Year: 2023

22/12/2023

引言：爱不需要公式

一、不需要觉得神一定是「这样」！（V1-7）

前两章我们读到约伯给以利法的回应，他依然坚信自己是清白的，并不是因为罪过才遭受如此沉重的惩罚。现在换他的第二位朋友-比勒达听不下去了，决定要好好的劝戒约伯，但是不像以利法一样委婉有礼貌。

比勒达性格更冷酷、直接的责备约伯。他不只认为约伯的遭遇是因为犯错，甚至认为约伯的儿女也是因为他们自身的罪而死亡，这完全是在约伯的伤口上洒盐。他就如“法学家”的角色，他对于神的公义有一套既定的“公式”，认为苦难必定就是惩罚，好人必定不会遭遇苦难。

求神帮助我们不要只是照着自己的心意去局限神的旨意，让我们可以全心相信神，并且透过祂的话语更多认识神的权柄。

二、不用经验认为神就是「这样」！（V8-10）

比勒达以为只是依靠长寿的古人经验，过去的错误累积多了，就可以变成真理。但是这行为只不过是以自己的观察与经验来衡量神做事而已。人的道理越不成熟，就越爱高举传统和古人，以为只要借助传统和故人经历，就能带上权威光环。

比勒达自己缺乏理论深度，就抬出古人的教训当作权威。求神帮助我们，让我们可以更多亲近神，更多经历祂真实的作为，更深明白神的旨意，而不是透过别人的经历来认为神是怎样的神。

三、不用分别善恶树来劝勉！（V11-22）

比勒达用了许多的修辞和论证来证明自己说的是真理，但是这种因果报应的简单模式，只能出现在诗歌之中，与复杂的人生现实并不相符。文采虽然斐然，看似一堆的真理，但却空洞无物。

求神帮助我们，成为一位可以谅解、同理、体恤和造就朋友的人。并不是一味用分别善恶树来指责对方。同样，或许我们的朋友不明白也不谅解，甚至指控我们，冤枉我们，但我们要知道，在地上未必能沉冤得雪，但是当见主面的时候就能揭晓，一切人所不知道的，神都知道，并且我们要原谅我们的朋友。

我们要将自己的隐情苦处都交给神，不需要为自己求什么，单单让神来处理就可以了。

总结：

神行事，不需要靠着复杂的公式。神拥有绝对的主权。祂的公义并不是奠基在一个公式之上，而是奠基在祂的权柄和智慧喔！我们可以单单相信祂的旨意。

Job Chapter 8: “Simply Believe”
GK611 Morning Devotion
22/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang

Introduction: Love doesn’t need a formula

1. There is no need to think that God must be “like this”! (V1-7)

In the first two chapters, we read Job’s response to Eliphaz. He still firmly believed he was innocent and did not suffer such a heavy punishment because of his sins. Now his second friend, Bildad, couldn’t stand it anymore and decided to give Job a good warning, but not as tactfully and politely as Eliphaz.

Bildad’s character was colder and more direct in rebuking Job. He believed that what happened to Job was due to his mistakes, and even that Job’s children died because of their own sins. This was completely adding salt to Job’s wounds. He is like the role of a “jurist”. He has a set of established “formulas” for God’s justice. He believes that suffering must be punishment, and good people will never encounter suffering.

Ask God to help us not to limit God’s will only according to our own will so that we can believe in God wholeheartedly and know more about God’s authority through His Words.

2. There is no need for experience to believe that God is “like this”! (V8-10)

Bildad thought that he could just rely on the long-lived experience of the ancients and that the mistakes he had made in the past, to be the truth. But this behaviour is nothing more than measuring God’s work based on one’s observations and experiences. The more immature people’s principles are, the more they like to hold up traditions and the ancients, thinking that as long as they rely on traditions and the experiences of old people, they can bring about an aura of authority.

Bildad himself lacked theoretical depth, so he looked up to the teachings of the ancients as authoritative. Ask God to help us, so that we can get closer to God, experience more of His true deeds, and understand God’s will more deeply, instead of judging what God is like through other people’s experiences.

3. There is no need for the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to encourage you! (V11-22)

Bildad used a lot of rhetoric and arguments to prove that what he said was the truth, but this simple model of retribution can only appear in poetry and is not consistent with the complex reality of life. Although the literary talent is brilliant and seems to be a pile of truth, no content in the conversation.

Ask God to help us become understanding, empathetic, considerate, and edifying friends. It is not just about using the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to accuse the other party. Similarly, perhaps our friends do not understand or forgive us, and may even reproach and accuse us wrongly, but we must know that injustice may not be redressed on earth, but when we meet the Lord, it will reveal everything that no one knows. God knows it and we need to forgive our friends.

