讀經:希伯來書第二章

默想:「兒女既同有血肉之體,祂也照樣親自成了血肉之體,特要藉着死敗壞那掌死權的,就是魔鬼,並要釋放那些一生因怕死而為奴僕的人。」(來2:14-15)

默想一:耶穌的死為什麼是人類的大好消息?因為只有祂的死才能勝過人的罪和因罪所帶來的死亡!今天人的許多痛苦,都是因為死的權勢作祟而有的,如疾病、貧窮、飢餓、衰老…這些無非都是催逼人走向死亡,人在怕死的陰影下求生存,結果一輩子成了死的奴僕。但感謝神,基督已從死裡復活,摧毀撒旦權勢,征服死亡。基督徒因此不再怕死。死對我們而言,只不過是息了地上的勞苦,進入基督為我們預備的永生國度,在那裡永享天國的福樂。

默想二:耶穌基督的救恩一定要道成肉身才能完成嗎?是的!基督若非親自成了血肉之體,祂就不能經歷死,也就不能成就救贖的大工,所以祂穿上了人肉身的形狀乃是必要的。祂在十字架上被釘死,事實上是宣告基督全然地得勝,也宣告撒但的徹底地滅亡;基督的復活帶來新生命、新生活和新盼望。

禱告:天父上帝,感謝袮在耶穌基督裡所成就的救贖工程。因著耶穌基督的復活,我的人生不再流離失所,毫無目的與方向;因著耶穌基督的得勝,我的人生不再懼怕死亡。求袮加增我的信心,我願在一切所行的事上,單單地依靠袮過得勝有餘的生活。奉耶穌基督的聖名禱告,阿們!

Bible Reading: Hebrews 2

Insight:  “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Heb 2:14-15)

Insight one: How can the death of Jesus be the great news for mankind? It is because only His death can overcome human’s sin and the death caused by sin! Today, the many sufferings people have are triggered by the power of death, such as disease, poverty, starving, aging… These are nothing but driving people toward death. People are striving to survive under the shadow of fear of death, and the entire lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. But thank God, Christ has risen from the dead, destroying the power of Satan, and conquering the death. Christians are therefore not afraid of death any more. To us, death is nothing more than resting the labor on the earth and entering into the kingdom of eternity that Christ has prepared for us. Over there, we can forever enjoy the heavenly blessings.

Insight two: Does the salvation of Jesus Christ must have the Word to become flesh? Yes! Unless Christ Himself became a true flesh, He could not experience death, and could not accomplish the great mission of redemption. Therefore, it is necessary for Him to put on the form of human flesh. His crucifixion on the cross actually declared Christ’s complete victory and Satan’s complete demolition; Christ’s resurrection brought new spirit, new life and new hope.

Prayer: God heavenly Father, thank You for the work of salvation accomplished in Jesus Christ. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, my life is no longer banished, without purpose and direction. Because of the victory of Jesus Christ, my life no longer fears death. Please increase my faith; I am willing to trust solely in You so in all things we are more than conquerors. I pray in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

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