启示录 22:12-21

“看哪，我必快来！赏罚在我，要照各人所行的报应他。我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛；我是首先的，我是末后的；我是初，我是终。那些洗净自己衣服的有福了！可得权柄能到生命树那里，也能从门进城。城外有那些犬类、行邪术的、淫乱的、杀人的、拜偶像的，并一切喜好说谎言、编造虚谎的。“我耶稣差遣我的使者为众教会将这些事向你们证明。我是大卫的根，又是他的后裔；我是明亮的晨星。”圣灵和新妇都说：“来！”听见的人也该说：“来！”口渴的人也当来，愿意的都可以白白取生命的水喝。我向一切听见这书上预言的作见证：若有人在这预言上加添什么，神必将写在这书上的灾祸加在他身上；这书上的预言，若有人删去什么，神必从这书上所写的生命树和圣城删去他的份。证明这事的说：“是了，我必快来！”阿们！主耶稣啊，我愿你来！愿主耶稣的恩惠常与众圣徒同在！阿们。

荣美的救主

Lora Copley

在《圣经》中，名字至关重要。在古代，名字不仅仅是一个标签，它往往承载着一个人的本质或性情。知道某人的名字，甚至意味着你对那个人有一种特殊的亲近或联结。

神如此渴望我们能够亲近祂、与祂联结，这实在奇妙！神愿意我们认识祂—尤其是透过祂的儿子耶稣基督。神赐给救主许多名字，每一个名字都显明了祂的身份与作为。

《圣经》中赋予耶稣的名字和描述不计其数。每一个名字都如同钻石的一个切面，以独特而璀璨的方式折射出耶稣基督的光辉。有些名字和描述展现了祂的谦卑，有些彰显了祂的荣耀，还有一些体现了祂与教会的关系。然而，纵然有这许多名字和描述，我们也永远无法认识关于耶稣的全部。愿祂的名受赞美！

作者Lora Copley担任北美基督教改革宗教会（CRCNA）杂志《The Banner》的编辑。她也在爱荷华州立大学的校园事工Areopagus服事。她与丈夫Joel育有四个孩子，他们在爱荷华州埃姆斯市的三一改革宗教会（Trinity CRC）聚会。

10月31日

阿拉法和俄梅戛

“看哪，我必快来！……我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛；我是首先的，我是末后的；我是初，我是终。” - 启示录 22:12-13

这个月我们探索了耶稣的许多名字。还有不少名字我们未曾细思：主、磐石、救赎主、房角石、明亮的晨星等等。

“阿拉法和俄梅戛”这个名字帮助我们思想耶稣那广阔无垠的特质、作为和大能（其中许多已体现在祂的其他名号中）—以及更多。“阿拉法”是希腊文的第一个字母，“俄梅戛”是最后一个字母。正如我们今天经文所暗示的，这个名字帮助我们思想耶稣是“首先的与末后的，创始的与成终的”。换句话说，耶稣是A到Z，是起跑器也是终点线，是万物的创造源头，也是万物所趋的终极目标。祂赋予生命旅途中每个节点和每段经历以意义，而关于耶稣，我们永远有说不尽的奥秘。

在这个月灵修的结尾，我们也像往常一样，面临一个邀请和一个警告。首先是警告，因为耶稣是阿拉法和俄梅戛，所以不可能保持中立。祂是终极的分水岭，我们要么来到祂面前，进入祂平安、奖赏与安息的生命；要么说“谢谢，不必了”，从而与祂隔绝。

但藉着耶稣的邀请，我们可以来到祂面前，得蒙赦免并与神和好，与祂一同进入永恒的新生命。真正的生命始于耶稣基督，终于耶稣基督，并全然维系于耶稣基督！

祷告

主耶稣，你邀请我们“来！…白白取生命的水喝”。我们祈求你，吸引我们归向你。阿们。

Revelation 22:12-21

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

ALPHA AND OMEGA

“Look, I am coming soon! . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” —Revelation 22:12-13

We have explored many names for Jesus this month. There are also many names we haven’t reflected on: Lord, Rock, Redeemer, Cornerstone, Morning Star, and more.

The name Alpha and Omega can help us think of the great span of Jesus’ qualities, works, and abilities (many of which are described in his names)— and much more. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. And, as our text for today suggests, this name helps us to think of Jesus as “the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” In other words, Jesus is the A and the Z, the starting block and the finish line, the source of creation and the goal to which all things head. He gives meaning to each point and experience along the way, and we’ll never exhaust all there is to say about Jesus.

At the close of these devotions, we also encounter, as we have found at other times, an invitation and a warning.

First, the warning. Because Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, it is impossible to be neutral. He is the ultimate dividing line. We can either come to him and enter his life of peace, reward, and rest, or we can say “no thanks” and be separated from him.

But with the gift of his invitation, we can come to Jesus, be forgiven and reconciled with God, and enter a new, full life with him forever. Real life begins and ends with, and hinges on, Jesus Christ!

Lord Jesus, you invite us to “Come! . . . and . . . take the free gift of the water of life.” Draw us to yourself, we pray. Amen.

希伯来书 12:1-3

我们既有这许多的见证人，如同云彩围着我们，就当放下各样的重担，脱去容易缠累我们的罪，存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程， 仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。他因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难，便坐在神宝座的右边。 那忍受罪人这样顶撞的，你们要思想，免得疲倦灰心。

10月30日

信心创始成终者

“我们……存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程，仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。” - 希伯来书 12:1-2

今天所读的经文邀请我们思想，信仰生活乃是一场为我们量身定制的赛程。

谁曾走在我们前面，为我们定制了这条路？是耶稣—信心的先驱（或开拓者）。祂成就了一切，为我们预备了这份伟大的礼物。当我们深陷罪中，如同在黑暗中将灭亡的死人时，祂为我们开辟了道路（《以赛亚书》9:2；《以弗所书》2:1-5）。耶稣使我们的信心苏醒；祂称我们为义，使我们成圣，并在每一次试炼中扶持我们。耶稣为我们照亮前路，必定带领我们平安抵达祂所在之处。正如使徒保罗在《腓立比书》1章6 节中所说的：“那在你们心里动了善工的，必成全这工。”

有些《圣经》译本将耶稣在这里的角色描述为信心的“创始成终者”，这让我想起了我们家中的一些珍贵礼物。我的婆婆和已故的嫂子曾送给我们精美的手工缝被。她们“创始”了这些珍宝—在方格纸上设计图案、挑选颜色、裁剪布料，并缝合在一起。她们也完美地“成终”了这些艺术品—直到最后一针包边。我领受这恩典的礼物，安息在他人早已成就的善工里。

在我们的信仰生活中，我们依靠耶稣已成就的工作。从始至终，我们可以定睛于祂，跟随祂的引领，每一步都依靠祂的引导和祂已完成的工作。

祷告

信心的创始成终者啊，若没有你，我们会在哪里？主啊，求你引领、引导我们，愿我们安息在你里面。阿们。

Hebrews 12:1-3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

PIONEER AND PERFECTER OF FAITH

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1-2

Our reading today invites us to reflect on the life of faith as a race marked out for us.

And who has gone before us to mark it out? Jesus, the pioneer (or trailblazer) of faith.

He did it all, providing this great gift for us. He paved the way when we were so lost in our sin that we were like dead people walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2; Ephesians 2:1-5). He made us alive to faith. He justified us, he sanctified us, and he sustains us through every trial. Jesus lights the way for us, and he will bring us safely through to where he is. As the apostle Paul describes it in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

Some Bible translations describe Jesus’ role here as the “author and finisher” of faith, and that reminds me of some treasured gifts that grace our family’s home. My mother-inlaw and late sister-in-law gifted us with beautiful, handmade quilts. They “authored” these treasures, designing them on graph paper, choosing colors, cutting pieces of fabric, and quilting them together. They also “finished” these artworks beautifully, down to the last binding stitch. I benefit from these gifts of grace, resting under someone else’s finished work.

