第91章 上帝顾念祂的工作
§1
第91章 上帝顾念祂的工作
§2
Chap. 91—God’s Care for His Work
§3
以赛亚还年轻的时候，就在困难及失望的环境之下，奉召担任先知的职务。他的国家受着不幸的威胁。犹太人既因干犯上帝律法而丧失了主的保护，亚述的军队又将进攻犹太国。然而来自他们仇敌的危险还不是最大的困难。那使主仆人深感忧郁的，倒是百姓的顽梗背逆。因他们的背道及反叛，招来了上帝的刑罚。这位青年的先知奉命向他们发出警告的信息，他也知道自己必遭顽固的反抗。当他看到自己，并想到自己所要服务之民是何等的执拗不信，便不禁颤栗起来。在他看来，他的任务几乎是无望的。他应否灰心而放弃自己的使命，听凭以色列人去拜偶像而不加以阻挡呢？还是让尼尼微的神明统管全地而诬蔑天上的上帝呢？{5T749.2}[1]
§4
It was under circumstances of difficulty and discouragement that Isaiah, while yet a young man, was called to the prophetic mission. Disaster was threatening his country. By their transgression of God’s law the people of Judah had forfeited His protection, and the Assyrian forces were about to come against the kingdom of Judah. But the danger from their enemies was not the greatest trouble. It was the perversity of the people that brought upon the Lord’s servant the deepest depression. By their apostasy and rebellion they were inviting the judgments of God. The youthful prophet had?been called to bear to them a message of warning, and he knew that he would meet with obstinate resistance. He trembled as he viewed himself and thought of the stubbornness and unbelief of the people for whom he was to labor. His task seemed to him almost hopeless. Should he in despair relinquish his mission and leave Israel undisturbed to their idolatry? Were the gods of Nineveh to rule the earth in defiance of the God of heaven??{5T 749.2}[1]
§5
当他站在圣殿的走廊下，这一类的思想挤满了他的脑海。忽然之间，圣殿的门和内幕好像被掀起或是拉开了，让他能见到内部的至圣所，也就是连先知的脚也不能进去的地方。在他面前显出一场异象，耶和华坐在高高的宝座上，祂的衣裳垂下，遮满圣殿。在宝座的每一边有撒拉弗盘旋，用两个翅膀在崇拜时遮脸，两个翅膀遮脚，两个翅膀飞翔。这些服役的天使扬起庄严的赞颂之声说：“圣哉，圣哉，圣哉，万军之耶和华；祂的荣光充满全地”（赛6:3），直至门槛，柱子和香柏树的门，都似乎被声音所震动，殿里也充满了他们的赞美。{5T750.1}[2]
§6
Such thoughts as these were crowding upon his mind as he stood under the portico of the holy temple. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet’s feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while His train filled the temple. On each side the throne hovered the seraphim, two wings bearing them up, two veiling their faces in adoration, and two covering their feet. These angel ministers lifted up their voices in solemn invocation, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory,” until post and pillar and cedar gate seemed to tremble at the sound, and the house was filled with their praise.?{5T 750.1}[2]
§7
以赛亚从来没有这样完全明白过耶和华的伟大及全然圣洁；他觉得自己为人的软弱不配，在上帝面前必要灭亡，便喊叫说：“祸哉，我灭亡了！因为我是嘴唇不洁的人，又住在嘴唇不洁的民中；又因我眼见大君王万军之耶和华”（赛6:3,5）。后来有一撒拉弗飞到他的眼前，预备让他承当起他的重大的使命，便从坛上取下一块红炭来沾他的唇，说：“看哪，这炭沾了你的嘴，你的罪孽便除掉，你的罪恶就赦免了。”及至听见上帝的声音：说，“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”以赛亚怀着圣洁的自信心回答说：“我在这里，请差遣我”（7,8节）。{5T750.2}[3]
§8
Never before had Isaiah realized so fully the greatness of Jehovah or His perfect holiness; and he felt that in his human frailty and unworthiness he must perish in that divine presence. “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” But a seraph came to him to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips with the words: “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” And when the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah with holy confidence responded, “Here am I; send me.”?{5T 750.2}[3]
§9
那列阵攻击犹大的地上列强算得什么？以赛亚在他使命上所要遇到的反对与抵抗算得什么？他已见过大君王万军之耶和华；他已听过撒拉弗的歌声：“祂的荣光充满全地；”先知已受了鼓励，有勇气进行当前的工作了。在他一生长期辛苦的使命中，他始终念念不忘这个异象。{5T751.1}[4]
