Micah 7:1-20
What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to ear, none of the early figs that I crave. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I still in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
As the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders.
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread out sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.
The prophet opens his heart to us in this final chapter. He mourns for what is happening among his own people as society breaks down. Faithfulness, honesty, trust: all are gone. The rot which began at government lever has permeated the whole nation. And now all human relationships are crumbling. Friendship and family count for nothing. The human scenes is black, but hope remains because Micah knows his God. With God there is yet light. He may still be relied on. His promise will not fail. He will build again. He will deliver again. In his compassionate love he will forgive again.
So Micah will watch and wait for the rime when God will once again shepherd his people, doing miracles for them as of old showing compassion: faithful to the age-old promises he made to the founding fathers of his people.
Why?
God’s love endure forever. Who does not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
No matter what the situation was prophet has trust in the Lord. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my savior.
How?
Be courage and help others who in distress, looking forward to the Lord Almighty for his love endure forever, who forbids the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Saturday, March 30, 2019
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:1-16
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Listen! The Lord is calling to the city- and to fear your name is wisdom - “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.”
Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights? Her rich men are violent; her people are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.
Therefore, I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of your sins.
God set out his case, lays his charges, against his people. Don’t they know what pleases him? It is so plain, so simple. There can be no substitute for love and loyalty and fair dealing. Though they may try to buy him off with extravagant offerings and impressive gifts. God sees his people’s dishonesty, the false scales that he hates because they cheat the helpless. And he will punish sharp practice, violence and deceit.
Why?
For Israelite did so many unjust things, cheating, violent, worship gods, etc. They forgot what God has set them free from Egypt and came to the promised land. So God casted them down, destroy them for their sins.
What we have to do: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
The Lord asked them many questions, which explained the reason God will punish his people for their sins. God can destroy them without cause, but God let them know why? It it the love of the Lord either.
How?
Fear the Lord there is lack nothing, obey God’s word and go with the Lord is blessing in my life.
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Listen! The Lord is calling to the city- and to fear your name is wisdom - “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.”
Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights? Her rich men are violent; her people are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.
Therefore, I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of your sins.
God set out his case, lays his charges, against his people. Don’t they know what pleases him? It is so plain, so simple. There can be no substitute for love and loyalty and fair dealing. Though they may try to buy him off with extravagant offerings and impressive gifts. God sees his people’s dishonesty, the false scales that he hates because they cheat the helpless. And he will punish sharp practice, violence and deceit.
Why?
For Israelite did so many unjust things, cheating, violent, worship gods, etc. They forgot what God has set them free from Egypt and came to the promised land. So God casted them down, destroy them for their sins.
What we have to do: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
The Lord asked them many questions, which explained the reason God will punish his people for their sins. God can destroy them without cause, but God let them know why? It it the love of the Lord either.
How?
Fear the Lord there is lack nothing, obey God’s word and go with the Lord is blessing in my life.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Deliver us from the Assyrians
Micah 5:1-15
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherded his flock in the strength of the Lord.
And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortress. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders.
The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.
In that day, declares the Lord, I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots. I will destroy the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds,... I will uproot from among you and your Asherah poles and demolish your cities. I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed me.
In the midst of the Assyrian siege, Micah speaks of a deliverer - the ultimate deliverer - who will come, like David of old, from Bethlehem. Historical perspectives blur, as so often in the prophets, and current events melt into those of the near and far distant future. In the messianic peace, even the Assyrian will be overcome. But Judah too will be purified 'in that day'. All that they have relied on in place of God will be destroyed: armies, defences, witchcraft and false gods.
Why?
God will purify his people, remove all they rely on, stronghold, horses, army, even the witchcraft and false gods.
He will stand and shepherded his flock, He is Jesus Christ.
The remnant of Jacob are not so many, but they will be blessed among the nations.
God is the real king over the world, even Assyia invaded whole Europe, but under God seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword.
How?
Bowdown to the Lord, who is the real king over the world and heaven.
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherded his flock in the strength of the Lord.
And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortress. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders.
The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.
In that day, declares the Lord, I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots. I will destroy the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds,... I will uproot from among you and your Asherah poles and demolish your cities. I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed me.
In the midst of the Assyrian siege, Micah speaks of a deliverer - the ultimate deliverer - who will come, like David of old, from Bethlehem. Historical perspectives blur, as so often in the prophets, and current events melt into those of the near and far distant future. In the messianic peace, even the Assyrian will be overcome. But Judah too will be purified 'in that day'. All that they have relied on in place of God will be destroyed: armies, defences, witchcraft and false gods.
