讀經:帖撒羅尼加前書第四章

默想:「論到睡了的人,我們不願意弟兄們不知道,恐怕你們憂傷,像那些沒有指望的人一樣。」(帖前4:13) 

默想一:基督徒為什麼可以坦然地面對死亡?因為他們看見的不是死,而是因有信心的眼光能超越今生,並期待未來要發生的事。聖經形容基督徒的死有如睡了般,睡了的意思表示會醒來,他們的靈魂回歸到上帝的身邊,生命的源頭。在那裡同享基督作王的喜樂,直到永永遠遠。 _

默想二:你的今生有為永恆而活嗎?當你真正明白今生不是只有『目前』, 而是為未來的永恒作準備時, 你的生活方式和價值觀會有所改變。你會更積極地善用金錢和時間,並重視人際關係和品格美德超越屬世財富、成就和歡樂,你自然會重整人生的優先次序。我們每天都該為自己最後的那日作準備,因為天堂是為預備好的人所預備的地方。

禱告:天父上帝,感謝袮在基督裡所應許的永生。我的今生因為有袮,我的一生充滿活潑的盼望。袮不但今天與我同在,帶領我行走人生的路,將來還要與我同在,並帶領我進入榮耀裏(來2:10)。求袮幫助我,持守這永恆的盼望,直到見袮面。奉主耶穌的名禱告,阿們!

Bible Reading:1 Thessalonians 4

Insight:“we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1Th 4:13) 

Insight one: Why can Christians face death boldly? Since what they see is not death, but surpass the earthly life with a vision of faith that can look forward to what will happen in the future. The Bible describes the death of Christians as if they have fallen asleep. Falling asleep means that they will wake up. Their souls will return to God’s site, which is the source of life. Over there they will share the joy of Christ’s reign forever and ever. 

Insight two: Is your earthly life for the purpose of eternity? Once you truly realized that earthly life is not just limited to “present” but also prepare for the eternity of the future, your lifestyle and values will change. You will endeavor for more proper use of money and time, and value interpersonal relationships and character virtues beyond worldly wealth, achievement and happiness. You naturally will reprioritize your life. We should prepare for our last day every day, because heaven is a place prepared for those who are prepared. 

Prayer: God heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal life You have promised in Christ. Because of you, my life is full of living hope. Not only will You be with me today and lead me through the life’s pathway, but in the future, You will be with me and bring me into the glory (Heb 2:10). Please help me to hold on to this eternal hope until I see Your face. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus, Amen! 

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