Sabbath Afternoon May 2
存心节:
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” KJV — Psalm 116:1, 2
“我爱耶和华，因为他听了我的声音和我的恳求。他既侧耳听我，我一生要求告他。”（诗篇 116:1-2，和合本）
“当神的慈爱不断滋养灵魂时，脸上就会流露出平安喜乐的神情。言语和行为也会彰显这一点。基督慷慨圣洁的灵在人心中动工，会在生命中产生感化他人的力量。”（《评论与评论》1908年5月7日，第1段）
“难道我们没有理由谈论上帝的良善，述说他的大能吗？朋友善待我们时，我们视感谢他们的善意为一种荣幸。那么，我们岂不更应该以感恩来回报那位赐予我们一切美好完美恩赐的朋友吗？因此，让我们在每间教会中都培养对上帝的感恩之心。让我们在家庭中教导自己赞美上帝。让我们教导我们的孩子向上帝献上赞美和感恩。让我们的奉献和捐献，表达我们对每日所蒙恩典的感激之情。在一切事上，我们都应该彰显主的喜乐，并传扬上帝救恩的福音。”（《评论与通讯》，1908年5月7日，第3段）
“整个天庭都关心我们的救恩。上帝的天使，成千上万，数以万计，奉命服侍那些将要承受救恩的人。他们守护我们免受邪恶侵害，击退那些企图毁灭我们的黑暗势力。难道我们不应该时时感恩吗？即使在看似艰难的道路上，我们也应该心存感激。” RH 1908年5月7日
“When a sense of the loving-kindness of God is constantly refreshing the soul, it will be revealed in the countenance by an expression of peace and joy. It will be manifest in the words and works. And the generous, holy spirit of Christ, working upon the heart, will yield in the life a converting influence upon others.” RH May 7, 1908, par. 1
“Have we not reason to talk of God's goodness, and to tell of his power? When friends are kind to us, we esteem it a privilege to thank them for their kindness. How much more should we count it a joy to return thanks to the Friend who has given us every good and perfect gift. Then let us, in every church, cultivate thanksgiving to God. Let us educate our lips to praise God in the family circle. Let us teach our children to offer praise and thanksgiving to God. Let our gifts and offerings declare our gratitude for the favors we daily receive. In everything we should show forth the joy of the Lord, and make known the message of God's saving grace.” RH May 7, 1908, par. 3
“All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to them that shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil, and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway?” RH May 7, 1908,
5月3日，星期日
忠信的但以理
阅读但以理书2:20-23。但以理为什么祷告？我们能从这段祷告中学到什么？
Read Daniel 2:20–23. Why did Daniel pray, and what can we learn from this prayer?
“但以理和他的同伴们进入巴比伦王的麾下后不久，发生了一些事，向这个崇拜偶像的国度揭示了以色列上帝的大能和信实。尼布甲尼撒做了一个非同寻常的梦，梦中他“心神不安，彻夜难眠”。虽然梦境深深地触动了国王的心，但醒来后，他却无法回忆起梦的具体内容。”（《诗篇》491.1）
“尼布甲尼撒百思不得其解，便召集他的智者……请他们向他揭示一些能让他安心的事情。”（《诗篇》491.2）
他们辩解道：“世上无人能知晓君王所求之事；因此，没有哪位君王、领主或统治者曾向任何术士、占星家或迦勒底人求问过此类事。这是君王所求之事极为罕见，除神明外，无人能在君王面前显明，因为神明不与血肉之躯同在。”（PK 492.4）
“于是，国王勃然大怒，下令处死巴比伦所有的智者。” PK 493.1
在那些准备执行王令的官员们搜捕的人当中，有但以理和他的朋友们。当得知根据王令他们也必须处死时，但以理“凭借谋略和智慧”询问王的护卫长亚略：“王的命令为何如此仓促？”亚略告诉他，王因一个奇异的梦而困惑不已，并且未能从他以往最信任的人那里得到帮助。但以理听后，不顾性命，冒险觐见王，恳求王给他一些时间，让他向神祈求，求神向他揭示梦境及其解释。PK 493.2
“国王答应了这一请求。于是但以理回到王宫，将此事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利和亚撒利雅。”他们一同向光明和知识的源头寻求智慧。他们坚信上帝将他们安置于此，他们正在做祂的工作，履行祂的职责，因此他们的信仰坚定不移。在困惑和危险的时刻，他们总是向上帝寻求指引和保护，而祂也总是及时伸出援手。如今，他们怀着悔改之心，再次来到世上的审判者面前，恳求祂在这危难之际拯救他们。他们的恳求没有落空。他们所敬拜的上帝，如今也荣耀了他们。主的灵降临在他们身上，但以理在“夜间的异象中”领受了国王的梦及其含义。（PK 493.3）
“Soon after Daniel and his companions entered the service of the king of Babylon, events occurred that revealed to an idolatrous nation the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar had a remarkable dream, by which “his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.” But although the king's mind was deeply impressed, he found it impossible, when he awoke, to recall the particulars.” PK 491.1
“In his perplexity, Nebuchadnezzar assembled his wise men…he requested them to reveal to him that which would bring relief to his mind.” PK 491.2
