Day 14 March 12



Day 14 March 12

Passage: Isaiah 43:8-13
To appreciate today’s passage, let us learn about its historical context. The people of Israel had an important role, and that was to be God’s witness (verses 10,12) But what does that role mean? The way the ancient religions interacted was similar to disputing parties in a courtroom. Whenever a major event happened, the topics of dispute would be who was responsible and who was in control. During a dispute, witnesses play a key role, to provide testimonies for the case. In this case, the matter of dispute was: who was in control of history? Who could influence the situation? Who was the true God? Babylon would of course claim that their god was manipulating everything. So, God summoned Israel to court, and with its own experiences it could provide evidential testimony to prove the contrary. The strongest testimony would be Babylon’s destruction by the Persians, for that was God’s salvation plan for Israel. And events happened as foretold. Israel became a unique witness, who could testify to the true reasons that led to these events, proving that it was their God who was in control. If Israel had eyes and ears, they only had to listen to the prophecies, and observe the events, they would fulfill their role perfectly. The Babylonians had no room to argue otherwise.

Unfortunately, Israel was deaf and blind. They did not listen to the prophets, nor cared about God’s unfolding plans. It looked like God would have to give up on the case, or find other witnesses. Surely God would not consider relying on these deaf and blind witnesses for their testimonies, would he? That would make him a laughing stock. But it appeared that God still put His hopes on Israel. It all boiled down to the servant-master relationship. God must be committed to this servant, to enable him to fulfill his mission. In the end, this testimony would not just be witnessing towards the world. More importantly, Israel itself would be moved by its own testimony. From God’s deeds, they would acknowledge God once again, and believe Him as their one true God.

Prayer: God, you use ordinary men as your witnesses. Your invitation moves us!

第十四天 Mar 12

经文：以赛亚书 43: 8-13
学习今天的经文需要了解一个背景，这样读者就很容易明白了。以色列子民有一个很重要的职分，那就是成为耶和华的证人（10，12节）。

但这个职分的意义是什么？原来古时的宗教信仰之间就好比在法庭上彼此争论的两方。当大事件发生时，谁能够承担，谁能够操纵，这都是彼此争执的课题。每当争论的时候，证人就扮演关键性的角色，为案件提供证词。此时，争论的题目就是：谁是真正的历史主宰？  谁能够左右古代近东的局势变化？  谁才是真神？ 

巴比伦当然自称自己的神在操控一切。而耶和华就召唤了以色列出庭，以自己的经历提供反驳的证词。最有力的证词就是波斯最后消灭巴比伦，是神为了救赎以色列。而事情果然如此发展。以色列成为独一无二的证人，能够证明这事的来龙去脉，证实这事是耶和华在操控一切。以色列有耳有眼，只要聆听先知的话，注意局势的演变，就能够胜任其职分。巴比伦人根本没有狡辩的可能，或反驳的余地。

可惜，以色列是又聋又盲。他们不听先知的话，也不理会神的安排。看来耶和华只好放弃打赢这场官司，又或者另寻其他证人。难道耶和华真的要用这些又聋又盲的证人来提供证词？那岂不是自寻其辱？但显然耶和华还是对以色列抱有期望。

这也许还是跟耶和华与以色列的主仆关系有关。耶和华必须对以色列这个仆人委身，促使他最终能够完成使命。到头来，这份证词不单是对万人的见证，更重要的是以色列要被自己的证词感动。他们要从耶和华的作为中，重新承认耶和华，信靠祂为独一真神。

祷告：主耶和华啊，祢要以平凡人来作为祢的证人，祢这邀请令我们感动! 

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