩子們也樂意接受,他們的生活是更有意義更加充實了。也許是貓的氣味,也許是牠在夜間的狩獵,當小貓出現不久,家中就沒有了其他小動物的踪影。這貓為朋友的家帶來了祝福。

約半年後,小貓成長了,也成為了母親。牠誕下四只小寶寶。二雙是全身均勻淡黃的,一隻是像牠一樣棕灰色的。第四隻最為獨特:全身是閃亮的黝黑,胸前卻是雪白的一片,加上四蹄踏雪,是名附其實的禮服貓。牠小心翼翼的照顧著,乳養著這四只貓寶寶。這新的貓家庭為朋友家帶來無比的歡樂。他的二個小孩也不時邀請到來探望欣賞,分享着家中照顧母貓小貓的樂趣,家中也自然熱鬧了不少。

一天清晨,朋友聽見了母貓的哀嚎,就急忙的到母貓的窩,要探個究竟。只見三只小貓,一隻淡黃色的不知所踪。而母貓在全屋子裡到處竄出竄入,要找尋失去的一只乳貓在何處。牠整個上午都在焦急的尋索,卻是一無所獲。全家人都急忙的幫忙着四處尋找,到屋外四處尋覓,在附近每家每戶的拍門詢問,可惜也是不見乳貓的踪影。母貓沒精打彩的回到窩子裡,都沒有吃什麼,只不時的在低鳴。二個孩子在談論着, “準是那位小朋友在眾人不經意時就把乳貓取去了”, “也許是那只特別活躍的小黃貓走失了”… “還好,只是失了一隻淡黃的,那只珍貴的禮服貓還在。” 下午,孩子們把三只乳貓帶到母貓處,母貓也只乳了牠們一會,就睡了,相信是半天的折騰讓她極其疲憊了。

黃昏時,朋友記掛着母貓,就到窩裡看看。但見三只乳貓在酣睡,母貓卻是不見了踪影。想是牠從什麼地方跑了出去,要尋找失去的乳貓。朋友擔心,深夜未睡,要等待母貓回來,恐怕牠不得門而入。只是凌晨三時了還是未見母貓的踪影,他就睡了。

天還未亮時,他就被門外的聲音吵醒了。他急忙的跑去把門打開。只見母貓在抓著大門,在興奮的叫着。在牠面前正是那失去的小黃貓,呆笨又可愛地扒在地上。母貓一身都是塵沙及零碎的枯葉,也真的不知道牠經歷了怎麼樣的艱難險阻才找到乳貓。朋友連忙把牠及乳貓抱起,放回窩子,只見母貓就安然躺下休息了。

我想,無論是這母貓,或是迷羊,或是浪子,都在反映人的迷失、天父的焦急及不停的尋找,盼望世人都能回歸祂的懷抱,得着新生命,得到永恆的祝福。盼望你我並不像我的朋友或他的孩子,以為盡了力那就算了,畢竟失去的不是最寶貴的禮服貓,只是二只淺黃色小貓的其中之一而已。天父看每一靈魂都甚為寶貴,比世界的一切都更貴重。甚願你我對每一失喪的靈魂都極其看重,盡我們一切的努力,把他們領回羊圈,以致天父的心能滿足。

(摘自: 張秀亞, )

(啟發課程快開始了,懇請各位在禱告中切切記念。)

心聲點滴

2023.11.25/26

周力行牧師

人不缺乏愛心,只是愛的對象有所不同。有人願意犧牲自己滿足他人需要,我們稱他們有愛心;有人犧牲他人滿足自己的需要,我們稱他們沒有愛心。實則,這二類人都有愛心,只是前者愛他人過於自己,後者愛自己過於他人。

世界不停的又直接又間接的告訴我們,人生苦短,應當奮力的追求滿足自己。互惠互利自然理想,有時要利己而不得不損人也是在所難免,所以不必迴避。這就是現實。世人都必然要面對,無一幸免,信徒也不能例外。

有時,世界得勝了。有人要滿足虛榮之心,就追求稱許讚賞。法利賽人是其一顯明的例子,他們冗長的禱告是為得人的稱讚(太23.14; 路18.11),所作的善也是要得人的榮耀(太6.2)。有人要得權以滿足自已,要眾人都跟從他,就用各樣的方法來損害異己。就如祭司及法利賽人因耶穌與他們不合就要除掉耶穌(約11.53)。也有人以追求錢財來滿足自己。撒該就是其一例子(路19.7)。他被眾人稱為眾人是因為他是稅吏長,以欺壓同胞得利而成為財主。另外,少年的官也是相仿,因愛錢財過於一切,就放棄了跟從耶穌的大好機會(太19.16-22)。

