我們在第四章頭幾節知道,基督又回到加利利海附近,教導前來聽道的群眾。當時人太擠,祂不得不叫來一隻船用作講台。今天雖有不少傳道人也曾向一大群人講道,但相信他們從未體驗過基督在世講道時,那種人潮帶來的身體和個人的壓迫感。 時近傍晚,基督建議過到河的對岸,祂讓門徒划船,自己拿了個枕頭,在船尾讓自己盡可能舒服地小憩。那是一艘能夠容納十三人的大船,還有足夠空間讓基督休息。 豈料突然風浪大作。加利利海常突起風暴,那兒的地勢形成了一條天然風道。不過,可能還有另一個解釋。我們只要繼續看第五章,便會發現基督要渡過海那邊,是為了解救一個被鬼附的無助之人。因此,污鬼的首領撒但當然要極力阻止基督達到祂的目的。基督趕出污鬼之後,又直接渡海回去。 門徒中間有不少是漁夫,他們當然非常熟悉加利利海。其中也有些門徒,如馬太,從事所謂的文職工作;不過,狂風巨浪似乎令他們全都驚恐萬狀,最後不得不大聲呼救,喚醒基督:「老師,你怎麼還睡覺?我們快要翻船了!你還置諸不理!」基督的回應包含了兩個斥責:首先是斥責風浪,風浪止息了;接著便是斥責嚇壞了的門徒,反問他們為何有祂同在還害怕? 無論在人生的任何危機中,我們都要緊記基督必與我們同在。祂的能力勝過任何風暴或我們要面對的試煉。記住:祂必不會帶領我們到一個祂的恩典不能保守我們的地方。讓我們為此而感謝神。 |
The opening verse of the fourth chapter tells us that Christ was back again near the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds who came to hear Him. On this occasion the gathering was so large that He called for a boat to use as His pulpit. While many current preachers have spoken to huge crowds, perhaps none has felt people pressing on him physically and personally as Christ did while He was here on earth. Towards evening Christ suggested they go across the lake. Leaving the disciples to row, He took a cushion and made Himself as comfortable as possible in the stern of the boat. It was large enough to accommodate thirteen men, plus room for Him to rest. Then suddenly a severe wind sprang up. The Sea of Galilee is subject to sudden storms because the land formation forms a natural wind funnel. There could also be another explanation. If we read on through chapter five, it would seem that Christ's purpose of crossing the lake was to help a helpless man tragically in the grip of demons. It could well be that Satan, prince of the demons, was trying to prevent Christ from carrying out His purpose. Following the man's release, Christ went straight back across the lake. Many of the disciples were fishermen and were used to the lake, though a few, like Matthew, had what we would call an office job. But it would seem that even they were all terrified by the ferocity of the storm and finally woke Christ with the cry, "Teacher, how can you sleep? We're all going to drown and you don't seem to care." His answer is found in two rebukes - one which stilled the waves and made the wind cease and the other spoken to the frightened men, asking why they were afraid when He was with them. When faced with any crisis in our lives we need to remember that Christ is always with us. His power is greater than any storm or test which we may encounter. Remember this: His will never lead us where His grace cannot keep us. Thank God again for this today. |
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