Why?
God will purify his people, remove all they rely on, stronghold, horses, army, even the witchcraft and false gods.
He will stand and shepherded his flock, He is Jesus Christ.
The remnant of Jacob are not so many, but they will be blessed among the nations.
God is the real king over the world, even Assyia invaded whole Europe, but under God seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword.
How?
Bowdown to the Lord, who is the real king over the world and heaven.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Rise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, see the Lord's plan
Micah 4:1-13
In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains.
Many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.'
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide, They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.
Writhe in agony, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.
Rise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will give you hoofs of bronze and you will break to pieces many nations.
The doom of chapter 3 is followed by fresh hope. V 1-8 speak of a new Jerusalem, for which God's word goes out to all people, and to which the nations flock, in an era of peace and plenty.
God will being home a remnant of his people. Salvation - rescue and restoration - will come: but only on the other side of suffering, after the trauma of the Assyrian invasion and the exile in Babylon. Then God will judge, not his people alone, but all the nations massed against them.
Why?
Who knows God's plan? Actually God has told his plan through the prophets.
When you believe it it is the miracle.
God may judge between many peoples and settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. So do not afraid God's power and strength is beyond all the nations.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, will be the popular word among people, for God has ruled over all world.
How?
Under frustrated and pressure can I see the hope in the Lord. Raise and thresh, every son of God!
In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains.
Many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.'
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide, They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.
Writhe in agony, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.
Rise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will give you hoofs of bronze and you will break to pieces many nations.
The doom of chapter 3 is followed by fresh hope. V 1-8 speak of a new Jerusalem, for which God's word goes out to all people, and to which the nations flock, in an era of peace and plenty.
God will being home a remnant of his people. Salvation - rescue and restoration - will come: but only on the other side of suffering, after the trauma of the Assyrian invasion and the exile in Babylon. Then God will judge, not his people alone, but all the nations massed against them.
Why?
Who knows God's plan? Actually God has told his plan through the prophets.
When you believe it it is the miracle.
God may judge between many peoples and settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. So do not afraid God's power and strength is beyond all the nations.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, will be the popular word among people, for God has ruled over all world.
How?
Under frustrated and pressure can I see the hope in the Lord. Raise and thresh, every son of God!
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Should you not know justice?
Micah 3:1-12
Listen you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice, you hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones.
As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him.
But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.
Zion will plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets(灌叢).
They fleece the people are meant literally. Rulers, priests and prophets, there is nothing to choose between them - all have their price. They will bring Jerusalem to ruin.
Why?
Leader and ruler of the house of Israel should know justice, but they didn't.
Prophets lead God's people astray so the Lord wrapped against them.
God is filled with the justice and might to declare transgression of Jacob and sins of Israel.
God is love but God is justice either, so fear the Lord is the way to live.
How?
God give me the power and with the Spirit of the Lord and let me show the love and justice to others!
Listen you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice, you hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones.
As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him.
But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.
Zion will plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets(灌叢).
They fleece the people are meant literally. Rulers, priests and prophets, there is nothing to choose between them - all have their price. They will bring Jerusalem to ruin.
Why?
Leader and ruler of the house of Israel should know justice, but they didn't.
Prophets lead God's people astray so the Lord wrapped against them.
God is filled with the justice and might to declare transgression of Jacob and sins of Israel.
God is love but God is justice either, so fear the Lord is the way to live.
How?
God give me the power and with the Spirit of the Lord and let me show the love and justice to others!
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Plan of evildoer and plan of the Lord
Micah 2:1-13
Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.
Therefor you will have no one in the assembly of the Lord to divide the land by lot.
Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy.
If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer', he would be just the prophet for this people!
I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will being them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.
Those with power and influence are all on the make, and not fussy about the means they use. So property is seized and families made destitute; and the preacher is told this is none of his business.
V12-13 moves abruptly to the future, picturing God at the head of the remnant of his people.
Far from promoting justice, the nations' leaders 'hate good and love evil.
Why?
Micah pointed out the evil was full of the city and town of Israel. There is not their rest place anymore, for it is defiled, it is ruined so God abandoned them.
Woe to those who plan iniquity, God won't let them be property anymore. God's judgment come upon them and over the land.
Surely there are God's plan and will gather the remnant of Israel.
How?
No one can escape from the judgment of the Lord, may my soul and my heart be clean and honest to the Lord and follow God's word!
Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.
Therefor you will have no one in the assembly of the Lord to divide the land by lot.
Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy.
If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer', he would be just the prophet for this people!
I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will being them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.
