Day 40 April 11

Day 40 April 11

Passage: Isaiah 55:1-5

In the most glorious days of David – a great ruler and commander of many victorious battles, smaller surrounding nations have willingly conceded defeat to join his empire. However, as generations pass, the descendants of David’s empire have become exiled refugees in Babylon; a far cry from David’s ability to summon nations to come to him (verse 5) during his time. Any thoughts of returning to Jerusalem might be futile, considering that at best, they lose their chance of settling-in and assimilating into a new culture, but at worst, they may incur the wrath of the Babylonian rulers and put what’s left of the nation in danger. In terms of resource management, it is only logical that a person allocates his resources in preparation for a better future. Hence, it certainly seemed more pragmatic to just settle down for the long-term, in this foreign land of Babylon.

However, against all odds and amidst their apprehension, God had instead advised His people against settling down in Babylon. This is because in view of Babylon’s imminent fall, staying put would mean “paying for something that will not nourish” them, and “spending their hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy” (verse 2). All their efforts to re-build a place they can call home would eventually prove futile.

On the contrary, pinning their hopes on God would promise an entirely different outcome. God promised a covenant with these people, just like He did with King David. The only difference being that this time, God did it not through the ruler of a nation, but in a direct and unconditional covenantal relationship (verse 3), bestowed upon them by His grace. God calls all who are thirsty to “come to the water” and all who have no money to “come buy wine and milk without cost” (verse 1). His sole request is for people to “pay attention” and “listen” so they can live (verse 3).

David’s power of summoning nations to come to him was God’s means to an end – gathering His people in a covenant that God has promised. Nations run to David not upon his command or out of fear, but because God wants to honour His people (verse 5).

If the people of Israel are able to manifest God’s grace in their lives, they shall bear a great testimony to all nations that have been summoned to come. For God has never given up his vision for the world, and in providing for His people an unconditional covenant, they should also move forward with this same vision in mind.

Prayer: As unworthy as we may be, we thank you Lord for inviting us to come before you in a covenant, bestowing upon us the honour to seek you and learn your word.

第四十天 Apr 11

经文：以赛亚书 55:1-5

早在大卫王鼎盛时期，由于他在军事上的胜利，也因为他治理有方，周围的小国都对之称臣纳贡。但如今，昔日大卫王的臣民到了这一代，是一群被放逐、迁移到巴比伦的难民，昔日万国来朝的景象（5节）简直是天方夜谭。也许比较实际的个人计划就是安分地待下来，准备长期寄人篱下。如果奢望回到耶路撒冷重建家园，小则错过了安顿自己的时机，大则搞不好会触怒巴比伦的当权者。其实，看一个人如何投资他的资源，就能够看出他是如何规划他的将来。耶和华在这紧要关头，呼吁他们不要投资巴比伦。那就好比浪费钱买没有营养的食物一样（2节）。因为巴比伦的没落即降来临。到时，他们的产业也好，事业也罢，都将随着巴比伦的毁灭成为泡影。

相反的，他们应该把盼望寄托在耶和华身上。耶和华要重新与他们立约。就像当年与大卫王立约一样。但此时再不需要王作代表，耶和华直接与子民立约(3节)，而且是无条件的约。其实，耶和华也知道他们如今也没有本钱，更没颜面来跟祂谈条件。这是白白的恩典。就算没有银钱，也可以到耶和华那里得到饱足（1节）。唯一需要做的是聆听（3节），那就是活命的真道。不单如此，正如当年大卫时代一样，耶和华的应许是万国来朝的结局。但这不是因为万国想要攀龙附凤，是因耶和华是要荣耀祂的子民，更因为他们仰慕耶和华（5节）。以色列若能重新彰显如何活在耶和华的恩典之中，这将是对万国万民的见证。这个梦想耶和华从未放弃，并要重新立约，所以耶和华的子民也当以此为异象。

祷告：感谢上帝祢的邀请，祢与没有本钱的人来立永约，祢让我们来寻求祢。感谢祢。