In our life of faith, we depend on Jesus’ accomplished work. From start to finish, we can fix our eyes on him, following his lead and relying on his guidance and finished work every step of the way.

Pioneer and Perfecter of faith, where would we be without you? Lead and guide us, Lord, and may we rest in you. Amen.

使徒行传 4:5-12

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。”

10月29日

耶稣，救主

“你要给他起名叫耶稣，因他要将自己的百姓从罪恶里救出来。” - 马太福音 1:21

“耶稣”这个名字的意思是“主施行拯救”。这是祂降生、传道、受死、复活和掌权的全部目的，耶稣来是要“拯救他的百姓”。从什么里面救出来呢？《圣经》说得很清楚：“从他们的罪恶里”。

请注意这里没有说什么--没有说耶稣来是为了救我们脱离麻烦、痛苦或无知。没有说耶稣来是为了救我们脱离糟糕的政府、健康问题或家庭破碎。尽管这些事情真实且艰难（耶稣也关心这些），但它们并不是我们最深或最迫切的需要。

我们最大的问题是罪。罪正在毁灭我们，罪是破碎的根源。如果不解决，罪会使我们与神隔绝—直到永远。但是—赞美神！—有一位救主：耶稣！而且祂是唯一的一位。“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”（《使徒行传》4:12）。

耶稣担当了我们罪的刑罚；耶稣的拯救使我们回到神面前。“因为我们作仇敌的时候，且藉着神儿子的死，得与神和好”（《罗马书》5:10）。因此，当我们凭信心呼求耶稣的名，就是在承认我们需要他，以及宣告祂为何而来，耶稣不只是一个帮手、一个榜样或一个向导—“凡靠着他进到神面前的人，他都能拯救到底”（《希伯来书》7:25）。

祷告

耶稣，你是唯一能救我们脱离罪的那位。我们需要你。求你帮助我们认清自己的罪，并认识到你是唯一的拯救者。奉你拯救之名祈祷。阿们。

Acts 4:5-12

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

JESUS, SAVIOR

“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” —Matthew 1:21

The name Jesus means “the Lord saves.” That’s the whole purpose of his birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and reign. He came to “save his people.” From what? Scripture is clear: “from their sins.”

Notice what this does not say. It does not say Jesus came to save us from trouble, pain, or ignorance. It does not say he came to save us from bad governments, health problems, or family breakdowns. As real and hard as these things are (and Jesus cares about them), they do not represent our deepest or most pressing need.

Our greatest problem is sin. Sin is killing us. Sin is the root of brokenness. Unaddressed, sin separates us from God— forever.

But—praise God!—there is a Savior: Jesus! And he is the only one. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Jesus took the punishment for our sin; his rescue brings us back to God. Even “while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).

So, when we say Jesus’ name, in faith, we confess our need for him and why he came. More than just a helper, a good example, or a guide, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).

Jesus, you are the only Savior from sin. We need you. Help us to recognize our sin and that you are the only One who saves. In your saving name we pray. Amen.

马太福音 16:13-17；希伯来书 1:1-3, 8-12

耶稣到了恺撒利亚-腓立比的境内，就问门徒说：“人说我人子是谁？”他们说：“有人说是施洗的约翰，有人说是以利亚，又有人说是耶利米或是先知里的一位。”耶稣说：“你们说我是谁？”西门彼得回答说：“你是基督，是永生神的儿子。”耶稣对他说：“西门．巴约拿，你是有福的，因为这不是属血肉的指示你的，乃是我在天上的父指示的。 神既在古时藉着众先知多次多方地晓谕列祖， 就在这末世藉着他儿子晓谕我们；又早已立他为承受万有的，也曾藉着他创造诸世界。 他是神荣耀所发的光辉，是神本体的真像，常用他权能的命令托住万有。他洗净了人的罪，就坐在高天至大者的右边。 论到子却说：“神啊，你的宝座是永永远远的，你的国权是正直的。 你喜爱公义，恨恶罪恶，所以神，就是你的神，用喜乐油膏你，胜过膏你的同伴。”又说：“主啊，你起初立了地的根基，天也是你手所造的。天地都要灭没，你却要长存；天地都要像衣服渐渐旧了。你要将天地卷起来，像一件外衣，天地就都改变了；唯有你永不改变，你的年数没有穷尽。”

10月28日

神

“耶稣说：‘你们说我是谁？’” - 马太福音 16:15

有些人辩称，《圣经》从未明确教导耶稣是神。还有人认为耶稣只是一位伟大的导师，是贪图权力的基督徒把祂神化了。这纯属无稽之谈。《圣经》对耶稣的身份有清晰的阐述。

耶稣说：“人看见了我，就是看见了父”（《约翰福音》14:9）。祂谈到在创世之前就与父同享荣耀（《约翰福音》17:5）。祂还彰显了自己赦罪的权柄—而这是只有神才能做的事（《路加福音》5:21-24）。

耶稣的听众听明白了，祂的敌人说祂“将自己和神当作平等”（《约翰福音》5:18）。祂的门徒敬拜祂（《马太福音》14:33），而耶稣并没有阻止。

使徒保罗宣告：“神本性一切的丰盛，都有形有体地居住在基督里面”（《歌罗西书》2:9），他还称耶稣为“我们伟大的神和救主耶稣基督”（《提多书》2:13）。约翰认定耶稣是“真神，也是永生”（《约翰一书》5:20）。正如我们今天所读的经文，彼得说：“你是基督，是永生神的儿子。”

我们所读的《希伯来书》经文补充说，耶稣是“神荣耀所发的光辉，是神本体的真像”。父神论到子说：“神啊，你的宝座是永永远远的。”

这些仅仅是几个例子，我们可以相信《圣经》所说的都是真的。耶稣就是神。你说祂是谁呢？

祷告

主耶稣，求你藉着圣灵的大能，帮助我们认清你的真貌。愿我们永远颂赞敬拜你——我们的救主，我们的神。阿们。

Matthew 16:13-17; Hebrews 1:1-3, 8-12

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

GOD

“What about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” —Matthew 16:15

Some people argue that the Bible never clearly teaches that Jesus is God. Some suggest that Jesus was only a great teacher and that Christians who were greedy for power turned him into something more.

Baloney. Scripture is clear about who Jesus is.

Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He spoke of having glory with the Father before creation (John 17:5). He also showed he had the authority to forgive sins—something that only God can do (Luke 5:21-24).

Jesus’ listeners understood. His enemies said he was “making himself equal with God” (John 5:18). His disciples worshiped him (Matthew 14:33), and Jesus did not object.

The apostle Paul declared, “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9), and Paul described him as “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). John identified Jesus as “the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). And as our reading today shows, Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Our Hebrews text adds that Jesus is the “radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” And God the Father says of the Son, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.”

These are just a few examples, and we can believe that what the Bible says is true. Jesus is God. Who do you say he is?

Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit, help us to see who you really are. May we praise and worship you always, our Savior and our God. Amen.

