第52章 善用机会的人
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第52章 善用机会的人
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Chap. 52 - A Man of Opportunity
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（本章根据：尼希米记1-2章）
§4
尼希米是一个被掳的希伯来人，他在波斯国的宫廷中占有崇高的地位。他是王的酒政，得以随时进到王的面前。由于他的地位，也因为他的才干和忠诚，他竟成了国王的亲信与顾问。这个受王宠信的人，虽然处于奢华富贵的环境之中，但他并没有忘记自己的上帝和同胞。他的心以最深切的关怀顾念到耶路撒冷；他的希望与喜乐与该城的昌盛系结在一起。上帝定意借着这个在波斯宫廷中受过准备的人，要为他那些回到他们列祖之地的子民造福。[1]{PK 628.1}
§5
Nehemiah, one of the Hebrew exiles, occupied a position of influence and honor in the Persian court. As cupbearer to the king he was admitted freely to the royal presence. By virtue of his position, and because of his abilities and fidelity, he had become the monarchs friend and counselor. The recipient of royal favor, however, though surrounded by pomp and splendor, did not forget his God nor his people. With deepest interest his heart turned toward Jerusalem; his hopes and joys were bound up with her prosperity. Through this man, prepared by his residence in the Persian court for the work to which he was to be called, God purposed to bring blessing to His people in the land of their fathers.{PK 628.1}[1]
§6
这个希伯来的爱国志士，从来自犹大的信使那里，得悉试炼的日子已经临到蒙选之城耶路撒冷了。那些被掳归回的人正遭受着苦难与凌辱。圣殿和圣城的一部分虽已重新修建，但复兴的工作却受到了阻碍，圣殿的崇事常被搅扰，城内居民也经常提心吊胆，因为城墙大部分仍然毁损不堪。[2]{PK 628.2}
§7
By messengers from Judea the Hebrew patriot learned that days of trial had come to Jerusalem, the chosen city. The returned exiles were suffering affliction and reproach. The temple and portions of the city had been rebuilt; but the work of restoration was hindered, the temple services were disturbed, and the people kept in constant alarm by the fact that the walls of the city were still largely in ruins.{PK 628.2}[2]
§8
尼希米不胜悲痛，不能吃喝，他“就坐下哭泣，悲哀几日，……禁食。”他在苦痛中就转向那位神圣的帮助者。他说：“我……在天上的上帝面前……祈祷。”他诚恳地承认了自己和民众的罪。他恳求上帝维护以色列的事工，恢复他们的勇气和力量，帮助他们修建犹大的荒废之处。[3]{PK 629.1}
§9
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Nehemiah could neither eat nor drink; he wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted. In his grief he turned to the divine Helper. I . . . prayed, he said, before the God of heaven. Faithfully he made confession of his sins and the sins of his people. He pleaded that God would maintain the cause of Israel, restore their courage and strength, and help them to build up the waste places of Judah.{PK 629.1}[3]
§10
当尼希米祈祷的时候，他的信心和勇气就越发坚强了。他的口里就充满了神圣的论据。他指出上帝的子民这时既已归向他，如果被撇弃在软弱与欺压之下，那么上帝就必受到羞辱。所以他恳求主实现他以下的应许：“你们若归向我，谨守遵行我的诫命，你们被赶散的人，虽在天涯，我也必从那里将他们招聚回来，带到我所选择立为我名的居所。”（参申4:29-31）这个应许在以色列人进入迦南之前，就已借着摩西赐给他们了，而数百年来，这个应许一直毫无变更。上帝的子民这时已借着悔改和信心归向他，所以他的应许决不致落空。[4]{PK 629.2}
§11
As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew strong. His mouth was filled with holy arguments. He pointed to the dishonor that would be cast upon God, if His people, now that they had returned to Him, should be left in weakness and oppression; and he urged the Lord to bring to pass His promise: If ye turn unto Me, and keep My Commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My name there. See Deuteronomy 4:29-31. This promise had been given to Israel through Moses before they had entered Canaan, and during the centuries it had stood unchanged. Gods people had now returned to Him in penitence and faith, and His promise would not fail.{PK 629.2}[4]
§12
尼希米过去常为他的同胞而倾心祈祷。但这次祈祷时，他的心中却产生了一个圣洁的志愿。他决定如果能得蒙王的恩准，并帮助他获致必要的工具与材料，他便要亲自从事重建耶路撒冷城墙与恢复以色列国力的大工。于是他便求主使他在王面前蒙恩，以便这个计划能付诸实现。他祈求说：“求你……使你仆人现今亨通，在王面前蒙恩。”[5]{PK 629.3}
§13
Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people. But now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved that if he could obtain the consent of the king, and the necessary aid in procuring implements and material, he would himself undertake the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring Israels national strength. And he asked the Lord to grant him favor in the sight of the king, that this plan might be carried out. Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day, he entreated, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.{PK 629.3}[5]
