安息日下午 12月20日
Memory Text:
“若是你们以事奉耶和华为不好，今日就可以选择所要事奉的，是你们列祖在大河那边所事奉的神明呢？是你们所住这地亚摩利人的神明呢？至于我和我家，我们必定事奉耶和华。”（约书亚记 24:15）
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” KJV — Joshua 24:15
约书亚临终之际，回顾往事有两个原因：一是引导神的以色列民感恩神在他们一路上的眷顾，二是让他们因自己不公正的抱怨和不满，以及疏忽遵行神所启示的旨意而谦卑己心。4MR 220.1
约书亚继续以极其恳切的语气警告他们要提防周围的偶像崇拜。他警告他们不要与拜偶像的人有任何瓜葛，不要与他们通婚，也不要以任何方式让自己受到偶像崇拜的玷污和腐蚀。他劝诫他们要远离一切邪恶的迹象，不要在罪恶的边缘徘徊，因为这是陷入罪恶和毁灭的最快途径。他向他们表明，离弃上帝必将导致荒凉，而上帝信守祂的承诺，也必会兑现祂的警告。主希望你们将此教训应用到自己身上。”（4MR 220.2）
“When Joshua was nearing the close of his life he took up a review of the past for two reasons—to lead the Israel of God to gratitude for the marked manifestation of God’s providence in all their travels, and to lead them to humility of mind under a sense of their unjust murmurings and repinings and their neglect to follow out the revealed will of God. 4MR 220.1
“Joshua goes on to warn them in a most earnest manner against the idolatry around them. They were warned not to have any connection with idolaters, not to intermarry with them, nor in any way put themselves in danger of being affected and corrupted by their abominations. They were counseled to shun the very appearance of evil, not to dabble around the borders of sin, for this was the surest way to be engulfed in sin and ruin. He showed them that desolation would be the result of their departing from God, and as God was faithful to His promise He would also be faithful in executing His threatenings. The Lord would have you apply this to your individual self.” 4MR 220.2
12月21日，星期日
你也身临其境！
阅读约书亚记24章2-13节。上帝给以色列的信息的核心是什么？
约书亚临终前，各支派的首领和代表遵照他的召集，再次聚集在示剑。这片土地上没有哪个地方像示剑一样，拥有如此多的神圣象征，使他们回想起上帝与亚伯拉罕和雅各所立的约，也想起他们进入迦南时所立的庄严誓言。以巴路山和基利心山就在这里，默默地见证着这些誓言。如今，在他们即将离世的领袖面前，他们聚集于此，重申这些誓言。四周处处可见上帝为他们所成就的奇事：祂赐予他们一块他们未曾劳作的土地，一座他们未曾建造的城市，以及一片他们未曾栽种的葡萄园和橄榄园。约书亚再次回顾了以色列的历史，讲述了上帝的奇妙作为，使所有人都能感受到祂的爱和怜悯，并“以真诚和真理”事奉祂。（PP 522.4）
约书亚指示将约柜从示罗运来。这是一个极其庄严的场合，这象征着上帝同在的约柜将加深约书亚想要在百姓心中留下的印象。在向他们述说上帝对以色列的恩典之后，他奉耶和华的名呼召他们选择要事奉的神。当时，偶像崇拜在以色列仍然在某种程度上秘密进行，约书亚努力引导他们做出决定，彻底根除这种罪恶。他说：‘如果你们认为事奉耶和华不好，今天就可以选择你们所要事奉的。’”约书亚渴望引导他们事奉上帝，不是强迫，而是出于甘心。爱上帝是宗教的根基。仅仅出于对奖赏的盼望或对惩罚的恐惧而事奉上帝是毫无益处的。公开的背道并不比虚伪和形式主义的敬拜更令上帝反感。”（PP 523.1）
Read Joshua 24:2–13. What is the main thrust of God’s message to Israel?