§10
What though earthly powers should be arrayed against Judah? What though Isaiah should meet with opposition and resistance in his mission? He had seen the King, the Lord of hosts; he had heard the song of the seraphim, “The whole earth is full of His glory;” and the prophet was nerved for the work before him. The memory of this vision was carried with him throughout his long and arduous mission.?{5T 751.1}[4]
§11
那悲哀流亡的先知以西结，在迦勒底地方得到一个异象，给他同样的教训，要信靠以色列大能的上帝。当他在迦巴鲁河边的时候，好像有一阵旋风从北方刮来，“随着一朵包括闪烁火的大云，周围有光辉，从其中的火内发出好像光耀的精金。”有四个活物推动着许多奇形怪状的轮子，轮中套轮。在这一切之上，“有宝座的形像，仿佛蓝宝石；在宝座形像以上有仿佛人的形状。”“至于四活物的形像，就如烧着火炭的形状，又如火把的形状；火在四活物中间上去下来，这火有光辉，从火中发出闪电。”“在基路伯翅膀之下，显出有人手的样式”（结1:4,26,13;10:8）。{5T751.2}[5]
§12
Ezekiel, the mourning exile prophet, in the land of the Chaldeans, was given a vision teaching the same lesson of faith in the mighty God of Israel. As he was upon the banks of the river Chebar, a whirlwind seemed to come from the north, “a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber.” A number of wheels of strange appearance, intersecting one another, were moved by four living creatures. High above all these was “the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.” “As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.” “And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings.”?{5T 751.2}[5]
§13
这些轮子，轮中套轮，结构非常复杂，以致以西结初见之下，觉得完全是混乱的。但到了它们行动之时，却显出是美妙精确与完全地和谐。天上的生灵推动这些轮子，在众轮之上有仿佛蓝宝石的荣耀宝座，其上坐着亘古常在者；在宝座四围有虹环绕，这是恩典与爱的象征。以西结被这个惊人的荣耀场面所震慑，俯伏在地，后来有声音吩咐他起来，听主的话，于是就有个警告以色列人的信息传给他。{5T751.3}[6]
§14
There were wheels within wheels in an arrangement so complicated that at first sight they appeared to Ezekiel to be all in confusion. But when they moved, it was with beautiful exactness and in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings were impelling these wheels, and, above all, upon the glorious sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; while round about the throne was the encircling rainbow, emblem of grace and love. Overpowered by the terrible glory of the scene, Ezekiel fell upon his face, when a voice bade him arise and hear the word of the Lord. Then there was given him a message of warning for Israel.?{5T 751.3}[6]
§15
以西结见到这场异象时，他的心中充满了忧苦的预感。他见到他列祖所居之地荒废了，那从前人烟稠密的城邑，现已荒凉。城中也听不到欢乐之声及颂赞之歌。先知自己在那盛行着无穷野心与野蛮残暴的异乡为客。他所耳闻目击的尽是霸道与邪恶，使他忧心如焚，日夜哀哭。但那在迦巴鲁河边显给他看的奇妙表号，向他显明了一种比地上君王能力更强的统治万有的能力。在亚述与巴比伦的骄傲暴君之上，还有慈悲与真实的上帝作王。{5T752.1}[7]
§16
This vision was given to Ezekiel at a time when his mind was filled with gloomy forebodings. He saw the land of his fathers lying desolate. The city that was once full of people was no longer inhabited. The voice of mirth and the song of praise were no more heard within her walls. The prophet himself was a stranger in a strange land, where boundless ambition and savage cruelty reigned supreme. That which he saw and heard of human tyranny and wrong distressed his soul, and he mourned bitterly day and night. But the wonderful symbols presented before him beside the river Chebar revealed an overruling power mightier than that of earthly rulers. Above the proud and cruel monarchs of Assyria and Babylon the God of mercy and truth was enthroned.?{5T 752.1}[7]
§17
先知所见到的好像很混乱而复杂的轮子，其实是在一双无穷的手臂之下指挥着。主向他显明，那推动及指挥这些轮子的，乃是上帝的灵，使之从混乱中生出和谐来；照样，全世界也在祂的掌管之下。无数荣耀的圣者随时听祂的命令，去废弃恶人的权力与政策，使祂忠心的子民得到益处。{5T752.2}[8]