“There is not a man upon the earth,” they remonstrated, “that can show the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” PK 492.4
“Then “the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.” PK 493.1
“Among those sought for by the officers who were preparing to fulfill the provisions of the royal decree, were Daniel and his friends. When told that according to the decree they also must die, “with counsel and wisdom” Daniel inquired of Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, “Why is the decree so hasty from the king?” Arioch told him the story of the king's perplexity over his remarkable dream, and of his failure to secure help from those in whom he had hitherto placed fullest confidence. Upon hearing this, Daniel, taking his life in his hands, ventured into the king's presence and begged that time be granted, that he might petition his God to reveal to him the dream and its interpretation. PK 493.2
“To this request the monarch acceded. “Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.” Together they sought for wisdom from the Source of light and knowledge. Their faith was strong in the consciousness that God had placed them where they were, that they were doing His work and meeting the demands of duty. In times of perplexity and danger they had always turned to Him for guidance and protection, and He had proved an ever-present help. Now with contrition of heart they submitted themselves anew to the Judge of the earth, pleading that He would grant them deliverance in this their time of special need. And they did not plead in vain. The God whom they had honored, now honored them. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, and to Daniel, “in a night vision,” was revealed the king's dream and its meaning.” PK 493.3
阅读但以理书 6:10-11。这些经文告诉我们但以理的哪些信息？
Read Daniel 6:10, 11. What do these verses tell us about Daniel?
“但以理因这谕旨要生效，就停止祷告吗？——不，这正是他需要祷告的时候。但以理知道谕旨已经签署，就回到自己的家中，他房间里的窗户向耶路撒冷敞开，他一日三次跪下祷告，在他神面前感谢，像往常一样。”但以理毫不掩饰他对上帝的忠诚。他没有在心中默祷，而是敞开窗户，面向耶路撒冷，大声向天发出祈求。于是他的仇敌向国王告状，但以理被扔进了狮子坑。但上帝的儿子在那里。耶和华的使者在耶和华仆人的四围安营。次日早晨，国王来到但以理面前，说：“永生上帝的仆人但以理啊，你所事奉的上帝能救你脱离狮子吗？”但以理对国王说：“愿王万岁！我的上帝差遣他的使者，封住了狮子的口，使它们不伤我。”他毫发无损，便尊崇天上的上帝耶和华。”（《评论与评论》，1892年5月3日，第11段）
“But did Daniel cease to pray because this decree was to go into force!—No, that was just the time when he needed to pray. “When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and, his window being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel did not seek to hide his loyalty to God. He did not pray in his heart, but with his voice, aloud, with his window open toward Jerusalem, he offered up his petition to heaven. Then his enemies made their complaint to the king, and Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. But the Son of God was there. The angel of the Lord encamped round about the servant of the Lord, and when the king came in the morning, and called, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” No harm had come to him, and he magnified the Lord God of heaven.” RH May 3, 1892, par. 11
5月4日，星期一
祷告的姿势
阅读以下圣经经文，并思考这些跪着祷告的人的生活：
但以理书 6:10，路加福音 22:41，使徒行传 7:60，使徒行传 9:40，使徒行传 20:36。
Read the following Bible passages and consider the lives of these individuals who knelt when they prayed: Dan. 6:10, Luke 22:41, Acts 7:60, Acts 9:40, Acts 20:36.