Those with power and influence are all on the make, and not fussy about the means they use. So property is seized and families made destitute; and the preacher is told this is none of his business.
V12-13 moves abruptly to the future, picturing God at the head of the remnant of his people.
Far from promoting justice, the nations' leaders 'hate good and love evil.
Why?
Micah pointed out the evil was full of the city and town of Israel. There is not their rest place anymore, for it is defiled, it is ruined so God abandoned them.
Woe to those who plan iniquity, God won't let them be property anymore. God's judgment come upon them and over the land.
Surely there are God's plan and will gather the remnant of Israel.
How?
No one can escape from the judgment of the Lord, may my soul and my heart be clean and honest to the Lord and follow God's word!
Monday, March 25, 2019
Weep and wail, because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. Micah 1
Micah 1:1-16
The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
All this is because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. What is Jacob’s transgression? Is it not Samaria? What is Judah’s high place? Is it not Jerusalem?
Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images.
Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl. For Samaria’s plague is incurable; it has spread to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people, even to Jerusalem itself.
In the prophet's lament, God is pictured coming down from heaven, treading upon the mountains, to destroy Samaria for her persistent idolatry. The gangrene has spread into Judah, and God's judgment is at the gates of Jerusalem. Micah pictures the approach of the invading army. Stronghold after stronghold falls. The order is not that of the Assyrian army's march, however' the towns encircle Micah's own home town of Moresheth-gath. The parents in Judah will mourn for their exiled children.
In 722/1 BC the Assyrians destroyed Samaria. In 701 they besieged Jerusalem, and the city escaped by a miracle. Micah most probably lived through both these traumatic events.
Why?
Because of Jacob's transgression and the sins of the people of Israel so Micah wrote this lament by vision of the Lord.
God knows what people down on the earth. God send many prophets to warn his people return from their sins, but they didn't care.
Idols and image makes Jacob and Israel fell into God's angry.
God gives every sinner opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord, but many people are hard neck.
How?
Fear the Lord for God is righteousness. Turn to the Lord will be full of joy.
The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
All this is because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. What is Jacob’s transgression? Is it not Samaria? What is Judah’s high place? Is it not Jerusalem?
Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images.
Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl. For Samaria’s plague is incurable; it has spread to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people, even to Jerusalem itself.
In the prophet's lament, God is pictured coming down from heaven, treading upon the mountains, to destroy Samaria for her persistent idolatry. The gangrene has spread into Judah, and God's judgment is at the gates of Jerusalem. Micah pictures the approach of the invading army. Stronghold after stronghold falls. The order is not that of the Assyrian army's march, however' the towns encircle Micah's own home town of Moresheth-gath. The parents in Judah will mourn for their exiled children.
In 722/1 BC the Assyrians destroyed Samaria. In 701 they besieged Jerusalem, and the city escaped by a miracle. Micah most probably lived through both these traumatic events.
Why?
Because of Jacob's transgression and the sins of the people of Israel so Micah wrote this lament by vision of the Lord.
God knows what people down on the earth. God send many prophets to warn his people return from their sins, but they didn't care.
Idols and image makes Jacob and Israel fell into God's angry.
God gives every sinner opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord, but many people are hard neck.
How?
Fear the Lord for God is righteousness. Turn to the Lord will be full of joy.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
越事奉越甘甜， 詩篇16：7-11
2019/03/24。 台南聖教會 高敏智牧師
思想：甘甜…我的心歡喜，我的靈快樂，我的肉身也要安然居住。
我的靈，指的是自由
前面有路就是年輕人，如果沒有路就是老年人。
1. 我將耶和華擺在我面前
因他在我右邊，右邊是尊貴的地方
2.所糧給我的地界實在美好
耶和華是我的產業，是我杯中的份
天地之大，在乎我們的心。
3.我嘴唇也不提別神的名號
你是我的主，我的好處不在你以外。
以別神代替耶和華的，他們的愁苦必加增
思想：甘甜…我的心歡喜，我的靈快樂，我的肉身也要安然居住。
我的靈，指的是自由
前面有路就是年輕人，如果沒有路就是老年人。
1. 我將耶和華擺在我面前
因他在我右邊，右邊是尊貴的地方
2.所糧給我的地界實在美好
耶和華是我的產業，是我杯中的份
天地之大，在乎我們的心。
3.我嘴唇也不提別神的名號
你是我的主，我的好處不在你以外。
以別神代替耶和華的，他們的愁苦必加增
The Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy
Psalm 140:1-13
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
Save me Lord!