在耶穌基督裡,世界就失敗了。有人放棄了世上的榮耀,為主走上了受苦的道路。有保羅因為主耶穌就放棄了一切,為要得着至寶的基督(腓3.8)。十九世紀的劍橋七傑,當中有富商之子,有男爵之子,有將軍之子,也有醫生之子,他們本可以享受世人所羨慕的一切榮華,卻為主而選上了十字架的道路,到中國的徧遠鄉村宣教。最後也有在異鄉離世的。有人學效了耶穌基督為門徒洗腳的榜樣 (約13.1-17),用所擁有的權力選擇了服侍眾人的位置:林肯總統是代表的其中之一。也有人為主的緣故,為主耶穌放棄世上的錢財,專心一意的跟從主。除了稅吏長撒該 (路19.1-10),博德恩(William Borden)也是一樣。他捨棄豐厚的財富而選上服侍主的道路,更向世界宣告他是“無保留,無退回,無後悔”( No Reserves—No Retreats—No Regrets)。

對基督徒而言,天國之路是艱難的。這是耶穌基督早早的宣告:“在世上你們有苦難.”(約16.33)。但主耶穌也接着的宣告:“但你們可以放心,我已經勝了世界。”(約16.33)願你選擇跟從耶穌,與世界為敵,在耶穌基督裡過得勝的日子。如此,有一天,我們就可以與保羅一樣宣告:“從此以後,有公義的冠冕為我存留,就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的。不但賜給我,也賜給凡愛慕他顯現的人。”(提後4.8)

願你在主裡得勝。

River

2023.09.23/24

From the Pastor’s Desk :Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Rivers possess an enchanting charm that lures the human heart and purifies the soul. Whether it’s the thick morning mist before the dawn, the unhurried murmur of the flowing water, the crystal-clear depths revealing the river’s secrets, or the company of reeds and water grasses basking in the evening glow, rivers always have a way of affecting the passersby, causing them to hasten their steps, slow down, or even paused their journeys. In springtime, rivers awaken the trees, grasses, and wildflowers on their banks, signaling the start of a new year. As summer rains arrive, rivers change, sometimes broadening and sometimes narrowing, flowing with urgency and then tranquility, inspiring people to remain vigilant. In the season of autumn, with leaves ablaze in shades of crimson, the river slows down, enjoying the harvest season. Even in the depths of winter, when all seems to wither, the river continues its ceaseless journey, never resting. Rivers, ever-flowing, nurture the land, fostering lush vegetation, adorning trees in grandeur, offering a home for fish, and providing shelter for soaring birds. In the peaceful presence of their flowing waters, turbulent hearts find tranquility, allowing them to release all worldly troubles and focus on the grace and love of the Divine.

In the Bible, rivers evoke a sense of tranquility and the gift of life. Rivers held profound importance for the Israelites, primarily because the land of Israel itself lacked abundant rivers. While the wilderness stretched far and wide, rivers were a rarity within the borders of Israel. In contrast, regions to the south, such as Egypt, or to the east, like Babylon, boasted numerous rivers. Israel had but one significant river in the east—the Jordan River. Spanning an average width of about 100 feet and depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet, the Jordan River was enveloped by luxuriant vegetation and was home to around 30 different species of fish. Indeed, the Jordan River symbolized the wellspring of life.

In the Old Testament, the Lord used rivers as symbols of fulfilling the human heart. He declared, ” I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.” (Isaiah 41:18). The Lord promised to personally quench the thirst of human hearts, just as He would cause rivers to flow amidst the desert. The original meaning of this “river” is flowing water teeming with life. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ issued a universal call: “37… Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38). For those whose souls are parched, they can turn to Jesus Christ in faith. In doing so, Jesus pledged that their souls would be sated, filled with peace (John 16:33) and joy (John 16:24), and graced with eternal life (John 3:16). Moreover, this is a mighty river that gushes forth from the depths of the heart, becoming a wellspring of life. However, the condition is “faith”: to believe, to receive, and to wholeheartedly follow the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mere knowledge and acknowledgment without will not yield the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise; it would be akin to stagnant, lifeless water incapable of bringing life to its surroundings. But for those who believe in the Lord Jesus and follow His lead, obediently heeding His commandments, a new life is assured, a radiant existence awaits, and glory is brought to His name.

