使徒行传 4:32-37

那许多信的人都是一心一意的，没有一人说他的东西有一样是自己的，都是大家公用。 使徒大有能力，见证主耶稣复活，众人也都蒙大恩。 内中也没有一个缺乏的，因为人人将田产房屋都卖了，把所卖的价银拿来， 放在使徒脚前，照各人所需用的分给各人。有一个利未人，生在塞浦路斯，名叫约瑟，使徒称他为巴拿巴（“巴拿巴”翻出来就是“劝慰子”）。 他有田地，也卖了，把价银拿来放在使徒脚前。

4月17日

约瑟的慷慨

“约瑟…有田地，也卖了，把价银拿来，放在使徒脚前。”-使徒行传 4:36-37

当你看到一个人遇见了耶稣，并且正在改变，活得越来越像耶稣时，你知道这其中有新事正在发生。这意味着耶稣活在他们里面，复活确实发生了！

在今天的经文中，我们看到了一些例子。正如我们在《使徒行传》2章41-47节（4月14日内容）中所见，我们看到早期基督徒彼此合一，互相分享，并慷慨解囊互相支持。有些人甚至卖掉了田产或房屋，把钱分给“凡有需要的人”。

其中一个例子提到了约瑟，一个来自塞浦路斯的犹太人，现在成了基督的信徒。他的行动清楚地表明他的生命已经改变了。他卖掉了自己的一块地，把钱捐出来，用于建立基督信徒的群体。约瑟的慷慨，表明那位慷慨的主耶稣正住在他心里。在约瑟的这幅画像中，我们看到了一个新造的人，这是复活基督的明证。

今天，复活耶稣的生命和大能，仍然不断改变我们。活着的耶稣进入人的生命中施行转化，使他们成为新造的人。他们也成为记号，表明主那宏大的新创造正在实现。

祷告

父啊，求你将我们这些破碎的人，转变为耶稣复活的路标，证明新创造即将来临。求你粉碎我们身上一切仍旧反映着与耶稣无关之事的旧习。奉祂的名祷告。阿们。

Acts 4:32-37

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

JOSEPH’S GENEROSITY

Joseph . . . sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. —Acts 4:36-37

When you see a person who has met Jesus and who is changing to live more and more like Jesus, you know that something new is going on. It means that Jesus is alive in them and that the resurrection has really happened!

We see some examples in our text for today. Just as we saw in Acts 2:41-47 (April 14), we see the early Christians united with one another, sharing with one another, and giving generously to support one another. Some even sold their land or houses and gave the money “to anyone who had need.”

One example mentions Joseph, a Jewish man from Cyprus who is now a believer in Christ. His actions give a clear sign that his life has changed. He sold some property that he owned, and he gave the money to be used for building up the community of believers in Christ. Joseph’s generosity shows that the generous Lord Jesus is living in his heart. In this picture of Joseph we see a new creation, evidence of the resurrected Christ.

The life and power of the resurrected Jesus keep changing us still today. The living Jesus finds his way into human lives, takes up a transforming presence within them, and they become new creations. They also become signs that the Lord’s big, new creation is coming to life.

Father, turn us broken people into signposts of Jesus’ resurrection, proof that a new creation is on the way. Shatter all the ways in which we still reflect anything unrelated to Jesus. We pray in his name. Amen.

使徒行传 4:1-22

使徒对百姓说话的时候，祭司们和守殿官并撒都该人忽然来了。 因他们教训百姓，本着耶稣传说死人复活，就很烦恼， 于是下手拿住他们。因为天已经晚了，就把他们押到第二天。 但听道之人有许多信的，男丁数目约到五千。

第二天，官府、长老和文士在耶路撒冷聚会， 又有大祭司亚那和该亚法、约翰、亚历山大，并大祭司的亲族都在那里， 叫使徒站在当中，就问他们说：“你们用什么能力，奉谁的名做这事呢？” 那时彼得被圣灵充满，对他们说： “治民的官府和长老

啊，倘若今日因为在残疾人身上所行的善事，查问我们他是怎么得了痊愈， 你们众人和以色列百姓都当知道：站在你们面前的这人得痊愈，是因你们所钉十字架、神叫他从死里复活的拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名。

“他是‘你们匠人所弃的石头，已成了房角的头块石头’。 除他以外，别无拯救，因为在天下人间，没有赐下别的名我们可以靠着得救。”

他们见彼得、约翰的胆量，又看出他们原是没有学问的小民，就稀奇，认明他们是跟过耶稣的。 又看见那治好了的人和他们一同站着，就无话可驳。 于是吩咐他们从公会出去，就彼此商议说： “我们当怎样办这两个人呢？因为他们诚然行了一件明显的神迹，凡住耶路撒冷的人都知道，我们也不能说没有。 唯恐这事越发传扬在民间，我们必须恐吓他们，叫他们不再奉这名对人讲论。” 于是叫了他们来，禁止他们总不可奉耶稣的名讲论、教训人。 彼得、约翰说：“听从你们不听从神，这在神面前合理不合理，你们自己酌量吧！ 我们所看见、所听见的，不能不说。” 官长为百姓的缘故，想不出法子刑罚他们，又恐吓一番，把他们释放了。这是因众人为所行的奇事都归荣耀于神。 原来藉着神迹医好的那人有四十多岁了。

4月16日

看见复活的耶稣

“就希奇，认明他们是跟过耶稣的。” - 使徒行传 4:13

当今天经文中的犹太宗教领袖看到彼得和约翰这两个平凡、没有受过正规教育的人，竟能如此勇敢且确信地谈论《圣经》时，他们知道在这两个人身上一定发生了一些事。彼得和约翰的话语似乎闪烁着光芒，于是宗教领袖便“认明他们是跟过耶稣的”。

这些宗教领袖做出了正确的联想，却没能得出正确的结论—即耶稣的复活大能如今正活在这两位信徒里面，并且运行着。宗教领袖们也没有意识到，那个曾经瘸腿的人之所以得医治，也是因为主复活的大能进入了他里面。

当你像彼得和约翰一样“在基督里”时，你并不会因此变得更有钱、更漂亮或更强壮，但你开始了一个成为新造的人的过程。你也成了一个路标，就像信号灯或指针一样，指向神在祂整个新创造中持续进行的工作。你会与那个“若没有主住在里面”的自己有所不同。随着基督在你里面成形得完全，你周围的人就越能够认出：你也曾跟过耶稣。

祷告

父啊，我们想向别人表明，我们在基督里正渐渐成为新造的人。求你在我们里面做必要的工作，在你已经做成的根基上继续建造，好让人清楚地看出我们是跟过耶稣的。阿们。

Acts 4:1-22

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

SEEING THE RESURRECTED JESUS

They were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. —Acts 4:13

When the Jewish religious leaders in our text for today saw two ordinary, unschooled men, Peter and John, speaking courageously and with certainty about the Scriptures, they knew something had happened to them. Peter and John’s words seemed to sparkle, and the religious leaders “took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

These religious leaders were making the right connection, but they didn’t reach the right conclusion—that the power of the resurrected Jesus was now living and active inside these two believers. The religious leaders also did not realize that the man who had been lame was now healed because the Lord’s resurrection power had come into him too.

