耶利米书［第二十二章］
Book of Jeremiah 22
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耶利米书 第二十二章 |Book of Jeremiah 22【秉行公义的呼召】
神呼召犹大的王们和领袖们履行正义，关怀穷苦人，并警告他们背离神的后果。透过经文，神也提醒我们，无论身处何种领导岗位，公义、怜悯与顺服神都是不可妥协的责任。
一、履行正义的呼召（V1-5）
1. 领袖应有的公义责任 (V1-3)
耶和华通过耶利米向犹大王发出明确的命令：要施行公平和公义，效法大卫向众民秉公行义。这一呼召不仅仅是给君王，也是对所有领袖的指引。
2. 公义对比不义的后果 (V4-5）
神清楚地告诉犹大王，若行正义，他的王朝将会继续稳固。然而，如果他不听从神的命令，结果将是毁灭性的。因此，我们要反省，今天我们若作为领袖，我们是否在履行神对公义的呼召？
二、背弃神约的结局（V6-9）
1. 繁荣将变为废墟（V6-7）
这里带出一个强烈的对比：犹大王的宫殿原本像美丽的黎巴嫩顶，象征着荣耀与繁荣。然而，若他们继续偏离神，这美丽的象征将会变成无人居住的荒地。这个比喻提醒我们，无论多么繁华的事业或多么成功的领导，只要离开了神的道，最终将会走向衰败。
2. 面对外界的评价（V8-9）
当以色列和犹大的领袖们不遵循神的道时，周围的国家将会看见他们的败落，并成为别人的警戒。因此，身为领袖的我们需常检视我们的领导方式，避免外界负面的批评。
三、拒绝听从的悲剧（V10-12）
约西亚的儿子沙龙又名约哈斯，他继承了约西亚的王位，却不肯效法约西亚的敬虔，反而行耶和华眼中看为恶的事。因此，约哈斯王因拒绝听从神的命令而被掳。因此，我们要迫切为我们国家的领袖可以按照神的心意来管理国家祷告。
四、骄傲自大的谴责（V13-17）
1.不讨神喜悦的奢华（V13-14）
神透过耶利米谴责那些依靠不义和不公平来积累财富和建造奢华宫殿的领袖。神提醒他们，真正的领导力并不在于豪华的生活方式，而在于施行公平和公义。
当一个国家的领袖沉迷于权力和财富，却忽略了人民的需要，最终将会失去民心，甚至被推翻。
2. 公义是祝福的源头（V15-17）
神指出，约西亚王之所以蒙福，是因为他施行了公平和公义。而公义才是真正的祝福之源，而不义只会导致毁灭。因此，我们要思考，我们的生命是为谁而活？
五、最后警告与审判（V18-30）
1. 约雅敬的悲惨命运(V18-23)
沙龙被掳埃及之后，约雅敬被法老尼哥立为傀儡王。尽管他曾经拥有至高的地位，但因他拒绝行公义，最终的结局悲惨无比。没有人为他的死哀哭，死后也没有任何尊严。
2. 神的审判不可避免(V24-30)
神对犹大的君王发出最后的警告：不论他们如何企图维持自己的权力，若他们拒绝神的道路，他们终将失去一切。
我们需要反省，在我们每一天的生活中，我们是选择了顺服神的方式，还是按照自己的意愿行事？
总结：
无论是古代的犹大王，还是现代的领导者，神都呼召我们以公平和公义为基础来带领别人。那些依靠不义和压迫来维持自己地位的领袖，终将面临毁灭。
唯有顺服神的旨意，行公义，关爱他人，才是持久的荣耀和祝福之源。
Jeremiah Chapter 22: The Call to Uphold Justice
GK611 Morning Devotion
25/09/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: IP Stella
Introduction:
God calls the kings and leaders of Judah to practice justice, care for the poor, and warns them of the consequences of turning away from Him. Through this passage, God also reminds us that regardless of our leadership role, righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God are non-negotiable responsibilities.
I. The Call to Practice Justice (V1-5)
1. The Leaders' Responsibility for Justice (V1-3)
The Lord, through Jeremiah, issues a clear command to the king of Judah: to practice justice and righteousness, following King David's example of fairness towards the people. This call is not only directed at kings but also serves as guidance for all leaders.
2. The Consequences of Justice vs. Injustice (V4-5)
God makes it clear to the king of Judah that if justice is upheld, his dynasty will remain secure. However, if he disregards God's command, the consequences will be devastating. This prompts us to reflect: as leaders today, are we fulfilling God’s call to uphold justice?
II. The Outcome of Breaking God's Covenant (V6-9)
1. Prosperity Will Turn to Desolation (V6-7)
A stark contrast is presented here: the palace of the king of Judah, once as glorious as the peaks of Lebanon, symbolizing honor and prosperity, will become a desolate wasteland if they continue to stray from God. This metaphor reminds us that no matter how successful or thriving a venture may seem, abandoning God’s path leads to downfall.
2. Facing External Judgment (V8-9)
When the leaders of Israel and Judah fail to follow God's way, the surrounding nations will witness their downfall and learn from their example. Thus, we must constantly evaluate our leadership approach to avoid negative external judgment.
III. The Tragedy of Refusing to Listen (V10-12)
Shallum, also known as Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, inherited the throne but did not follow his father’s piety. Instead, he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. As a result, King Jehoahaz was taken into captivity for refusing to heed God’s commands. Therefore, we must urgently pray that our national leaders will govern according to God's will.
IV. Condemnation of Arrogance (V13-17)
1. Lavish Living that Displeases God (V13-14)
Through Jeremiah, God condemns leaders who accumulate wealth and build luxurious palaces through injustice and oppression. God reminds them that true leadership is not defined by a lavish lifestyle but by practicing justice and righteousness.
When leaders indulge in power and wealth while neglecting the needs of the people, they will eventually lose their support and may even be overthrown.
2. Righteousness as the Source of Blessing (V15-17)
God points out that King Josiah was blessed because he practiced justice and righteousness. Righteousness is the true source of blessing, while injustice leads to destruction. We must consider: for whom do we live our lives?
V. Final Warnings and Judgment (V18-30)
1. The Tragic Fate of Jehoiakim (V18-23)
After Shallum was exiled to Egypt, Jehoiakim was made a puppet king by Pharaoh Necho. Despite his high position, his refusal to practice justice led to a tragic end. No one mourned his death, and he died without honor.
2. God’s Judgment is Unavoidable (V24-30)
God gives the kings of Judah a final warning: no matter how they try to maintain their power, if they refuse to follow God’s way, they will ultimately lose everything.
We need to reflect: in our daily lives, are we choosing to follow God's way or acting according to our own will?
Conclusion:
Whether in ancient Judah or today, God calls us to lead others with fairness and justice. Leaders who rely on injustice and oppression to maintain their positions will eventually face destruction. Only by submitting to God's will, practicing justice, and caring for others can we achieve lasting glory and blessing.