启示录 19:11-16

我观看，见天开了。有一匹白马，骑在马上的称为“诚信真实”，他审判、争战都按着公义。他的眼睛如火焰，他头上戴着许多冠冕，又有写着的名字，除了他自己没有人知道。他穿着溅了血的衣服，他的名称为“神之道”。在天上的众军骑着白马，穿着细麻衣，又白又洁，跟随他。有利剑从他口中出来，可以击杀列国。他必用铁杖辖管他们，并要踹全能神烈怒的酒榨。在他衣服和大腿上有名写着说：“万王之王，万主之主。”

10月27日

万王之王

“在他衣服和大腿上有名写着说：‘万王之王，万主之主。’” - 启示录 19:16

你有没有见过宏大到无法一览无遗的景象？我在大峡谷就有过这种体验—深达一英里，宽约十八英里（二十九公里），长达二百七十五英里（四百四十三公里）—那宏大的规模令人眩晕。这个自然奇观的壮丽与美景吸引着我们，但如果我们轻慢对待，它也暗藏危险。

《启示录》19 章的真理在某些方面与此相似。耶稣以一连串触目惊心的名字显现：诚信真实、神之道、万王之王、万主之主—甚至还有一个除了祂以外无人知晓的名字。

正如《启示录》19 章其余部分，用生动且具有象征意义的意象所展示的，主耶稣制止了邪恶势力，以及敌对神国度与子民的谎言和欺骗（另见《启示录》13 章）。邪恶及其强大势力绝非万王之王、万主之主的对手。祂戴着“许多冠冕”，拥有一切权柄。祂的话语比任何利剑都锋利，没有任何暴君或恶魔的权势能定下终局—唯有耶稣，掌管一切。

我们无法完全领会祂，当我们意识到耶稣的伟大超乎我们的想像时，我们会以敬畏和尊崇来回应—或者陷入极度的恐惧。为什么？因为耶稣既是审判者，也是救主。祂有能力拯救所有信靠祂名的人，也有能力击败所有抵挡祂的良善、慈爱与怜悯的人。

你是否已经遇见了这位万主之主？祂渴望你与祂一同享受永生！

祷告

君王耶稣，求你统治我们，以你的生命和爱充满我们。求你帮助我们向他人传扬你的伟大和你拯救的大能。阿们。

Revelation 19:11-16

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27

KING OF KINGS

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. —Revelation 19:16

Have you ever seen a sight so big that you couldn’t fully take it in? I experienced that at the Grand Canyon—a mile deep, 18 miles (29 km) across, and 275 miles (443 km) long—the sheer size of it is dizzying. The greatness and beauty of this natural wonder can draw us in, but it can be dangerous if we approach it carelessly.

The truths of Revelation 19 are in some ways like that. Jesus appears with a series of striking names: Faithful and True, Word of God, King of kings, Lord of lords—even a name that no one else knows.

As the rest of Revelation 19 shows with vivid, symbolic imagery, the Lord Jesus stops the powers of evil and its lying, cheating work against the kingdom of God and his people (see also Revelation 13). Evil and its powerful forces are no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. He has “many crowns” and all authority. His Word is sharper than any sword. No tyrant or demonic power gets the last word. Jesus does.

We cannot fully take him in, and when we recognize that Jesus’ greatness is beyond our imagining, we respond with awe and worship—or with paralyzing fear. Why? Because Jesus is both Judge and Savior. He has the power to save all who believe in his name, and he has the power to defeat all who oppose his goodness, love, and mercy.

Have you encountered the Lord of lords? He wants you to enjoy life with him forever!

King Jesus, rule us, filling us with your life and love. Help us to tell others of your greatness and your power to save. Amen.

启示录 19:11-16

我观看，见天开了。有一匹白马，骑在马上的称为“诚信真实”，他审判、争战都按着公义。他的眼睛如火焰，他头上戴着许多冠冕，又有写着的名字，除了他自己没有人知道。他穿着溅了血的衣服，他的名称为“神之道”。在天上的众军骑着白马，穿着细麻衣，又白又洁，跟随他。有利剑从他口中出来，可以击杀列国。他必用铁杖辖管他们，并要踹全能神烈怒的酒榨。在他衣服和大腿上有名写着说：“万王之王，万主之主。”

10月26日

诚信真实

“我观看，见天开了。有一匹白马，骑在马上的称为诚信真实……” - 启示录 19:11

最初收到《启示录》的基督徒，正面临着巨大的压力和迫害，被迫放弃对耶稣的信仰，也正在失去财产和生计，有些人甚至面临公开处决。

在《启示录》第 2-3 章中，复活的、被高举的耶稣对众教会说话，我们常听到祂呼吁信徒要紧守岗位，即使相信祂会带来苦难也要“得胜”。因此，在这卷书的末尾，听到耶稣被称为“诚信真实”，对于那些正面临极大不确定性和恐惧时期的基督徒来说，必定是极大的鼓舞。

因为耶稣是信实的，祂决不会离弃受苦的教会。因为祂是信实的，一切的忍耐都绝不会白费。因为耶稣是真实的，祂必守信。因为祂是真实的，祂绝不向邪恶妥协，祂的审判是公义的，祂的得胜是确定的。

“诚信真实”这个名字意味着耶稣言出必行，祂必成就所应许的事。请注意耶稣袍子上的血—那指向了祂为我们所做的牺牲。祂忠于并真实履行了拯救我们的使命，用自己的血为我们赎回了救恩（《启示录》5:9）。耶稣舍了自己的命，以持守祂的应许。

《启示录》19 章表明，在万物的终局，耶稣是诚信真实的。即使在我们最恐惧的时刻，祂也必看顾我们，“那召你们的本是信实的，他必成就这事”（《帖撒罗尼迦前书》5:24）。

祷告

主啊，感谢你永远信实、真实。求你以你的生命和爱充满我们，使我们也能对你忠心。阿们。

Revelation 19:11-16

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. —Revelation 19:11

The first people to receive the book of Revelation were facing great pressure and persecution to give up on Jesus. Christians were losing their property and livelihoods, and some faced public execution.

In Revelation 2-3, where we find the risen, exalted Jesus speaking to a number of his churches, we often hear the call to stand fast and to “overcome” even when their faith in him would bring suffering. To hear then, toward the close of this book, that Jesus is named “Faithful and True” must have been encouraging to Christians who were facing great uncertainty and fearful times.

Because Jesus is faithful, he will never abandon his suffering church. Because he is faithful, endurance is never wasted.

Because Jesus is true, he keeps his word. Because he is true, he does not compromise with evil. His judgments are good, and his victory is certain.

The name Faithful and True means that Jesus is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he’ll do. Notice the blood on Jesus’ robe. That points to his sacrifice for us. Faithful and true to his mission to save us, he purchased salvation for us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). Jesus gave his life to keep his promises.

Revelation 19 shows, at the end of all things, that Jesus is Faithful and True. He will take care of us—even in our most fearful times. “The one who calls [us] is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Lord, thank you for always being Faithful and True. Fill us with your life and love, that we may be faithful to you. Amen.

以弗所书 1:3-10；约翰一书 4:7-19

愿颂赞归于我们主耶稣基督的父神！他在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气， 就如神从创立世界以前在基督里拣选了我们，使我们在他面前成为圣洁，无有瑕疵； 又因爱我们，就按着自己意旨所喜悦的，预定我们藉着耶稣基督得儿子的名分， 使他荣耀的恩典得著称赞。这恩典是他在爱子里所赐给我们的。 我们藉这爱子的血得蒙救赎，过犯得以赦免，乃是照他丰富的恩典。 这恩典是神用诸般智慧聪明，充充足足赏给我们的， 都是照他自己所预定的美意，叫我们知道他旨意的奥秘，要照所安排的，在日期满足的时候，使天上、地上一切所有的，都在基督里面同归于一。 亲爱的弟兄啊，我们应当彼此相爱，因为爱是从神来的。凡有爱心的，都是由神而生，并且认识神。 没有爱心的，就不认识神，因为神就是爱。 神差他独生子到世间来，使我们藉着他得生，神爱我们的心在此就显明了。不是我们爱神，乃是神爱我们，差他的儿子为我们的罪做了挽回祭，这就是爱了。亲爱的弟兄啊，神既是这样爱我们，我们也当彼此相爱。从来没有人见过神，我们若彼此相爱，神就住在我们里面，爱他的心在我们里面得以完全了。神将他的灵赐给我们，从此就知道我们是住在他里面，他也住在我们里面。父差子做世人的救主，这是我们所看见且作见证的。凡认耶稣为神儿子的，神就住在他里面，他也住在神里面。神爱我们的心，我们也知道也信。神就是爱，住在爱里面的，就是住在神里面，神也住在他里面。这样，爱在我们里面得以完全，我们就可以在审判的日子坦然无惧；因为他如何，我们在这世上也如何。爱里没有惧怕，爱既完全，就把惧怕除去，因为惧怕里含着刑罚；惧怕的人在爱里未得完全。我们爱，因为神先爱我们。