The psalmist is in real trouble from the plotting of violent people, and from their venomous tongues. He prays that God will guard him and punish them, in the confident knowledge that God is for the right and implacably opposed to evil.
Why?
When we are in real trouble, we may pray to the Lord like David. Ask God for help and rescue.
God is my Strong deliverer, God shield my head in the day of battle.
God secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. So let my way be justice.
David asked the Lord punish his enemy.
How?
Praise the Lord for God protect the righteous! God is my shield.
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
Save me Lord!
The psalmist is in real trouble from the plotting of violent people, and from their venomous tongues. He prays that God will guard him and punish them, in the confident knowledge that God is for the right and implacably opposed to evil.
Why?
When we are in real trouble, we may pray to the Lord like David. Ask God for help and rescue.
God is my Strong deliverer, God shield my head in the day of battle.
God secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. So let my way be justice.
David asked the Lord punish his enemy.
How?
Praise the Lord for God protect the righteous! God is my shield.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:1-24
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
How precious to me are your thoughts,God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The psalm concerned with God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', not in an abstract, but in a highly personal way. If God knows everything, he knows me through and through, even my thoughts. He has known me from before the day I was born. If God is present everywhere, no matter where I go he is there. He is always with me. I will align myself with him in the fight against evil. Let him search out and deal with all that is wrong in me.
Why?
David praise the Lord, the wonder, the perceive from afar.
God knows everything in the world, where can I go from your Spirit. God knows my mind, my heart, my though. God knows everything, for God's love He is caring everything He created.
So please see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting is the best pray to the Lord.
God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', how can we escape from God's presence.
How?
Fear the Lord and praise the Lord, give thanks to the Lord!
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
How precious to me are your thoughts,God! How vast is the sum of them!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The psalm concerned with God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', not in an abstract, but in a highly personal way. If God knows everything, he knows me through and through, even my thoughts. He has known me from before the day I was born. If God is present everywhere, no matter where I go he is there. He is always with me. I will align myself with him in the fight against evil. Let him search out and deal with all that is wrong in me.
Why?
David praise the Lord, the wonder, the perceive from afar.
God knows everything in the world, where can I go from your Spirit. God knows my mind, my heart, my though. God knows everything, for God's love He is caring everything He created.
So please see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting is the best pray to the Lord.
God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', how can we escape from God's presence.
How?
Fear the Lord and praise the Lord, give thanks to the Lord!
Friday, March 22, 2019
The Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly
Psalm 138:1-9
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.
I will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. You made me bold and stouthearted(令人放心).
Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; your stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.
God has answered prayer. Once again he has shown his faithful love. He is great and high above, yet he cares for the lowly.
The psalmist has a continuing story to tell of God's loving and protective care for individuals.
Why?
God is on high but God care the lowly. Praise the Lord for his love and his faithfulness.
God's faithfulness is his love endure forever, God always do not abandon the works of his hands.
God makes me bold and stouthearted.
God knows everything and God knows everyone. God knows the proud and his sons.
How?
May I could like David feel the God's caring on me and has faith to the Lord!
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.
I will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. You made me bold and stouthearted(令人放心).
Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; your stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.
God has answered prayer. Once again he has shown his faithful love. He is great and high above, yet he cares for the lowly.
The psalmist has a continuing story to tell of God's loving and protective care for individuals.
Why?
God is on high but God care the lowly. Praise the Lord for his love and his faithfulness.
God's faithfulness is his love endure forever, God always do not abandon the works of his hands.
God makes me bold and stouthearted.
God knows everything and God knows everyone. God knows the proud and his sons.
How?
May I could like David feel the God's caring on me and has faith to the Lord!
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Lament of the exiles
Psalm 137:1-9
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!
How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.
Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell.
Lament of the exiles
Sing us one of your songs, the captors demand. But how can the exiles sing to God in the foreign land of Babylon? The old joyful melodies bring a lump to the throat.
Memories of the terrible destruction of their city and Temple overwhelm them. The pain of it comes out in a cry for vengeance: tit-for-tat, 'an eye for an eye'
Why?
Sing one of the songs of Zion, Israelites remember what their situation when Jerusalem fell, they felt sad and they could not sing songs of Zion.
It is the mood of Israelites frustrated, and could not sing songs of joy.
Friends with the world means enemy with Christ, friends with Christs means enemy with worldly.
How?
Keep close relationship with Jesus Christ.
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!
How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.
Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell.
Lament of the exiles
Sing us one of your songs, the captors demand. But how can the exiles sing to God in the foreign land of Babylon? The old joyful melodies bring a lump to the throat.