When you are in Christ, as Peter and John were, you don’t become richer, prettier, or stronger, but you begin the process of becoming a new creation. You also become a signpost, like a signal or pointer, to the ongoing work of God on his whole new creation. You are different from what you would have been without the Lord living in you. And as he becomes more fully formed in you, the people around you will more and more likely take note that you too have been with Jesus.

Father, we want to show others that we are becoming new creations in Christ. Do what is needed within us, building on what you have already done, so that it’s clear that we have been with Jesus. Amen.

使徒行传 3:1-10

申初祷告的时候，彼得、约翰上圣殿去。 有一个人，生来是瘸腿的，天天被人抬来，放在殿的一个门口——那门名叫美门——要求进殿的人赒济。 他看见彼得、约翰将要进殿，就求他们赒济。 彼得、约翰定睛看他，彼得说：“你看我们！” 那人就留意看他们，指望得着什么。 彼得说：“金银我都没有，只把我所有的给你：我奉拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名，叫你起来行走！” 于是拉着他的右手，扶他起来。他的脚和踝子骨立刻健壮了， 就跳起来站着，又行走，同他们进了殿，走着跳着，赞美神。 百姓都看见他行走、赞美神， 认得他是那素常坐在殿的美门口求赒济的，就因他所遇着的事满心稀奇、惊讶。

4月15日

一个曾经残疾的新造之人

“（他）就跳起来，站着，又行走，同他们进了殿，走着，跳着，赞美 神。” - 使徒行传 3:8

你有没有被允许进入过一个曾经是禁区（off-limits）的地方？试想，一位年轻的运动员，被他从小喜爱的球队录用，第一次走进球队的赛前会议室；或者一名基层员工被提拔，坐到了经理的办公桌后面；又或者一群赢得后台通行证的乐迷，得以去见他们最喜欢的乐队。

对于今天经文中的那个人来说，圣殿的院子曾是禁区，他不被允许在那里参予敬拜。宗教领袖禁止他进入圣殿，因为他们认为他的残疾(无法行走)—使他在礼仪上是不洁净的。这意味着他不能在圣殿里与神的百姓聚集。

但后来，彼得和约翰来了。他们没有金银，但他们拥有更有价值的东西：与复活了耶稣的活泼生命连结。当他们奉耶稣的名医治那人时，他的腿恢复了功能，能走也能跳了。终于，他可以在那个曾经对他来说是禁区的地方—圣殿的院子——赞美神了。

这个人的得医治是一个记号，表明我们在本月初庆祝的耶稣复活是真实发生了。这也是神持续进行的再创造（re-creation）工作的一个记号。

祷告

噢，神啊，我们奉耶稣的名渴求医治和新生命。我们渴慕耶稣！感谢你藉着耶稣的复活，以各种方式给我们的生命和这个世界带来更新。阿们。

Acts 3:1-10

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

A FORMERLY DISABLED NEW CREATION

He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. —Acts 3:8

Have you ever been allowed into a place that was off-limits? Think of a young sports player, hired by the team he or she has loved since childhood, walking into the team’s pregame meeting room for the first time. Or a worker on the floor who has been promoted to sit behind the manager’s desk. Or a group of music fans who win backstage passes and get to meet their favorite band.

For the man in our text today, the temple courts were off-limits. He was not allowed to join with others to worship there. The religious leaders barred him from the temple because they said that his disability—not being able to walk—made him ritually unclean. And that meant he could not gather with God’s people in the temple.

But then along came Peter and John. They did not have silver or gold, but they had something far more valuable: a living connection to the resurrected Jesus. As they healed the man in Jesus’ name, his legs started working. He was able to walk and jump. And at last he could praise God in the place that had been off-limits to him: the temple courts.

This man’s healing was a sign that the resurrection of Jesus, which we celebrated earlier this month, had really happened. It was also a sign of God’s continuing re-creation work to come.

O God, we want healing and new life in Jesus’ name. We want Jesus! Thank you for all the ways in which his resurrection can bring renewal in our lives and in your world. Amen.

使徒行传 2:41-47

于是，领受他话的人就受了洗，那一天，门徒约添了三千人； 都恒心遵守使徒的教训，彼此交接、掰饼、祈祷。

众人都惧怕，使徒又行了许多奇事神迹。 信的人都在一处，凡物公用， 并且卖了田产、家业，照各人所需用的分给各人。 他们天天同心合意恒切地在殿里，且在家中掰饼，存着欢喜、诚实的心用饭， 赞美神，得众民的喜爱。主将得救的人天天加给他们。

4月14日

一张全家福

“都恒心遵守使徒的教训，彼此交接……” - 使徒行传 2:42

在我们家里，壁炉上方的墙上挂着一张全家福。照片里那些微笑着的人之所以在那里，是因为他们出生在这个家庭，或者是通过婚姻进入了这个家庭。

在今天《使徒行传》第2章的经文中，我们发现了另一张全家福。这是一个新建立的家庭，而且正焕发出勃勃生机。这里的人正如使徒所教导的那样委身于耶稣，并且他们也彼此委身，形成了一个耶稣跟随者的团契。他们成为这个新家庭的一员，不是因为自然出生或婚姻关系，而是因为他们在基督里重生了。他们已经重生，藉着圣灵的工作而被带进基督的信仰中。

这正是耶稣与尼哥底母谈话时所指的（《约翰福音》3章）。耶稣当时说，人必须重生，被圣灵感动而信主，才能见神的国。在《使徒行传》第2章的这张全家福中，我们看到了一群早期的重生之人，他们一同吃饭、分享和敬拜。

你在那幅图画里看到你自己了吗？虽然那时你并不在耶路撒冷，但如果你信耶稣，你也属于那个家庭的一份子。作为信徒，你已经藉着圣灵重生，这个家就是你的家。像那些信徒一样，你是一个新造的人，也是神持续恢复祂整个受造界工作的记号！

祷告

神啊，靠着你的恩典，我们也成为了你家里的一员。求你帮助我们珍惜这个家，并像你一样投入心力去建造它。奉耶稣的名，阿们。

Acts 2:41-47

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

A FAMILY PICTURE

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship. . . . —Acts 2:42

In our home we have a family picture on the wall above our fireplace. All of the smiling people in it are there because they were born into our family or they married into it.

In our text today from Acts 2, we find another family picture. It’s a new kind of family, and it is just springing to life. The people here are devoted to Jesus, as taught by the apostles, and they are devoted to one another, forming a fellowship of Jesus’ followers. They are a part of this new family not because they were born or married into it but because they have been reborn in Christ. They have been born again, brought to faith in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit.

That is what Jesus was talking about when he spoke with Nicodemus (John 3). Jesus said then that a person must be born again, moved to faith in the Lord by the Holy Spirit, in order to see the kingdom of God. And in the family picture here in Acts 2 we see an early crowd of these born-again people, eating, sharing, and worshiping together.

Do you see yourself in that picture? Although you weren’t there in Jerusalem at that time, you too are a part of that family if you believe in Jesus. As a believer, you have been born again by the Holy Spirit, and this family is your family. Like those believers, you are a new creation and a sign of God’s continuing work to restore his whole creation!