10月25日

蒙爱者：他所爱的那一位

“……神从创立世界以前，在基督里拣选了我们……预定我们藉着耶稣基督得儿子的名分……” - 以弗所书 1:4-5

我和女儿都喜欢看浪漫喜剧。我们一边吃爆米花，一边带着傻傻的笑容观看这些爱情故事，等待着男女主角彼此告白那令人满足的一刻。我们被这些故事吸引，是因为我们天生就是为爱而造的。但这类故事不过是影子—是对那真实永恒之爱的笨拙模仿。

《圣经》告诉我们，神就是爱。从永恒深处，三位一体的神—圣父、圣子和圣灵—过去是、现在是、将来也是爱，彼此喜悦、彼此荣耀。神是独一的，但奥秘的是，神也是在完美相爱的关系中的三个位格。

因此，当约翰宣告“神就是爱”时，他的意思是三位一体的神并不需要创造任何受造之物来展示爱。神从亘古就充满了丰盛的爱，这爱始于神本身，并延伸到神所做的一切事上。

在耶稣受洗，以及登山变像时，天父的声音都曾经响起：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的”（《马太福音》3:17; 17:5）。而最令人惊叹的是，在耶稣里，神将祂的爱延伸到了我们身上！不仅如此，这位“爱子”、我们的主耶稣，所作的不只是单膝跪地宣告祂的爱，祂为我们舍了生命，成了“我们罪的赎罪祭”。

当我们接纳神，倚靠祂对我们的爱时，神就住在我们里面，我们也在祂里面。何等奇妙！

祷告

三位一体的神，感谢你爱我们，并在你所爱的耶稣里，赐给我们新生命。求你以你的生命和慈爱充满我们，帮助我们将你的爱传播到各处。阿们。

Ephesians 1:3-10; 1 John 4:7-19

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

BELOVED: THE ONE HE LOVES

He chose us . . . for adoption . . . through Jesus Christ . . . the One he loves. —Ephesians 1:4-6

My daughters and I enjoy romantic comedies. We view these love stories with our popcorn and our sappy smiles, waiting for that satisfying moment when the main characters declare their love for one another. We are drawn to these stories because we are made for love. But stories like these are just shadows—wispy imitations of the real and eternal thing.

The Bible tells us that God is love. From the depths of eternity the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has been and is love, delighting in and glorifying one another. God is one, and yet, mysteriously, God is also three persons in a perfect, loving relationship.

So when John declares that “God is love,” he means that the triune God did not need to create anyone or anything in order to love. God has always been abounding in love. This begins within the Godhead and extends to everything God does.

At Jesus’ baptism, and again at his transfiguration, the Father’s voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). And what is so amazing is that, in Jesus, God has extended his love to us! Even more, the Beloved, our Lord Jesus, did far more than getting down on one knee to declare his love. He laid down his life for us, becoming the “atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

And when we receive him, relying on the love God has for us, God lives in us, and we live in him. Amazing!

Triune God, thank you for loving us and giving us new life in Jesus, the One you love. Fill us with your life and love, and help us to share your love everywhere. Amen.

约翰福音 1:1-5, 9-14

太初有道，道与神同在，道就是神。 这道太初与神同在。 万物是藉着他造的；凡被造的，没有一样不是藉着他造的。 生命在他里头，这生命就是人的光。 光照在黑暗里，黑暗却不接受光。 那光是真光，照亮一切生在世上的人。他在世界，世界也是藉着他造的，世界却不认识他。他到自己的地方来，自己的人倒不接待他。凡接待他的，就是信他名的人，他就赐他们权柄做神的儿女。这等人不是从血气生的，不是从情欲生的，也不是从人意生的，乃是从神生的。道成了肉身，住在我们中间，充充满满地有恩典有真理。我们也见过他的荣光，正是父独生子的荣光。

10月24日

道

“太初有道，道与神同在，道就是神。这道太初与神同在。” - 约翰福音 1:1-2

日常生活中我总被文字包围—作为一名编辑，我在工作中要阅读大量的文字。文字有影响力和力量；它们赋予思想以形状，表达内在的意念。常言道“笔杆子胜过枪杆子”，我想这是因为文字能帮助改变思想，而刀剑武器带来的主要是威胁和伤害。

人的话语有时固然有力，但与神的话语相比，就算不得什么了。神说话，祂的话就创造了宇宙（《创世记》1）。神的话可以像火，又像能打碎磐石的大锤（《耶利米书》23:29）。神的话发出，必成就祂的旨意（《以赛亚书》55:10-11）。

“神的道是活泼的，是有功效的，比一切两刃的剑更快，甚至魂与灵，骨节与骨髓，都能刺入、剖开，连心中的思念和主意都能辨明”（《希伯来书》4:12）。神的话不是空言，而“是你们的生命”（《申命记》32:47）。

《约翰福音》第1章还告诉我们：神那活泼、有功效的道与神本为一。这“道”是一个位格，“万物是藉着他造的”。这道甚至成了肉身，进入我们的世界，住在我们中间，行走在我们的街道上，呼吸着我们的空气。祂的名字就是耶稣。

作为神活泼的道，耶稣赐给凡信他的人“权柄，作神的儿女”。你是否已经藉着这道—神的儿子、我们的救主—成了神家里的人？

祷告

神的道啊，求你以你的生命和慈爱充满我们。求你藉着你的灵引导我们接待你，相信你的名。阿们。

John 1:1-5, 9-14

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

THE WORD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. —John 1:1-2

Daily I’m surrounded by words, reading lots of them in my work as an editor. Words can be influential and powerful; they give shape to thoughts and express inner ideas. It has often been said that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” and I think that’s because words can help to change minds, while swords and other weapons will mainly threaten and harm.

Though human words may be powerful at times, they are like nothing compared to God’s words. God spoke, and his words created our universe (Genesis 1). God’s word can be like fire, or like a hammer that breaks rocks (Jeremiah 23:29). God’s word goes out and accomplishes his purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). “The word of God is alive and active. . . . It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s words are not idle; “they are your life” (Deuteronomy 32:47).

John 1 tells us even more: the living and active Word of God is one with God. The Word is a person, and “through him all things were made.” The Word even took on human flesh and moved into our world to come and live with us, walking our streets and breathing our air. And his name is Jesus.

As the living Word of God, Jesus gives all who believe in him “the right to become children of God.” Are you a part of God’s family through this Word, his Son, our Savior?

Word of God, fill us with your life and your love. By your Spirit, guide us to receive you and believe in your name. Amen.