“我收到一些来信，询问我向宇宙主宰祷告时应采取的正确姿势。我们的弟兄们是从哪里得来的，认为祷告时应该站着呢？一位在巴特尔克里克接受了大约五年教育的人，被要求在怀爱伦姊妹向众人讲话之前带领祷告。但我看到他站着，嘴唇即将开口向神祷告时，我的内心感到一种强烈的谴责。我叫出他的名字，说：‘跪下！’这才是正确的姿势。（《教会事工手册》第二卷，311.1）
“‘于是他离开他们约有一石之远，跪下祷告。’（路加福音 22:41）” 2SM 311.2
“‘彼得叫众人退去，自己跪下祷告，转身对尸体说：‘大比大，起来！’她睁开眼睛，看见彼得，就坐了起来。’（使徒行传 9:40）” 2SM 311.3
“‘他们用石头打司提反，司提反呼求神说：‘主耶稣，求你接收我的灵魂！’他跪下，大声喊着说：‘主啊，不要将这罪归到他们身上！’说了这话，就睡了。’（使徒行传 7:59-60）” 2SM 311.4
“‘说完这话，就跪下，和众人一同祷告。’（使徒行传 20:36）” 2SM 312.1
“‘那些日子满了，我们就起身往前走。他们都送我们上路，连妻子儿女也送，直到我们出了城。我们在岸边跪下祷告。’（使徒行传 21:5）” 2SM 312.2
“‘献晚祭的时候，我从忧愁中起来，撕裂衣服和外袍，跪下，向耶和华我的神举手，说：‘我的神啊，我羞愧难当，不敢向你仰脸；因为我们的罪孽高过头顶，我们的过犯滔天。’”（以斯拉记 9:5-6）” 2SM 312.3
“‘来吧，让我们敬拜，屈身，在造我们的耶和华面前跪下。’（诗篇 95:6）” 2SM 312.4
“‘因此，我向我们主耶稣基督的父屈膝。’（以弗所书 3:14）如果我们的心愿意接受，这一章的内容将成为我们所能学到的宝贵教训。2SM 312.5
“向神祷告时，俯伏是应当的姿态。巴比伦王要求三位希伯来俘虏这样做……但这种敬拜唯独献给神——世界的君王，宇宙的统治者；这三位希伯来人拒绝向任何偶像献上这样的敬拜，即使是纯金的偶像。这样做，实际上就等于向巴比伦王下拜。他们拒绝遵行王的命令，因此遭受惩罚，被投入烈火熊熊的窑中。但基督亲自来到他们中间，与他们一同走过火窑，他们毫发无损。（《圣经·传道书》2 312.6）
“无论是在公开敬拜还是私下敬拜中，当我们向神祈求时，我们都应该跪下。这种行为表明我们对神的倚靠。（《圣经·传道书》2 312.7）
“在圣殿落成典礼上，所罗门面向祭坛站立。圣殿院内有一个铜台，他登上铜台后，举手向天祝福以色列庞大的会众，以色列全体会众都站着……（2SM 312.8）
“‘所罗门造了一个铜台，长五肘，宽五肘，高三肘，安放在院子中央。他站在台上，跪在以色列全体会众面前，举手向天。’（历代志下 6:13）”（2SM 313.1）
“他当时所作的冗长祷告与当时的场合十分相符。这祷告是受神启示的，饱含着至高无上的虔诚与至深的谦卑。”（2SM 313.2）
“I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always. 2SM 311.1
“‘And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed” (Luke 22:41)’ 2SM 311.2
“‘Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up” (Acts 9:40).’ 2SM 311.3
“‘They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59, 60).’ 2SM 311.4
“‘When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all” (Acts 20:36).’ 2SM 312.1
“‘When we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed” (Acts 21:5).’ 2SM 312.2
“‘At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens” (Ezra 9:5, 6).’ 2SM 312.3
“‘O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).’ 2SM 312.4
“‘For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Ephesians 3:14). And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn. 2SM 312.5
“To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon.... But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone—the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no harm. 2SM 312.6
“Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God. 2SM 312.7
