第71章 为晚雨祈求
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第71章 为晚雨祈求
§2
Chapter 71—Pray for the Latter Rain
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[《评论与通讯》，1897年3月2日。]
§4
“当春雨的时候，你们要向发闪电的耶和华求雨；祂必为众人降下甘霖。”“祂必为你们降下甘霖，就是秋雨、春雨”（亚10:1；珥2:23）。东方的早雨是在播种季节降下的。为了使种子发芽，必须有早雨。在滋润土地的雨水影响之下，柔嫩的新芽破土而出。晚雨是在季节快结束的时候降下，催熟谷物，预备好收割。主利用这些大自然的这些运作来代表圣灵的工作。正如露珠和雨水首先赐下，使种子发芽，然后使谷物成熟，照样，圣灵的赐下，亦是要循序渐进地推展属灵的成长过程。谷物的成熟，代表上帝的恩典在心灵中工作的完成。借着圣灵的能力，上帝的道德形像得以在品格上完成。我们要完全地被改变成为基督的样式。{TM 506.1}[1]
§5
[The Review and Herald, March 2, 1897.]
§6
“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.” “He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.” In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.?{TM 506.1}[1]
§7
使地上庄稼成熟的晚雨，代表那使教会为人子的来临作准备的属灵恩典。若不降下早雨，就不会有生命，生出绿色的苗叶。早雨若不做成它们的工作，晚雨就不能带来丰满的子粒。{TM 506.2}[2]
§8
The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.?{TM 506.2}[2]
§9
要“先发苗，后长穗，再后穗上结成饱满的子粒”（可4:28）。基督徒的德行必须持续不断地发展。基督徒的经验必须不断地进步。我们应该带着强烈的愿望来追求这一点，好为我们救主基督的真理增添光彩。{TM 506.3}[3]
§10
There is to be “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour.?{TM 506.3}[3]
§11
许多人在很大程度上没能领受早雨。他们没有得到上帝已为他们如此预备的一切好处。他们盼望自己的缺欠能通过晚雨来弥补。在最丰盛的恩典赐下时，他们才欲打开心门领受。他们正在犯一个可怕的错误。上帝已经开始工作，将亮光和知识赐给人心。这项工作必须不断地推进。各人必须了解自己的需要。人心必须倒空每一项污秽，为圣灵的居住洁净自己。藉着承认并离弃罪恶，藉着热切的祷告并献身于上帝，早期的门徒得以预备好在五旬节领受圣灵的沛降。现今要完成这同样的工作，只是在更大的程度上。所以人只须求福，等待主来成就这项与他有关的工作。上帝已开始这项工作，祂必完成祂的工作，使人在耶稣基督里得以完全。但不可忽视早雨所代表的恩典。只有那些实践已有亮光的人，才会领受更大的亮光。我们如果没有在表现活泼的基督徒美德上天天进步，就无法辨认晚雨所彰显的圣灵。它或许正沛降在我们四围之人的心中，只是我们看不出，也没有领受。{TM 507.1}[4]
§12
Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.?{TM 507.1}[4]
§13
我们在一生经验中的任何时候，都不可以放弃那使我们有良好开端的帮助。我们需要早雨所带来的福气，直到末了。但是单有这些还不够。我们珍惜早雨的福气，但另一方面，我们也不可忘记：如果没有晚雨使麦穗饱满和成熟，收割之日就不能来到，撒种之人的心血就会白费了。在开始的时候，需要上帝的恩典，在前进的每一步中，也需要上帝的恩典。唯有上帝的恩典才能完成这项工作。我们在任何时候都不可以抱着漫不经心的态度。我们永不可忘记基督的警告：“总要警醒祷告，”“时时警醒，常常祈求”（太26:41;路21:36）。每时每刻与神圣的媒介保持联络，是我们的进步所必不可少的。我们可能在一定的程度上有上帝之灵的同在。但我们要藉着祷告和信心，继续寻求更多的圣灵。我们绝不可停止我们的努力。如果我们没有进步，或不抱有领受早雨和晚雨的态度，我们就会丧失生命。这个责任将由我们自己来负责。{TM 507.2}[5]
§14
At no point in our experience can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. Yet these alone will not suffice. While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the?fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of Christ, “Watch unto prayer,” “Watch, ... and pray always.” A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door.?{TM 507.2}[5]
§15
“当春雨的时候，你们要向发闪电的耶和华求雨”（亚10:1）。不要满足于指望按季节的常规降雨。要为雨祈求。种子的生长与成熟，不是依靠农夫。上帝可以单独使庄稼成熟。但人却必须合作。上帝所交待我们的工作，需要我们内心的行动，与信心的运用。我们若要恩典的甘雨临到，就必须一心一意寻求祂的恩宠。我们应该善用每一个机会置身于蒙福的通道中。基督说：“无论在哪里，有两三个人奉我的名聚会，那里就有我在他们中间”（太18:20）。教会任何形式的聚会，例如帐棚大会，家庭教会的聚会，以及一切个人救灵之工的场合，都是上帝命定赐予早雨和晚雨的场所。{TM 508.1}[6]
§16
“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with the husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man’s co-operation is required. God’s work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. We must seek His favors with the whole heart if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.” The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.?{TM 508.1}[6]
§17
但是谁也不要以为在参加这些聚会时，他们的本分就尽到了。仅仅参加所举行的一切聚会本身并不能给人带来祝福。参加全体集会和当地聚会的人不一定都能领受天上的丰富福气。环境可能似乎有利于恩典的甘雨沛降。但必须由上帝亲自下令降雨。所以我们在恳求的事上不可怠慢松懈。我们不要倚赖天意的常规运作。我们必须祈求上帝打开生命水的泉源。我们要亲自领受活水。让我们以痛悔的心，极其恳切地祈求现在晚雨的时候，恩典的甘霖能降在我们身上。在我们每次参加聚会时，我们的祷告应该上升，让上帝此时赐予温暖并滋润我们的心灵。当我们向上帝求圣灵时，圣灵就会在我们里面造就温柔谦卑的心，衷心信赖上帝降下晚雨。如果我们凭着信心求福，我们就必得福，因为上帝已经应许。{TM 508.2}[7]