马可福音 14:53-65

他们把耶稣带到大祭司那里，又有众祭司长和长老并文士都来和大祭司一同聚集。彼得远远地跟着耶稣，一直进入大祭司的院里，和差役一同坐在火光里烤火。祭司长和全公会寻找见证控告耶稣，要治死他，却寻不着。因为有好些人作假见证告他，只是他们的见证各不相合。又有几个人站起来作假见证告他，说：“我们听见他说：‘我要拆毁这人手所造的殿，三日内就另造一座不是人手所造的。’”他们就是这么作见证，也是各不相合。大祭司起来站在中间，问耶稣说：“你什么都不回答吗？这些人作见证告你的是什么呢？”耶稣却不言语，一句也不回答。大祭司又问他说：“你是那当称颂者的儿子基督不是？”耶稣说：“我是。你们必看见人子坐在那权能者的右边，驾着天上的云降临。”大祭司就撕开衣服，说：“我们何必再用见证人呢？你们已经听见他这僭妄的话了。你们的意见如何？”他们都定他该死的罪。就有人吐唾沫在他脸上，又蒙着他的脸，用拳头打他，对他说：“你说预言吧！”差役接过他来，用手掌打他。

10月23日

人子

“耶稣说：‘我是。你们必看见人子坐在那权能者的右边……’” - 马可福音 14:62

耶稣常用“人子”这个称呼来指自己。

这个称呼是什么意思呢？从表面看，“人子”似乎不难理解。这个名字表明耶稣是一个人。但对耶稣来说，这个名字有着更深层、更重大的含义。

在旧约中，先知但以理描述了一个异象，他看见一位“像人子的”驾着“天云”而来。那人进到神面前，得了“权柄、荣耀、国度，使各方、各国、各族的人都事奉他。他的权柄是永远的……他的国必不败坏”（《但以理书》7:13-14）。

耶稣在当时的宗教领袖面前受审，大祭司问祂：“你是那当称颂者的儿子基督不是？”耶稣将但以理的异象应用在自己身上，说：“我是。你们必看见人子坐在那大能者的右边，驾着天上的云降临”（《马可福音》14:62）。

哇！“人子”这个名字向我们表明，耶稣分担了我们的人性—祂也会擦伤膝盖、有指纹和肚脐—同时祂也是拥有一切能力和权柄的那一位（见《马太福音》28:18）。

耶稣，这位人子，既是完全的人，也是完全的神—祂是全人类的救主和主宰！

祷告

主耶稣，谁能与你相比？我们举心仰望你。愿我们忠心尊崇并敬拜你。奉你的名祈求，阿们。

Mark 14:53-65

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

SON OF MAN

“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One. . . .” —Mark 14:62

Jesus often used the name “Son of Man” to refer to himself.

What does this name mean?

On the surface, “Son of Man” seems simple enough to understand. This name shows that Jesus is a human being. But for Jesus this name had a meaning that pointed to something deeper and bigger.

In the Old Testament the prophet Daniel describes a vision in which he saw a “son of man” who came “with the clouds of heaven.” That person went into God’s presence and received “authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is . . . everlasting . . . and his kingdom . . . will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

And when Jesus stood on trial before the religious rulers of his day, and the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus applied Daniel’s vision to himself, saying: “I am. . . . And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

Wow! The name “Son of Man” shows us that Jesus shares our humanity—with our scraped knees, fingerprints, and belly buttons—and that he is also the One with all power and authority (see Matthew 28:18).

Jesus, the Son of Man, is fully human and fully God—Savior and Lord of all!

Who is like you, Lord Jesus? We lift up our hearts to you. May we honor and worship you faithfully. In your name, Amen.

约翰福音 8:48-59

犹太人回答说：“我们说你是撒马利亚人，并且是鬼附着的，这话岂不正对吗？”耶稣说：“我不是鬼附着的。我尊敬我的父，你们倒轻慢我。我不求自己的荣耀，有一位为我求荣耀、定是非的。我实实在在地告诉你们：人若遵守我的道，就永远不见死。”犹太人对他说：“现在我们知道你是鬼附着的。亚伯拉罕死了，众先知也死了，你还说‘人若遵守我的道，就永远不尝死味’。难道你比我们的祖宗亚伯拉罕还大吗？他死了，众先知也死了。你将自己当做什么人呢？”耶稣回答说：“我若荣耀自己，我的荣耀就算不得什么。荣耀我的乃是我的父，就是你们所说是你们的神。你们未曾认识他，我却认识他。我若说不认识他，我就是说谎的，像你们一样。但我认识他，也遵守他的道。“你们的祖宗亚伯拉罕欢欢喜喜地仰望我的日子，既看见了，就快乐。”犹太人说：“你还没有五十岁，岂见过亚伯拉罕呢？”耶稣说：“我实实在在地告诉你们：还没有亚伯拉罕就有了我。”于是他们拿石头要打他，耶稣却躲藏，从殿里出去了。

10月22日

自有永有（I AM）

“耶稣说：‘我实实在在地告诉你们：还没有亚伯拉罕就有了我！’” - 约翰福音 8:58

听众的反应往往能折射出一句话的份量：有些话惹人发笑，有些话惹人蹙眉，有些话无聊到让人频频看表。但究竟是什么样的话，竟会让人捡起石头砸过去呢？

在今天所读的经文中，当耶稣说“我是”的时候，祂的听众震惊了。随即他们想要杀祂。为什么？因为祂用神的名字来表明自己的身份。

神在呼召摩西带领他的子民脱离奴役时，曾启示过这个名字：“我是自有永有的……你要对以色列人这样说：‘那自有的（I AM）打发我到你们这里来。'……这是我的名，直到永远”（《出埃及记》3:14-15）。

“那自有的”这个名字蕴含着深意，意味着神本身是完全的、永恒的，配受一切敬拜。当耶稣称自己为“自有永有的”时，是在表明祂就是那位对摩西说话的神。祂的听众听明白了—这正是他们要拿石头打祂的原因。当我们听见耶稣自称是神时，我们作何反应呢？C. S.路易斯指出，耶稣要么是在撒谎并且自己知道—那他就是邪恶的；要么是他自以为神但搞错了—那他就是癫狂的；又或者耶稣说的是真话—那祂确实是宇宙中永恒的神。

如果耶稣是个骗子或疯子，我们理当拒绝祂。但如果祂是神，我们就应当完全信靠祂、敬拜祂。你的回应是什么呢？

祷告

主耶稣，你是神。求你赦免我们的罪，因我们未曾尊你为神。求你帮助我们忠心为你而活，承认你是我们生命的主，更是万有的主。阿们。

John 8:48-59

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

I AM

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” —John 8:58

We can often see how weighty a statement is by how listeners react. Some words prompt a smile; others a scowl; others a glance at the watch. But what about words that make people reach for stones to throw?

When Jesus said, “I am,” in our passage for today, his listeners were shocked. Then they tried to kill him. Why? Because he was taking on the name of God to identify himself.

God had revealed this name when he called Moses to lead his people out of slavery: “I AM WHO I AM. . . . Say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” . . . This is my name forever” (Exodus 3:14-15).

The name “I AM” is heavy with meaning. It means God is complete in himself, eternal, and worthy of all worship. When Jesus called himself “I am,” he was saying he is the God who spoke to Moses. His audience understood, and that’s why they were ready to stone him.

When we hear Jesus’ claim that he is God, what is our response? C. S. Lewis noted that either Jesus is lying and knows it, which would make him evil. Or Jesus just thinks he is God but is mistaken, which would make him delusional. Or Jesus is telling the truth, meaning he really is the eternal God of the universe.

If Jesus is a liar or deluded, we should reject him. But if he is God, we should trust him completely and worship him. What is your response?

Lord Jesus, you are God. Forgive us for treating you as anything less. Help us to live faithfully for you as the Lord of our lives and, indeed, the Lord over all. Amen.