§14
尼希米等待了四个月，希望得到有利的机会而向王提出要求。在此期间，他的心虽然悲伤沉重，但他依然尽力在王面前表现愉快的样子。在那奢华堂皇的宫廷之中，各人都须有轻松快乐的表露。凡侍立在王面前的人万不可有一点忧郁的表情。但当尼希米退出王前的时候，他既不为世人所见，上帝和众天使就多次听到并看见他的祈祷、认罪和流泪。[6]{PK 630.1}
§15
Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to present his request to the king. During this time, though his heart was heavy with grief, he endeavored to bear himself with cheerfulness in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury and splendor all must appear light-hearted and happy. Distress must not cast its shadow over the countenance of any attendant of royalty. But in Nehemiahs seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and witnessed by God and angels.{PK 630.1}[6]
§16
这个爱国志士终于再也无法隐瞒那长久压在心上的忧伤了。夜间的失眠和白日的操心在他脸上留下了明显的痕迹。王由于十分关心自己的安全，所以习于观察人的脸色，看穿人的伪装，他这时看出必有某些隐秘的烦恼困扰着他的酒政。他便问道：“你既没有病，为什么面带愁容呢？这不是别的，必是你心中愁烦。”[7]{PK 630.2}
§17
At length the sorrow that burdened the patriots heart could no longer be concealed. Sleepless nights and care-filled days left their trace upon his countenance. The king, jealous for his own safety, was accustomed to read countenances and to penetrate disguises, and he saw that some secret trouble was preying upon his cupbearer. Why is thy countenance sad, he inquired, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.{PK 630.2}[7]
§18
这个问题使尼希米甚为惶恐。王若听说这个朝臣外表虽然侍候王，而内心却远远惦念着他受苦的同胞，岂不要为之恼怒？这个犯罪者的性命岂不就要丧失？他所挂念的恢复耶路撒冷权力的计划是否就会被推翻呢？尼希米写道：“于是我甚惧怕。”他随即以颤抖的嘴唇和充满热泪的眼睛解释自己愁烦的原因。他回答说：“愿王万岁！我列祖坟墓所在的那城荒凉，城门被火焚烧，我岂能面无愁容吗？”[8]{PK 630.3}
§19
The question filled Nehemiah with apprehension. Would not the king be angry to hear that while outwardly engaged in his service, the courtiers thoughts had been far away with his afflicted people? Would not the offenders life be forfeited? His cherished plan for restoring the strength of Jerusalem--was it about to be overthrown? Then, he writes, I was very sore afraid. With trembling lips and tearful eyes he revealed the cause of his sorrow. Let the king live forever, he answered. Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers sepulchers, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?{PK 630.3}[8]
§20
尼希米这番诉述耶路撒冷情况的话语引起了王的同情，而没有激发他的偏见。他的另一个问题正好是尼希米期待已久的机会：“你要求什么？”但这个神人在未曾请示那位远超乎亚达薛西王之上的主以前，并没有贸然作答。他有一项神圣的委托亟待完成，在这方面他需要王的帮助。并且他也认明他能否博得王的恩准和资助，全在乎他提出要求的方式如何。他说：“于是我默祷天上的上帝。”在那简短的祷告中，尼希米竟然进到万王之王面前，并赢得那能改变人心如改变河道的能力归于他这一边。[9]{PK 631.1}
§21
The recital of the condition of Jerusalem awakened the sympathy of the monarch without arousing his prejudices. Another question gave the opportunity for which Nehemiah had long waited: For what dost thou make request? But the man of God did not venture to reply till he had sought direction from One higher than Artaxerxes. He had a sacred trust to fulfill, in which he required help from the king; and he realized that much depended upon his presenting the matter in such a way as to win his approval and enlist his aid. I prayed, he said, to the God of heaven. In that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned.{PK 631.1}[9]
§22
效学尼希米在紧急需要时那样的祈祷，乃是基督徒在无法应用其它祈祷方式的环境之下所能采取的方法。那充满烦扰而几乎被压倒的、在繁忙生活中辛劳工作的人，可以向上帝提出恳求以获得神圣的引导。那在海陆旅行的人，遇见极大的危险时也能这样将自己交托上天的保护。在遇见突然的困难或危险时，我们可从心中发出呼吁，恳求那位曾经亲自应许在忠诚相信之人每逢呼求他时，就赐予支援之主的帮助。在任何环境或情况之下，那被悲伤和忧虑所压倒、或被试探所猛烈侵袭的生灵，可在那位守约之上帝的无穷慈爱与能力中得到保证、支持和援助。[10]{PK 631.2}
§23
To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer may be impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine guidance. Travelers by sea and land, when threatened with some great danger, can thus commit themselves to Heavens protection. In times of sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love and power of a covenant-keeping God.{PK 631.2}[10]
§24
尼希米在这祈求万王之王的片刻之间，获得了勇气，便向亚达薛西陈明他的心愿，希望准他暂时放下宫廷中的职司。他也要求获得权柄，以修建耶路撒冷荒废之处，使之再度成为一座防御巩固的城池。对于犹大国无比重要的结果都系于这个请求之上。尼希米说：“王就允准我，因我上帝施恩的手帮助我。”[11]{PK 632.1}