We need to hand over all our hidden secrets and pains to God. We don’t need to ask for anything for ourselves, we can just let God handle them.

Conclusion：

God does not need to rely on complicated formulas to work. God is sovereign. His righteousness is not based on a formula but on His authority and wisdom! We can simply trust in His will.

21/12/2023

引言：

约伯从回应以利法转向神。因他认为神与这一场的灾难是有关联的，所以他将目光转向神，并且在神的面前倾诉自己里面的凄凉，发出悲哀的怨气。并且，他也从他的苦难中作了很多关于人生的思考。

一、人生的认知（v1-10)

1.须经争战(v1-6)

对约伯来说，他的人生就像是在争战一般，活得很劳累。他不但经过了困苦的日月，而且终夜失眠、现在还一身病痛，甚至日子飞快地「消耗在无指望之中」，不得安息。

2. 像一口气(v7-10)

约伯感觉「生命不过是一口气」，转瞬即逝。约伯把死亡比作和空中的云彩，被周围的空氣吸收了水分以后就消散了，而且人死后便不再返回地上熟悉的地方。

二、转向寻求神(v11-21）

1.吐露哀情(v11-16)

被各种可怕苦难攻击得几乎喘不过气来的约伯，这次再次在上帝面前毫无隐瞒的倾心吐意。他非常诚实地向神说出了他的感受，宣泄心中失意的情绪。因此，我们要学习如何在神的面前倾心吐意。将我们内心深处的感觉向神表达出来。

2.尽诉困惑(v17-21）

约伯似乎非常认识上帝对人的爱，和上帝拥有终极赦免罪的权柄，他也知道这才是罪的终极解决方式，但他挣扎的点在于，上帝为何迟迟不施恩赦免，反而使罪中的他饱受苦难。然而，约伯很知道自己在上帝眼中是极有价值的，因此他在苦难中虽有埋怨，却也不离弃上帝，仍然紧抓上帝不放。

总结：

苦难是让人生命成长的一个元素，让人转向神，经历神并更靠近神。因此，若我们面对苦难，不要丧胆，也不要绝望，要记得转向神，祂必指引并保护我们！

Job Chapter 7: Reflection in the Face of Suffering
GK611 Morning Devotion
21/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella Ling

Job turned from responding to Eliphaz to God. Because he believed that God was involved in this disaster, he turned his attention to God and poured out his inner desolation and sorrowful complaints before God. Moreover, he made many reflections on life from his sufferings.

1. Perception of Life (v1-10)

a. Battles to be fought (v1-6)

For Job, his life was like a battle, a life of labour. Not only had he gone through days and months of hardship, but he had lost sleep at night, was now sick, and even the days flew by “and are spent without hope.” with no rest.

b. Like a breath (v7-10)

Job felt that “my life is a breath” that passes quickly. Job compares death to a cloud in the sky, which dissipates as it is absorbed by the air around it, and which does not return to its familiar place on earth after death.

2. Turning to seek God (v11-21)

a. Pouring out his grief (v11-16)

Job, who had been attacked by all kinds of terrible afflictions and was almost breathless, again poured out his heart before God this time without any concealment. He was very honest with God about how he felt and vented his heart’s disillusionment. Therefore, we need to learn how to pour out our hearts before God. To express our deepest feelings to God.

b. Confess all your perplexity (v17-21)

Job seems to be very cognizant of God’s love for man, and God’s authority to have the ultimate forgiveness of sin, and he knows that this is the ultimate solution to sin, but the point of his struggle is why God delays in granting forgiveness by grace, and instead causes him to suffer greatly in his sin. However, Job knew very well that he was extremely valuable in God’s eyes, so he did not forsake God in his suffering, despite his complaints, and still clung to God.

Conclusion：

Suffering is an element of growth in one’s life, allowing one to turn to God, experience God and draw closer to God. Therefore, if we face suffering, we should not lose heart or despair, but remember to turn to God, and He will guide and protect us!