§18
The wheellike complications that appeared to the prophet to be involved in such confusion were under the guidance of an infinite hand. The Spirit of God, revealed to him as moving and directing these wheels, brought harmony out of confusion; so the whole world was under His control. Myriads of glorified beings were ready at His word to overrule the power and policy of evil men, and bring good to His faithful ones.?{5T 752.2}[8]
§19
照样，当上帝将要向蒙爱的约翰展示未来各代教会的历史时，祂也给他显明“有一位好像人子”（启1:13）在那代表教会的灯台中行走，来保证救主对祂子民的关切与爱护。约翰一面蒙启示见到教会与地上权力作最后的大斗争，一面也得了许可见到忠心之人的最后胜利与得救。他见到教会要与兽及兽像作殊死之斗，也见到以死刑来强迫人拜兽。但他在遥瞩这场战火烽烟时，却见到一群人与羔羊同站在锡安山上，他们不但没有兽的印记，倒有“父的名写在额上”（启14:1）。他也见到他们“胜了兽和兽的像，并它名字数目的人，都站在玻璃海上，拿着上帝的琴，”并唱着摩西与羔羊的歌（启15:2,3）。{5T752.3}[9]
§20
In like manner, when God was about to open to the beloved John the history of the church for future ages, He gave him an assurance of the Saviour’s interest and care for His people by revealing to him “One like unto the Son of man,” walking among the candlesticks, which symbolized the seven churches. While John was shown the last great struggles of the church with earthly powers, he was also permitted to behold the final victory and deliverance of the faithful. He saw the church brought into deadly conflict with the beast and his image, and the worship of that beast enforced on pain of death. But looking beyond the smoke and din of the battle, he beheld a company upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having, instead of the mark of the beast, the “Father’s name written in their foreheads.” And again he saw “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and?over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.?{5T 752.3}[9]
§21
这些教训是为我们的益处。我们必须坚信上帝，因为在我们前面有一个磨炼人灵性的时期。基督曾在橄榄山上，讲述过在祂复临之前的可怕灾难：“你们也要听见打仗和打仗的风声。”“民要攻打民，国要攻打国；多处必有饥荒、地震。这都是灾难的起头”（太24:6-8）。这些预言虽有一部分在耶路撒冷城被毁时应验了，但用于末后的日子却尤见切合。{5T753.1}[10]
§22
These lessons are for our benefit. We need to stay our faith upon God, for there is just before us a time that will try men’s souls. Christ, upon the Mount of Olives, rehearsed the fearful judgments that were to precede His second coming: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars.” “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” While these prophecies received a partial fulfillment at the destruction of Jerusalem, they have a more direct application to the last days.?{5T 753.1}[10]
§23
我们正是站在严重大事的门槛之前。预言正在迅速地应验着。主已在门口了，不久在我们当前就要展开一段使凡活着的人不胜关切的时期。以往的一切斗争都要重演；许多新的斗争也要爆发。我们这世代所要表演的几幕，乃是从来没有梦想过的。撒但正在利用人类来作他的工具。那班尽力要改变“宪法”并设法要强迫人遵守星期日的人，他们还不明白此举的结果是什么。这危机正在我们之前。{5T753.2}[11]
§24
We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The Lord is at the door. There is soon to open before us a period of overwhelming interest to all living. The controversies of the past are to be revived; new controversies will arise. The scenes to be enacted in our world are not yet even dreamed of. Satan is at work through human agencies. Those who are making an effort to change the Constitution and secure a law enforcing Sunday observance little realize what will be the result. A crisis is just upon us.?{5T 753.2}[11]
§25
但上帝的仆人决不可在这场大危机中信靠自己。在给以赛亚，以西结，及约翰的异象上，我们看出天庭是与人间发生的大事有何等密切的关系，以及上帝对于忠心事奉祂的人是多么的关切。这世界并非无主。未来大事的节目是操于主的手中。列国的命运及祂教会的福利，都在天庭之君自己的掌握中。{5T753.3}[12]