§18
But let none think that in attending these gatherings, their duty is done. A mere attendance upon all the?meetings that are held will not in itself bring a blessing to the soul. It is not an immutable law that all who attend general gatherings or local meetings shall receive large supplies from heaven. The circumstances may seem to be favorable for a rich outpouring of the showers of grace. But God Himself must command the rain to fall. Therefore we should not be remiss in supplication. We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend, that at this very time God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised.?{TM 508.2}[7]
§19
先知撒迦利亚用另一个比喻说明圣灵与教会的不断交流，其中含有鼓励我们的奇妙教训。先知说：“那与我说话的天使又来叫醒我，好像人睡觉被唤醒一样。他问我说：‘你看见了什么？’我说：‘我看见了一个纯金的灯台，顶上有盏灯，灯台上有七盏灯，每盏有七个管子。旁边有两棵橄榄树，一棵在灯盏的右边，一棵在灯盏的左边。’我问与我说话的天使说：‘主啊，这是什么意思？’……他对我说：‘这是耶和华指示所罗巴伯的。万军之耶和华说：不是倚靠势力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠我的灵方能成事。’……我二次问他说：‘这两根橄榄枝在两个流出金色油的金嘴旁边，是什么意思？’……他说：‘这是两个受膏者站在普天下主的旁边’”（亚4:1-6,12,14）。{TM 509.1}[8]
§20
The continued communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is represented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us. The prophet says: “The angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? ... Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This?is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.... And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? ... Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”?{TM 509.1}[8]
§21
金色油从这两根橄榄枝注入金色管子，流到灯台的碗里，从那里流进金色的灯台里，照亮圣所。照样，通过站在上帝面前的圣洁生灵，祂的灵要赐给献身事奉祂的人。这两个受膏者的使命，乃是要将亮光与能力传达给上帝的子民。他们站在上帝面前，是为了我们领受福分。橄榄枝怎样倒空自己让油流到金嘴，照样，天上的使者也努力传达他们得自上帝的一切。整个属天的宝藏都等待我们的索求和领受。当我们领受这福惠时，我们的职责就是分赠它。那神圣的灯盏既这样补给充足，教会也就成为世上的擎光者了。{TM 510.1}[9]
§22
From the two olive trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence, His Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God’s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light bearer in the world.?{TM 510.1}[9]
§23
这是主原本要每一个人都准备在此时去做的工作。现在四位天使正在执掌着四方的风，这些风不会刮起，直到上帝众仆人在额上受了印记。现在没有时间用来取悦自我了。心灵的灯必须被剔亮。它们必须得到恩典的油供应。必须十分警惕，预防属灵的衰退，免得主的大日象夜间的贼一样突然临到我们。每一个为上帝作见证的人，现在都要在上帝已指定的阵线上聪明地作工。在基督徒品格完全的工作上，我们应该每日获得一种深刻而且活泼的经验。我们应该每日领受那圣油，好分给别人。所有的人只要愿意，都可以成为世上的擎光者。我们要让自我消失在耶稣里。我们要领受主话语的忠告和指示，并高兴地传达给别人。现在需要多多祷告。基督吩咐说：要“不住地祷告”（帖前5:17），即保持思想向往一切能力和功效之源上帝。{TM 510.2}[10]
§24
This is the work that the Lord would have every soul prepared to do at this time, when the four angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. There is no time now for self-pleasing. The lamps of the soul must be trimmed. They must be supplied with the oil of grace. Every precaution must be taken to prevent spiritual declension, lest the great day of the Lord overtake us as a thief in the night. Every witness for God is now to work intelligently in the lines which?God has appointed. We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfecting Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil, that we may impart to others. All may be light bearers to the world if they will. We are to sink self out of sight in Jesus. We are to receive the word of the Lord in counsel and instruction, and gladly communicate it. There is now need of much prayer. Christ commands, “Pray without ceasing;” that is, keep the mind uplifted to God, the source of all power and efficiency.?{TM 510.2}[10]
