预言之灵 卷2(1877)E

第21章 行在水面上
§1 第21章 行在水面上
§2 Chapter 21 - Walking on the Water.
§3 在此期间,门徒们遇到了麻烦。海上起了风暴,波涛汹涌,巨浪澎湃。他们一连数小时奋力划桨,被无法抵抗的众水的力量驱来逐去。他们整夜在怒涛上颠簸摇摆,觉得随时都有可能被巨浪吞没。在平常的天气,只要几小时就可从他们离开的地方到达对岸;但现在他们脆弱的小船被忿怒的狂风催逼,离目的地越来越远了。他们是心怀不满离开耶稣的。他们出发的时候是带着怨言的,因为在尊崇他们的主作以色列王的事上,他们的心愿没有得到满足。他们责怪自己不该这样轻易转意,这样轻易顺从耶稣的命令。他们想,如果当时稍微坚持一下,或许最终能达到目的。{2SP 267.1}[1]
§4 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble. A storm had arisen, and the lake was lashed into fury. Hour after hour they labored at the oars, being driven hither and thither by the resistless force of the waves. All night they were tossed upon the raging billows, feeling liable at any moment to be engulfed beneath them. It was but a few hours work, in ordinary weather, to reach the opposite shore, from the place they had left; but their frail bark was driven farther and farther from the port they sought, the plaything of the angry tempest. They had left Jesus with dissatisfied hearts. They had set out, murmuring among themselves because their wishes had not been gratified in the matter of exalting their Lord to be the King of Israel. They had blamed themselves for being so easily turned from their purpose, and yielding so readily to the commands of Jesus. They reasoned that if they had remained and persisted in their intention, they might have finally gained the point. {2SP 267.1}[1]
§5 海上起了风浪的时候,他们就更后悔离开耶稣了。要是他们留下来,原会避免这场危险。这对他们的信心是一次严峻的考验。他们在黑暗和暴风雨中设法到达祂曾答应要与他们相会的地点,但风力却迫使他们离开航线,使他们一切的努力都归于徒然。他们原是强壮的人,习惯海上生活,但如今他们却因恐惧而灰心了。他们渴望夫子从容威严的临格,觉得有祂同在就会安全。但耶稣并没有忘记祂的门徒。祂的眼目从遥远的岸边穿透黑暗,看见了他们的危险,也看透他们的思想。祂不愿让他们一个人灭亡。一位慈母在仁慈地纠错时怎样看顾自己的孩子,慈悲的夫子也照样看顾自己的门徒。当他们制服了自己的心,消除了不圣洁的奢望,而谦虚地祈求帮助的时候,帮助就来了。他们正认为自己己无救的时候,忽然有一道亮光,照出一个人影在海面上向他们走来。一种说不出来的恐惧慑住了他们。那用铁一般的肌肉摇橹的手,这时却松开了。船就随波摇摆,众目都注视着那在白浪翻腾的海面上走来的人。{2SP 267.2}[2]
§6 When the storm arose they still more deeply regretted having left Jesus. Had they remained this peril would have been avoided. This was a severe trial of their faith. In the darkness and tempest they sought to gain the point where he had promised to meet them, but the driving wind forced them from their course and made all their efforts futile. They were strong men and accustomed to the water, but now their hearts failed them with terror; they longed for the calm commanding presence of the Master, and felt that were he with them they would be secure. But Jesus had not forgotten his disciples. From the distant shore, his eye pierced the darkness, saw their danger, and read their thoughts. He would not suffer one of them to perish. As a fond mother watches the child she has in kindness corrected, so the compassionate Master watched his disciples; and when their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and they humbly prayed for help, it was given them. At the very moment they believed themselves lost, a flash of lightning revealed the figure of a man walking toward them upon the water. An unspeakable terror seized them. The hands that had grasped the oars with muscle like iron, relaxed their hold, and fell powerless by their sides. The boat rocked at the will of the waves, while their eyes were riveted upon this vision of a man stepping firmly upon the white-capped billows. {2SP 267.2}[2]
§7 他们以为这必是兆示他们灭亡的鬼怪。耶稣从容前进,象是要越过他们,但他们认出了祂,觉得祂不会在急难中撇下他们,就喊叫求祂帮助。那个形体便转过身来!正是他们所爱的夫子,他们很熟悉的祂的声音消除了他们的恐惧。祂说:“你们放心,是我,不要怕”(太14:27)!有什么话比这些话更受欢迎,更令人心安呢!门徒们高兴地说不出话来。他们的忧惧消失了。连暴风雨也忘了。他们便欢呼耶稣为他们的拯救者!{2SP 268.1}[3]