“At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon stood facing the altar. In the court of the Temple was a brazen scaffold or platform, and after ascending this, he stood and lifted up his hands to heaven, and blessed the immense congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood.... 2SM 312.8
“‘For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven” (2 Chronicles 6:13).’ 2SM 313.1
“The lengthy prayer which he then offered was appropriate for the occasion. It was inspired of God, breathing the sentiments of the loftiest piety blended with the deepest humility.” 2SM 313.2
5月5日，星期二
以诺的言行
Read Joshua 1:4–6 and Hebrews 6:17, 18. At that moment, the Promised Land was exactly that, a promise. Yet, God calls it an inheritance. What does it mean to be the heirs of God’s promises?
“以诺生活在一个道德沦丧的时代，那时道德力量极其薄弱。污秽充斥着他周围的一切；然而，他却与神同行。他训练自己的心思意念，专注于纯洁圣洁的事物；他的谈话也围绕着神圣的事物。他成为了神的同伴。他与神同行，并接受神的劝诫。他不得不面对与我们同样的试探。他所处的社会对正义的友好程度，丝毫不亚于我们当今所处的社会。他所呼吸的空气也充斥着罪恶和腐败，与我们一样；然而，他却未受他所处时代的罪恶玷污。愿我们也能像忠信的以诺一样，保持纯洁无瑕。他是生活在末世危险和腐败中的圣徒的代表。他因对神的忠信顺服而被接升天。同样，那些活着并存留的人，也必将如此。”忠信之人，将被接升天。他们将脱离罪恶败坏的世界，进入天堂纯洁的喜乐之中。”《评论与通讯》1881年8月23日，第5段
“我们生活在一个邪恶盛行的时代。末世的危险在我们周围愈演愈烈，因为罪恶横行，许多人的爱心也渐渐冷淡。然而，如果所有人都愿意来到耶稣面前，满怀信心地信靠他，这一切就不必发生。他的谦卑和温柔，若被我们珍视，必将带给每个灵魂平安、安息和道德力量。”（《评论与评论》，1881年8月2日，第5段）
“耶稣充满魅力。他充满爱、怜悯和慈悲。他愿意成为我们的朋友，与我们同行，走过人生中所有崎岖的道路。他对你说：‘我是耶和华你的神；与我同行，我必照亮你的道路。’耶稣，天上的至高者，愿意提升那些带着重担、软弱和忧虑来到他面前的人，使他们与他同在。他要使他们成为他亲爱的儿女，最终赐予他们比君王的帝国更宝贵的产业，比世上最尊贵的君王所戴的冠冕更荣耀的冠冕。”《评论与通讯》1881年8月2日，第6段
“如果我们选择与基督一同度过永恒的岁月，为何不选择他作为我们今生最尊贵、最挚爱的伴侣呢？基督呼召我们今生与他同行，走谦卑、信靠、顺服的道路，这必能确保我们拥有纯洁、圣洁、幸福的生命。我们究竟会选择哪一条路——在基督里得享自由，还是在撒旦的奴役和暴政下受苦？我们有幸在每一天都与耶稣平静、亲密、喜乐地同行。”（《评论与通讯》，1881年8月2日，第7段）
“We are living in an age when wickedness prevails. The perils of the last days thicken around us, and because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. This need not be if all would come to Jesus, and confidingly and in faith trust in him. His meekness and his lowliness, cherished, will bring peace and rest and moral power to every soul. RH August 2, 1881, par. 5
“Jesus is attractive. He is full of love, mercy, and compassion. He proposes to be our friend, to walk with us through all the rough pathways of life. He says to you, I am the Lord thy God; walk with me, and I will fill thy path with light. Jesus, the Majesty of Heaven, proposes to elevate to companionship with himself those who come to him with their burdens, their weaknesses, and their cares. He will make them his dear children, and finally give them an inheritance of more value than the empires of kings, a crown of glory richer than has ever decked the brow of the most exalted earthly monarch.” RH August 2, 1881, par. 6