20/12/2023

引言：

所谓经一事长一智···；有许多人生的智慧都是在熬炼中长出来的。

一、义人也有生不如死之痛（V1-9）

1.切身之苦重于一切（V1-3）

约伯切身的经历是言语无法形容的痛苦，这痛苦如果可以用天平来称的话，结果是比海沙更重！所以他的言语又急躁、又冒失，顾不了体面了。当护士的通常都有这样的经验，痛苦中的病人容易失控无礼而冒犯他人。

神许可祂的儿女遇见苦难，往往经历过苦难的人更容易明白和去安慰受苦中的人。

2.求神取去我性命吧（V4-9）

约伯虽然没有忘记神是全能的，包括如今他所受的痛苦都是神的箭射在他身上、又喝尽毒水、神还在四围让他面对惊吓！无论动物或人，只要基本的供应还有，也许就不会抱怨埃亨了。但是约伯的经历不但失去一切，剩下的只有痛苦，毫无希望。因此他对神发出急切的呼求，就是让我死了吧！

约伯对神的认识虽然不是全知，因为他不知道是神许可魔鬼攻击他，而神以‘信心’相信约伯会坚定信靠神，无论考验有多大；神都相信约伯。因为神知道约伯不会因为失去一切，因痛苦落难就离弃神。这是非凡独特的信心啊！

二、绝望困苦中的一丝力量（V10-14）

第10节实在经典：“我因没有违弃那圣者的言语，就仍以此为安慰，在不止息的痛苦中还可踊跃。”
约伯因为没有半点违背神、或否定神的话，他因此找到安慰和快乐。这是一种反向思维的力量啊！眼前不但是暗淡无光，连朋友的帮助也变成雪上加霜的重伤。在一无可取的现实绝望中，约伯竟然想到自己并没有因此背弃神或否定神，因此这也是一种安慰和快乐。

三、苦难中分析与反省人生（V15-30）

1.助人是否真助人？

前来相助的朋友怎么变成行诡诈呢？干渴之地需要溪水，怎么却变成干枯的河道？事与愿违带来极大的失望。约伯哪怕是身在极度艰难的困苦中，都没有期待朋友供应他什么需要。其实约伯不是真的没有需要，只是朋友的帮助不但不是帮助，反而是加重约伯的幸苦。

实际的帮助人不是讲一堆大道理！而是尝试去感同身受。

2.苦难带来更深反省

约伯也不断在思考为什么苦难会临到自己？其实他也愿意听朋友们的理解是什么？约伯除了不认为自己有犯了什么罪之外，他是愿意去思考朋友所提出的见解。这就是为什么约伯不断的发表自己的看法。从中带来许多检视。我们不也是在人生的许多考验中累积经验吗？越多的自我检视，就会越多的成长。

总结：生命中的潜在力

生命中的每一个苦难、考验、或低谷，都是生命经历的提升点。生命中的潜在力是隐藏的，而开启隐藏的潜在力，往往是透过生命中的重大考验！

Job Chapter 6: The Power in the Midst of Suffering
GK611 Morning Devotion
20/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction:

It is said that wisdom grows by experience—; there are many life’s wisdom that grows in the midst of suffering.

1. Even the righteous have the pain that is to live is no better than to die (Job 6:1-9)

(1) Personal suffering is more important than everything else (V1-3)

Job’s personal experience was an indescribable pain, which, if it could be weighed on a scale, would turn out to be heavier than the sand of the sea! So his words were hasty and impudent, and he could not care less about decency. As nurses usually experience, patients in pain are apt to lose control of their manners and offend others.

God permits His children to meet suffering, and often those who have experienced suffering are more likely to understand and comfort those who are suffering.

（2） Ask God to take my life (V4-9)

Although Job had not forgotten that God is all-powerful, including the suffering he was going through now, it was God’s arrows that shot at him, and he drank all the poisonous water, and God also let him face the shock in all the surroundings! Whether animal or human, as long as the basic provisions are still there, perhaps they will not complain and wail. But Job’s experience was not only a loss of everything, but all that remained was pain and hopelessness. So his desperate cry to God was let me die!

Although Job’s knowledge of God was not omniscient because he did not know that it was God who had given permission for the devil to attack him, and that God believed by ‘faith’ that Job would steadfastly trust in God, no matter how great the trial; God believed in Job. For God knew that Job would not forsake God because he had lost everything, because he was in pain and in distress. What a remarkable and unique faith!

2. A Glimmer of Strength in the Midst of Despair and Distress (Job 6:10-14)

Verse 10 is truly classic: “Then I would still have comfort; though in anguish I would exult, He will not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.”

Job, because he had not half disobeyed God, or denied His word, he found comfort and joy in it. What a power of reverse thinking! Not only is there darkness before his eyes, but even the help of his friends turns out to add insult to injury. In the despair of the reality of having nothing to offer, Job even thought that he had not therefore turned his back on God or denied Him, and therefore this was also a kind of comfort and joy.