§8 They thought it must be a spirit, which omened their immediate destruction. Jesus calmly advanced as though he would pass them, but they recognize his form, and feel that he will not leave them in their distress. They cry out, supplicating his help! The figure turns! It is their beloved Master, whose well-known voice speaks, silencing their fear, Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid. Were ever words so welcome, so reassuring as these! The disciples are speechless with joy. Their apprehensions are gone. The storm is forgotten. They hail Jesus as their Deliverer! {2SP 268.1}[3]
§9 热情的彼得欣喜若狂。他看到自己的夫子大胆地踏着白浪来救祂的信徒,就比从前更爱他的主。他渴望去拥抱祂敬拜祂,渴望去迎见祂,与祂并肩在奔腾的水面上行走。于是他就喊着说:“主!如果是祢,请叫我从水面上走到祢那里去”(太14:28)。耶稣答应了他的请求。但彼得在汹涌的水面上只走了几步,就骄傲地回顾他的同伴,要看他们是否在注视着他的举动,钦佩他毫不费力地踏在柔顺的水面上。{2SP 269.1}[4]
§10 Ardent Peter is nearly beside himself with delight. He sees his Master boldly treading the foam-wreathed waves, coming to save his followers, and he loves his Lord as never before. He yearns to embrace and worship him. He longs to meet him and walk by his side upon the stormy water. He cries, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. Jesus granted his request; but Peter had taken only a step upon the surface of the boiling deep, when he looked back proudly toward his companions to see if they were watching his movements, and admiring the ease with which he trod upon the yielding water. {2SP 269.1}[4]
§11 彼得的视线一离开耶稣,就看到巨浪似乎要吞没他;他耳中满是怒涛的吼叫声,便感到头晕目眩,他的心因恐惧而消化了。他在下沉的时候,意识过来近在前眼的那位能救他。他就向耶稣伸出双臂,喊叫说:“主啊!救我,要不我就灭亡了!”慈怜的救主抓住他那伸向祂的颤抖的双手,把他下沉的身体拉到祂身边。祂仁慈的面容和有力的膀臂决不转离人们伸出来请求怜悯的手。彼得怀着谦卑倚靠的心紧紧靠着他的主,同时耶稣温和地责备他说:“你这小信的人哪,为什么疑惑呢”(太14:31)?{2SP 269.2}[5]
§12 In taking his eyes from Jesus, they fell upon the boisterous waves that seemed greedily threatening to swallow him; their roaring filled his ears, his head swam, his heart failed him with fear. As he is sinking, he recovers presence of mind sufficient to remember that there is One near who can rescue him. He stretches out his arms toward Jesus, crying, Lord, save me, or I perish! The pitying Saviour grasps the trembling hands that are reached toward him, and lifts the sinking form beside his own. Never does that kindly face and that arm of strength turn from the supplicating hands that are stretched out for mercy. Peter clings to his Lord with humble trust, while Jesus mildly reproaches him: O thou of little faith! wherefore didst thou doubt? {2SP 269.2}[5]
§13 这位惊魂未定的门徒如今紧紧握着夫子的手,直到与主安然上了船,回到快乐的同伴中间。但彼得这时是谦逊无言了。他没有理由在同伴面前夸口。因为由于不信和自大,他几乎丧命。当他的视线转离耶稣,为要注意别人的羡慕时,他就丧失了指导,怀疑和恐惧就慑住了他。基督徒的人生也是这样;我们惟有眼目坚定地注视救主,才能踏在世界的狂浪之上。耶稣一上了船,他们就着陆了。风也止住了,恐怖之夜过去,黎明的曙光随着来了。门徒和其他同船的人,满心感谢地俯伏在耶稣脚前。说:“祢真是上帝的儿子”(太14:33)!{2SP 270.1}[6]
§14 The trembling disciple now clings firmly to the hand of the Master till they are both safely seated in the boat among their joyful companions. But Peter was subdued and silent; he had no reason to boast over his fellows, for he had very nearly lost his life through exaltation and unbelief. When he took his eyes from Jesus in order to note the admiration of others, he lost guidance, and doubt and fear seized upon him. So it is in the Christian life; nothing but an eye firmly fixed upon the Saviour will enable us to tread the stormy billows of the world. Immediately upon Jesus taking his place in the boat they were at the land. The tempest had ceased, and the night of horror was succeeded by the light of dawn. The disciples, and others who were also on board, bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God! {2SP 270.1}[6]
§15 前一天曾吃饼得饱的群众已经离开了荒芜的岸边,他们也知道没有船留下来使祂藉以过海。所以第二天早上他们就回到他们最后看到祂用充满同情的眼光注视他们离开的地方。祂使大众吃饱的奇迹已经远近传开了,还在清早的时候,就有一大批人由水路和陆路赶来了。但他们却找不到大教师,最后返回迦百农,仍旧寻找祂。{2SP 270.2}[7]