By your grace, O God, we too are a part of your family. Help us to cherish this family and to invest in its life, as you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

使徒行传 2:1-41

五旬节到了，门徒都聚集在一处。 忽然，从天上有响声下来，好像一阵大风吹过，充满了他们所坐的屋子； 又有舌头如火焰显现出来，分开落在他们各人头上。 他们就都被圣灵充满，按着圣灵所赐的口才说起别国的话来。

那时，有虔诚的犹太人从天下各国来，住在耶路撒冷。 这声音一响，众人都来聚集，各人听见门徒用众人的乡谈说话，就甚纳闷， 都惊讶稀奇说：“看哪，这说话的不都是加利利人吗？ 我们各人怎么听见他们说我们生来所用的乡谈呢？ 我们帕提亚人、玛代人、以拦人和住在美索不达米亚、犹太、加帕多家、本都、亚细亚、 弗吕家、旁非利亚、埃及的人，并靠近古利奈的利比亚一带地方的人，从罗马来的客旅中或是犹太人、或是进犹太教的人， 克里特和阿拉伯人，都听见他们用我们的乡谈，讲说神的大作为！” 众人就都惊讶猜疑，彼此说：“这是什么意思呢？” 还有人讥诮说：“他们无非是新酒灌满了！”

彼得和十一个使徒站起，高声说：“犹太人和一切住在耶路撒冷的人哪，这件事你们当知道，也当侧耳听我的话。 你们想这些人是醉了，其实不是醉了，因为时候刚到巳初。 这正是先知约珥所说的： ‘神说：在末后的日子，我要将我的灵浇灌凡有血气的，你们的儿女要说预言，你们的少年人要见异象，老年人要做异梦。 在那些日子，我要将我的灵浇灌我的仆人和使女，他们就要说预言。 在天上我要显出奇事，在地下我要显出神迹，有血，有火，有烟雾。 日头要变为黑暗，月亮要变为血，这都在主大而明显的日子未到以前。 到那时候，凡求告主名的，就必得救。’ 以色列人哪，请听我的话：神藉着拿撒勒人耶稣在你们中间施行异能、奇事、神迹，将他证明出来，这是你们自己知道的。 他既按着神的定旨、先见被交于人，你们就藉着无法之人的手，把他钉在十字架上杀了。 神却将死的痛苦解释了，叫他复活，因为他原不能被死拘禁。 大卫指着他说：‘我看见主常在我眼前，他在我右边，叫我不至于摇动。 所以我心里欢喜，我的灵[a]快乐，并且我的肉身要安居在指望中； 因你必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫你的圣者见朽坏。 你已将生命的道路指示我，必叫我因见你的面[b]得着满足的快乐。’ 弟兄们，先祖大卫的事，我可以明明地对你们说，他死了，也葬埋了，并且他的坟墓直到今日还在我们这里。 大卫既是先知，又晓得神曾向他起誓，要从他的后裔中立一位坐在他的宝座上， 就预先看明这事，讲论基督复活说：他的灵魂不撇在阴间，他的肉身也不见朽坏。 这耶稣，神已经叫他复活了，我们都为这事作见证。 他既被神的右手高举[c]，又从父受了所应许的圣灵，就把你们所看见、所听见的浇灌下来。 大卫并没有升到天上，但自己说：‘主对我主说：“你坐在我的右边， 等我使你仇敌做你的脚凳。”’ 故此，以色列全家当确实地知道：你们钉在十字架上的这位耶稣，神已经立他为主、为基督了。”

众人听见这话，觉得扎心，就对彼得和其余的使徒说：“弟兄们，我们当怎样行？” 彼得说：“你们各人要悔改，奉耶稣基督的名受洗，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵。 因为这应许是给你们和你们的儿女，并一切在远方的人，就是主我们神所召来的。” 彼得还用许多话作见证，劝勉他们说：“你们当救自己脱离这弯曲的世代！” 于是，领受他话的人就受了洗，那一天，门徒约添了三千人；

4月13日

彼得，新造的人

“彼得和十一个使徒站起，高声说……” - 使徒行传 2:14

神能用我成就什么美事吗？

当我们觉得自己似乎已无可救药时，可能会问这个问题。我们看着自己的缺陷和错误，不禁怀疑神怎么可能还会为成就祂的旨意来使用我们。

在今天的经文中，我们看到彼得正在向聚集在耶路撒冷庆祝年度丰收节期的人群讲道。就是这个彼得，大约50天前，曾三次撒谎，说他根本不认识耶稣（《马可福音 》4:66-72）。但现在彼得已经回转了，因为复活的耶稣曾在加利利海边向他显现（《约翰福音》21:15-19）。在经文中我们读到，彼得和其他使徒此刻都被圣灵充满了。

彼得成了一个新造的人，在这种“在基督里”的新状态中，彼得的生命指向了万物的重塑。

那个曾经只是鲁莽冲动的彼得，变成了智慧的传道者彼得。早先他并不明白先知关于弥赛亚的信息，但现在他讲得既清晰又切中要害。曾经，彼得的热情只是脱口而出的冲动；但现在，他的热情布道，既能使人知罪又向人发出邀请！

神所做的工作就是医治人，将恩典浇灌在他们身上，并重新差派（recommissioning）他们。这也包括你和我，主看见你，爱你，并且对你有计划。信靠祂吧。

祷告

天父，求你继续在我们里面做成你的善工，为了你的荣耀和世界的福分重塑我们。求你帮助我们看见你正在做的事，并欢喜地、全然地、满怀盼望地事奉你。阿们。

Acts 2:1-41

MONDAY, APRIL 13

PETER, A NEW CREATION

Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd. . . . —Acts 2:14

Can God do anything good with me?

We might ask this question when we feel as if we are beyond God’s help. We see our flaws and mistakes, and we wonder how God could even want to use us for his purposes.

In our text today we see Peter preaching to the crowds that are gathered in Jerusalem for the annual harvest celebration. This is the same Peter who, about 50 days earlier, had lied three times about Jesus, saying that he didn’t know Jesus at all (Mark 14:66-72).

But now Peter was restored, since the resurrected Jesus had met with him at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15-19). And in today’s text we read that Peter and the other apostles were now filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peter became a new creation, and in this new state of being “in Christ,” Peter’s life pointed to the remaking of all creation.

The merely brash Peter became the wise preacher Peter. Earlier he had not understood the prophets’ message about the Messiah, but now he was clear and on point. At one time Peter’s passion simply blurted. But now in his passion he could convict and invite!

God is in the business of healing people, pouring grace into them, and recommissioning them. This includes me and you. The Lord sees you, loves you, and has plans for you. Trust him.

Heavenly Father, continue your good work in us, remaking us for your glory and the blessing of the world. Help us to see what you are doing, and to serve you gladly, fully, and hopefully. Amen.