“If we choose to live with Christ through the ceaseless ages of eternity, why not choose him as our best and most honored and loved companion here? Christ calls us to walk with him in this world in the path of humble, trustful obedience, which will secure a pure, holy, happy life. Which will we choose,—liberty in Christ, or bondage and tyranny in the service of Satan? It is our privilege to have a calm, close, happy walk with Jesus every day we live. RH August 2, 1881, par. 7
5月6日，星期三
摩西，敬虔的领袖
阅读出埃及记33:15-23。摩西与耶和华的对话内容和方式是什么？
Read Exodus 33:15–23. What is the content and the manner of the conversation between Moses and the Lord?
堕落的人类从未如此蒙受神的恩宠。当神将带领百姓进入应许之地的重任托付给摩西时，祂屈尊向摩西彰显祂的荣耀，这是祂从未向世上任何人彰显过的。” 3SG 289.2
耶和华赐给摩西这一切恩典的保证之后，摩西就安然歇息，心满意足了吗？不，他仍然渴望耶和华，他祷告说：“求你显出你的荣耀给我看。”耶和华又说：“我要使我一切的恩慈在你面前经过，我要在你面前宣告耶和华的名；我要恩待谁就恩待谁，要怜悯谁就怜悯谁。”神的荣耀已经向摩西显明，也必向那些像摩西一样热切寻求它的人显明。那些立志献身事奉的人，应当彰显神的荣耀。他们应当一心一意地荣耀他们的救赎主。他们必须舍己。“你们若与基督一同复活，就当求在上面的事，那里有基督坐在神的右边。你们要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。”因为你们已经死了，你们的生命与基督一同藏在神里面。基督是我们的生命，他显现的时候，你们也要与他一同显现在荣耀里。所以，要治死你们在地上的肢体，就如淫乱、污秽、邪情、恶欲和贪婪（贪婪就是拜偶像）。”（《评论与启示录》，1891年7月28日，第7段）
“Never before was fallen man thus favored of God. As he laid upon Moses the great work of leading his people through to the promised land, he condescended to manifest to him his glory as he never had to any others upon the earth.” 3SG 289.2
“After the Lord had given Moses all these gracious assurances, did he rest in satisfaction, and settle down in content?—No; he still desired something of the Lord; he prayed, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” The glory of God was revealed to Moses, and it will be revealed to those who seek for it as earnestly as did Moses. Those who have taken the solemn vows of the ministry upon them, should reveal the glory of God. They should live with singleness of purpose to glorify their Redeemer. Self must die. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” RH July 28, 1891, par. 7
摩西曾两次为家人代求。他代求时的具体情况是什么？如果他没有出手相助，又会发生什么？
• 亚伦：出埃及记 32:1-14, 31-34；申命记 9:20
• 米利暗：民数记 12:13
On two occasions, Moses intercedes for family members. What situations surrounded his intercession, and what would have happened had he not stepped in to bridge the gap?