§16 The multitude that had been fed the preceding day had left Jesus on the barren shore, and they knew that there was no boat left by which he could depart. They therefore on the following morning returned to the spot where they had last seen him watching their departure with compassionate eyes. The news of his wonderful miracle of feeding the multitude had spread far and near, and at an early hour they began to arrive, by land and water, in large numbers. But they searched in vain for the great Teacher, and finally returned to Capernaum, still seeking him. {2SP 270.2}[7]
§17 在此期间,夫子和祂的门徒得到了前一天就想得到的退隐。耶稣感到必须给门徒一些特别的指示,但群众跟得祂那么紧,祂很难得到这种退休的机会。祂白天得不到祷告的时间,却常常把整个夜晚用来与祂的天父交流,为犯错的人恳求角力。救主既为人类的疑惑不信所压迫,又担当世人罪孽的重担,就确实是多受痛苦,常经忧患的人。{2SP 270.3}[8]
§18 Meanwhile, the Master, with his disciples, had found the seclusion they sought the previous day. Jesus felt that it was necessary to give his disciples some special instruction, but he was followed so closely by the crowds that it was extremely difficult to secure such seasons of retirement. He could not obtain the time for prayer in the day-time, but frequently devoted the entire night to communion with his Heavenly Father, wrestling in supplication for the erring children of men. The Saviour, oppressed by the unbelief of humanity, bearing the burden of the worlds iniquity, was indeed a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. {2SP 270.3}[8]
§19 耶稣利用这数小时的退隐时间与门徒一同祷告,更明确地指教他们祂国度的性质。祂看出,他们在人性的软弱中,很容易渴望祂作现世的君王。他们属世的野心使他们对基督真正的使命感到很困惑。如今祂责备他们的误解,并让他们知道,那等候着祂的,并不是属世的尊荣,而是羞耻,不是宝座,而是无情的十字架。祂教导他们:为了祂的缘故,也为了获得救恩,他们也必须乐于忍受羞耻和侮辱。{2SP 271.1}[9]
§20 Jesus made use of the few hours of seclusion with his disciples in praying with them, and teaching them more definitely concerning the nature of his kingdom. He saw that, in their human weakness, they were inclined to desire that his reign should be a temporal one. Their earthly ambition had caused them to become confused as to the real mission of Christ. He now reproved them for their misconception, and taught them that instead of worldly honor it was shame that awaited him, and instead of a throne, the pitiless cross. He taught them that for his sake, and to win salvation, they must also be willing to endure reproach and contumely. {2SP 271.1}[9]
§21 时候近了,耶稣要受死,留下祂的门徒独自面对冷酷的世界。祂知道他们会受到多么苦毒的仇恨和不信的迫害,希望为他们要受的考验鼓励他们、坚固他们。因此祂便独自走开并为他们祷告,向天父求情,叫他们在那等候着他们的可怕的考验时期能够信心坚定,祂的受难和受死不至使他们全然被绝望压倒。这是何等温柔的爱啊,祂既考虑到自己的痛苦临近,就预先保护祂的同伴免遭危险!{2SP 271.2}[10]
§22 The time drew near when Jesus was to die, and leave his disciples to face the cold and cruel world alone. He knew how bitter hate and unbelief would persecute them, and he wished to encourage and strengthen them for their trials. He accordingly went away by himself and prayed for them, interceding with the Father, that in the time of that fearful test which awaited them, their faith would prove steadfast, and his sufferings and death might not utterly overwhelm them with despair. What tender love was this, that, in view of his own approaching agony, reached forward to shield his companions from danger! {2SP 271.2}[10]
§23 祂又回到门徒中间时,便问他们:“人说我人子是谁?他们说:有人说是施洗的约翰;有人说是以利亚;又有人说是耶利米或是先知里的一位。”祂又进一步问道:“你们说我是谁?”彼得总是动辄为他自己和弟兄们作答:“祢是基督,是永生上帝的儿子。耶稣对他说:西门巴约拿,你是有福的!因为这不是属血肉的指示你的,乃是我在天上的父指示的”(太16:13-17)。{2SP 272.1}[11]
§24 When he again joined his disciples, he asked them: Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Questioning still closer, he inquired, But whom say ye that I am? Peter, ever ready to speak, answered for himself and his brethren: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven. {2SP 272.1}[11]
§25 虽然许多人的信心已经完全丧失,祭司和官长们的权势也在有力地反对他们,这个勇敢的门徒还是如此大胆地宣布了自己的信仰。耶稣在这次的承认中看到了会在将来的时代使祂的信徒们心受鼓舞的活泼原则。正是上帝之灵在人心的神秘运行,才提拔最卑微的心智达到超乎一切属世智慧的认识,得悉上帝的神圣真理。诚然,“西门巴约拿,你是有福的!因为这不是属血肉的指示你的。”{2SP 272.2}[12]