约翰福音 21:15-19

他们吃完了早饭，耶稣对西门彼得说：“约翰[a]的儿子西门，你爱我比这些更深吗？”彼得说：“主啊，是的，你知道我爱你。”耶稣对他说：“你喂养我的小羊。” 耶稣第二次又对他说：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我吗？”彼得说：“主啊，是的，你知道我爱你。”耶稣说：“你牧养我的羊。” 第三次对他说：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我吗？”彼得因为耶稣第三次对他说“你爱我吗”，就忧愁，对耶稣说：“主啊，你是无所不知的，你知道我爱你。”耶稣说：“你喂养我的羊。 我实实在在地告诉你：你年少的时候，自己束上带子，随意往来；但年老的时候，你要伸出手来，别人要把你束上，带你到不愿意的地方。” 耶稣说这话，是指着彼得要怎样死荣耀神。说了这话，就对他说：“你跟从我吧！”

4月12日

彼得的新使命

“（耶稣）就对（彼得）说：‘你跟从我吧！’” - 约翰福音 21:19

彼得曾犯过一些令人伤痛的错误。今天的经文向我们显明了耶稣是如何温柔地处理这些错误的。

在耶稣被捕和受难之前，彼得曾经承诺绝不会不认主或离弃耶稣。他甚至说过：“我愿意为你舍命！”（《约翰福音》13:37；参阅《马可福音》14:31）。然而，就在耶稣被捕后不久，彼得三次否认自己认识耶稣（《马可福音》14:66-72；《约翰福音》18:15-27）。他害怕与耶稣扯上关系。

主耶稣死而复活之后，多次与包括彼得在内的门徒见面—而在今天的经文中，他与门徒在加利利海边。耶稣来到这个曾经三次不认主的彼得面前，三次问他这个问题：“你爱我吗？”每一次，彼得都回答“是的”。接着，每一次耶稣都嘱咐他要牧养祂的羊。

就这样，彼得的“三次不认主”被满有恩典地赦免了，而且更被肯定地重新差派了职份。耶稣甚至对彼得重申了三年前初次呼召门徒时所说的话：“跟从我！”（参阅《马可福音》1:17）就好像彼得的那些否认从未发生过一样。

彼得的回转向我们表明，若有人在基督里，不仅会有新的创造，也会有新的使命：就是在我们当下的处境和生活中，跟随耶稣进入祂呼召我们去做的任何工作中。

旧事已过，都变成新的了！

祷告

主耶稣，求赐给我们眼光，看见你今天呼召我们进入的领域，并引导我们顺服。奉你的名，并心怀对新创造的盼望，阿们。

John 21:15-19

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

PETER’S NEW COMMISSION

Then [Jesus] said to [Peter], “Follow me!” —John 21:19

Peter had made some hurtful mistakes. And our text for today shows how Jesus gently addressed them.

Before Jesus was arrested and crucified, Peter had promised never to disown or abandon Jesus. He had even said, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37; see Mark 14:31). But then, soon after Jesus was arrested, Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus (Mark 14:66-72; John 18:15- 27). He was afraid to be connected with Jesus.

After his death and resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples, including Peter, several times—and in our text for today he is with the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Three times Jesus approaches Peter, the three-time denier, with this question: “Do you love me?” And each time Peter says yes. Then Jesus tells him, each time, to care for his sheep.

Just like that, Peter’s denials are graciously forgiven, and Peter is powerfully recommissioned. Jesus even repeats to Peter what he had said to his disciples when he had first called them three years earlier: “Follow me!” (see Mark 1:17). It’s as if Peter’s denials had never happened.

Peter’s restoration shows us that if anyone is in Christ, there is not only a new creation but also a new commission: to follow Jesus into whatever work he calls us to in our context, in our lives.

The old has gone. The new has come!

Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see what you are calling us into today, and guide us to obey. In your name, and in the hope of the new creation, Amen.

哥林多后书 5:16-17

所以，我们从今以后，不凭着外貌[a]认人了。虽然凭着外貌认过基督，如今却不再这样认他了。 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了。

4月11日

思想主日敬拜

“若有人在基督里，他就是新创造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了！” - 哥林多后书 5:17

明天是星期日，全世界许多基督徒都会去教会参加敬拜聚会。另一些人可能会在家里或其他私密场所聚会，特别是在不允许公开敬拜的地方。

在我居住的北美，我们很蒙福，能够拥有许多教会，在那里神的话语被宣讲，耶稣的好消息是核心。这些教会群体帮助信徒在日常生活中专注于爱主和爱邻舍。

如果你属于这样的教会，你可能每周都会在那里见到朋友和家人，以及其他那些曾经在艰难时刻支持你；在快乐时刻与你一同庆祝的人。

你可能会看到成群的老年人、中年父母和青少年彼此互动。你也可能会见到孩子们在走廊里跑跑跳跳，释放精力。可能还会有一个家庭正在庆祝洗礼或纪念日。

那里也会有一些可能与你意见不合的人—比如针对某个事工项目或敬拜中使用的音乐类型，但你已经学会了在神的大家庭中，尽管有这些差异，仍能够和睦相处。

在这一切中，你会看到一群新造的人的聚集，他们的信心有时刚强，有时软弱，但这信心标志着他们是“在基督里”的。在他们身上，你会看到神正在开启一个新的创造，即重塑祂那破碎的世界。

祷告

主啊，所有在你家中的人，都是在基督里新造的人。愿我们忠心地一同敬拜你，并看见你在动工，不断地重新创造你的世界。阿们。

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

THINKING ABOUT SUNDAY WORSHIP

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17

Tomorrow is Sunday, and many Christians throughout the world will attend a worship service at their church. Others may meet in homes or other private places, especially if public worship is not allowed.

In North America, where I live, we are blessed to have many churches where the Word of God is preached and the good news of Jesus is central. These church communities help believers focus on loving the Lord and loving their neighbors in their everyday living.

If you are part of a church like that, you probably see friends and family members there each week, along with others who have been there to support you in tough times and to celebrate with you in happy times.

You may see clusters of older folks, middle-age parents, and teens interacting with each other. And you’ll probably see children running off steam in the hallways. There may also be a family group celebrating a baptism or an anniversary.

There will also be some people you might not agree with—say, over a ministry program or the kind of music used in worship —and you’ve learned that in God’s family you can get along, despite such differences.

In all of this you will see a collection of new creations, people whose faith, sometimes strong and sometimes weak, marks them as “in Christ.” And in them you will see that God is building a new creation, the remaking of his broken world.

Lord, all who are in your family are new creations in Christ. May we worship you together faithfully and see you at work, continually re-creating your world. Amen.

哥林多后书 5:16-17

所以，我们从今以后，不凭着外貌[a]认人了。虽然凭着外貌认过基督，如今却不再这样认他了。 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了。

4月10日

奇普：新造的人

“若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了！” - 哥林多后书 5:17

奇普已经变成了一个老人，当他回到自己长大的小镇时，几乎没人认得出他来。这并不是因为他的长相变得有多不同，不，这些年来他一直有回来探望。他一直和高中认识的人保持联系，大家对彼此老去的容颜都很熟悉。

奇普的不同之处在于他的性格变了。以前，正如有些人称呼他的那样，他是个“刁钻的机灵鬼”。他会回到镇上，和当地人混在一起，等待合适的时机，然后用一种带刺的方式，说些关于政治、宗教或其他方面的话。接着，趁大家开始互相争吵时，他就离开了。他似乎很享受挑起分歧。

但现在奇普变了。他得知癌症很快就要夺去他的生命，而且，他在自家附近的社区事工中遇见了耶稣。所以，当他这次回到镇上时，已经是一个改变了的人。虽然他老了，但他也是新的。他仁慈、慷慨、充满歉意。他称自己为耶稣的朋友。大家都对此议论纷纷。多么奇妙的改变啊！

即使身体正在走向死亡，奇普却是一个新造的人。他是“在基督里”。

奇普也是基督复活的一个回响，是神那宏大工程的开始—神要进行一个新的创造，让所有“在基督里”的人都能与祂永远同住！

祷告

神啊，我们赞美你，因你在基督里使我们更新，并使我们成为你新创造计划的一部分。求你帮助我们忠心地为你而活。阿们。

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

CHIP: A NEW CREATION

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17

Chip had become an old man, and when he returned to the small town where he had grown up, hardly anyone recognized him.