Memories of the terrible destruction of their city and Temple overwhelm them. The pain of it comes out in a cry for vengeance: tit-for-tat, 'an eye for an eye'
Why?
Sing one of the songs of Zion, Israelites remember what their situation when Jerusalem fell, they felt sad and they could not sing songs of Zion.
It is the mood of Israelites frustrated, and could not sing songs of joy.
Friends with the world means enemy with Christ, friends with Christs means enemy with worldly.
How?
Keep close relationship with Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Give thanks to the Lord
Psalm 136:1-21
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for His love endures forever, to him who alone does great wonders, who by his understanding made the heavens, who spread out the earth upon the waters, who made the great lights, the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night, to him who stuck down the firstborn of Egypt, to him who lead his people through the desert, to the One who remembered us in out low estate and freed us from out enemies, and who gives food to every creature.
Give thanks to the Lord of heaven. His love endures forever.
Hallel is the Hebrew word for praise, and this psalm was sung at Passover. The description of God's great works in creation and history alternate with the people's refrain(副歌) to God's unchanging timeless love.
Why?
God is good to his people and every creature, so let us praise his holy name, sing praise song to our great king, the Lord Almighty.
His love endure forever, more than everything in the world.
How?
May my heart always go with the Lord and give thanks to the Lord every moment!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for His love endures forever, to him who alone does great wonders, who by his understanding made the heavens, who spread out the earth upon the waters, who made the great lights, the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night, to him who stuck down the firstborn of Egypt, to him who lead his people through the desert, to the One who remembered us in out low estate and freed us from out enemies, and who gives food to every creature.
Give thanks to the Lord of heaven. His love endures forever.
Hallel is the Hebrew word for praise, and this psalm was sung at Passover. The description of God's great works in creation and history alternate with the people's refrain(副歌) to God's unchanging timeless love.
Why?
God is good to his people and every creature, so let us praise his holy name, sing praise song to our great king, the Lord Almighty.
His love endure forever, more than everything in the world.
How?
May my heart always go with the Lord and give thanks to the Lord every moment!
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good
Psalm 135:1-21
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.
I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.
Your name , O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord , through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see... Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
This psalm echoes many earlier one. God is to be praised for choosing Israel, for his greatness and his mighty works. Let priests and people sing his praise.
Why?
God is great, God is good, God will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. So let's praise his name and sing his praise with joy.
Don't make any idles in our heart, to a God's servant must keep away from idols. Come close idols will perish like idols.
How?
Praise the Lord! Give honor to the Lord and keep away from any kind of idols.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.
I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.
Your name , O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord , through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see... Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
This psalm echoes many earlier one. God is to be praised for choosing Israel, for his greatness and his mighty works. Let priests and people sing his praise.
Why?
God is great, God is good, God will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. So let's praise his name and sing his praise with joy.
Don't make any idles in our heart, to a God's servant must keep away from idols. Come close idols will perish like idols.
How?
Praise the Lord! Give honor to the Lord and keep away from any kind of idols.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
Psalm 134:1-3
Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord, May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth bless you from Zion.
An every prayer
Group of psalms closes with this little night-time prayer as the pilgrims(朝聖者) depart. V1,2 would seem to be their words to the priests and Levites, who respond with the blessing in V 3.
Why?
All of the servant of the Lord is Pilgrims come to the Lord and praise God.
God's bless is full of our life and environment for God loves us.
How?
Praise the Lord any time and any situation, no matter good or worse condition, praise the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth.
Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord, May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth bless you from Zion.
An every prayer
Group of psalms closes with this little night-time prayer as the pilgrims(朝聖者) depart. V1,2 would seem to be their words to the priests and Levites, who respond with the blessing in V 3.
Why?
All of the servant of the Lord is Pilgrims come to the Lord and praise God.
God's bless is full of our life and environment for God loves us.
How?
