忍耐

忍耐
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:25-35 現代中譯本|合和本
2013年6月2日(日)

當我們面臨困難的時候，我們也許會變得困惑和沮喪，但更糟糕的是，當我們認為可能有更可怕的事會發生時，我們就會開始擔憂而且想要知道會發生什麼事情。 　今天的聖經閱讀中，約瑟和馬利亞將嬰孩耶穌帶到耶路撒冷的聖殿，當他們在那裡的時候，他們遇到了西面，西面向馬利亞預言說：「憂傷要像利劍刺透你的心。」（第35b節） 　我很想知道，當耶穌逐漸長大時，馬利亞是否想過西面所說的話。之後，馬利亞看著她的孩子死在十字架上，那時她是否明白當年西面的話就是在說耶穌的死？ 　對馬利亞來說，生命並非總是輕鬆愉快，而我們的生命或許也充滿了困難和逼迫，但我們要學像馬利亞，無論面對什麼樣的壞事，我們都應該要忍耐並且持續跟隨上帝。 　今天，你會跟隨上帝嗎？ —BL 「他(耶穌)要成為啟示外邦的亮光，成為你子民以色列的榮耀。」 路加福音2:32 禱告：上帝，今天我也許會遭遇壞事，但我知道祢會幫助我持續跟隨祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (KCC譯/台南聖教會英語團契)

Perseverance
Bible Reading: Luke 2:25-35
Sunday June 2, 2013

When we face difficult times, we may become confused and discouraged. But what is even worse, is when we think that something more terrible may happen to us. Then we worry and wonder what will happen. 　In our Bible Reading today, Joseph and Mary took baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. While they were there, they met Simeon. Simeon prophesied and said to Mary, “And the things that happen will be painful for you — like a sword cutting through your heart” (verse 35b). 　I wonder if Mary thought about Simeon’s words as Jesus was growing up. Later, Mary watched her son die on the cross. Did she then realize Simeon’s words were talking about Jesus’ death? 　Life was not always easy for Mary. Our lives may be filled with troubles and persecution, too. But we should be like Mary. We should persevere and keep following God, no matter what bad times we face. 　Will you follow God today? —BL “He [Jesus] is a light to show your way to the nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.” Luke 2:32 PRAYER: God, I may face bad times today. But I know that You will help me to keep following You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.