It wasn’t because he looked so different. No, he’d been back to visit throughout the years. He had kept up with people he’d known in high school, and they were familiar with each other’s aging appearance.

What was different about Chip was that his character had changed. He had always been a “clever devil,” as some called him. He would come to town, hang out with the locals, wait for the right opportunity, and then say something political or religious or something else in a thorny way. Then he’d leave as people started bickering with one another. He seemed to enjoy stirring up disagreement.

But now Chip was different. He’d learned that cancer was going to take his life soon. And he’d met Jesus through a local ministry in his neighborhood.

So he came back to town a changed man. Though he was old, he was new. He was kind. Generous. Apologetic. He called himself a friend of Jesus. Everyone talked about it. What an amazing change!

Chip was a new creation, even as his body was dying. He was “in Christ.”

Chip was also an echo of Christ’s resurrection, the beginning of God’s big project of making a new creation where all who are “in Christ” can live with him forever!

God, we praise you for making us new in Christ and for making us a part of your new creation plan. Help us to live faithfully for you. Amen.

哥林多后书 5:16-17

所以，我们从今以后，不凭着外貌[a]认人了。虽然凭着外貌认过基督，如今却不再这样认他了。 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了。

4月9日

信心的眼睛

“若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了！” - 哥林多后书 5:17

当耶稣复活时，人们需要一双新的眼睛才能清楚地、真实地看见他。

马利亚只看见一个园丁，直到耶稣叫了她的名字（《约翰福音》20:16）。以马忤斯路上的那两个门徒只看见一个不知情的过路人，直到耶稣与他们一同擘饼（《路加福音》24:30-31）。

后来，作为逼迫耶稣跟随者的头号人物扫罗（保罗），他的眼睛也被开启了。他被天上射来的强光拦住，并听见耶稣的声音说：“你为什么逼迫我？”（《使徒行传》9:3-6）。扫罗领受了信心的眼睛，使他能真正地看出耶稣就是主、是救主。

在今天的经文中，这位后来成为耶稣宣教士的保罗宣告说：我们现在看别人的眼光也可以不再一样了。因着耶稣，我们可以看见，所有“在基督里”的人都是新造的人（New Creation）。每一个信徒的重生，都在回应着基督复活的神迹。

不仅如此，当我们看见一个“在基督里”的人，一个新造的人，这是一个记号，表明神正在做一件更大的事—就是荣耀地重塑祂的整个受造界。这就是其他经文所描述的新天新地的降临（《以赛亚书》65:17；《启示录》21:1）！

所以，当有人信了基督，我们在那个人身上就看到了新的创造。这就提醒了我们神那持续进行的“新创造工程”，这工程正是由耶稣复活的神迹所启动的！

祷告

噢，神啊，求赐给我们信心的眼睛，像保罗一样看见你那正在进行的新创造之工。愿我们看见、欢喜、向你献上赞美，并活在那确据之中。阿们。

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

FAITH EYES

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17

When Jesus came back to life, the people who saw him required new eyes to see him clearly, truly.

Mary saw only a gardener until Jesus spoke her name (John 20:16). The two disciples from Emmaus saw only a clueless traveler until Jesus broke bread with them (Luke 24:30-31).

Later, Saul (Paul), a leading persecutor of Jesus’ followers, had his eyes opened too. He was stopped by a blinding light from heaven, and he heard the voice of Jesus saying, “Why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:3-6). Saul received eyes of faith so that he could see Jesus truly as the Lord and Savior.

In our text for today Paul, who became a missionary for Jesus, declares that we can see other people differently now too. Because of Jesus, we can see that all who are “in Christ” are a new creation. The rebirth of every believer echoes the miracle of Christ’s resurrection.

And there’s more. When we see an “in Christ” person, a new creation, it’s a sign that God is up to something bigger— a glorious remaking of his whole creation. This is what other texts have described as the coming of a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1)!

So when someone comes to faith in Christ, we see in that person a new creation. And this is a reminder of God’s continuing project of making a new creation, launched by the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection!

O God, give us eyes of faith to see your ongoing work of new creation as Paul did. May we see, rejoice, give you praise, and live in that confidence. Amen.

约翰福音 20:19-23

那日，就是七日的第一日晚上，门徒所在的地方，因怕犹太人，门都关了。耶稣来站在当中，对他们说：“愿你们平安！” 说了这话，就把手和肋旁指给他们看。门徒看见主，就喜乐了。 耶稣又对他们说：“愿你们平安！父怎样差遣了我，我也照样差遣你们。” 说了这话，就向他们吹一口气，说：“你们受圣灵！ 你们赦免谁的罪，谁的罪就赦免了；你们留下谁的罪，谁的罪就留下了。”

4月8日

耶稣的气息

“说了这话，就向他们吹一口气，说：‘你们受圣灵！’” - 约翰福音 20:22

死人是不呼吸，而且绝对不可能呼出那种能流入别人里面的生命！

就在几天前，耶稣才刚“断了气”（《路加福音》23:46），周围的人都以为他就到此为止了。但在这《约翰福音》20章，我们读到耶稣在周日清晨复活了；而且就在那一天的晚上，他正将圣灵的气息吹进他的门徒里面。

你听说过美国黄石国家公园里的“老忠实”（Old Faithful）间歇泉吗？它的水柱能喷射到130英尺（40米）的高空！我们也可以把耶稣的气息想像成类似间歇泉的样子—一个生命的喷泉。

你看过热带森林中幼嫩竹子的照片或视频吗？在酷热的环境下，它们生长得如此快，你甚至几乎能听到它们拔节生长的声音。当地球提供养分时，竹子就迸发出勃勃生机。在某种程度上，耶稣的气息也像那样迸发出生命。

你参加过尊崇那位宇宙的主与神—圣父、圣子和圣灵—的敬拜聚会吗？耶稣的跟随者们，在这堕落、破碎的世界中，竭力为救主而活，他们聚集敬拜这位创造主，并彼此分享耶稣的气息。他赐下气息，他们便领受生命。更新。复兴。

当耶稣激励（Inspire，原意为“吹入”）神的子民去分享祂的爱，并将盼望带到神世界的每一个角落时，耶稣复活的回响便连绵不绝。

祷告

主耶稣，求你向我们吹气。差遣你的灵临到我们。求你赐予活力、唤醒并差派我们，正如你当年对门徒所做的一样。阿们。

John 20:19-23

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

JESUS’ BREATH

He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” —John 20:22

Dead people don’t breathe. And they surely don’t breathe life that flows into others!

Just a few days earlier, Jesus had “breathed his last” (Luke 23:46), and everyone around him had assumed that was the end of him. But here, in John 20, we read about Jesus coming back to life, early on Sunday morning, and in the evening of that day he was breathing the life of his Holy Spirit into his disciples.

