n*********0 发帖数: 925 | 1 http://www.glorypress.com/devotional/FaithAndLifeOneYearBook.asp?bid=3
上帝的乘法表
经文:「至小的族要加增千倍;微弱的国必成为强盛,我──耶和华要按定期速成这事
。」(以赛亚书六十︰22)
上帝的工作刚开始时,常是微不足道的,但这也没什么不好,软弱使我们接近
上帝,困境可操练我的信心,使上帝的名可大得荣耀。上帝应许我们要繁荣倍增,就像
芥菜种子在所有植物当中是最小的,但却可长成像一颗树那样大,让飞鸟来栖息。我们
开始可能只是「一」,而且是小小的「一」,但它可变成千,这是上帝奇妙的乘法表。
上帝不是常对祂的仆人说︰「我要使你结实百倍、千倍!」信靠上帝,祂会让你得人如
得鱼,而且人数渐多,因为只要奉耶稣的名聚在一起,上帝必要在我们当中。
「小小的一个」,这在以量取胜的世人眼中来看,是多么地令人泄气。然而行
远必自迩,登高必自卑,万丈高楼也是平地起。夜里只要第一颗星开始亮,转瞬间,繁
星就将陆续出现,布满夜空。
我们也不要臆测这样的应许,只不过是个远景,并非指日可待的美梦。看上帝
接下去怎么说? 「我耶和华要按定期速成这事。」这不是一般奋兴会所看到的激情假
象,而是上帝按着定期,祂的时候要成就的圣工。祂是不误时的上帝,上帝的热心必要
使祂的圣工,按着祂的心意,按步就班地完成。
God's Multiplication Table
Scripture: "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong
nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time" (Isaiah 60:22).
Works for the LORD often begin on a small scale, and they are none
the worse for this. Feebleness educates faith, brings God near, and wins
glory for His name. Prize promises of increase! Mustard seed is the smallest
among seeds, and yet it becomes a treelike plant, with branches which lodge
the birds of heaven. We may begin with one, and that "a little one," and
yet it will "become a thousand." The LORD is great at the multiplication
table. How often did He say to His lone servant, "I will multiply thee!"
Trust in the LORD, ye ones and twos; for He will be in the midst of you if
you are gathered in His name.
"A small one." What can be more despicable in the eyes of those who
count heads and weigh forces! Yet this is the nucleus of a great nation.
Only one star shines out at first in the evening, but soon the sky is
crowded with countless lights. Nor need we think the prospect of increase to
be remote, for the promise is, "I Jehovah will hasten it in his time."
There will be no premature haste, like that which we see at excited meetings
; it will be all in due time, but yet there will be no delay. When the LORD
hastens, His speed is glorious. |
|