“Before the death of Joshua the heads and representatives of the tribes, obedient to his summons, again assembled at Shechem. No spot in all the land possessed so many sacred associations, carrying their minds back to God's covenant with Abraham and Jacob, and recalling also their own solemn vows upon their entrance into Canaan. Here were the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, the silent witnesses of those vows which now, in the presence of their dying leader, they had assembled to renew. On every side were evidences of what God had wrought for them; how He had given them a land for which they did not labor, and cities which they built not, vineyards and oliveyards which they planted not. Joshua reviewed once more the history of Israel, recounting the wonderful works of God, that all might have a sense of His love and mercy and might serve Him “in sincerity and in truth.” PP 522.4
“By Joshua's direction the ark had been brought from Shiloh. The occasion was one of great solemnity, and this symbol of God's presence would deepen the impression he wished to make upon the people. After presenting the goodness of God toward Israel, he called upon them, in the name of Jehovah, to choose whom they would serve. The worship of idols was still to some extent secretly practiced, and Joshua endeavored now to bring them to a decision that should banish this sin from Israel. “If it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah,” he said, “choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua desired to lead them to serve God, not by compulsion, but willingly. Love to God is the very foundation of religion. To engage in His service merely from hope of reward or fear of punishment would avail nothing. Open apostasy would not be more offensive to God than hypocrisy and mere formal worship.” PP 523.1
12月22日，星期一
以真诚和真理事奉
约书亚呼吁以色列人做什么（书24:14-15？ 以真诚和真理事奉耶和华意味着什么？
这位年迈的领袖敦促百姓仔细思考他所提出的一切，并决定他们是否真的愿意像周围那些堕落的、拜偶像的民族那样生活。如果他们觉得事奉耶和华——力量的源泉、祝福的泉源——是邪恶的，那么就让他们在那一天选择自己要事奉的神明——“你们列祖所事奉的神明”，亚伯拉罕就是从这些神明中被呼召出来的，“还是你们所居住的亚摩利人的神明”。这最后的话是对以色列人的严厉斥责。亚摩利人的神明未能保护他们的信徒。由于他们可憎的、堕落的罪行，这个邪恶的民族被毁灭了，他们曾经拥有的美好土地也赐给了上帝的子民。以色列人选择那些亚摩利人因敬拜而灭亡的神明，是多么愚蠢啊！约书亚说：“至于我和我家，我们必事奉耶和华。”领袖心中那份圣洁的热忱也传递给了民众。他的呼吁赢得了民众毫不犹豫的回应：“我们断绝离弃耶和华去事奉别神！”（PP 523.2）
约书亚说：“你们不能事奉耶和华，因为他是圣洁的神……他必不赦免你们的过犯和罪恶。” 在进行任何永久性的改革之前，百姓必须感受到自己完全无力顺服神。他们违背了神的律法，律法定他们为罪人，并且没有提供任何逃脱的途径。他们倚靠自己的力量和义行，却无法获得罪的赦免；他们无法满足神完美律法的要求，他们发誓事奉神也是徒劳的。唯有藉着对基督的信，他们才能获得罪的赦免，并获得力量去遵守神的律法。他们必须停止依靠自己的努力得救，必须完全信靠那应许的救主的功德，才能被神接纳。（PP 524.1）
What did Joshua appeal to the Israelites to do (Josh. 24:14, 15)? What does it mean to serve the Lord in sincerity and in truth?