§26
But God’s servants are not to trust to themselves in this great emergency. In the visions given to Isaiah, to Ezekiel, and to John we see how closely heaven is connected with the events taking place upon the earth and how great is the care of God for those who are loyal to Him. The world is not without a ruler. The program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations, as well as the concerns of His church, in His own charge.?{5T 753.3}[12]
§27
我们在主的工作上自己太过于担心，焦急了。有涯的人类无须去负起责任的重担。我们必须依靠上帝，相信祂，往前进行。天庭使者不倦地守望，不停地为世人服务，向我们显明上帝的手正是指挥着这轮中套轮的轮子。神圣的教师正在对每位在祂工作上的参与者说话，犹如昔日对古列说的一样：“你虽不认识我，我必给你束腰”（赛45:5）。{5T753.4}[13]
§28
We permit ourselves to feel altogether too much care, trouble, and perplexity in the Lord’s work. Finite men are not left to carry the burden of responsibility. We need to?trust in God, believe in Him, and go forward. The tireless vigilance of the heavenly messengers, and their unceasing employment in their ministry in connection with the beings of earth, show us how God’s hand is guiding the wheel within a wheel. The divine Instructor is saying to every actor in His work, as He said to Cyrus of old: “I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me.”?{5T 753.4}[13]
§29
在以西结的异象中，上帝放祂的手在基路伯的翅膀之下。这是教祂的仆人们知道，那叫他们成功的，乃是上帝的力量。如果他们除掉不义，在心地与生活上纯洁，祂就要与他们同工。{5T754.1}[14]
§30
In Ezekiel’s vision God had His hand beneath the wings of the cherubim. This is to teach His servants that it is divine power that gives them success. He will work with them if they will put away iniquity and become pure in heart and life.?{5T 754.1}[14]
§31
那在活物之间来往，快捷如闪电的明光，是表明圣工终必前进达到成功。那位不打盹，而正是继续工作以期实现其计划的主，必能和谐顺利地推进这伟大的工作。在有涯人类的思想中看来是错综复杂的事，上帝的手都能处理得十分有条不紊。祂能想出诸般方策来挫折恶人的诡计，祂会混乱他们残害祂子民的阴谋。{5T754.2}[15]
§32
The bright light going among the living creatures with the swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work will finally go forward to completion. He who slumbers not, who is continually at work for the accomplishment of His designs, can carry forward His great work harmoniously. That which appears to finite minds entangled and complicated, the Lord’s hand can keep in perfect order. He can devise ways and means to thwart the purposes of wicked men, and He will bring to confusion the counsels of them that plot mischief against His people.?{5T 754.2}[15]
§33
弟兄们哪，现今没有时间让你们去哀恸忧伤，或屈从于疑惑不信之中了。今日的基督，已不是在约瑟新坟中被大石和罗马封条关住的救主了；我们有一位复活的救主。祂是君王，是万军之主；祂坐在基路伯的中间；并在列国扰攘纷乱之际，仍然护卫祂的子民。那管理诸天之主乃是我们的救主。祂衡量每一个试炼。祂注视那必定试验每个心灵的炉火。及至列王的堡垒被打破，及至上帝忿怒之箭贯穿了祂敌人的心，上帝的子民就必在祂的手中安稳无虑了。{5T754.3}[16]
§34
Brethren, it is no time now for mourning and despair, no time to yield to doubt and unbelief. Christ is not now a Saviour in Joseph’s new tomb, closed with a great stone and sealed with the Roman seal; we have a risen Saviour. He is the King, the Lord of hosts; He sitteth between the cherubim; and amid the strife and tumult of nations He guards His people still. He who ruleth in the heavens is our Saviour. He measures every trial. He watches the furnace fire that must test every soul. When the strongholds of kings shall be overthrown, when the arrows of God’s wrath shall strike through the hearts of His enemies, His people will be safe in His hands.?{5T 754.3}[16]