Have you heard of the geyser “Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park (U.S.)? The water shoots 130 feet (40 meters) into the air! We can think of Jesus’ breath too as something like a geyser, a geyser of life.

Have you seen pictures or watched videos of young bamboo plants in a tropical forest? In the searing heat they grow so fast that you can almost hear them stretch. As the earth provides nutrients, the bamboo plant pushes out vegetation. In some ways like that, Jesus’ breath pushes out life.

Have you been to a worship service that honors the Lord and God of the universe—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Followers of Jesus, striving to live for the Savior in a fallen, broken world, come to worship the King of creation and to share Jesus’ breath with one another. He gives it, and they receive life. Renewal. Revival.

The resurrection of Jesus keeps echoing as he inspires God’s people to share his love and bring hope everywhere in God’s world.

Breathe on us, Lord Jesus. Send us your Spirit. Enliven, awaken, and commission us, as you did with your disciples. Amen.

路加福音 24:13-35

正当那日，门徒中有两个人往一个村子去。这村子名叫以马忤斯，离耶路撒冷约有二十五里。 他们彼此谈论所遇见的这一切事。 正谈论相问的时候，耶稣亲自就近他们，和他们同行， 只是他们的眼睛迷糊了，不认识他。 耶稣对他们说：“你们走路彼此谈论的是什么事呢？”他们就站住，脸上带着愁容。 二人中有一个名叫革流巴的回答说：“你在耶路撒冷作客，还不知道这几天在那里所出的事吗？” 耶稣说：“什么事呢？”他们说：“就是拿撒勒人耶稣的事。他是个先知，在神和众百姓面前说话行事都有大能， 祭司长和我们的官府竟把他解去，定了死罪，钉在十字架上。 但我们素来所盼望、要赎以色列民的就是他。不但如此，而且这事成就，现在已经三天了。 再者，我们中间有几个妇女使我们惊奇，她们清早到了坟墓那里， 不见他的身体，就回来告诉我们说看见了天使显现，说他活了。 又有我们的几个人往坟墓那里去，所遇见的正如妇女们所说的，只是没有看见他。” 耶稣对他们说：“无知的人哪，先知所说的一切话，你们的心信得太迟钝了！ 基督这样受害，又进入他的荣耀，岂不是应当的吗？” 于是从摩西和众先知起，凡经上所指着自己的话，都给他们讲解明白了。

将近他们所去的村子，耶稣好像还要往前行， 他们却强留他，说：“时候晚了，日头已经平西了，请你同我们住下吧！”耶稣就进去，要同他们住下。 到了坐席的时候，耶稣拿起饼来，祝谢了，掰开，递给他们。 他们的眼睛明亮了，这才认出他来。忽然耶稣不见了。 他们彼此说：“在路上他和我们说话，给我们讲解圣经的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的吗？” 他们就立时起身，回耶路撒冷去。正遇见十一个使徒和他们的同人聚集在一处， 说：“主果然复活，已经现给西门看了。” 两个人就把路上所遇见和掰饼的时候怎么被他们认出来的事，都述说了一遍。

4月7日

我希望我能看得更清楚

“他们的眼睛明亮了，这才认出他来。忽然耶稣不见了。” - 路加福音 24:31

我常希望我能看得更清楚。

我希望能面对面看见耶稣。

在必须做出决定时，我希望能看清神的旨意。

我希望能清晰地看见神的能力，好使我有勇气去做正确的事，即使风险看起来巨大。

在今天的经文中，耶稣的那两位跟随者得到了一份礼物，就是看见旧约圣经是如何指向耶稣和他的复活的—他们甚至亲眼看见了复活的耶稣！对他们来说，这是多么奇妙的一天！

讽刺意味的是，正当他们开始看出在他们面前擘饼的人，其实就是主耶稣自己时，耶稣却消失了。因此，即使没有面对面看见耶稣，他们仍必须继续相信并忠心地行事。看着那两个门徒的回应真是一件乐事：他们充满信心地跑回耶路撒冷，向其他门徒报告他们的所见所闻。

说实话，耶稣邀请我们所有看不见他的人，依然要活在他的同在中，就像他正与我们同在、一同擘饼一样。毕竟，他确实应许过，他常与我们同在（《马太福音》28:20）。当我们藉着圣灵的大能活在他的同在中，我们就能见证神在我们里面那“新创造”的真实——这新创造是随着耶稣的复活而启动的。

祷告

主啊，若没有你的灵，复活的消息就仅仅是空话。求你将你的灵浇灌在我们身上，使我们能明白你复活的意义，并使我们现在和将来都能凭着对你的信心而活。阿们。

Luke 24:13-35

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

I WISH I COULD SEE BETTER

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. —Luke 24:31

I often wish I could see better.

I wish I could see Jesus face-to-face.

I wish I could see God’s will for a decision I have to make.

I wish I could see God’s power so clearly that I have courage to do what is right even when the risks seem immense.

The two followers of Jesus in our text for today received the gift of seeing how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to Jesus and his resurrection—and they even saw the resurrected Jesus himself! What an amazing day for them!

Ironically, just as they began to see that the person breaking the bread before them was actually the Lord himself, Jesus disappeared. So they had to continue to believe and act faithfully even when they didn’t see Jesus face to face. It’s a joy to see those two disciples respond by making a faithfilled run back to Jerusalem to report to the other disciples what they had seen and heard.

Truth be told, Jesus invites all of us who don’t see him to live in his presence anyway, as if he is with us, breaking the bread. He does promise, after all, that he is with us always (Matthew 28:20). And as we live in his presence, by the power of God’s Spirit, we can testify to the reality of God’s new creation in us, launched with Jesus’ resurrection.

Without your Spirit, Lord, the news of the resurrection is just words. So pour out your Spirit on us, that we may understand the meaning of your resurrection and live with faith in you today and always. Amen.

以赛亚书 35；约翰福音 20:11-18

旷野和干旱之地必然欢喜，沙漠也必快乐，又像玫瑰开花。 必开花繁盛，乐上加乐，而且欢呼。黎巴嫩的荣耀，并迦密与沙仑的华美，必赐给它。人必看见耶和华的荣耀，我们神的华美。

你们要使软弱的手坚壮，无力的膝稳固， 对胆怯的人说：“你们要刚强，不要惧怕！看哪，你们的神必来报仇，必来施行极大的报应，他必来拯救你们。”

那时瞎子的眼必睁开，聋子的耳必开通。 那时瘸子必跳跃像鹿，哑巴的舌头必能歌唱。在旷野必有水发出，在沙漠必有河涌流。 发光的沙[a]要变为水池，干渴之地要变为泉源。在野狗躺卧之处，必有青草、芦苇和蒲草。 在那里必有一条大道，称为“圣路”。污秽人不得经过，必专为赎民行走，行路的人虽愚昧也不致失迷。 在那里必没有狮子，猛兽也不登这路，在那里都遇不见，只有赎民在那里行走。 并且耶和华救赎的民必归回，歌唱来到锡安，永乐必归到他们的头上。他们必得着欢喜快乐，忧愁叹息尽都逃避。