“The aged leader urged the people to consider, in all its bearings, what he had set before them, and to decide if they really desired to live as did the degraded idolatrous nations around them. If it seemed evil to them to serve Jehovah, the source of power, the fountain of blessing, let them that day choose whom they would serve—“the gods which your fathers served,” from whom Abraham was called out, “or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell.” These last words were a keen rebuke to Israel. The gods of the Amorites had not been able to protect their worshipers. Because of their abominable and debasing sins, that wicked nation had been destroyed, and the good land which they once possessed had been given to God's people. What folly for Israel to choose the deities for whose worship the Amorites had been destroyed! “As for me and my house,” said Joshua, “we will serve Jehovah.” The same holy zeal that inspired the leader's heart was communicated to the people. His appeals called forth the unhesitating response, “God forbid that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods.” PP 523.2
“‘Ye cannot serve the Lord,’ said Joshua: ‘for He is a holy God; ... He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.’ Before there could be any permanent reformation the people must be led to feel their utter inability in themselves to render obedience to God. They had broken His law, it condemned them as transgressors, and it provided no way of escape. While they trusted in their own strength and righteousness, it was impossible for them to secure the pardon of their sins; they could not meet the claims of God's perfect law, and it was in vain that they pledged themselves to serve God. It was only by faith in Christ that they could secure pardon of sin and receive strength to obey God's law. They must cease to rely upon their own efforts for salvation, they must trust wholly in the merits of the promised Saviour, if they would be accepted of God. PP 524.1
12月23日，星期二
自由服侍
以色列人对约书亚的请求作了怎样的回应（书24:16-18）？你认为约书亚为何会那样回应他们的回答（书24:19-21）？
约书亚竭力引导听众慎重考虑自己的言辞，不要许下自己无法履行的誓言。他们郑重其事地重复道：“不，我们必事奉耶和华。”他们郑重地承认自己选择了耶和华，并再次重申了他们的忠诚誓言：“我们必事奉耶和华我们的上帝，必听从他的话。”（PP 524.2）
“‘当日，约书亚与百姓立约，在示剑为他们设立律例和典章。’他将这庄严的事件记录下来，连同律法书一起放在约柜旁。他又立了一根柱子作纪念，说：‘看哪，这石头要为我们作见证，因为它听见了耶和华对我们所说的一切话；所以，它也要为你们作见证，免得你们否认你们的神。’于是，约书亚让百姓各回各家，归回自己的产业去。’”PP 524.3
“以色列是耶和华特有的珍宝。祂对他们的重视程度，从祂为他们所行的神迹奇事可见一斑。如同父亲对待心爱的儿子，耶和华也同样帮助、管教和惩罚以色列。祂渴望在他们心中激发对祂品格和要求的爱，使他们甘心顺服。”（《圣经研究》，1881年5月26日，第6段）
“上帝藉着他的子民以色列，旨在让世人认识他的旨意。他的应许和警告，他的训诫和责备，他在他们中间彰显的奇妙大能——顺服的祝福和悖逆背道的审判——这一切都是为了在上帝的子民中，直到末日，教导和发展他们的宗教原则。因此，我们务必了解希伯来军队的历史，并仔细思考上帝与他们的关系。”《圣经研究》1881年5月26日，第7段
What was Israel’s response to Joshua’s appeal (Josh. 24:16–18)? Why do you think Joshua reacted to their answer in the way he did (Josh. 24:19–21)?
“Joshua endeavored to lead his hearers to weigh well their words, and refrain from vows which they would be unprepared to fulfill. With deep earnestness they repeated the declaration: “Nay; but we will serve the Lord.” Solemnly consenting to the witness against themselves that they had chosen Jehovah, they once more reiterated their pledge of loyalty: “The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey. PP 524.2
“‘So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.’ Having written an account of this solemn transaction, he placed it, with the book of the law, in the side of the ark. And he set up a pillar as a memorial, saying, ‘Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which He spake unto us; it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.’” PP 524.3
“Israel was the Lord’s peculiar treasure. The high estimation in which he held them is shown by the mighty miracles wrought in their behalf. As a father would deal with a beloved son, so had the Lord succored, disciplined, and chastened Israel. He sought to inspire in their hearts that love for his character and requirements which would lead to willing obedience. ST May 26, 1881, par. 6