Praise the Lord any time and any situation, no matter good or worse condition, praise the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
我是原住民 賽：24：1-6, 13-15
2019/03/17 高敏智牧師 台南聖教會
賽24:1-6, 13-15
賽24:1-6, 13-15
- 看哪，耶和華使地空虛，變為荒涼；又翻轉大地，將居民分散。
- 那時百姓怎樣，祭司也怎樣；僕人怎樣，主人也怎樣；婢女怎樣，主母也怎樣；買物的怎樣，賣物的也怎樣；放債的怎樣，借債的也怎樣；取利的怎樣，出利的也怎樣。
- 地必全然空虛，盡都荒涼；因為這話是耶和華說的。
- 地上悲哀衰殘，世界敗落衰殘；地上居高位的人也敗落了。
- 地被其上的居民污穢；因為他們犯了律法，廢了律例，背了永約。
- 所以，地被咒詛吞滅；住在其上的顯為有罪。地上的居民被火焚燒，剩下的人稀少。
- 在地上的萬民中，必像打過的橄欖樹，又像已摘的葡萄所剩無幾。
- 這些人要高聲歡呼；他們為耶和華的威嚴，從海那裡揚起聲來。
- 因此，你們要在東方榮耀耶和華；在眾海島榮耀耶和華─以色列神的名。
地上的萬民： 文明世界
原住民不是沒有文明，低一層的住民，而是保留了某些特質的民族
這些人要高聲歡呼；他們為耶和華的威嚴，從海那裡揚起聲來。因此，你們要在東方榮耀耶和華；在眾海島榮耀耶和華─以色列神的名。
因此，你們要在東方榮耀耶和華；
我們聽見從地極有人歌唱，說：榮耀歸於義人。
我卻說：我消滅了！我消滅了，我有禍了！
地上的居民哪，恐懼、陷坑、網羅都臨近你。
耶和華使地空虛，變為荒涼；
那時百姓怎樣，祭司也怎樣，取利的怎樣，出利的也怎樣。
地被其上的居民污穢；因為他們犯了律法，廢了律例，背了永約
所以，地被咒詛吞滅；住在其上的顯為有罪。地上的居民被火焚燒，剩下的人稀少。
在地上的萬民中，必像打過的橄欖樹，又像已摘的葡萄所剩無幾。
當神造人的日子，是照著自己的樣式造的，並且造男造女。在他們被造的日子，神賜福給他們，稱他們為人。
各族族名的意思，亦是「人」的總稱。
思想：
耶和華神用地上的塵土造人，將生氣吹在他鼻孔裡，他就成了有靈的活人，名叫亞當。
該隱離開耶和華的面，去住在伊甸東邊挪得之地
該隱……以諾……以拿……米戶雅利……瑪土撒利……拉麥
拉麥娶了兩個妻：一個名叫亞大，一個名叫洗拉
亞大生雅八；雅八就是住帳棚、牧養牲畜之人的祖師
雅八的兄弟名叫猶八；他是一切彈琴吹簫之人的祖師
洗拉又生了土八該隱；他是打造各樣銅鐵利器的【或作：是銅匠鐵匠的祖師】
塞特也生了一個兒子，起名叫以挪士。那時候，人才求告耶和華的名。
神的後代，看到該隱後代的繁榮，開始往世界靠，結婚。只剩下挪亞。
挑戰：
1.該隱的後代
所多瑪……為何失落?
挪亞的日子怎樣，人子降臨也要怎樣。人照常吃喝嫁娶，直到挪亞進方舟的那日，洪水就來，把他們全都滅了。
羅得的日子；人又吃又喝，又買又賣，又耕種又蓋造。到羅得出所多瑪的那日，就有火與硫磺從天上降下來，把他們全都滅了。
2.我是原住民，不是原始人
原住民 Infigenous, 原始人： Aboriginal
1.這些人要從海那裏揚起聲來。他們是誰?
這些人要高聲歡呼；他們為耶和華的威嚴，從海那裡揚起聲來
這些人 非文明文化(美學) -->所多瑪、方舟外
乃基督文化（真理）--> 十字架國度
2.你們要在「東方、眾海島」榮耀耶和華，以色列神的名
我是耶和華，這是我的名；我必不將我的榮耀歸給假神，也不將我的稱讚歸給雕刻的偶像。
航海的和海中所有的，海島和其上的居民，都當向耶和華唱新歌，從地極讚美他。
曠野和其中的城邑，並基達人居住的村莊都當揚聲；西拉的居民當歡呼，在山頂上吶喊。他們當將榮耀歸給耶和華，在海島中傳揚他的頌讚。
曠野和其中的城邑，並基達人居住的村莊都當揚聲；西拉的居民當歡呼，在山頂上吶喊。他們當將榮耀歸給耶和華，在海島中傳揚他的頌讚。
3.耶和華必「在錫安山，在耶路撒冷作王！
我們聽見從地極有人歌唱，說：榮耀歸於義人。
The family-unity of God's people
Psalm 133:1-3
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows(賜給) his blessing, even life forevermore.
This is a 'wisdom' psalm. The theme is the family harmony of God's people, precious as holy oil or dew fall on bare hills.
Why?
It is honored the name of the Lord by David.
God's people live together in unity is good and pleasant.
Precious oil poured on the head... is the Holy Spirit come down so is the blessing of God with us.
Dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion, mean the blessing of the Lord come give his people prosperity and life forevermore.
How?
Brother and sister in church live together in unity is very good and pleasant things.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows(賜給) his blessing, even life forevermore.
This is a 'wisdom' psalm. The theme is the family harmony of God's people, precious as holy oil or dew fall on bare hills.
Why?
It is honored the name of the Lord by David.
God's people live together in unity is good and pleasant.
Precious oil poured on the head... is the Holy Spirit come down so is the blessing of God with us.
Dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion, mean the blessing of the Lord come give his people prosperity and life forevermore.
How?
Brother and sister in church live together in unity is very good and pleasant things.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one
Psalm 132:11-18
The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.
If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions.
v17. Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”
Zion is God's chosen home, his appointed center for worship, in the city of Jerusalem, seat of kings.
V17 points to the future; there is a great king yet to come.
Why?
God desire Zion and chose there be his seat, there is a king will come, who is God's anointed one; Jesus Christ.
If anyone keep God's covenant and the statutes God teach them, then they will be blessed forever.
Horn means salvation. Lamp means guidance, Anointed one means Jesus.
How wonder that David's prayer become the prediction of Messiah, Jesus Christ.
How?
Keep God's covenant and statutes, trust in the Lord and follow Jesus Christ to love others.
The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.
If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions.
v17. Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”
Zion is God's chosen home, his appointed center for worship, in the city of Jerusalem, seat of kings.
V17 points to the future; there is a great king yet to come.
Why?
God desire Zion and chose there be his seat, there is a king will come, who is God's anointed one; Jesus Christ.
If anyone keep God's covenant and the statutes God teach them, then they will be blessed forever.
Horn means salvation. Lamp means guidance, Anointed one means Jesus.
How wonder that David's prayer become the prediction of Messiah, Jesus Christ.
How?
Keep God's covenant and statutes, trust in the Lord and follow Jesus Christ to love others.
Friday, March 15, 2019
May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy
Psalm 132:1-10
O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured.
I will not enter my house or go to my bed - until I find a place for the Lord, and dwelling for the mighty One of Jacob.
May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy.
For the sake of David your servant, do not reject you anointed one.
This 'royal' psalm reflects the bringing of the Ark to the city and Temple The Ark contained the record of God's ancient covenant with his people, renewed in his promise of a lasting dynasty to David.
Why?
David honest worship the Lord, forsake all his own goodness but focused on the honor of the Lord. The Ark and Temple place is David concerned.
May your priests be clothes with righteousness: It is needed to God's priest with righteousness.
All of the Christian should be sing for joy for God had done great things to us.
Do not reject you anointed one- means all the baptized one, all the Christian. Let us come the worship the Lord everyday and follow God's word.
How?
Give honor to the Lord and humble myself for God is my Lord, I am God's servant.
O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured.
I will not enter my house or go to my bed - until I find a place for the Lord, and dwelling for the mighty One of Jacob.
May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy.
For the sake of David your servant, do not reject you anointed one.
This 'royal' psalm reflects the bringing of the Ark to the city and Temple The Ark contained the record of God's ancient covenant with his people, renewed in his promise of a lasting dynasty to David.
Why?
David honest worship the Lord, forsake all his own goodness but focused on the honor of the Lord. The Ark and Temple place is David concerned.
May your priests be clothes with righteousness: It is needed to God's priest with righteousness.
All of the Christian should be sing for joy for God had done great things to us.
Do not reject you anointed one- means all the baptized one, all the Christian. Let us come the worship the Lord everyday and follow God's word.
How?
Give honor to the Lord and humble myself for God is my Lord, I am God's servant.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore
Psalm 131:1-3
The psalmist has put aside all arrogance and conceit. He is content to rest quietly in the Lord, like a child in its mother's arms. This is one of the Bible's loveliest mother-image of God.
Why?
Fully rest, calm and quiet myself can see the great things has been done by the Lord.
Put my hope in the Lord, for God is good to me and protect me from danger.
Do not proud and haughty, for all I have is grace of the Lord.
Don't let selfish desire disturb my heart, for proud and desire for some wonderful may lead me astray.
How?
Dear Lord, please keep my heart focus on you and follow your word from now and forever. Calm and quiet my heart!
My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned(斷奶) child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.
Why?
Fully rest, calm and quiet myself can see the great things has been done by the Lord.
Put my hope in the Lord, for God is good to me and protect me from danger.
Do not proud and haughty, for all I have is grace of the Lord.
Don't let selfish desire disturb my heart, for proud and desire for some wonderful may lead me astray.