以弗所书 5:25-32

你们做丈夫的，要爱你们的妻子，正如基督爱教会，为教会舍己，要用水藉着道把教会洗净，成为圣洁，可以献给自己，做个荣耀的教会，毫无玷污、皱纹等类的病，乃是圣洁没有瑕疵的。丈夫也当照样爱妻子，如同爱自己的身子，爱妻子便是爱自己了。从来没有人恨恶自己的身子，总是保养顾惜，正像基督待教会一样，因我们是他身上的肢体。为这个缘故，人要离开父母，与妻子联合，二人成为一体。这是极大的奥秘，但我是指着基督和教会说的。

10月21日

新郎

“娶新妇的就是新郎。” - 约翰福音 3:29

有一个古老的阿尔冈昆族民间传说（有点像灰姑娘的故事），大致是这样：从前有三姐妹。两个姐姐美丽、骄傲、刻薄。最小的妹妹却身体虚弱，常常生病。她两个姐姐很残忍，用热炭烫伤了她的脸，她因此被称为“面疤女孩”。

有一位被称为“隐形者”，是强大且不可见的生灵，他要娶那个能真正看见他的女孩。于是姐姐们披上华丽的羽毛，戴上珠饰，前往“隐形者”在大水边的营地，但他没有向她们显现自己。

面疤女孩也想去拜访隐形者。她没有珠饰可穿—只有一条桦树皮裙和旧鹿皮鞋。她的姐姐们和村里人都嘲笑面疤女孩，但她还是去见隐形者。结果，面疤女孩能看见隐形者—或者说，是隐形者看见了她，爱上她，她就改变了。面疤女孩在“大水”中沐浴，粗糙的伤疤消失了，她的外表变得如同她所领受的爱一样美丽。

在某些方面，这个故事让我想起耶稣对祂新妇——教会的爱。《以弗所书》第 5 章表明，耶稣的爱更新、洁净并医治了我们。祂的爱足以改变“面疤”的教会，是祂的爱使她变得美丽。让我们不要放弃这“面疤”的教会，我们完美的新郎-耶稣，绝不会放弃。

祷告

主耶稣，我们对你充满敬畏。感谢你对教会那洗涤、更新且信实的爱。阿们。

Ephesians 5:25-32

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

BRIDEGROOM

“The bride belongs to the bridegroom.” —John 3:29

An old Algonquin folktale (a sort of Cinderella story) goes something like this:

Once there were three sisters. The two oldest were beautiful, proud, and mean. Their youngest sister was weak and often ill. Her sisters were cruel and scarred her face with hot coals. She became known as the “rough-faced girl.”

A powerful and unseen being, known as the Invisible One, said he would marry the girl who could truly see him. So the older sisters put on fine feathers and beads and went to his camp by the Big Water. But he didn’t reveal himself.

The rough-faced girl wanted to visit the Invisible One too. She had no beads to wear—only a birch-bark dress and old moccasins. Her sisters and the villagers laughed at her. But she went to meet the Invisible One, and she could see him— or, rather, he saw her. He loved her, and she was changed. She washed in the Big Water, her rough scars disappeared, and she became as beautiful on the outside as the love she had received.

In some ways this story reminds me of Jesus’ love for his bride, the church. Ephesians 5 shows that Jesus’ love changes us, cleansing and healing us. His love is all that is needed to transform the “rough-faced” church. His love is what makes her beautiful.

Let’s not give up on the “rough-faced” church. Jesus, our perfect Bridegroom, won’t.

Lord Jesus, we are in awe of you. Thank you for your washing, beautifying, faithful love for your church. Amen.

约翰福音 1:35-39; 13:12-16

再次日，约翰同两个门徒站在那里。他见耶稣行走，就说：“看哪，这是神的羔羊！”两个门徒听见他的话，就跟从了耶稣。耶稣转过身来，看见他们跟着，就问他们说：“你们要什么？”他们说：“拉比，在哪里住？”（“拉比”翻出来就是“夫子”。）耶稣说：“你们来看。”他们就去看他在哪里住，这一天便与他同住。那时约有申正了。耶稣洗完了他们的脚，就穿上衣服，又坐下，对他们说：“我向你们所做的，你们明白吗？你们称呼我夫子，称呼我主，你们说的不错，我本来是。我是你们的主、你们的夫子，尚且洗你们的脚，你们也当彼此洗脚。我给你们做了榜样，叫你们照着我向你们所做的去做。我实实在在地告诉你们：仆人不能大于主人，差人也不能大于差他的人。

10月20日

拉比，老师

“他们说：‘拉比，在哪里住？（“拉比”翻出来就是夫子）’” - 约翰福音 1:38

在生活中，我们向各式各样的人学习—父母、朋友、亲戚、老师、导师等等，作家、艺人和各界领袖也影响着我们。我最喜欢的老师或导师往往是对我要求最严格的那些人。

毫无疑问，耶稣是众教师中最伟大的一位。正如《歌罗西书》2章3节所说，“一切智慧知识的宝藏”都蕴藏在祂里面。耶稣的教导曾令众人惊叹，而祂在《圣经》中的教导至今仍让我们惊叹并受到挑战。此外，耶稣的教导并不容易—要求我们全力以赴。

耶稣的门徒称祂为“拉比”，这是他们文化中对律法师的传统尊称——这样的人备受尊敬，以至于跟从他，并努力学像他。跟从一位拉比意味着效法，学习像那个人一样思考和行事。耶稣说：“学生不能高过先生；凡学成了的，不过和先生一样”（《路加福音》6:40）。在《约翰一书》2章6节中我们读到：“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行。”

我们该如何像耶稣那样生活？我们如何在祂要求的重担之下不被压垮，仍然跟从祂？答案部分在于我们一直在思想的耶稣的众多名字中。祂是真葡萄树、我们的元首、中保、好牧人、那位服事者，以及更多—藉着祂的灵，祂赐给我们力量和能力，活出祂所呼召的生命。

祷告

拉比耶稣，求你藉着你的灵教导我们如何像你，活出你的样式。奉你的名求，阿们。

John 1:35-39; 13:12-16

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

RABBI, TEACHER

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” —John 1:38

We learn from a variety of people in our lives—parents, friends, relatives, teachers, mentors, and more. Writers, entertainers, and leaders of all kinds can influence us too. My favorite teachers or mentors have often been my hardest ones.

Without question, Jesus is the greatest teacher of all. As Colossians 2:3 puts it, “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are hidden in him. Jesus’ teaching amazed crowds, and his teachings in the Bible continue to amaze and challenge us today. In addition, Jesus’ teaching isn’t easy—it demands our all.

Jesus’ disciples called him “Rabbi,” the traditional title in their culture for a person who was so respected as a teacher of God’s law that people would follow him and try to learn how to be like him. Following a rabbi involved imitation, learning how to think and act like that person. Jesus said, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). And in 1 John 2:6 we read, “Whoever claims to live in [Jesus] must live as Jesus did.”

How do we live as Jesus did? How can we follow him without being crushed by the weight of the expectations involved?

The answer, in part, is in the many names of Jesus we have been reflecting on. He is the true vine, our head, our mediator, our good shepherd, the one who serves, and so much more—and through his Spirit he give us the strength and ability to live as he calls us to. Rabbi Jesus, teach us, by your Spirit, how to be like you, living as you did. In your name, Amen.