“Through his people Israel, God designed to give to the world a knowledge of his will. His promises and threatenings, his instructions and reproofs, the wonderful manifestations of his power among them, in blessings for obedience, and judgment for transgression and apostasy,—all were designed for the education and development of religious principle among the people of God until the close of time. Therefore it is important that we acquaint ourselves with the history of the Hebrew host, and ponder with care the dealings of God with them.” ST May 26, 1881, par. 7
12月24日，星期三
偶像崇拜的危害
阅读约书亚记24:22-24。为什么约书亚需要再次呼吁以色列人 弃绝他们的偶像？
约书亚仍然告诫百姓，不要轻易许下自己不愿履行的承诺，而要仔细考虑，决定未来的方向。“你们若离弃耶和华，去事奉别神，他必转而降祸与你们，将你们灭绝，在他赐福与你们之后。”他如此忠实地努力，试图唤起百姓对上帝要求的更高认识，并让他们更深刻地相信，唯有顺服上帝的律法，他们才能得享平安。《圣经研究》1881年5月26日，第3段
会众齐声回答说：“我们必事奉耶和华。”约书亚对百姓说：“你们自己可以作证，你们已经拣选耶和华事奉他。”他们说：“我们就是见证人。”约书亚说：“现在，你们要除掉你们中间的外邦神明，专心归向耶和华以色列的上帝。”百姓对约书亚说：“我们必事奉耶和华我们的上帝，听从他的话。”（《圣经》1881年5月26日，第4段）
这项庄严的盟约被记录在律法书中，并被神圣地保存下来。约书亚随后在耶和华圣所旁的一棵橡树下立了一块大石头。“约书亚对众百姓说：‘看哪，这石头要为我们作见证，因为它听见了耶和华对我们所说的一切话。它也要为你们作见证，免得你们否认你们的神。’”约书亚在此明确宣告，他对百姓的指示和警告并非出于他自己，而是出于神的旨意。这块大石头将向后世见证它所纪念的事件，并将在百姓再次堕入偶像崇拜时作证控告他们。（《圣经》1881年5月26日，第5段）
以色列是耶和华特有的珍宝。祂对他们的极高重视，从祂为他们所行的神迹奇事中可见一斑。如同父亲对待心爱的儿子，耶和华也同样帮助、管教和惩罚以色列。祂渴望在他们心中激发对祂品格和要求的爱慕，使他们甘心顺服。（《圣经研究》，1881年5月26日，第6段）
Read Joshua 24:22–24. Why would Joshua need to repeat his appeal to the Israelites to get rid of their idols?
“Still Joshua warned the people to make no rash promises which they would be unwilling to fulfill, but to carefully consider the matter, and decide upon their future course. “If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.” Thus faithfully he sought to arouse them to a higher sense of God’s claims upon them, and a deeper conviction that their only safety was in obedience to his law. ST May 26, 1881, par. 3
“The congregation answered with one accord, “We will serve the Lord. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away (said he) the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” ST May 26, 1881, par. 4
This solemn covenant was recorded in the book of the law, to be sacredly preserved. Joshua then set up a great stone under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. “And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.” Here Joshua plainly declares that his instructions and warnings to the people were not his own words, but the words of God. This great stone would stand to testify to succeeding generations of the event which it was set up to commemorate, and would be a witness against the people, should they ever again degenerate into idolatry. ST May 26, 1881, par. 5
Israel was the Lord’s peculiar treasure. The high estimation in which he held them is shown by the mighty miracles wrought in their behalf. As a father would deal with a beloved son, so had the Lord succored, disciplined, and chastened Israel. He sought to inspire in their hearts that love for his character and requirements which would lead to willing obedience. ST May 26, 1881, par. 6
12月25日，星期四
完美收官
阅读约书亚记结尾处由一位受启发的编辑所写的经文（约书亚记24:29-33）。这些经文是如何既回顾约书亚的一生，又展望未来的呢？
约书亚向以色列人发表的临终遗言给他们留下了深刻的印象。他们知道，这是他临终前的见证，任何骄傲、野心或私利都无法影响他。这位年迈的领袖凭借多年的经验，深谙如何最有效地打动人心。他意识到眼前的机会至关重要，并竭尽全力地把握住了它。《圣经》1881年5月26日，第1段
“他恳切的呼吁得到了回应：‘我们断不会离弃耶和华去事奉别神！因为耶和华我们的神，是祂领我们和我们的列祖出埃及地，脱离为奴之家，在我们眼前行了那些大神迹，在我们所行的路上，在我们所经过的各族人民中，都保护了我们。耶和华也从我们面前赶出了所有的人民，就是住在那地的亚摩利人。因此，我们也必事奉耶和华，因为祂是我们的神。’”《圣经研究》1881年5月26日，第2段
约书亚为以色列所做的工作已经完成。他“全心全意地跟随耶和华”；在上帝的册上，他被记载为“耶和华的仆人”。对他作为一位公众领袖品格的最高见证，莫过于他所治理的那一代人的历史：“以色列在约书亚在位的日子，以及约书亚之后的长老们在位的日子，都事奉耶和华。”（PP 524.4）
Read the concluding words of the book of Joshua written by an inspired editor (Josh. 24:29–33). How are these words not only looking back to Joshua’s life but also looking forward to the future?