§25
我们行走窄路可能已经很久，但这不能保证我们会行走到底。如果我们在圣灵的陪伴下与上帝同行，那是因为我们每日藉着信心寻求祂。从那两棵橄榄树通过金管所流出的油，已膏了我们。但那些没有培养祷告的精神和习惯的人，不能指望领受这良善、忍耐、坚忍、温柔与仁爱的金色油。{TM 511.1}[11]
§26
We may have long followed the narrow path, but it is not safe to take this as proof that we shall follow it to the end. If we have walked with God in fellowship of the Spirit, it is because we have sought Him daily by faith. From the two olive trees the golden oil flowing through the golden pipes has been communicated to us. But those who do not cultivate the spirit and habit of prayer cannot expect to receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, love.?{TM 511.1}[11]
§27
每一个人都要与充满罪孽的世界分离。我们不可与上帝同行了一段时间，便离祂而去，行在自己点着的火光中。出于信心的行为，我们必须持之以恒、坚持到底。我们要赞美上帝；以正直的品格彰显祂的荣耀。如果没有恒忍不倦的努力，我们就没有一个人会获得胜利。这种努力，必须和我们所追求的目标——永恒的生命——的价值相称。{TM 511.2}[12]
§28
Everyone is to keep himself separate from the world, which is full of iniquity. We are not to walk with God for a time, and then part from His company and walk in the sparks of our own kindling. There must be a firm continuance, a perseverance in acts of faith. We are to praise God; to show forth His glory in a righteous character. No one of us will gain the victory without persevering, untiring effort, proportionate to the value of the object which we seek, even eternal life.?{TM 511.2}[12]
§29
我们现在所处的时期，对祈求的人来说，乃是赐予圣灵的时期。务要恳求祂的祝福。现在正是我们更多献身的时候。我们负有一项艰巨，但又快乐与光荣的任务，就是向黑暗中的人显示基督。我们蒙召向这个世代传讲这特殊的真理。要完成这项工作，圣灵的沛降是必不可少的。我们应该恳求圣灵的赐下。主期待我们向祂祈求。我们没有一心一意从事这项工作。{TM 511.3}[13]
§30
The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His blessing. It is time we were more intense in our devotion. To us is committed the arduous, but happy, glorious work of revealing Christ to those who are in darkness. We are called to proclaim the special?truths for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential. We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask Him. We have not been wholehearted in this work.?{TM 511.3}[13]
§31
我能奉主的名对弟兄说什么呢？我们有没有按照主所乐于赐予的亮光，以相称的努力去工作呢？我们不能依靠形式或外在的动力。我们所需要的，是上帝的圣灵苏醒人心的影响力。“不是倚靠势力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠我的灵方能成事”（亚4:6）。你要不住的祷告，并按照你的祈求警醒工作。你在祷告的时候，要相信并依靠上帝。当主赐下丰盛的圣灵时，晚雨的时候就来到了。要热切地祷告，并且在圣灵里警醒。{TM 512.1}[14]
§32
What can I say to my brethren in the name of the Lord? What proportion of our efforts has been made in accordance with the light the Lord has been pleased to give? We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.?{TM 512.1}[14]
§33
我们当怎样追随我们的教师，学习祂的样式呢？我们可以查考祂的话，熟悉祂的生平与作为。我们要接受祂的话，作为我们心灵的食粮。人无论被安置在何处，主耶稣都为我们留下了祂的脚踪。我们要好好跟随祂。要珍爱祂藉以发言的圣灵，也要表现耶稣的真理，尤当凭内心的清洁和爱心跟从祂。自我必须与祂一同藏在上帝里面。当我们生命的主基督显现的时候，我们也要与祂一同显现在荣耀里。——《给传道人和工人的特别证言》系列一，第9号，1897年，第58页。{TM 512.2}[15]
§34
How shall we follow Him to learn of Him who is our Teacher? We can search His word, and become acquainted with His life and works. His words we are to receive as bread for our souls. In every sphere where man shall be placed, the Lord Jesus has left us His footprints. We do well to follow Him. The Spirit by which He spake, we must cherish; we are to present the truth as it is in Jesus. We are to follow Him especially in heart purity, in love. Self must be hid with Christ in God; then when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also shall appear with Him in glory.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A 9:58 (1897).?{TM 512.2}[15]