加拉太书 3:13-16, 19

基督既为我们受了咒诅，就赎出我们脱离律法的咒诅，因为经上记着：“凡挂在木头上都是被咒诅的。”这便叫亚伯拉罕的福，因基督耶稣可以临到外邦人，使我们因信得着所应许的圣灵。弟兄们，我且照着人的常话说：虽然是人的文约，若已经立定了，就没有能废弃或加增的。所应许的原是向亚伯拉罕和他子孙说的，神并不是说“众子孙”，指着许多人；乃是说“你那一个子孙”，指着一个人，就是基督。这样说来，律法是为什么有的呢？原是为过犯添上的，等候那蒙应许的子孙来到；并且是藉天使、经中保之手设立的。

10月19日

亚伯拉罕的后裔

“所应许的原是向亚伯拉罕和他子孙说的……指着……基督。” - 加拉太书 3:16

失望常让盼望枯萎。一位祖母祷告多年，孙辈却依然背离信仰；有人辛苦工作几十年，最终仍被解雇；有人在痛苦中挣扎，看不到转机。我们不免质问：“喜乐在哪里？神的应许落空了吗？”

撒拉深知那种心痛。神曾应许她的丈夫亚伯拉罕会有一个孩子，但二十四年过去了，她腹中依然毫无动静。她的笑声变得空洞，继而化为自嘲（见《创世记》12:4;17:17-18:15）。

但神确实赐给了他们一个儿子—以撒（《创世记》21:1-7）。神不仅履行了应许，开启了救赎进程（他的确做到了！），还医治了撒拉的笑声。此外，以撒（名字意为“喜笑”）成了指向耶稣的预表。以撒给一个家庭带来了喜乐，而耶稣则给万国万民带来喜乐。

耶稣降生时，天使欢呼，牧羊人欢欣，年迈的西面和亚拿也满心欢喜，东方的博士前来朝拜他（《马太福音》2；《路加福音》2）。此前，另一个婴孩约翰在他母亲腹中跳动，耶稣的母亲马利亚颂赞说：“我灵以神…为乐。…他…记念亚伯拉罕和他的后裔，施怜悯直到永远”（《路加福音》1:41, 47, 54-55）。

耶稣，这位终极的应许之子，把我们所有的失望和空洞的笑声，都担在自己身上，祂受死并复活，为要医治我们枯竭的盼望。于是，我们可以再次欢笑。

祷告

主啊，愿你让我们常常看见你在耶稣里持守你的应许。我们祈求你医治我们的心，并在耶稣里赐给我们喜乐。阿们。

Galatians 3:13-16, 19

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

SEED OF ABRAHAM

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . . . meaning . . . Christ. —Galatians 3:16

Disappointment can shrivel hope. A grandmother can pray for years, and yet her grand children may leave the faith. A man can work decades in a job and be let go. People can struggle for years in pain or mental distress, with no relief in sight. We may ask, “Where is the joy? Have God’s promises failed?”

Sarah knew that kind of heartache. God had promised her husband, Abraham, a child, but over 24 years had gone by, and there was no baby in her womb. Her laugh grew hollow, hardened into cynicism (see Genesis 12:4; 17:17-18:15).

But God did give them a son, Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7). And God didn’t just fulfill a promise or set redemption in motion (which he did!); he also healed Sarah’s laugh.

In addition, Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” became a pointer to Jesus. Isaac brought joy to one family, and Jesus brings joy for all the nations.

When Jesus was born, angels rejoiced, shepherds rejoiced, old Simeon and Anna rejoiced, and wise men from the East came to worship him (Matthew 2; Luke 2). Earlier, another baby, John, leapt in his mother’s womb, and Jesus’ mother, Mary, sang: “My spirit rejoices in God. . . . He has . . . remember[ ed] to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever” (Luke 1:41, 47, 54-55).

Jesus, the ultimate promised Son, took all of our disappointments and hollow laughs onto himself. He died and rose to heal our dried-up hopes. And we can laugh again.

Lord, may we always see you keeping your promises in Jesus. Heal our hearts, we pray, and bring us joy in him. Amen.

罗马书 8:31-39；希伯来书 8:6-9:15

既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不爱惜自己的儿子，为我们众人舍了，岂不也把万物和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？谁能控告神所拣选的人呢？有神称他们为义了。谁能定他们的罪呢？有基督耶稣已经死了，而且从死里复活，现今在神的右边，也替我们祈求。谁能使我们与基督的爱隔绝呢？难道是患难吗？是困苦吗？是逼迫吗？是饥饿吗？是赤身露体吗？是危险吗？是刀剑吗？如经上所记：“我们为你的缘故终日被杀，人看我们如将宰的羊。”然而，靠着爱我们的主，在这一切的事上已经得胜有余了。因为我深信：无论是死，是生，是天使，是掌权的，是有能的，是现在的事，是将来的事，是高处的，是低处的，是别的受造之物，都不能叫我们与神的爱隔绝；这爱是在我们的主基督耶稣里的。 如今耶稣所得的职任是更美的，正如他做更美之约的中保。这约原是凭更美之应许立的。 那前约若没有瑕疵，就无处寻求后约了。 所以主指责他的百姓说：“日子将到，我要与以色列家和犹大家另立新约， 不像我拉着他们祖宗的手，领他们出埃及的时候，与他们所立的约。因为他们不恒心守我的约，我也不理他们。这是主说的。”主又说：“那些日子以后，我与以色列家所立的约乃是这样：我要将我的律法放在他们里面，写在他们心上；我要做他们的神，他们要做我的子民。他们不用各人教导自己的乡邻和自己的弟兄说：‘你该认识主’，因为他们从最小的到至大的，都必认识我。我要宽恕他们的不义，不再记念他们的罪愆。”既说新约，就以前约为旧了；但那渐旧渐衰的，就必快归无有了。 原来前约有礼拜的条例和属世界的圣幕。 因为有预备的帐幕，头一层叫做圣所，里面有灯台、桌子和陈设饼。 第二幔子后又有一层帐幕，叫做至圣所， 有金香炉，有包金的约柜，柜里有盛吗哪的金罐和亚伦发过芽的杖并两块约版， 柜上面有荣耀基路伯的影罩着施恩座。这几件我现在不能一一细说。 这些物件既如此预备齐了，众祭司就常进头一层帐幕，行拜神的礼。 至于第二层帐幕，唯有大祭司一年一次独自进去，没有不带着血为自己和百姓的过错献上。 圣灵用此指明：头一层帐幕仍存的时候，进入至圣所的路还未显明。 那头一层帐幕做现今的一个表样，所献的礼物和祭物就着良心说，都不能叫礼拜的人得以完全。这些事，连那饮食和诸般洗濯的规矩，都不过是属肉体的条例，命定到振兴的时候为止。但现在基督已经来到，做了将来美事的大祭司，经过那更大、更全备的帐幕，不是人手所造，也不是属乎这世界的。并且不用山羊和牛犊的血，乃用自己的血，只一次进入圣所，成了永远赎罪的事。若山羊和公牛的血并母牛犊的灰洒在不洁的人身上，尚且叫人成圣，身体洁净，何况基督藉着永远的灵，将自己无瑕无疵献给神，他的血岂不更能洗净你们的心，除去你们的死行，使你们侍奉那永生神吗？为此，他做了新约的中保，既然受死赎了人在前约之时所犯的罪过，便叫蒙召之人得着所应许永远的产业。

10月18日

中保，代求者

“基督耶稣……现今在神的右边，也替我们祈求。” - 罗马书 8:34

耶稣升天之后，现正在做什么呢？《希伯来书》7章25节（正如《罗马书》8章34节所说）告诉我们，祂长远活着，为我们代求。耶稣时刻在为我们祷告！这是多么宝贵的恩典。我们无法凭着自己的良善进到神面前，我们需要那位唯一完美的中保/大祭司为我们说话。正如一首古老的圣诗所唱的：“在神宝座前，我有完美凭据：伟大祭司，其名是爱；祂长远活着，为我代求。”

耶稣的代求是有声有体、真实可见的。耶稣在父面前为我们说话，祂的伤痕见证了祂为我们所做的牺牲。正如先知以赛亚所说：“因他受的鞭伤，我们得医治”（《以赛亚书》53:5）。

因此，藉着耶稣为我们所做的工作，我们与神和好了。祂为我们与神立了新约，使神的律法常在我们的意念和心中。藉着住在我们里面的灵，耶稣将每天如何为神而活，刻在我们的心思意念中。这就是耶稣为我们开创新生命的样式—藉着祂的灵引导我们，像祂一样忠心而活。因着耶稣，我们可以满怀信心，随时亲近我们的父神（《希伯来书》10:19-23）。

如果没有耶稣，神只不过是一个遥不可及的力量。但在耶稣里，我们有了一位天父，没有什么能使我们与祂的爱隔绝！

祷告

主耶稣，感谢你作我们信实的中保和代求者，感谢你使我们在父神的爱中永远拥有新生命。阿们。

Romans 8:31-39; Hebrews 8:6-9:15

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

MEDIATOR, INTERCESSOR

Christ Jesus . . . is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. —Romans 8:34

What is Jesus doing now, since he has ascended to heaven? Hebrews 7:25 (like Romans 8:34) says that he is always interceding for us. Jesus prays for us constantly!