“Joshua’s farewell address to Israel produced a deep impression upon them. They knew that they were listening to his dying testimony, and that no feeling of pride, ambition, or self-interest could influence him. By long experience, the aged leader had learned how to most effectually reach the hearts of the people. He realized the importance of the present opportunity, and improved it to the utmost. ST May 26, 1881, par. 1
“His earnest appeals called forth the response: ‘God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods; for the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up, and our fathers, out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed. And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land; therefore will we also serve the Lord, for he is our God.’” ST May 26, 1881, par. 2
“Joshua's work for Israel was done. He had “wholly followed the Lord;” and in the book of God he is written, ‘The servant of Jehovah.’ The noblest testimony to his character as a public leader is the history of the generation that had enjoyed his labors: ‘Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua.’” PP 524.4
12月26日，星期五
进一步思考
“基督今天对我们说：‘离了我，你们就什么也不能做。’他的力量胜过最强大的人类力量。你越是意识到自己的软弱，就越应该明白依靠这位伟大导师的必要性，也越能因他的力量而变得坚强。在你的软弱中，他必彰显他的力量。要尊崇万军之耶和华，要敬畏他，要敬畏他。只要信靠他；即使你软弱，他也会坚固你；即使你疲惫，他也会使你复苏；即使你受伤，他也会医治你。”（《约瑟·伊本》1901年6月20日，第6段）
“人若贸然走在主的前面，是得不到任何益处的。许多人自以为能力足以完成一项事业。摩西杀死埃及人时也是如此。但他最终不得不逃往旷野保命。他在那里牧羊四十年，直到学会如何牧养人。他学得如此透彻，以至于即使主向他显现，与他面对面交谈，如同朋友间的对话，他也没有骄傲自满。“跟随我，”耶稣说。“不要跑在我前面。跟随我的脚步。这样，你就不会独自面对撒旦的军队。让我走在你前面，你就不会落入仇敌的圈套。”《约瑟·伊本》1901年6月20日，第7段
“To us today Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” He is stronger than the strongest human power. The weaker you know yourself to be, the more you should realize the necessity of leaning on the Great Teacher, and the stronger you may become in his strength. In your weakness he will perfect his strength. Sanctify the Lord God of hosts, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. Only trust him; and though weak, he will strengthen you; though faint, he will revive you; though wounded, he will heal you. YI June 20, 1901, par. 6
“Men gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Many have thought their own endowments sufficient for an enterprise. So Moses thought when he slew the Egyptian. But he was obliged to flee for his life to the desert. Here he kept sheep for forty years, until he learned to be a shepherd of men. He learned his lesson so perfectly that though the Lord revealed himself to him, and spoke with him face to face, as a man speaketh to a friend, he did not become lifted up. “Follow me,” Jesus says. Do not run before me. Follow where my footsteps lead the way. Then you will not meet the armies of Satan alone. Let me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy’s planning.” YI June 20, 1901, par. 7