3. Analysing and reflecting on life in the midst of suffering (Job 6:15-30)

(1) Is helping people really able to help people?

How does a friend who comes to help turn into practicing deceit? How does a thirsty land need a stream of water, but it turns into a dry river? Disappointment comes when things do not turn out the way we want them to. Job did not expect his friends to provide for his needs, even in the midst of extreme hardship. In fact, it was not true that Job did not have any needs, but rather the help of his friends was not a help, but rather an aggravation of Job’s suffering.

Practical help is not a bunch of lectures! Rather, it is trying to empathise.

(2) Suffering Brings Deeper Reflection

Job was also constantly thinking about why suffering was coming to him. In fact, he was willing to listen to what his friends understood. In addition to not believing that he had committed any sin, Job was willing to consider the insights of his friends. This is why Job continually voices his opinion. It brings much scrutiny. Don’t we also accumulate experience through the many trials of life? The more we examine ourselves, the more we grow.

Conclusion: Potential Power in Life

Every suffering, trial, or low point in life is an uplifting point of life experience. The potential power in life is hidden, and the hidden potential power is often unlocked through major trials in life!

19/12/2023

一、认定约伯受苦为有罪（V1-7）

以利法自义的认定约伯是有罪的。因为约伯的愚妄和犯罪使他失去儿女和财物，罪有应得。以利法的话是按分别善恶树的原则，他似乎忘了要来安慰约伯的初衷。

在生命树下，我们的话语不应带下自义的定罪，而是要带着生命的供应！

二、教导约伯必要仰望神（V8-16）

以利法教导约伯该跟随他仰望寻求神，把自己的事讬付神，如此约伯便可凡事稳妥！以利法并不知道约伯面临的是属灵的争战！

以利法‘先入为主’的盲点和错误提醒我们，自以为知道别人苦难的原因，是愚昧的！我们连自己苦难的原因都不知道！所以，我们对不了解的苦难，不要提供听起来很敬虔答案；只要耐心关爱的陪伴慰问，就显明了生命树的怜悯！

三、神所惩治的人是有福（V17-27）

以利法认为约伯正在受神惩治。他警戒约伯不要拒绝神的惩治，好使神按照祂的法则赐福与他。以利法所说的可算是金玉良言！但是，以利法对约伯受苦的诊断完全是错误的，因为约伯不是‘愚妄痴迷人’，也不是被‘神所惩治的人’，所以也无法对症下药！

‘金玉良言’不一定能够帮助人，除非我们真实地了解他人的困境，并且在真爱与信任中，才能发挥功效；否则就会成为论断和定罪，冤枉像约伯这种不是因犯罪而受苦的人，使他们深受委屈，并对神的公义和慈爱，产生更多的疑惑。

总结：

我们要借镜以利法，不要自义地以为V27‘这理，我们已经考察，本是如此。你须要听，要知道是与自己有益。’因为我们根本不知道奇妙神一切的作为。

所以，我们对待受苦的亲友，在生命树下不要论断、不要定罪，只要耐心关爱地陪伴和鼓励！

Job Chapter 5: Non-judgemental and not condemning under the tree of life
GK611 Morning Devotion
19/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Daniel Kew

1. Identifying Job’s suffering as guilty (V1-7)

Eliphaz self-righteously identified Job as guilty. For Job’s foolishness and sin caused him to lose his children and possessions and to deserve what he got. Eliphaz’s words were based on the principle of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and he seemed to have forgotten the original purpose of coming to comfort Job.

Under the tree of life our words should not bring down self-righteous condemnation, but the provision of life!

2. Teaching Job the necessity of looking upon God (V8-16)

Eliphaz taught Job that he should follow him in looking up to God and trusting God with his affairs, so that Job could be secure in all things! Eliphaz did not realize that Job was facing a spiritual battle!

The blind spot and error of Eliphaz’s ‘prejudiced’ reminds us that it is foolish to think we know the cause of another’s suffering! We don’t even know the cause of our own suffering! So let’s not offer godly-sounding answers to suffering we don’t understand; just patient and caring accompaniment of condolences reveals the mercy of the tree of life!

3. Blessed are those whom God punishes (V17-27)

Eliphaz believed that Job was being punished by God. He warned Job not to reject God’s punishment so that God would bless him according to His law. What Eliphaz said could be considered golden advice! However, Eliphaz’s diagnosis of Job’s suffering was completely wrong because Job was not a ‘foolish and simple man’ or one who was being ‘ God corrects’, and therefore could not be treated right!