• Aaron: Exod. 32:1–14, 31–34; Deut. 9:20
• Miriam: Num. 12:13
“亚伦蒙受的祝福和尊崇远远超过百姓，这反而使他的罪行更加令人发指。正是这位‘耶和华的圣者’亚伦（诗篇106:16）铸造了偶像，并宣布了节期。正是他被任命为摩西的代言人，上帝也曾亲自见证说：“我知道他能言善辩”（出埃及记4:14），然而他却未能阻止拜偶像者胆敢亵渎天庭的计划。上帝曾借着他审判埃及人和他们的神明，而他却对在铸造的偶像前宣告的“以色列啊，这就是领你出埃及地的神”无动于衷。”正是他曾与摩西一同在山上，亲眼目睹了耶和华的荣光，也正是他看到，在那荣光显现之时，没有任何可以制作偶像的形象——正是他将那荣光变成了牛的形象。上帝在摩西不在时将百姓的治理权托付给了他，他却被发现默许了他们的叛逆。“耶和华向亚伦大发怒，将他除灭。”（申命记 9:20）然而，因摩西的恳切代求，他的性命得以保全；他因自己的大罪而悔改谦卑，重新蒙受了上帝的恩宠。（PP 320.4）
“米利暗心怀不满，对上帝亲自掌管的事情耿耿于怀。摩西的婚姻令她不悦。他没有从希伯来人中娶妻，而是选择了一位外邦女子，这冒犯了她的家族和民族尊严。西坡拉也因此受到了毫不掩饰的轻蔑。”（PP 383.2）
“那些煽动叛乱的窃窃私语者被召到会幕，与摩西面对面。耶和华在云柱中降临，站在会幕门口，召了亚伦和米利暗。”他们声称自己拥有先知恩赐，并没有被否认；上帝或许曾在异象和梦境中与他们交谈。但对于摩西，这位被耶和华亲自宣告“在我全家忠心”的人，上帝赐予了他更亲密的交通。上帝与他面对面交谈。“你们为何不惧怕毁谤我的仆人摩西呢？”耶和华的怒气向他们发作，就离开了。云柱从会幕中消失，这是上帝不悦的标志，米利暗也遭受了惩罚。她“长了麻风病，像雪一样白”。亚伦幸免于难，但因米利暗受罚而受到严厉斥责。如今，他们的骄傲跌落尘埃，亚伦忏悔了他们的罪行，并恳求上帝不要让他的妹妹死于那可怕的致命疾病。摩西的祷告应允了，麻风病痊愈了。然而，米利暗却被逐出营外七天。直到她被逐出营地，象征上帝恩典的标志才再次安放在会幕上。为了尊重她崇高的地位，也为了哀悼她所遭受的打击，全会众都住在哈洗录，等候她归来。”（PP 384.3）
“The fact that Aaron had been blessed and honored so far above the people was what made his sin so heinous. It was Aaron “the saint of the Lord” (Psalm 106:16), that had made the idol and announced the feast. It was he who had been appointed as spokesman for Moses, and concerning whom God Himself had testified, “I know that he can speak well” (Exodus 4:14), that had failed to check the idolaters in their heaven-daring purpose. He by whom God had wrought in bringing judgments both upon the Egyptians and upon their gods, had heard unmoved the proclamation before the molten image, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” It was he who had been with Moses on the mount, and had there beheld the glory of the Lord, who had seen that in the manifestation of that glory there was nothing of which an image could be made—it was he who had changed that glory into the similitude of an ox. He to whom God had committed the government of the people in the absence of Moses, was found sanctioning their rebellion. “The Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him.” Deuteronomy 9:20. But in answer to the earnest intercession of Moses, his life was spared; and in penitence and humiliation for his great sin, he was restored to the favor of God.” PP 320.4
“Yielding to the spirit of dissatisfaction, Miriam found cause of complaint in events that God had especially overruled. The marriage of Moses had been displeasing to her. That he should choose a woman of another nation, instead of taking a wife from among the Hebrews, was an offense to her family and national pride. Zipporah was treated with ill-disguised contempt.” PP 383.2
“The seditious whisperers were summoned to the tabernacle, and brought face to face with Moses. “And Jehovah came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam.” Their claim to the prophetic gift was not denied; God might have spoken to them in visions and dreams. But to Moses, whom the Lord Himself declared “faithful in all Mine house,” a nearer communion had been granted. With him God spake mouth to mouth. “Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and He departed.” The cloud disappeared from the tabernacle in token of God's displeasure, and Miriam was smitten. She “became leprous, white as snow.” Aaron was spared, but he was severely rebuked in Miriam's punishment. Now, their pride humbled in the dust, Aaron confessed their sin, and entreated that his sister might not be left to perish by that loathsome and deadly scourge. In answer to the prayers of Moses the leprosy was cleansed. Miriam was, however, shut out of the camp for seven days. Not until she was banished from the encampment did the symbol of God's favor again rest upon the tabernacle. In respect for her high position, and in grief at the blow that had fallen upon her, the whole company abode in Hazeroth, awaiting her return.” PP 384.3
5月7日，星期四
摩西为以色列民代求
阅读出埃及记32:31-32。这段经文教导我们关于摩西和祷告的哪些信息？
Read Exodus 32:31, 32. What does this teach us about Moses and prayer?
