以斯拉記 (3)

以斯拉記 (3)
聖經閱讀：以斯拉記9:10-15 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年8月1日(六)

今天讀的經文跟我們談到有一次上帝的子民沒有順服祂。上帝已經吩咐猶太人不該讓兒女跟不敬拜上帝的外邦人結婚，但是猶太人違背了上帝！ 　以斯拉愛上帝、敬拜上帝，他勇敢面對猶太人並讓他們知道，他們已經犯罪、違背了上帝。在第12節，他向那些人提醒上帝的命令：「如果我們要強盛，享受這塊土地的產物，永遠傳給子孫，我們絕對不可跟那些人通婚，不可幫助他們繁榮興旺。」 　上帝的子民犯了罪，但是以斯拉鼓勵他們認罪、悔改並開始順服上帝。我們有時候就像猶太人一樣，犯罪並背離上帝，上帝希望我們回轉向祂，祂要祝福我們，幫助我們不再犯罪。 　要承認自己的罪、改變心意並跟從上帝，祂已經預備好要赦免你、祝福你。 －JS* 「主並不像一般人所想的，遲遲不實現他的應許。相反地，他寬容你們；因為他不願意有一個人沉淪，卻要人人悔改。」 彼得後書3:9b 禱告：天父，求祢赦免我並幫助我專注於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Ezra (3)
Bible Reading: Ezra 9:10-15
Saturday, August 1, 2015

Our Bible Reading today tells us about a time when God’s people did not obey Him. God had told the Jews that they should not allow their sons and daughters to marry foreigners who did not worship God. But the Jews disobeyed God! 　Ezra loved and worshiped God. He bravely confronted the Jews and told them that they had sinned against God. In verse 12 he reminded the people about God’s commands. “Obey my commands so that you will be strong and enjoy the good things of the land. And then you can keep this land and give it to your children.” 　God’s people sinned, but Ezra encouraged them to confess their sin, repent and start obeying God. We are sometimes like the Jews. We sin and turn away from God. God wants us to return to Him. He wants to bless us and help us not sin again. 　Confess your sin, change your heart and follow God. He is ready to forgive and bless you. —JS* “But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” 2 Peter 3:9b PRAYER: Father, forgive me and help me to focus on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.