‘Golden words’ don’t always help unless we are true to the plight of others and are effective in true love and trust; otherwise they become assertions and condemnations that wrongly accuse people like Job who are not suffering for their sins, causing them to be deeply aggrieved and to have even more doubts about God’s righteousness and love.

Conclusion：

Let us take a mirror to Eliphaz, and not think in self-righteousness V27 ‘Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself.’ For we simply do not know all the works of the marvelous God.’

Therefore, we treat our suffering friends and relatives under the tree of life without judgment or condemnation, but only with patient and loving companionship and encouragement!

15/12/2023

引言：爱的教育

一、不是一味责备，而是用心体谅（V1-6）

以利法可能是约伯三位朋友中年纪最大的一位。他看见约伯的苦难，又听完约伯的回应，他
就向约伯讲他的观点，是要责备约伯，也劝勉约伯，说他是昏迷、惊惶，以往是教导人的，
现在却是昏迷、惊惶。以利法认为非讲不可，一定要讲出来。

但是可惜的是他只是一味责备，并没有设身处地体谅约伯的痛苦，而是置身事外地发表了一
些以为非常正确的话、冰冷无力的真理，这不但不能劝勉、安慰约伯，反而给他的伤口撒了
一把盐。弟兄姐妹们，我们不要一味用真理责备，而是需要给予爱的同理心。先恩典、后真
理。

二、除了经验历练，更要用爱安慰（V7-11）

接下来，以利法按他自己所见，认为是因为约伯的罪导致他遭患难。他相信因果报应，所以
他质疑约伯是否真正敬畏神、行为纯正，甚至叫约伯自己去思想，哪有无辜人灭亡、正直人
被剪除？对以利法自己的经验来说，真理就是有罪的人才会如此，所以认为约伯是在罪当中。
以利法在这里的语气是好言相劝，不过他的发言，只是将自己的经验与对神的认识，加在约
伯的身上。求主帮助我们成为一位懂得倾听的安慰者，带着耶稣的爱与智慧，而不再单凭自
己的经验与想法。

三、查验灵的启示，以造就人为首（V12-21）

以利法理性不够、以为得灵界启示，用一个无法证实的异象来支持他的观点，让约伯无从反
驳。以利法高举无法证实的异象，认为人不可能比神更加公义。所以受苦一定是因为犯罪，
结果把约伯推向了更加痛苦的深渊。虽然他的某些前提是正确的，但结论却是错误的。
弟兄姐妹，我们要留心。求神帮助我们，不要有一个偏面的神学，让我们能够开眼看见属灵
背后的事情，叫我们去安慰人是要知道自己的不足。让我们口里所说的都是安慰和造就人的
话语。

总结：
正确不代表准确、经验不代表真理、灵异不等于灵恩、凡是以神的爱来安慰。
续集：第五章

Job Chapter 4: Comfort with Love
GK611 Morning Devotion
15/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang
Introduction: Education of Love

1. Not to reproach blindly, but to be considerate (V1-6)

Eliphaz was probably the oldest of Job’s three friends. After seeing Job’s suffering and listening
to Job’s response, he expressed his point of view to Job. He wanted to rebuke Job and also
encouraged Job, saying that he was discouraged and dismayed. He used to teach people, but
now he was discouraged and dismayed. Eliphaz felt that things that he had to speak out, and
he must speak out.

But it is a pity that he only blamed Job and did not put himself in Job’s shoes. Instead, he
stayed out of the situation and expressed some cold and powerless truths that he thought
were very correct. Not only did this fail to encourage and comfort Job, but it inflicted wounds
by splashing a pinch of salt on him. Brothers and sisters, we should not just use the truth to
condemn, but we need to give loving empathy. Grace before truth.

2. Apart from experience and training, we must also comfort with love (V7-11)

Next, Eliphaz based on what he saw, believed that it was Job’s sin that caused Job’s troubles.
He believed in retribution, so he questioned whether Job truly feared God and behaved
righteously, and even asked Job to think about it, how could innocent people perish and
upright people be cut off? From Eliphaz’s own experience, the truth is that sinful people would
turn out like this, so he thinks that Job is in sin.

Eliphaz’s tone here is to persuade others, but his words to Job are merely based on his own
experience and understanding of God. Ask the Lord to help us become comforters who know
how to listen, with the love and wisdom of Jesus, rather than relying solely on our own
experiences and thoughts.

3. Examine the spiritual revelation and put edification first (V12-21)

Eliphaz was not rational enough and thought he had received spiritual revelation. He used an
unverifiable vision to support his point of view, leaving Job unable to refute. Eliphaz held up
the unverifiable vision that man could not be more righteous than God. Therefore, the
suffering must be due to sin, which pushed Job into an abyss of even more pain. While some
of his first intentions are correct, his conclusion is wrong.