“若不迅速惩罚罪恶，同样的结局将会重演。大地将会像挪亚时代那样堕落。若饶恕了这些罪人，随之而来的灾祸将比饶恕该隐的性命还要严重。正是上帝的怜悯，才使成千上万的人受苦，从而避免了对数百万人施以审判。为了拯救多数人，祂必须惩罚少数人。此外，由于百姓背弃了对上帝的忠诚，他们失去了神的庇护，失去了保护，整个国家都暴露在敌人的权势之下。若不及时制止罪恶，他们很快就会成为众多强大敌人的猎物。为了以色列的益处，也为了给后世子孙树立教训，必须迅速惩罚罪恶。而对罪人来说，及时终止他们的罪恶之路也是一种怜悯。若饶恕了他们的性命，那驱使他们背叛上帝的灵就会再次降临。”否则，他们之间就会滋生仇恨和纷争，最终自取灭亡。正是出于对世界、对以色列，甚至对罪人的爱，犯罪才受到迅速而严厉的惩罚。（PP 325.3）
“当百姓们意识到自己罪孽深重时，恐惧笼罩了整个营地。他们害怕所有犯了罪的人都会被剪除。摩西怜悯他们的困境，答应再次为他们向神祈求。PP 326.1
“‘你们犯了大罪，’他说，‘现在我要上到耶和华那里去，或许我能为你们的罪赎罪。’他去了，在神面前认罪说：‘哦，这百姓犯了大罪，为他们造了金神像。现在，如果你愿意赦免他们的罪——；如果不是，求你从你所写的册上涂抹我的名字。’神回答说：‘凡得罪我的，我必从我的册上涂抹他的名字。’因此，现在去吧，带领百姓到我所指示你的地方去；看哪，我的使者必在你前面行；然而，在我惩罚的日子，我必追讨他们的罪孽。’ PP 326.2
在摩西的祷告中，我们的心思被引向天上的记录簿，那里记录着所有人的名字，他们的善恶行为都被忠实地记录下来。生命册上记载着所有曾经侍奉神的人的名字。如果这些人中有人离弃神，顽固地沉溺于罪恶，最终对圣灵的感化麻木不仁，那么在审判日，他们的名字将被从生命册上涂抹，他们自己也将被毁灭。摩西深知罪人的结局何等可怕；然而，如果以色列百姓被耶和华弃绝，他渴望自己的名字与他们的名字一同被涂抹；他无法忍受看到神的审判临到那些蒙受恩典拯救的人身上。摩西为以色列人的代求，象征着基督为罪人所做的中保。但是，耶和华没有让摩西像基督那样，背负罪人的罪孽。“凡得罪神的，都当受审判。” “我，”他说，“我要从我的册上抹去他的名。” PP 326.3
“Unless punishment had been speedily visited upon transgression, the same results would again have been seen. The earth would have become as corrupt as in the days of Noah. Had these transgressors been spared, evils would have followed, greater than resulted from sparing the life of Cain. It was the mercy of God that thousands should suffer, to prevent the necessity of visiting judgments upon millions. In order to save the many, He must punish the few. Furthermore, as the people had cast off their allegiance to God, they had forfeited the divine protection, and, deprived of their defense, the whole nation was exposed to the power of their enemies. Had not the evil been promptly put away, they would soon have fallen a prey to their numerous and powerful foes. It was necessary for the good of Israel, and also as a lesson to all succeeding generations, that crime should be promptly punished. And it was no less a mercy to the sinners themselves that they should be cut short in their evil course. Had their life been spared, the same spirit that led them to rebel against God would have been manifested in hatred and strife among themselves, and they would eventually have destroyed one another. It was in love to the world, in love to Israel, and even to the transgressors, that crime was punished with swift and terrible severity. PP 325.3
“As the people were roused to see the enormity of their guilt, terror pervaded the entire encampment. It was feared that every offender was to be cut off. Pitying their distress, Moses promised to plead once more with God for them. PP 326.1