§26 Notwithstanding the faith of many had utterly failed, and the power of the priests and rulers was mighty against them, the brave disciple thus boldly declared his belief. Jesus saw, in this acknowledgment, the living principle that would animate the hearts of his believers in coming ages. It is the mysterious working of Gods Spirit upon the human heart, that elevates the humblest mind to a knowledge above all earthly wisdom, an acquaintance with the sacred truths of God. Ah, indeed, blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee. {2SP 272.2}[12]
§27 耶稣继续说:“我还告诉你,你是彼得,我要把我的教会建造在这磐石上;阴间的门不能胜过它”(太16:18)。彼得这个词的意思是滚动的石头。基督并不是说彼得就是那磐石,祂要把教会建在其上。祂的措辞“这磐石”,指的是祂自己作为基督教会的根基。在赛28:16中同样提到:“所以,主耶和华如此说:看哪,我在锡安放一块石头作为根基,是试验过的石头,是稳固根基,宝贵的房角石。”这也是在路20:17, 18中提到的那块石头:“耶稣看着他们说:经上记着:匠人所弃的石头已作了房角的头块石头。这是什么意思呢?凡掉在那石头上的,必要跌碎;那石头掉在谁的身上,就要把谁砸得稀烂。”可12:10, 11也提到它说:“经上写着说:匠人所弃的石头,已作了房角的头块石头。这是主所做的,在我们眼中看为希奇。这经你们没有念过吗?”{2SP 272.3}[13]
§28 Jesus continued: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The word Peter signifies rolling stone. Christ did not refer to Peter as being the rock upon which he would found his church. His expression, this rock, applied to himself as the foundation of the Christian church. In Isaiah 28:16, the same reference is made: Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. It is the same stone to which reference is made in Luke 20:17, 18: And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Also in Mark 12:10, 11: And have ye not read this scripture, The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. This was the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? {2SP 272.3}[13]
§29 这些经文确凿地证明基督就是那磐石,教会要建在其上。而且在祂对彼得说的话中,也提到自己就是教会要建在其上的那磐石。祂继续说: {2SP 273.1}[14]
§30 These texts prove conclusively that Christ is the rock upon which the church is built, and, in his address to Peter, he referred to himself as the rock which is the foundation of the church. He continues:-- {2SP 273.1}[14]
§31 “我要把天国的钥匙给你,凡你在地上所捆绑的,在天上也要捆绑;凡你在地上所释放的,在天上也要释放”(太16:19)。罗马教错误地应用了基督的这些话。他们声称这些话特别是对彼得说的。因此在艺术品中,彼得被描绘为带着一串钥匙,象征着赐给大使和其他在高位之人的信任和权柄。基督的话:“我要把天国的钥匙给你,”并不只是对彼得说的,而是对门徒们说的,包括各世各代组成基督教会的人。彼得并没有蒙赐予任何高于其他门徒的优先权和权柄。要是耶稣曾授予他们中任何一个人特别的权柄,我们就不会见到他们中间那么经常地争论谁应为大了。他们就会立刻顺从夫子的心愿,尊敬祂所拣选作他们首领的人。{2SP 273.2}[15]
§32 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. The Roman church makes a wrong application of these words of Christ. They claim that he addressed them specially to Peter. Hence he is represented in works of art as carrying a bunch of keys, which is a symbol of trust and authority given to ambassadors and others in high positions. The words of Christ: I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, were not addressed to Peter alone, but to the disciples, including those who compose the Christian church in all ages. Peter was given no preference nor power above that of the other disciples. Had Jesus delegated any special authority to one of them, we would not find them so frequently contending among themselves as to who should be greatest. They would have at once submitted to the wish of their Master, and paid honor to the one whom he had selected as their head. {2SP 273.2}[15]
§33 但罗马天主教却声称基督授予彼得管理基督教会的至高权力,还说彼得的继承人也经上帝授权统管基督教世界。但耶稣还在另一处承认,根据上述所引经文声称已经赐给彼得一人的权柄要存在于众教会中:“我实在告诉你们,凡你们在地上所捆绑的,在天上也要捆绑;凡你们在地上所释放的,在天上也要释放”(太18:18)。{2SP 274.1}[16]
§34 But the Roman Catholic church claims that Christ invested Peter with supreme power over the Christian church, and that his successors are divinely authorized to rule the Christian world. In still another place Jesus acknowledges the same power to exist in all the church that is claimed to have been given to Peter alone, upon the authority of the text previously quoted: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. {2SP 274.1}[16]
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