Brothers and sisters, we must pay attention. Ask God to help us not to have a one-sided
theology, so that we can open our eyes to see the things behind spirituality and ask us to
comfort others in order to know our shortcomings. Let all the words that come out of our
mouths be words of comfort and edification.

Conclusion：
Correctness does not mean accuracy, experience does not mean truth, supernatural power
does not mean spiritual grace, and everything should be comforted by the love of God.
The Sequel: Chapter 5

14/12/2023

引言：生日快乐

生日是纪念一个人出生的日子。是一个人，人生当中重要的一天。通常会与家人朋友欢庆，并领受祝福和礼物的。总而言之是生日是开心的日子。但是今天晨祷第3章，约伯却让我们看到，他不喜欢生日，生日对他来说，一点都不快乐。

约伯记前两章提到因为神允许撒旦试探约伯，所以他从一个非常富有，儿女成群的大富豪，变得一无所有。不但如此，撒旦使他从脚掌到头顶全身都长了又脏又臭的毒疮，成为社会的边缘人。在这样的情况下，他的妻子不但没有给予安慰，还叫他离弃神，死掉算了。他只能独自承受着身心灵上的煎熬和苦楚，就连他的3个朋友也无法给予任何帮助。像这样从天堂掉到地狱的处境，让原本敬虔、坚定的约伯开始信心动摇，且陷入崩溃。终于打破长久的沉默，在今天第3章开口发出悲叹，唱出了生日的哀歌，并咒诅自己的出生。

一、苦难是出生的大错？（v1-10）

约伯记的第1-2章，还有最后42章，是叙述文。其他章节全都是诗歌体。约伯不知道这些苦难是来自于神所允许，对他的试炼，所以，经过了7天7夜的忍受，他开始疑惑，宣泄心中的情绪、苦楚、甚至咒诅自己的出生，觉得自己的出生是一个天大的错误。

弟兄姐妹，你是否有过像约伯这样的经历？一夜之间失去了所有的财富、亲生的儿女、事业以及身体的健康、家庭的和睦。在那种生不如死的痛苦中，你当时的回应是什么？是否也像约伯那样觉得，自己的出生是一个大错误？

二、死亡是最好的解脱？

(1) 死亡不是生命的终点
约伯在苦难中已经看不到神创造人的美意。V11约伯认为，既然一定要出世，那为什么不一出母胎就夭折或绝气身亡？
很多人遇到像约伯这样绝望的地步，尤其是还没信主的，都会想求死算，因为觉得死了就能一了百了，解脱那痛不欲生的苦楚。但是事实真的是这样吗？

人死如灯灭，但死亡不是生命的终点。死亡只不过是永恒去处的开始。我们都知道死后有审判。而决定我们永恒会去哪里？将取决于今生是否回应神创造我们的目的。

(2) 灭亡也不是被造目的

约伯敬畏神，但还不够认识神，所以还不明白人生经历苦难和存活的目的。以为人只是在地上渡过一生，最后不论贵贱善恶都在死亡中安息，所以轻看生命而求死。灭亡不是神造人的目的。不然耶稣就不需要来到世间为我们死。神爱我们，祂希望我们在永恒里与祂同住。祂更希望我们在地上的年日，尤其是经历苦难时，至始至终仍爱祂、信任祂。

(3) 苦难是荣耀神的见证

每一个生命，都是神精雕细琢的作品。神期盼透过我们得胜苦难的生命见证得着荣耀。

三、求死的人需要有光 ( v20-26)

v20 & 23，2次提到受患难求死的人，为何有光赐给他呢？

光=原文有生命之光、兴旺之光、教导之光
虽然约伯已经绝望到求死的地步，被恐惧和惧怕淹没到只看到苦难却忘了神。但是神没有忘记他。不断的将光赐给他。要用光唤醒他、调整他的生命、教导引领他重新专注信靠神。神岂不也常常如此对待我们。

还没认识主的人，神都这么爱他们。更何况是我们，他所爱的儿女。只要我们愿意寻求祂的面，神就巴不得光照我们，帮助我们调整眼光心思，甚至给我们出路，派人来扶持我们等。

总结：紧抓神施恩的手
求神也帮助我们，痛苦中要以神为中心，紧抓神施恩的手。让神的光照进我们的心中。有光、有树、就有路。心中有光、命中有树、道中有路。

Job Chapter 3: The way out of a life of suffering

GK611 Morning Devotion
14/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Deborah Tan
Introduction: Happy Birthday

A birthday is a day that commemorates a person’s birth. It is an important day in a person’s
life. It is usually celebrated with family and friends and blessings and gifts are received. In
short, birthdays are happy days. But today in Morning Devotion chapter 3, Job shows us that
he doesn’t like birthdays, he is not happy at all.