“‘Ye have sinned a great sin,’ he said, ‘and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.’ He went, and in his confession before God he said, ‘Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now if Thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written.’ The answer was, ‘Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book. Therefore now go, lead the people into the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, Mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.’ PP 326.2
“In the prayer of Moses our minds are directed to the heavenly records in which the names of all men are inscribed, and their deeds, whether good or evil, are faithfully registered. The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. If any of these depart from Him, and by stubborn persistence in sin become finally hardened against the influences of His Holy Spirit, their names will in the judgment be blotted from the book of life, and they themselves will be devoted to destruction. Moses realized how dreadful would be the fate of the sinner; yet if the people of Israel were to be rejected by the Lord, he desired his name to be blotted out with theirs; he could not endure to see the judgments of God fall upon those who had been so graciously delivered. The intercession of Moses in behalf of Israel illustrates the mediation of Christ for sinful men. But the Lord did not permit Moses to bear, as did Christ, the guilt of the transgressor. ‘Whosoever hath sinned against Me,’ He said, ‘him will I blot out of My book.’” PP 326.3
5月8日，星期五
进一步思考
“旧世界的罗马天主教和新世界的背道新教，对那些尊崇一切神圣诫命的人，都将采取类似的手段。”（《教会宪章》615.2）
“届时，神的子民将陷入先知所描述的苦难和困苦之中，即雅各遭难之时。“耶和华如此说：我们听见了战兢、恐惧的声音，不是平安的声音……众人的脸色都变了色。哀哉！那日大，无日可比；那是雅各遭难之时；但他必从中得救。”（耶利米书30:5-7）（《教会宪章》616.1）
雅各在痛苦的夜晚，向上帝祷告，祈求祂救他脱离以扫的手（创世记32:24-30），这象征着上帝的子民在患难中的经历。由于以扫为了得到父亲的祝福而使了诡计，这祝福原本是给以扫的，雅各惊恐万分，不得不逃命。在流亡多年后，他遵照上帝的命令，带着妻子儿女、牲畜和羊群，启程返回故土。然而，当他抵达故土的边界时，却听到以扫率领一队勇士逼近的消息，无疑是为了复仇。雅各一行人手无寸铁，毫无防备，似乎即将成为暴力和屠杀的无辜牺牲品。除了焦虑和恐惧之外，雅各还背负着沉重的自责，因为正是他自己的罪才招致了这场危险。他唯一的希望在于神的怜悯；他唯一的防御手段是祈祷。然而，他竭尽所能弥补对弟兄的伤害，并化解迫在眉睫的危险。基督的追随者们，在危难之际，也应当竭尽全力在众人面前树立良好的形象，消除偏见，并避免良心自由所面临的危险。”（《教会宪章》616.2）
“Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. GC 615.2
“The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble. “Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.... All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5-7. GC 616.1
“Jacob's night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God's people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father's blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother's deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God's command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau's approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob's company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.” GC 616.2