How?
Dear Lord, please keep my heart focus on you and follow your word from now and forever. Calm and quiet my heart!
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
My soul waits for the Lord
Psalm 130:1-8
O Lord, if you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
This is a 'repenting' psalm. Praying, hoping, waiting for God's help, the psalmist's attitude is one of eager trust. He implores Israel to trust as he does, for the Lord will save his people from the mess their sins have brought them to.
Why?
No one can stand before the Lord if God record of sins.
Wait for the Lord my soul waits, for God has his plan and time, God is full of mercy and unfailing love. God's way is higher than we know.
Put my hope in the Lord is the only way of redemption.
How?
Trust and put hope in word of the Lord! Keep my heart being clear and hope in the Lord!
O Lord, if you kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
This is a 'repenting' psalm. Praying, hoping, waiting for God's help, the psalmist's attitude is one of eager trust. He implores Israel to trust as he does, for the Lord will save his people from the mess their sins have brought them to.
Why?
No one can stand before the Lord if God record of sins.
Wait for the Lord my soul waits, for God has his plan and time, God is full of mercy and unfailing love. God's way is higher than we know.
Put my hope in the Lord is the only way of redemption.
How?
Trust and put hope in word of the Lord! Keep my heart being clear and hope in the Lord!
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.
Psalm 129
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.
But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”
May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.”
A single voice invites the company to elaborate on Israel's ill-treatment by their enemies.
V5∼8 are a call for God's judgment.
Why?
Even there were enemy oppressed me but for God is with me so they have not gained the victory over me.
The Lord is righteousness, who blesses he loved. Who is follow his word.
How?
I am not fear for I am son of the Lord. My enemy may be inside me and outside me, be aware about it.
They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.
But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”
May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.
May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.”
A single voice invites the company to elaborate on Israel's ill-treatment by their enemies.
V5∼8 are a call for God's judgment.
Why?
Even there were enemy oppressed me but for God is with me so they have not gained the victory over me.
The Lord is righteousness, who blesses he loved. Who is follow his word.
How?
I am not fear for I am son of the Lord. My enemy may be inside me and outside me, be aware about it.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways
Psalm 128
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life my you see the prosperity of Jerusalem and my you live to see your children’s children.
This ‘wisdom’ psalm sees obedience to God as the route to blessing. The psalmist’s picture describes everything the person of his own day asked of life.
The New Testament changes the concept from material to spiritual reward.
Why?
Fear the Lord is the way to be blessed.
Not only prosperity but also in long life and good spiritual reward.
How wonderful to follow the word of God, and humble myself.
The prosperity of Jerusalem is related to the prosperity of personal home. Both be blessed.
How?
Humble and fear the Lord is the way of blessing.
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life my you see the prosperity of Jerusalem and my you live to see your children’s children.
This ‘wisdom’ psalm sees obedience to God as the route to blessing. The psalmist’s picture describes everything the person of his own day asked of life.
The New Testament changes the concept from material to spiritual reward.
Why?
Fear the Lord is the way to be blessed.
Not only prosperity but also in long life and good spiritual reward.
How wonderful to follow the word of God, and humble myself.
The prosperity of Jerusalem is related to the prosperity of personal home. Both be blessed.
How?
Humble and fear the Lord is the way of blessing.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain
Psalm 127 1-5
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them, They will not be put to shame when they contend 爭議with their opponents in court.
Hebrew title, ;By Solomon’. This is a ‘wisdom’ psalm. Human effort is of no avail if God is not in it, The connection between verses 2,3 would seem to be that God’s normal provision comes through the gift of sons, the key to the family’s Future financial security.
Dispute and business deals were settled at the city gate. Where the grown-up sons support their father in maintaining the family’s interests.
Why?
Under God’s blessing and God’s love will be property and welcome.
Without God’s blessing everything he has done in vain.
Have more children is reward from God. For support their family future financial security.
How?
How great may worship God in church with many brother and sister.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them, They will not be put to shame when they contend 爭議with their opponents in court.
Hebrew title, ;By Solomon’. This is a ‘wisdom’ psalm. Human effort is of no avail if God is not in it, The connection between verses 2,3 would seem to be that God’s normal provision comes through the gift of sons, the key to the family’s Future financial security.
Dispute and business deals were settled at the city gate. Where the grown-up sons support their father in maintaining the family’s interests.
Why?
Under God’s blessing and God’s love will be property and welcome.
Without God’s blessing everything he has done in vain.
Have more children is reward from God. For support their family future financial security.
How?
How great may worship God in church with many brother and sister.
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