The first two chapters of the book of Job mention that because God allowed Satan to tempt
Job, he went from being a very rich man with lots of children to having nothing. Not only
that, but Satan caused him to have dirty, smelly, painful boils all over his body from the soles
of his feet to the top of his head, making him a marginalised member of society. In such a
situation, his wife not only did not give him comfort, but also told him to forsake God and
die. He could only bear the physical and spiritual torment and suffering alone, and even his
three friends could not give him any help. The situation of falling from heaven to hell like this
made the originally godly and firm Job’s faith begin to waver and fall into a state of collapse.
He finally breaks his long silence and opens his mouth in today’s chapter 3 to lament, sing a
birthday’s lamentations, and curse his own birth.

1. Is suffering the great fault of birth? (v1-10)

Chapters 1-2, and the last 42 chapters of Job, are narrative. All the other chapters are in
poetic form. Job did not know that these sufferings were from God’s permitted trials for him,
so after 7 days and 7 nights of enduring, he began to doubt, venting his heart’s emotions,
bitterness, and even cursing his own birth, feeling that his birth was a great mistake.
Brothers and sisters, have you ever had an experience like Job? Overnight you lost all your
wealth, your own children, your career, and your physical health and family harmony. In that
kind of pain that is worse than death, what was your response at that time? Did you feel, like
Job, that your birth was a big mistake?

2. Is death the best relief? (v11-19）

(1) Death is not the end of life

Job had lost sight of the beauty of God’s creation in his suffering. V11 Job thought, “Why did I not die
at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?

Many people, especially those who have not yet believed in the Lord, would want to seek death
because they think that death would be the end of the matter, relieving them of the pain and
suffering. But is this really the case?

Death is like extinguishing a lamp, but death is not the end of life. Death is only the beginning of an
eternal destination. We all know there is judgment after death. And the decision of where we will go
in eternity? It will depend on whether or not this life responds to God’s purpose for creating us.

(2) Neither is perishing the purpose of creation

Job feared God, but did not know Him well enough to understand the purpose of life through
suffering and survival. He thought that man only spends his life on earth, and at the end of it, no
matter how good or bad he is, he rests in death, so he despised life and sought death. Perishing is
not the purpose of God’s creation. Otherwise Jesus would not have needed to come to earth to die
for us. God loves us and He wants us to live with Him in eternity. He wants us to love and trust Him
throughout our years on earth, especially when we go through suffering.

(3) Suffering is a testimony to the glory of God

Every life is a work of God’s fine craftsmanship. God expects to be glorified through the testimony of
our lives that we have overcome suffering.

3. Those who seek death need light (v20-26)

v20 & 23, 2 references to the afflicted man who seeks death, why is there light given to him?
Light = in the original text, light of life, light of prosperity, light of instruction
Though Job was desperate enough to seek death, so overwhelmed by fear and dread that he only
saw suffering but forgot God. But God did not forget him. Constantly giving him light. To awaken him
with light, to adjust his life, and to teach and lead him to refocus his trust in God. Doesn’t God often
do the same with us?

He loves those who have not yet come to know the Lord. Not to mention us, His beloved children. As
long as we are willing to seek His face, God is eager to shine His light on us, to help us adjust our
vision and mind, and even to give us a way out, to send us someone to support us, etc.

Conclusion: Hold on to God’s hand of grace

Pray that God will also help us to be God-centered in our pain and to hold on to God’s hand of grace.
Let God’s light shine into our hearts. Where there is light, there is a tree, there is a way. When there
is light in our hearts, tree in our lives and ways in the Word

13/12/2023

引言：当人生中的祸患一个接一个的发生，甚至一个比一个更为难受时，我们的心还能忍耐多久？真
的还能毫无保留的持守信心吗？其实，人生的考验就在于此！？

一、神为约伯做见证（V1-6）

1.因约伯纯正无暇（V1-3）

緃然撒但找到约伯的把柄要控告他，但神依然看他为完全人。
在这次会议中，神对撒但重申对约伯正确的评估，并欣赏约伯的表现，证实他对他的信任。同
时，神藉此也嘲弄撒但，撒但虽激动神无故毁灭约伯，但约伯仍持守他的纯正。