§25
Nehemiah, in that brief moment of prayer to the King of kings, gathered courage to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to be released for a time from his duties at the court, and he asked for authority to build up the waste places of Jerusalem and to make it once more a strong and defensed city. Momentous results to the Jewish nation hung upon this request. And, Nehemiah declares, the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.{PK 632.1}[11]
§26
尼希米既得到他所求的帮助，便以审慎而熟虑的精神进行必需的安排，以确保事工的成功。凡为达成这个目的的一切预防措施，他都没有忽略。他甚至没有向他的同胞透露他的意图。他知道很多的同胞固然会因他的成功而庆幸，但他也害怕有一些人会因不智的行动引起仇敌的嫉妒，而致使整个事工归于失败。[12]{PK 633.1}
§27
Having secured the help he sought, Nehemiah with prudence and forethought proceeded to make the arrangements necessary to ensure the success of the enterprise. He neglected no precaution that would tend to its accomplishment. Not even to his own countrymen did he reveal his purpose. While he knew that many would rejoice in his success, he feared that some, by acts of indiscretion, might arouse the jealousy of their enemies and perhaps bring about the defeat of the undertaking.{PK 633.1}[12]
§28
尼希米向王所作的要求既蒙王的恩准，他就得到鼓舞而向王请求更多的援助。他为要使他的使命具有充分的尊严和权威、并为旅途中得到保护起见，便提出要求也得到了武装的护卫。他取得王通知伯拉大河以西各省省长的诏书，这些区域乃是他前往犹大所必经之地，他也得到一封诏书，通知管理黎巴嫩山王林的人，吩咐他要供给所需要的木料。尼希米为避免给人说他越出使命的范围，所以很仔细地请求将那赐与他的权柄清楚地予以限定。[13]{PK 633.2}
§29
His request to the king had been so favorably received that Nehemiah was encouraged to ask for still further assistance. To give dignity and authority to his mission, as well as to provide protection on the journey, he asked for and secured a military escort. He obtained royal letters to the governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates, the territory through which he must pass on his way to Judea; and he obtained, also, a letter to the keeper of the kings forest in the mountains of Lebanon, directing him to furnish such timber as would be needed. That there might be no occasion for complaint that he had exceeded his commission, Nehemiah was careful to have the authority and privileges accorded him, clearly defined.{PK 633.2}[13]
§30
这种聪明的深思远虑和果断的行动之榜样，对于所有的基督徒都具有相当的教训。上帝的儿女不但要凭着信心祈祷，也要殷勤审慎地工作。他们之所以遭遇许多的困难，并且时常妨碍上帝为他们所定美意的施行，乃因他们以为审慎和辛勤努力与宗教并无多大关系。尼希米在主面前哭泣、祈祷之后，并没有就此认为自己已尽到本分了。他却以圣洁的奋勉与祷告联结起来，付出诚恳虔敬的努力以求得他所从事的大工成功。今日推进圣工正和当年重建耶路撒冷城墙时一样，非有审慎的考虑与周密的计划不可。[14]{PK 633.3}
§31
This example of wise forethought and resolute action should be a lesson to all Christians. Gods children are not only to pray in faith, but to work with diligent and provident care. They encounter many difficulties and often hinder the working of Providence in their behalf, because they regard prudence and painstaking effort as having little to do with religion. Nehemiah did not regard his duty done when he had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with holy endeavor, putting forth earnest, prayerful efforts for the success of the enterprise in which he was engaged. Careful consideration and well-matured plans are as essential to the carrying forward of sacred enterprises today as in the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalems walls.{PK 633.3}[14]
§32
尼希米并没有倚靠无定的事物。他缺少财物，就向那些可能捐献的人劝募。现今主仍愿为真理的事工而感动那些拥有他的财物之人的心。所以凡为他效力的人，都应利用他激励人供给的帮助。这些赠礼可能打开门路，使真理的光得以照耀许多黑暗的地方。捐助的人或许不信基督，也不熟悉他的道，但我们不可因此就拒绝他们的捐赠。[15]{PK 634.1}
§33
Nehemiah did not depend upon uncertainty. The means that he lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow. And the Lord is still willing to move upon the hearts of those in possession of His goods, in behalf of the cause of truth. Those who labor for Him are to avail themselves of the help that He prompts men to give. These gifts may open ways by which the light of truth shall go to many benighted lands. The donors may have no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with His word; but their gifts are not on this account to be refused.{PK 634.1}[15]