耶利米书［第四十九章］
Book of Jeremiah 49
文章下载 ｜ Article Download
耶利米书 第四十九 |Book of Jeremiah 49【神的管教与应许】
一、亚扪人的贪婪（V1-6）
亚扪人和摩押人一样，都是亚伯拉罕的侄子罗得的后代，与以色列人有血缘关系。但从士师时代开始，亚扪人就常常与以色列人争战，大卫、约沙法和约坦都曾与他们交战。迦得支派被亚述掳走后，亚扪人趁机向西霸占了迦得支派的土地，却不知被掳百姓的后裔总有一天会来取回地业。这行为显露出他们的贪婪和对神的蔑视。
然而，尽管亚扪人因贪婪而受罚，但第6节中，神应许他们归回。这表明神不仅是公义的审判者，更是满有怜悯的神，即使我们曾经犯错，只要真心悔改，神依然愿意赐下恢复的机会。
二、以东的骄傲与败落（V7-22）
1.以东因自夸失去依靠（V7-16）
以东因地势险峻而自以为是，认为没有人能攻入他们的山寨。然而，神直接指出他们的骄傲和自豪是虚妄的，再高的山也挡不住神的审判。这表明，当人过度依赖自己的优势时，常会忽视自己内在的软弱和神的力量。
很多时候，我们以为自己可以靠自己，但其实都在神的掌控中。神会通过生活中的挫折提醒我们保持谦卑，依赖他的带领。所以，不要将自己的安全感建立在任何物质或地位上，而是将信心放在神身上。
2.以东成为荒凉的象征（V17-22）
以东因骄傲而最终被神审判，成为荒凉的象征。这不仅是对以东的警告，也是对所有心高气傲者的警戒。神的公义不可轻视，骄傲自大的结局就是毁灭（V17-22）。以东的例子提醒我们，只有在神的主权下谦卑度日，才能避免遭受无谓的损失。
我们可以在日常生活中培养谦卑的心态，特别是在取得成就时，时常提醒自己，这一切皆为神的恩典。以关怀的态度待人，避免轻视他人，不因外在的成功而骄傲。
三、大马士革的冷漠（V23-27)
大马士革是令人向往的国际大都市、古代重要的国际贸易中心，是当时美索不达米亚、埃及和小亚细亚之间几条主要国际贸易大道的交汇点。它是一座坚固的城市，拥有强大的防御力量，并且以和平和繁荣而闻名。但在享乐和冷漠中，他们逐渐远离神，漠视祂的旨意，并活在虚假的平安里。因此，耶利米警告他们，这种冷漠最终会引来毁灭。
冷漠不仅让我们远离神，也会让我们远离身边的人。因此，我们要有一颗敏锐的心，关注神的旨意，关心身边的人，不让冷漠侵蚀我们对神和他人的爱。
四、基达和夏琐的自我（V28-33)
基达和夏琐的人是游牧民族，以为靠着自己的武力和地势优势，能够抵御任何敌人。然而，神通过耶利米的预言告诉他们，凡依靠自己力量的人，最终都会发现自己的无力。
因此，我们不要将自己的信心建立在自己的力量上，而要倚靠神的引领。信靠神的人，能够在软弱时得到力量，在困境中找到帮助。
五、以拦痛苦中的盼望（V34-39)
以拦人被审判的预言中也蕴含着神的怜悯，神说，虽然会击打他们，但最终会使他们恢复。神的审判中总带有怜悯，为悔改的人预备了新的希望。
神对我们的审判是为了让我们悔改，祂的惩罚中带有爱。即便我们犯错，神仍为我们预备了恢复和新的盼望。祂的心意是希望我们回归正道，走向更美好的未来。
总结：谦卑归向神，得着真正的生命
神透过这些预言让我们明白，祂的公义和怜悯是永不改变的。祂不是冷漠的审判者，而是满怀爱意的父亲，祂希望我们悔改，回到祂的怀抱。
因此，让我们在生命的每个选择上，都放下对自己力量的依赖，放下我们心中的骄傲，带着谦卑回到神面前。因为真正可靠的盼望不在世上的任何事物，而在那位爱我们、引导我们的神那里。愿我们每个人都能在神的爱中找到真正的安稳，并活出蒙神喜悦的生命！
Jeremiah Chapter 49: God’s Discipline and Promise
GK611 Morning Devotion
13/11/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella
Introduction: God as the Ruler of Nations
I. The Greed of the Ammonites （V1-6)
The Ammonites, like the Moabites, were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, sharing a kinship with Israel. However, from the time of the Judges, they often fought against Israel, with David, Jehoshaphat, and Jotham engaging in battles with them. After the tribe of Gad was taken captive by Assyria, the Ammonites seized the land of Gad in the west, not realizing that the descendants of the exiled would one day reclaim their inheritance. This act revealed their greed and disregard for God.