2. 因撒旦控告不休（V4-5）

撒但不能任意地伸手攻击约伯，它只能控告约伯，激动神深信约伯的正直，而神则要约伯在撒
但及众使者面前见证神的看见（完全正直、敬畏神、远离恶事、持守纯正）。

3. 因为天父爱无限（V6）

上帝对约伯充满信任，祂容许撒但对付约伯，但是要存留约伯的性命。神只容许撒但做到这个
限度，不允许撒但消灭约伯本人。因为神爱我们，他知道我们可以背多重的担子，多一点神都
不会加给我们。因为神是爱我们，创造我们的天父爸爸。

二、约伯深知神掌权（V7-10）

当撒但的第二次攻击临到的时候，约伯的妻子终于垮了。她的怨言给约伯雪上加霜，实际上是
替撒但劝诱约伯「弃掉神」。撒但的伎俩有时会利用人身边最亲爱的人做帮凶。撒但再透过人
的口，把约伯推到孤寂的光景。反观约伯视神的「赏赐和收取」及「赐福与降祸」同样是对的，
他永远不会将神贬低，因为他知道这一切神掌权。

三、朋友千里送安慰（V11-13）

真正的朋友是患难之交，慈爱之友，道义之心。
约伯的三个朋友撕裂了自己的外袍， 把尘土向天扬起来，落在自己头上，他们所作的是与约
伯一起服丧的举动。不但如此， 他们三个人与约伯坐在地上，七天七夜，一个人都不向约伯
说话，因为约伯太痛苦了。约伯的朋友到这里所作的一切，是真正的安慰与陪伴。

总结：
透过约伯的敬畏与执着，让我们看到虽然仇敌不甘，但是神对我们的爱永远不变。前一章讲到
约伯的家庭遭遇苦难，这章讲到约伯的身体遭遇苦难，然而约伯却没有在苦难中跌倒，不以口
犯罪，可见任何的苦难都不会摇动约伯对神的信靠。

Job 2: Job Fears God Despite Suffering
GK611 Morning Devotion
13/12/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Brother Bezalel Tan

Introduction:
How long can our hearts endure when life’s woes come one after another, even one more unbearable than the other? Can we really still hold onto our faith without reservation? In fact, the test of life lies in this!

1. God’s Testimony for Job (V1-6)

(1) Because Job was pure and blameless (V1-3)

Even though Satan found something to charge Job with, God still saw him as perfect.
In this meeting, God reaffirmed to Satan his correct assessment of Job and appreciated Job’s
performance, confirming his trust in him. At the same time, God taunted Satan by saying
that although Satan had agitated God to destroy Job for no reason, Job still held on to his
purity.

(2) Because of Satan’s unceasing accusations (V4-5)

Satan could not arbitrarily stretch out his hand to attack Job, it could only accuse Job and
agitate God to be convinced of Job’s uprightness, while God wanted Job to testify to God’s
sight (perfect uprightness, fear of God, keep away from evil, hold on to purity) before Satan
and all the messengers.

(3) Because of Heavenly Father’s infinite love (V6)

God was so full of trust in Job that He allowed Satan to deal with Job, but to preserve Job’s
life. God only allowed Satan to do this limit, and did not allow Satan to destroy Job himself.
Because God loves us, He knows how heavy a burden we can carry, and He will not burden
us with more than that. Because God is the Father who loves us and created us.

2. Job knew well that God reigns (V7-10)

When Satan’s second attack came, Job’s wife finally collapsed. Her complaint added to Job’s
woes and actually persuaded him to “curse God” on Satan’s behalf. Satan’s trick is
sometimes to use those closest to the person as accomplices. Through the mouths of people,
Satan pushed Job into a state of loneliness. On the other hand, Job was right to regard God’s
“giving and receiving” and “blessing and cursing” as equally true. He would never put God
down because he knew that God was in charge of all these things.

3. A Friend brings comfort (V11-13)

A true friend is a friend in trouble, a loving friend, and a righteous friend.
Job’s three friends tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven, and it fell on
their heads, and what they did was to join Job in his act of mourning. Not only that, but the
three of them sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights,and not one of
them spoke to Job, for he was in great pain. What Job’s friends did here was true comfort
and companionship.

Conclusion：

Through Job’s reverence and perseverance, we are shown that although the enemy is
unwilling, God’s love for us will always remain the same. The previous chapter talked about
the suffering of Job’s family, and this chapter talks about the suffering of Job’s body, yet Job
did not fall in the suffering and did not sin with his mouth, so we can see that no suffering
would shake Job’s trust in God.