马利亚却站在坟墓外面哭。哭的时候，低头往坟墓里看， 就见两个天使，穿着白衣，在安放耶稣身体的地方坐着，一个在头，一个在脚。 天使对她说：“妇人，你为什么哭？”她说：“因为有人把我主挪了去，我不知道放在哪里。” 说了这话，就转过身来，看见耶稣站在那里，却不知道是耶稣。 耶稣问她说：“妇人，为什么哭？你找谁呢？”马利亚以为是看园的，就对他说：“先生，若是你把他移了去，请告诉我你把他放在哪里，我便去取他。” 耶稣说：“马利亚！”马利亚就转过来，用希伯来话对他说：“拉波尼！”（“拉波尼”就是“夫子”的意思。） 耶稣说：“不要摸我，因我还没有升上去见我的父。你往我弟兄那里去，告诉他们说我要升上去见我的父，也是你们的父，见我的神，也是你们的神。” 抹大拉的马利亚就去告诉门徒说：“我已经看见了主！”她又将主对她说的这话告诉他们。

4月6日

新的眼睛

“耶稣问她说：‘妇人，为什么哭？你找谁呢？’” - 约翰福音 20:15

在《以赛亚书》35章中，神赐给祂的百姓一个关于受造界完全恢复的异象。祂的荣耀将会显现，沙漠将变成郁郁葱葱、繁花盛开的花园。一条“圣路”将贯穿其中—这是一条让神的百姓通往祂面前的大道。在那条路上欢唱的百姓中，瘸子跳跃，哑巴欢呼，聋子能听见，瞎子能看见。

这些关于人的感官和残疾的细节，是否也跟以一种新的方式理解和看见主有关？特别是当主藉着复活赐给我们新生命的时候。我认为是这样的。当我们遇见神，当我们以意想不到的方式遇见耶稣时，我们信心的眼睛和耳朵就能以未曾经历过的方式去观看和聆听。

请留意，在耶稣复活的那天，虽然马利亚能看也能听，但当耶稣呼唤她的名字时，她的眼睛才以一种新的方式被开启。她清楚经历了耶稣单独向她显现，这帮助她明白了神正在做什么。马利亚能够看见活着的耶稣，这就像沙漠开花一样奇妙。

当复活的基督再来时，神所有的子民的眼目都将被开启。在此期间，我们只能看见神工作的一部分，瞥见一些片段，但这已足以让我们拥有信、望和爱。感谢神！

祷告

亲爱的主，求你赐给我们能看的眼和能听的耳，使我们能信靠你，并照着你的呼召来事奉你。愿我们看见你的荣耀，并分享你为更新世界所做的一切。阿们。

Isaiah 35; John 20:11-18

MONDAY, APRIL 6

NEW EYES

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” —John 20:15

In Isaiah 35 God gives his people a vision of a fully restored creation. His glory will appear, and a desert will turn into a lush, blossoming garden. A “Way of Holiness” will stretch through it—a roadway for God’s people to travel into his presence. In the singing crowd of God’s people on that road, the lame are leaping, the mute tongue shouts with joy, the deaf can hear clearly, and the blind are able to see.

Could those details about people’s senses and disabilities relate also to understanding and seeing the Lord in a new way—especially when the Lord gives us new life through his resurrection? I think so. When we encounter God, when we meet Jesus in an unexpected way, our eyes and ears of faith can see and hear in ways we haven’t experienced before.

Notice that on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, although Mary can see and hear, her eyes are opened in a new way as Jesus speaks her name. She receives a clear, personal visit from Jesus that helps her understand what God is up to. Mary is able to see the living Jesus, and it’s like a desert blooming.

When the resurrected Christ comes again, all of God’s people will be given complete sight. In the meantime, we see portions and glimpses of what God is up to—enough to have faith, hope, and love. Thank you, God!

Dear Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear so that we may have faith in you and serve as you call us to. May we see your glory and share about all you are doing to bring renewal. Amen.

路加福音 24:1-8, 36-48

七日的头一日，黎明的时候，那些妇女带着所预备的香料来到坟墓前， 看见石头已经从坟墓滚开了。 她们就进去，只是不见主耶稣的身体。 正在猜疑之间，忽然有两个人站在旁边，衣服放光。 妇女们惊怕，将脸伏地。那两个人就对她们说：“为什么在死人中找活人呢？ 他不在这里，已经复活了。当记念他还在加利利的时候怎样告诉你们， 说：‘人子必须被交在罪人手里，钉在十字架上，第三日复活。’” 她们就想起耶稣的话来，正说这话的时候，耶稣亲自站在他们当中，说：“愿你们平安！” 他们却惊慌害怕，以为所看见的是魂。 耶稣说：“你们为什么愁烦？为什么心里起疑念呢？ 你们看我的手、我的脚，就知道实在是我了。摸我看看！魂无骨无肉，你们看，我是有的。” 说了这话，就把手和脚给他们看。 他们正喜得不敢信，并且稀奇，耶稣就说：“你们这里有什么吃的没有？” 他们便给他一片烧鱼[a]， 他接过来，在他们面前吃了。

耶稣对他们说：“这就是我从前与你们同在之时所告诉你们的话说：摩西的律法、先知的书和诗篇上所记的，凡指着我的话都必须应验。” 于是耶稣开他们的心窍，使他们能明白圣经。 又对他们说：“照经上所写的，基督必受害，第三日从死里复活， 并且人要奉他的名传悔改、赦罪的道，从耶路撒冷起直传到万邦。 你们就是这些事的见证。

4月5日

惊喜！

“他不在这里，已经复活了！当记念他……怎样告诉你们。” - 路加福音 24:6

我还记得第一次走向亚利桑那州大峡谷时的情景。因为听过很多关于大峡谷的事，我以为我大概知道会看到什么。但当我走出国家公园的观光车，走到峡谷边缘，靠在安全栏杆上时，那里的辽阔、色彩，以及到下方河流的深远距离，让我屏住了呼吸！我意识到，虽然我听说过大峡谷，但我并没有真正理解“大峡谷”到底意味着什么。

同样，那些跟随耶稣的门徒和妇女们，虽然曾听他说过关于第三天从死里复活的事，但他们并没有理解真正的意思。所以，当他们在十字架事件后看到空坟墓，以及当他们终于看见活着的耶稣时，他们惊叹不已！这是一个活生生的耶稣，在走动、说话、吃东西，还伸出他受过伤的手给他们看。

今天，教会纪念这令人震撼的惊喜：耶稣的复活。我们谈论它，视其为新创造的开始（以及其他许多意义），而耶稣是那首先从死里复活的。这足以让我们惊叹——不仅是这个神迹本身，还有它所引发的所有其他许多神迹。

祷告

亲爱的神，今天我们阅读并纪念耶稣奇迹般的复活事件。求你帮助我们将其理解为你新创造的启动，并明白它所带来的盼望与喜乐。阿们。

Luke 24:1-8, 36-48

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

SURPRISE!

“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you. . . .” —Luke 24:6

I remember walking up to the Grand Canyon in Arizona for the very first time. I thought I knew what to expect since I had heard so much about the Grand Canyon. But then I stepped out of the national park trolley, walked over to the edge of the canyon, and leaned up against the safety railing. The vastness, the colors, and the distance to the river below took my breath away! I realized that while I had heard about the Grand Canyon, I had not really understood what “Grand Canyon” actually meant.

