Home昔日真理報2013年 真理報文章2013 年 10 月【開卷有益】 天堂獵犬的追尋

【開卷有益】 天堂獵犬的追尋

 

Book曾否老老實實的問過自己:「我為甚麼成為基督徒?」有些人的答案會是:由於我的父母是基督徒,我從小在基督教學校讀書,我接觸一些基督徒朋友,我認識、體會並經歷上帝的真實......。

每個人成為基督徒都各有不同的原因。受人敬仰的當代福音派大師斯托得(John Scott)在他自己的著作《作個真門徒》(Why I am a Christian)與讀者分享他為甚麼接受上帝的邀請,成為基督徒,從此將生命奉獻給祂,竭力引領世上無數人認識上帝,時至今日,雖然年屆八旬,依然不改初衷,為完成使命,努力不懈。

回想信仰的歷程,斯托得很清楚知道:他能成為基督徒,不是出於自己的選擇,而是出於耶穌基督的決定,是因為這位「天堂獵犬」的尋覓。他在書中舉出了使徒保羅、奧古斯丁、穆格里奇、魯益斯等知名基督徒為例子,在他們的生命裡,上帝主動地尋找他們,與他們相遇,使他們認識、明白上帝,雖然幾經掙扎、迴避和抗拒,最後卻不得不降服於上帝的大能和大愛之中。

別以為天堂獵犬只尋找偉大的人物,歷世歷代很多籍籍無聞的基督徒,也紛紛見證耶穌基督親自來尋找他們的故事。蘇格蘭牧羊犬素負盛名,在蘇格蘭高地巡邏,尋找迷失的羊。牧人尋羊的主題,也經常出現於新舊約。今時今日,天堂獵犬仍在執行任務,在我們走錯路或轉錯方向時,使用許多不同的方法引導我們、警告我們,用祂溫柔的聲音帶領我們回轉歸向上帝。

年輕的斯托得雖然確信上帝存在,但發現自己與祂相距甚遠,透過書本和祈禱文也找不到上帝。當時的他是個熱血澎湃、充滿理想的青年,期望自己成為一個和藹、不自私、熱心公益的英雄人物;可是事與願違,他心知肚明自己也是個壞心眼、自私自利、高傲不馴的傢伙。就在他感到懊惱萬分的時候,上帝透過一位傳道人為他解說上帝的救贖計劃,耶穌彷彿在他心門外叩門,聲音響亮而迫切,這到底是誰開的門,讓他相信並接受上帝?當然是斯托得自己,然而也是因為耶穌迫切的叩門,這一切才會發生。

因著上帝的恩典,差派天堂獵犬鍥而不捨地追捕我們,直至我們願意打開心門相信祂、接納他成為生命的主。祂像極了一位慈愛的父親,讓他頑劣的兒子出去自討苦吃,但隨時準備擁抱放蕩歸來的浪子。

決心成為基督的門徒,重點不在於基督教是好的,而在於它是真的。在這個崇尚寬容與多元的社會裡,常常聽到這樣善意的評語:「人生充滿不幸與災難,實在需要宗教的寄託和慰藉。」斯托得不否認耶穌基督的確能帶給人莫大的幫助和安慰,但除此以外,基督徒更相信基督信仰是建基於客觀的事實與真理。

耶穌在世上曾宣稱自己是舊約預言中的基督、上帝的獨生子,也是世人的救主及審判者。著名的新約學者馬丁修(Huge Martin)說:「我非常仔細地研讀四福音,也考量了各種狀況,我發現耶穌不停地以言行聲明:祂是人類心靈和生命的主。所有資料顯示的證據實在無可辯駁。」

對於這樣的宣告,有人拒絕相信,然而卻有一些人甘願放下一切,一生誓死跟隨,永不言悔。試問有誰願意為一個謊言,賠上寶貴的生命。耶穌基督自己、使徒保羅、彼得,以及第一世紀的許許多多殉道者在面對死亡的威脅之下,仍然不惜犧牲性命也要捍衛這個真理。

不是我們尋找上帝,乃是上帝主動來尋找我們。如果我們以自己的驕傲為基礎,傲慢地檢驗到底有沒有上帝、批判上帝,宣示我們理智上的自主性,這樣我們絕對找不到上帝。只因人類的心智有限,實在無法明瞭深邃的上帝。只有當我們謙卑下來,讓天堂獵犬找著我們,牽引我們回歸上帝的懷抱。

著名的詩篇廿三篇最後一節可以譯成:「我一生一世必有恩惠慈愛獵尋我、纏繞我、緊跟著我。」這是耐心、定意的追尋,充滿慈愛卻堅持不懈。

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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