Although the Ammonites were punished for their greed, verse 6 shows that God promised their return. This demonstrates that God is not only a righteous judge but also merciful, offering restoration to those who genuinely repent, even if they have done wrong.
II. The Pride and Downfall of Edom （V7-22)
1. Edom’s False Security （V7-16)
Because of their mountainous terrain, Edom became proud, thinking no one could penetrate their strongholds. However, God pointed out that their pride was in vain; no mountain could shield them from His judgment. This teaches that relying too heavily on one’s own strengths can cause one to overlook weaknesses and ignore God's power.
Often, we may think we can rely on ourselves, but we are always within God’s control. God sometimes uses life’s setbacks to remind us to remain humble and depend on His guidance. Our sense of security should not rest on material possessions or status but on God.
2. Edom as a Symbol of Desolation （V17-22)
Due to their pride, Edom faced God’s judgment, becoming a symbol of desolation. This is not only a warning for Edom but for all those who harbor arrogance. God’s justice is not to be underestimated; pride leads to destruction. Edom's example reminds us that only by living humbly under God’s sovereignty can we avoid unnecessary loss.
In our daily lives, we can cultivate humility, especially in times of success, remembering that all achievements are by God's grace. We should treat others kindly, avoid looking down on them, and refrain from pride due to outward success.
III. The Indifference of Damascus （V23-27)
Damascus was an international metropolis, a major trade center in ancient times connecting Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Asia Minor. Known for its strength and prosperity, it grew indifferent in its luxury, drifting from God and disregarding His will, living in a false sense of peace. Jeremiah warned that such indifference would ultimately lead to destruction.
Indifference distances us from God and others. Therefore, we should have a sensitive heart, mindful of God’s will, and care for those around us, so that indifference does not erode our love for God and others.
IV. The Self-Reliance of Kedar and Hazor （V28-33)
The people of Kedar and Hazor, being nomadic, believed they could resist any enemy through their own strength and geographical advantage. Yet, through Jeremiah’s prophecy, God told them that those who rely solely on their strength would ultimately find themselves powerless.
Thus, we should not place our confidence in our own strength but instead rely on God’s guidance. Those who trust in God find strength in weakness and help in times of trouble.
V. The Hope of Elam Amid Suffering （V34-39)
In God’s judgment on Elam, there is also mercy. While they would face punishment, God promised to eventually restore them. God’s judgments always carry mercy, with new hope for those who repent.
God’s judgment aims to bring us to repentance, His punishment imbued with love. Even when we do wrong, God prepares restoration and new hope, desiring our return to the right path and a better future.
Conclusion: Humbling Ourselves Before God to Gain True Life
Through these prophecies, God helps us understand that His justice and mercy are unwavering. He is not a distant judge but a loving Father who desires our repentance and return to Him.
Let us, in every decision of life, abandon reliance on our strength, letting go of pride, and come humbly before God. For true hope is not in worldly things but in the God who loves and guides us. May we find true stability in God’s love and live a life that pleases Him.