Similarly, the disciples and the women who had followed Jesus had heard him talk about rising from the dead on the third day, but they had not understood what he had actually meant. So when they saw the empty tomb after the crucifixion, and when they eventually saw Jesus alive again, he took their breath away! Here was the living Jesus, walking and talking, eating food, and holding his damaged hands out for them to see.

Today the church remembers that breathtaking surprise: Jesus’ resurrection. We talk about it as, among other things, the beginning of a new creation, with Jesus being the firstborn from among the dead. It’s enough to take our breath away—the miracle itself, and then all of the many other miracles that it set in motion.

Dear God, today we read and remember the truth about Jesus’ miraculous return to life. Help us to understand it also as a launch of your new creation, and to know the hope and joy that it brings. Amen.

路加福音 23:50-56

有一个人名叫约瑟，是个议士，为人善良公义， 众人所谋所为他并没有附从；他本是犹太亚利马太城里素常盼望神国的人。 这人去见彼拉多，求耶稣的身体。 就取下来，用细麻布裹好，安放在石头凿成的坟墓里，那里头从来没有葬过人。 那日是预备日，安息日也快到了。 那些从加利利和耶稣同来的妇女跟在后面，看见了坟墓和他的身体怎样安放。 她们就回去，预备了香料香膏。她们在安息日便遵着诫命安息了。

4月4日

静候神的预备

“有一个人名叫约瑟……他本是……素常盼望神国的人。” - 路加福音 23:50-51

《圣经》中似乎充满了等待。比如亚伯拉罕和撒拉等候那个应许之子（《创世记》12-18）。

以色列人等候多年才从奴役中得释放（《出埃及记》1-12）。西面、亚拿和其他百姓等候弥赛亚的降临（《路加福音》2:25-38）。希伯来语中有许多关于“等待”的词汇和短语，就像加拿大北部的一些原住民语言有许多描述“雪”的方式一样。在那里，雪是生活的重要组成部分。事实证明，等待也是神子民生活的重要组成部分。

正如我们在经文中读到的，亚利马太的约瑟正在等候神的国。但在这里，令人惊讶的是，他正把耶稣的尸体从十字架上取下来。约瑟原以为耶稣要带来神的国，但现在他死了。如果约瑟想让自己重拾等待的功课，那很可能是一种挫败的、绝望的等待。

想想在那里的妇女们也是如此。她们可能认为耶稣的工作和教导已经化为乌有，只剩下一具需要埋葬的尸体。

但是，当约瑟把耶稣的身体安放在坟墓里，妇女们预备香料膏抹耶稣身体的时候，神正在预备一件新事，要将绝望的等待转化为喜乐与平安。

祷告

父啊，我们知道你结束了这等待。但在我们到达那一刻并开始欢庆之前，让我们先品味这等待，并认出其中熟悉的东西，就是我们自己渴望和等待的经历。感谢你，在基督里，让我们的等待并非没有指望。阿们。

Luke 23:50-56

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

WAITING WHILE GOD PREPARES

There was a man named Joseph . . . and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. —Luke 23:50-51

There seems to be a lot of waiting in Scripture. Abraham and Sarah waited for a promised child (Genesis 12-18).

The Israelites waited for many years to be freed from slavery (Exodus 1-12). Simeon, Anna, and others waited for the Messiah to come (Luke 2:25-38). The Hebrews had many words and phrases for “wait,” just as some Indigenous languages spoken in northern Canada have many ways to describe snow. Snow is a large part of life there. Waiting, it turns out, is a large part of life for God’s people.

As we read in our text, Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the kingdom of God. But here, surprisingly, he was taking the dead body of Jesus down from a cross. Joseph had thought Jesus was bringing in God’s kingdom, but now he was dead. If Joseph could bring himself to pick up the work of waiting again, it would likely have been a defeated, hopeless sort of waiting.

Think of the women there as well. They probably assumed that Jesus’ work and teaching had come to nothing, that there was just a body to bury.

But as Joseph laid Jesus’ body in a tomb and the women prepared spices for Jesus’ burial, God was preparing something new that would change hopeless waiting into joy and peace.

We know that you ended the waiting, Father. But before we go there and rejoice, let us taste the waiting and recognize something familiar in it—our own experiences of longing and waiting. Thank you that, in Christ, we do not wait without hope. Amen.

路加福音 23:44-49

那时约有午正，遍地都黑暗了，直到申初， 日头变黑了，殿里的幔子从当中裂为两半。 耶稣大声喊着说：“父啊，我将我的灵魂交在你手里！”说了这话，气就断了。 百夫长看见所成的事，就归荣耀于神，说：“这真是个义人！” 聚集观看的众人见了这所成的事，都捶着胸回去了。 还有一切与耶稣熟识的人和从加利利跟着他来的妇女们，都远远地站着看这些事。

4月3日

暂时的黑暗

“那时约有午正，遍地都黑暗了，直到申初，日头变黑了。” - 路加福音 23:44-45

当你听到“黑暗”这个词时，你会想到什么？

孩子们常觉得黑暗很可怕，即便长大了，大多数人仍然更喜欢光明。从《创世记》到《启示录》，黑暗代表着任何与神隔绝的空间、时间或现实。在创造之前，“渊面黑暗”（《创世记》1:2）。在《启示录》所描述的末后日子里，黑暗是与神隔绝的迹象之一。

当耶稣挂在十字架上时，黑暗在正午笼罩了大地，而那时本该是太阳最明亮的时候。神离弃了祂的儿子，因为祂正将世人罪恶所带来的一切败坏与丑陋，以及神对此的可畏审判，都担在自己身上。当神与祂的爱子分离时，黑暗降临，耶稣死了。

路加对那一天的记载还提到了另一件令人惊奇的事。圣殿里的幔子—一直以来象征着圣洁的神与不圣洁的百姓之间的隔绝，奇迹般地从上到下裂为两半。我们因罪而与神的隔绝即将结束。这是好事！但这需要一场可怕的黑暗才能成就。

光正在战胜黑暗。神和祂的子民将再次团聚。一个新的创造正在形成！

祷告

噢基督，感谢你使自己变得不配得着神的同在，好叫我们这些真正不配的人，能被算为配得与祂同住。我们在你里面领受了何等珍贵的礼物！阿们。

Luke 23:44-49

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

DARKNESS, FOR NOW

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. —Luke 23:44-45

What do you think of when you hear the word “darkness”?

Children often think of darkness as scary, and when they grow up most of them still prefer the light. From Genesis to Revelation, darkness is whatever space, time, or reality is separate from God. Before creation there was darkness “over the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:2). In the last days, as described in Revelation, darkness is one of the signs of separation from God.

When Jesus hung on the cross, darkness came over the land in the middle of the day, when the sun should have been at its brightest. God had abandoned his Son, who was taking on himself all of the corruption and ugliness of the world’s sin and God’s awful judgment on it. As God separated himself from his beloved Son, darkness descended and Jesus died.

Luke’s account of that day notes another amazing occurrence as well. The curtain in the temple, which had long symbolized the separation of the holy God from his unholy people, was torn in two, miraculously, from top to bottom. Our sin-generated separation from God was coming to an end. That was good! But it took an awful darkness to make that happen.

Light was conquering darkness. God and his people would be together again. A new creation was forming!

O Christ, thank you for making yourself unworthy of God’s presence so that we, who truly are unworthy, can be counted worthy to live with him. What a gift we receive in you! Amen.