May your life flow like a river of living water, transforming deserts into pools of life wherever you tread. May God be glorified through you.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Raphael Chow

河流

2023.09.23/24

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

河流的魅力誘動人心,也洗滌人心。無論是晨曦前的厚厚霧靄,或不徐不疾的潺潺水聲,或清澈見底的淙淙水流,或相伴晚霞的蘆葦水草,總是令過路客急速的步伐,或緩下或停下,甚至忘返。春至,河兒喚醒兩岸樹草野花,提醒人們一年之計開始;夏雨至,河變得時寛時窄,時急時緩,啟迪人們警醒努力;在紅葉之秋,河慢下來了,欣賞著人們忙碌的收取莊稼;冬至,萬物凋零,河仍然不斷的在流動,並未歇息。河,總是滋潤着大地,讓水草可以茂盛,樹木能以壯麗,魚兒也能有窩,飛鳥得以棲息。在盈盈流水面前安靜,更能把人的亂心掃去,使人把一切的煩擾放下,尊注於父神的恩典及慈愛。

聖經中的河流,讓人想到旣寧靜又賦予生命的特質。河流對於以色列人甚為重要,相信是因為以色列境內並沒有很多河流。以色列地河流不多,曠野卻不少。不像南方的埃及,或東方的巴比倫等地,有不少的大河。在以色列國境,主河是東方的約但河。約但河平均寛約100呎,深3至10呎不等。約但河兩岸樹木茂密,內中有30種魚類。約但河的確象徵生命之源。

在舊約中,耶和華神以河流作為滿足人心的象徵。耶和華神宣告說祂要行奇事 “18 我要在光禿的高處開闢江河,在山谷之間開闢泉源;我要使曠野變為水池,使乾地變成水泉。”(賽41.18)。耶和華神要親自滿足人乾渴的心,如同在沙漠中開江河。這“江河”的原意是流動的河水,是充滿生命力的水流。在新約中,耶穌基督向所有人呼籲:“37b人若渴了,可以到我這裡來喝!38信我的人,就像聖經所說的,從他的腹中要湧流出活水的江河來。”。人若心靈乾渴,可以來到耶穌基督前,相信祂。如此,耶穌應許說,這人的心靈必得滿足,生命必然充滿平安(約16.33) 及喜樂(約16.24),也必然得着永生 (約3.16)。不但如此,這是一條大河,要從心中湧出,成為生命之源。但當中的條件是“信”: 相信接受又全心全意遵行主耶穌基督的一切教訓。若只是知道,承認,而沒有行動,恐怕耶穌基督的應許還是不能得到,也只能好像不會流動的死水,沒有生命,也不能為任何環境帶來生命。但若然相信主耶穌,又跟從祂,遵行祂的吩咐,就必定得着新的生命,活出充滿光輝的新生活,榮耀主名。

願你的生命如同活水江河,在你凡到之處,沙漠曠野也成為江河水泉。願神在你身上得着榮耀。

主僕,
周力行牧師

Reflection of JMC

2023.08.05/06

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Today is a tragic era. While it may not be easy to see in countries in North America, it is evident everywhere in Asia, war-torn nations, or third-world countries: there are abandoned babies, both disabled and healthy, left by their parents; young children losing their parents due to wars; children abandoned because their sister remarried; young people living aimless lives, struggling day by day just to survive; and parents grieving the loss of their children, enduring each day in sorrow.

Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) This statement is very true. Through the power of the gospel, abandoned infants are adopted by Christians and grow up to become productive individuals; those who lost parents in wars or were abandoned find a home through the care of Christians; those with directionless lives find new and abundant life in Christ; parents grieving each day find not only comfort in Christ but also become a source of comfort for others. This is the power of the gospel, manifesting God’s love, ability, and glory in the lives of the weak, helpless, and hopeless.

These awe-inspiring events do not happen by chance. Behind these stories are a group of unknown Christians moved by God, responding to the call of their Heavenly Father. They come from near and far to these places in need, silently offering their lives just to satisfy the needs of others. If I remembered correctly, a Christian couple who went to Myanmar and served abandoned or orphaned children year after year. These children grew up not only in a healthy environment but also excelled academically, loving God, loving others, serving society and churches. Some were inspired to follow the couple’s footsteps and hope to adopt orphans themselves, giving hope to the hopeless.

God does not call every believer to be a missionary overseas, but Jesus commands all His followers to make disciples of all nations. On one hand, believers should be more aware and understand the situations of various mission fields, striving to participate, including constant prayers for missionaries and mission fields, something both you and I can do. Encouraging and maintaining contact with missionaries or joining short-term mission teams are even better. On the other hand, cross-cultural missions today do not necessarily require going overseas. There are already many ethnic groups in our local areas who have not yet received the message of salvation. They are waiting for believers to go among them and introduce the salvation of Christ. Perhaps what you and I can do is not much, but we can always start with fervent prayer.

” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Do you love what the Lord loves?

His Servant
Pastor Raphael Chow

信徒你愛主所愛的嗎?(再思聯合宣教大會JMC)

2023.08.05/06

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:                                                                                                      

現今是悲情的年代。在北美洲的國家中也許不容易看見,但在亞洲或戰亂的國家或第三世界的國家中卻是隨處可見:有殘缺的也有建全的嬰兒被父母遺棄,有小童因戰爭而失去雙親,有孩童因唯一的家人再婚而被拋棄,有少年人沒有理想沒有方向的每天營營役役只為糊口,有失去兒女的父母每天在哀痛中渡過。

保羅說:「這福音是神的大能,要救一切相信的。」(羅1:16) 這話十分可信。因着神的福音,被遺棄的嬰兒被基督徒收養,以致能夠成長大及成為有用的人;在戰亂中失去父母的及被拋棄的因信徒的收留而得着一個家;沒有理想,生命沒有方向的在基督裡面得着了新的生命,而且是豐盛的生命;每天在哀痛中渡日的父母在基督裡不單得着安慰,更而成為多人的安慰。這是福音的大能,在輭弱無助無望的人身上顯出神的慈愛能力及榮耀。

這些令人震奮的事件並不自然而然地發生。在這些故事的背後,有一群不為人知的基督徒被神感動,他們就回應了天父的呼召。他們或從遠方或從近處到了這些有需要的地方,默默的就為這些人們獻上了自己的生命,為的只是讓這些生命中有需要的人能夠從主耶穌得着滿足。印象中,有一對基督徒夫婦去了緬甸,在緬甸境內就年復一年的服侍一些被遺棄或失去雙親的孤兒。這些孤兒們長大成人,不但在一個健康的環境中成長,更是學有所成,愛主愛人,能夠服侍社會,也建立教會。有的更願意學習這對夫婦,將來也收養孤兒,讓無望的得盼望。

神沒有呼召每一位信徒都成為海外宣教士,主耶穌卻吩咐所有跟從祂的都要使萬民都成為祂的門徒。一方面,信徒應當更多的知道及明白各宣教工場的情況,努力參與,包括你我都能夠付出的,就是恆常的為宣教士及宣教工場禱告。若能常與宣教士聯絡並鼓勵他們,或參加短宣隊的服侍就當然是更好。另一方面,今天的跨文化宣教事奉已經不需要去到海外才能參與了。就在我們所住的區域就已經有不少其他族裔的群體在救恩的門外。他們也正在等待著信徒去到他們當中,把基督的救恩介紹給他們。也許你我能作的都不多,但總可以從禱告開始。

「神愛世人,甚至把他的獨生子賜給他們,叫一切信他的,不至滅亡,反得永生。」(約3:16) 你是否愛主所愛?

主僕,
周力行牧師

The Sea

2023.06.24/25

From the Pastor’s Desk:Rev. Raphael Chow

On a childhood day, for reasons I have long forgotten, I went mountain climbing. The mountain had an altitude approximately half that of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. At that time, the sky was devoid of clouds, and it was a pure blue. Standing at the summit, I gazed southward and saw the continuous and magnificent mountain ranges. Looking eastward, I beheld the vast expanse of the azure sea, stretching afar. The sea resembled a silky carpet, smooth as a mirror, perfectly complementing the splendor of the sky. Another time, during the peak of summer, after swimming in the sea, I leisurely enjoyed the surrounding scenery on the beach. Suddenly, what astonished me was the sound of the tides. The rhythmic tides gently lapped against the rocks on the shore, tenderly washing over the fine sand. Accompanied by occasional breezes, the leaves rustled and sang. This duet of nature can truly rival the works of master composers. Occasionally, seagulls joined in as guest performers, creating a rich variation in this trio. These scenes, once witnessed with your own eyes, will stay with you for a lifetime, bringing you everlasting enjoyment.

The ocean can also be fearsome and awe-inspiring. When a tsunami arrives, it can easily destroy cities and leave countless people homeless. The ocean is always cold, mysterious, and full of hidden dangers. Even the warm currents in the ocean are not very warm (about 4 degrees Celsius). The deeper you go into the sea, the darker it becomes. There are reefs, hidden currents, and dangerous animals, including fierce predators and species with deadly toxins.