What a gift this is. We cannot enter God’s presence on the basis of our own goodness. We need the one, perfect Mediator/ High Priest to speak for us. As an old hymn puts it:

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea,

a great High Priest whose name is Love,

who ever lives and pleads for me.

Jesus’ intercession is spoken and visible. Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf, and his scars bear the testimony of his sacrifice for us. As the prophet Isaiah said, “By his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

So, through Jesus’ work for us, we are reconciled with God. And he mediates a new covenant for us with God so that God’s law is in our minds and in our hearts always. By living within us through his Spirit, Jesus impresses on our minds and hearts how to live for God each day. This is the new life Jesus makes possible for us, guiding us, through his Spirit, to live faithfully, as he did. And because of Jesus, we can have the confidence to draw near to God our Father always, anytime (Hebrews 10:19-23).

Without Jesus, God would be a distant power. In Jesus, we have a Father. And nothing can separate us from his love!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, our faithful mediator and intercessor, for giving us new life in the Father’s love forever. Amen.

出埃及记 28:6-30；希伯来书 7:23-27

“他们要拿金线和蓝色、紫色、朱红色线并捻的细麻，用巧匠的手工做以弗得。 以弗得当有两条肩带，接上两头，使它相连。 其上巧工织的带子，要和以弗得一样的做法，用以束上，与以弗得接连一块，要用金线和蓝色、紫色、朱红色线并捻的细麻做成。 要取两块红玛瑙，在上面刻以色列儿子的名字，六个名字在这块宝石上，六个名字在那块宝石上，都照他们生来的次序。要用刻宝石的手工，仿佛刻图书，按着以色列儿子的名字刻这两块宝石，要镶在金槽上。要将这两块宝石安在以弗得的两条肩带上，为以色列人做纪念石。亚伦要在两肩上担他们的名字，在耶和华面前作为纪念。要用金子做二槽，又拿精金，用拧工仿佛拧绳子，做两条链子，把这拧成的链子搭在二槽上。“你要用巧匠的手工做一个决断的胸牌。要和以弗得一样的做法，用金线和蓝色、紫色、朱红色线并捻的细麻做成。这胸牌要四方的，叠为两层，长一虎口，宽一虎口。要在上面镶宝石四行：第一行是红宝石、红璧玺、红玉，第二行是绿宝石、蓝宝石、金钢石，第三行是紫玛瑙、白玛瑙、紫晶，第四行是水苍玉、红玛瑙、碧玉。这都要镶在金槽中。这些宝石都要按着以色列十二个儿子的名字，仿佛刻图书，刻十二个支派的名字。要在胸牌上用精金拧成如绳的链子。在胸牌上也要做两个金环，安在胸牌的两头。要把那两条拧成的金链子，穿过胸牌两头的环子。又要把链子的那两头接在两槽上，安在以弗得前面肩带上。要做两个金环，安在胸牌的两头，在以弗得里面的边上。又要做两个金环，安在以弗得前面两条肩带的下边，挨近相接之处，在以弗得巧工织的带子以上。要用蓝细带子把胸牌的环子与以弗得的环子系住，使胸牌贴在以弗得巧工织的带子上，不可与以弗得离缝。亚伦进圣所的时候，要将决断胸牌，就是刻着以色列儿子名字的，戴在胸前，在耶和华面前常做纪念。又要将乌陵和土明放在决断的胸牌里。亚伦进到耶和华面前的时候，要戴在胸前，在耶和华面前常将以色列人的决断牌戴在胸前。那些成为祭司的，数目本来多，是因为有死阻隔，不能长久。这位既是永远常存的，他祭司的职任就长久不更换。凡靠着他进到神面前的人，他都能拯救到底，因为他是长远活着，替他们祈求。像这样圣洁、无邪恶、无玷污、远离罪人、高过诸天的大祭司，原是于我们合宜的。他不像那些大祭司，每日必须先为自己的罪，后为百姓的罪献祭；因为他只一次将自己献上，就把这事成全了。

10月17日

完美的圣洁大祭司

“我们既然有一位已经升入高天尊荣的大祭司，就是神的儿子耶稣，便当持定所承认的道。” - 希伯来书 4:14

有时候，一个物件就能讲述一个故事--一件校队夹克，一条围裙，从未穿过的婴儿鞋，退伍军人制服上的勋章。

旧约时代大祭司的服饰也讲述着一个故事。“以弗得”是一件用金线和蓝色、紫色、朱红色线织成的背心——这些颜色与会幕（神同在的特别帐幕）内部所用的颜色相同。以弗得的两肩上各有一块红玛瑙，上面刻着以色列各支派的名字。以弗得告诉百姓，当祭司进入神的同在中时，祂是他们的中保。大祭司还在以弗得之上佩戴一个胸牌。胸牌上镶嵌着十二块宝石，每块都刻有一个支派的名字。此外，大祭司头巾的前面还系着一块金牌，上面写着“归耶和华为圣”（见《出埃及记》28:6-30）。

这些服饰所讲述的故事是：藉着大祭司的服事，神彰显祂的爱，应许赦免并赐予他的子民新的开始。今天我们知道，耶稣基督才是那位真实和终极的大祭司，永远为我们代求。祂本身就是神的同在与我们同在（《约翰福音》1:14）。作为大祭司，耶稣把我们带到神面前，背负着我们的名字和罪债，使我们能得蒙赦免，在祂里面得着新生命。更为可贵的是，我们这位伟大的大祭司，献上了自己的生命，作为最终且完美的祭物。这是何等奇妙的爱！

祷告

主耶稣，你是何等荣耀！感谢你作我们完美的大祭司，并把自己作为完美的祭物，一次并永远地为我们献上。哈利路亚！阿们。

Exodus 28:1-5, 29; Hebrews 7:23-27

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

PERFECT HIGH PRIEST

Since we have a great high priest who ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. —Hebrews 4:14

Sometimes clothes tell a story. A letterman jacket. An apron. Baby shoes, never worn. Medals on a veteran’s uniform.

The clothing of the Old Testament high priest told a story. The ephod was a vest made of gold, woven with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn—the same colors used inside the tabernacle (the special tent of God’s presence). On each shoulder of the ephod was an onyx stone, engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. The ephod told the people that the priest was their mediator when he went into the presence of God.

The high priest also wore a breastpiece over the ephod. It bore 12 gemstones, each engraved with a tribe’s name. In addition, a gold plate that read “HOLY TO THE LORD” was attached to the front of the high priest’s turban (see Exodus 28:6-30).

The story these clothes told was that through the service of the high priest, God showed his love by promising forgiveness and a new start for his people. Today we know that Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate High Priest, mediating for us always. He is God’s presence in our midst (John 1:14). As High Priest, Jesus carries us before God, bearing our names and our guilt so that we can be forgiven and receive new life in him. What’s more, our great High Priest gave his own life as the final, perfect sacrifice. What amazing love!

Lord Jesus, how glorious you are! Thank you for being our perfect High Priest and for giving yourself as the perfect sacrifice for us, once for all. Hallelujah! Amen.