The meaning contained within the ocean in the Bible is exceedingly rich. The ocean signifies the mighty power of God: the sea is created by God (Psalm 95:5; Acts 4:24; Revelation 14:7; Jonah 1:9), and God has set the boundaries of the sea (Genesis 1:2, 9-10; Psalm 104:5-9; Job 38:8-11). However, at the same time, the ocean is also a source of opposition against God: the waves of the sea are arrogant (Job 35:8-11) and always attempt to surpass the boundaries set by God (Jeremiah 15:22). There are fierce beasts in the sea (Genesis 1:20-21; Psalm 104:24-26). Moreover, terrifying and powerful beasts that oppose God also emerge from the sea (Daniel 7:3; Revelation 13:1). In the Book of Daniel, for instance: “3 Four great beasts… came up out of the sea. 4 The first was like a lion… a second beast, which looked like a bear… another beast… looked like a leopard… 7 After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left…” (Daniel 7:3-7).

Whether it is the sea or the beasts, their power is limited. Our Lord controls the great sea (Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 14:45-52) and also destroys the beasts (Isaiah 27:1). Moreover, our Heavenly Father will one day annihilate evil: “And the beast was captured… And the false prophet… were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (Revelation 19:20). The sea will exist no more, and the former heavens and earth will pass away (Revelation 21:1). Instead, a perfect sea of glass, bright as crystal, will take its place (Revelation 4:6; 15:2). At that time, all cold, mysterious, dark, and dangerous circumstances will cease to exist with the vanishing sea.

I eagerly anticipate the embrace of eternal warmth, light, peace, and joy within it. “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

His Servant
Pastor Raphael Chow

大海

2023.06.24/25

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

孩提時的一天,也忘記了是什麼緣故,就去了登山。山的海拔約有太平山的一半。那時,萬里無雲,天是純淨的一片蔚藍。在山頂處向南遠眺,只見山脈連綿,好不壯麗。向東俯瞰,卻是寶藍色的大海,一望無際。大海彷如絲綢的地毯,光滑如鏡,把天的瑰麗襯托得近乎完美。另一回,盛夏時分,我在海中暢泳後,就在沙灘上悠哉游哉的欣賞著周遭景色。突然,令我心豁然而開的,是潮汐之音。海潮有節奏地輕輕拍打着岸邊的岩石,又温柔的沖刷着灘上的細沙,加上不時的和風掠過,樹葉就沙沙和唱。這大自然的二重奏,真能比美音樂大師的作品。偶爾,海鷗也加入客串演出,就成為豐富的三重奏變奏。這些景象,恐怕只要曾出現在你眼前,便隨你一輩子,讓你一生受用。

大海也可懼可畏。海嘯到來時可以輕易的摧毁城市,讓無數人家園盡失。大海總是冰冷神秘又危機四伏。就是海洋中的暖流也不是很温暖的(約攝氏4度);越進入海的深處越是黑暗;海中又有礁石,有暗流暗湧,也有危險的動物,包括兇猛的獵食類及帶劇毒的種類。

大海在聖經中蘊藏的意思甚為寛廣。大海表明上帝創造的大能:大海是上帝所造 (詩95:5; 徒4:24; 啟14:7; 拿1:9),上帝也劃定海的界限(創1:2, 9-10; 詩104:5-9; 伯38:8-11)。但同時,大海也是對抗上帝之源:大海的浪是狂傲的(伯35:8-11),總是要越過上帝所定的界限(耶15:22),有猛獸在其中(創1:20-21; 詩104:24-26)。更甚的,是敵擋上帝、可怕且有大能力的獸也是從海中上來(但7:3; 啟13:1)。以但以理書為例:「3有四個大獸從海中上來… 4頭一個像獅子…5又有一獸如熊… 6…又有一獸如豹… 7其後我在夜間的異象中觀看,見第四獸甚是可怕,極其強壯,大有力量,有大鐵牙,吞喫嚼碎,所剩下的用腳踐踏…」(但7:3-7)。

無論是海是獸,他們的可怕,僅此而已。我們的主控制大海(可4:35-41; 6:45-52),也消滅獸(賽27:1)。不單如此,我們的天父更有一天會把邪惡除去「那獸被擒拿…假先知,也與獸同被擒拿。他們兩個就活活的被扔在燒著硫磺的火湖裡」(啟19:20)。海不再有了,以往的天地也過去了(啟21:1)。相信,取而代之的是完美的玻璃海,明亮如水晶(啟4:6; 15:2)。那時,冰冷神秘黑暗危險等,就隨着大海不再了。 

我期待著在其中享受永遠的温暖光明平安喜樂。“但我們照他的應許、盼望新天新地、有義居在其中。。”(彼後3.13)

主僕,
周力行牧師