上帝給人類的第03個命令:fill the earth and subdue it 遍滿地面:擴張境界
fill the earth and subdue it 遍滿地面:擴張境界
這是上帝給人類的第03個命令:fill the earth and subdue it
英文翻譯是在「充滿這個世界,征服這個世界」,中文「遍滿地面」,比較是溫和的,而英文比較是有強烈性征服制服的意思。
經文:創世紀第1章28節 God blessed them and said to them, <>
神就賜福給他們,又對他們說:要生養眾多,遍滿地面,治理這地,也要管理海裏的魚、空中的鳥,和地上各樣動的活物。
「遍滿地面」是指「擴張境界」來說。
上帝要人類往祂所造奇妙世界去「探索」(discovery),上帝不希望人「原地踏步」,上帝希望我們能「擴張境界」,正如主耶穌對門徒說的:「你們要去使萬民作主的門徒」,這個就是「擴張境界」,也就是遍滿地面,更是讓神的國降臨,神的旨意在地上成就,就像是在天上成就一樣。
這個命令對我們來說,上帝希望我們每個人能完成「上帝托付的使命」,努力向前邁開步伐,忘記背後,努力面前向著標杆直跑。
默想的問題:
1. 你是一個常常受到環境的影響,把自己封閉起來的人或是你總是越戰越勇努力工作?
2. 那一些事情、環境,是你還未遍滿,還未征服、還未得著的地面呢?
3. 你願意聽從上帝的話,遍滿地面,擴張境界,去使萬民作主門徒嗎?
March 31 "The wind was contrary."(Matt. 14:24.) RUDE and blustering the winds of March often are. Do they not typify the tempestuous seasons of my life? But, indeed, I ought to be glad that I make acquaintance with these seasons. Better it is that the rains descend and the floods come than that I should stay perpetually in the Lotus Land where it seems always afternoon, or in that deep meadowed Valley of Avilion where never wind blows loudly. Storms of temptation appear cruel, but do they not give intenser earnestness to prayer? Do they not compel me to seize the promises with a tighter hand grip? Do they not leave me with a character refined? Storms of bereavement are keen; but, then, they are one of the Father's ways of driving me to Himself, that in the secret of His presence His voice may speak to my heart, soft and low. There is a glory of the Master which can be seen only when the wind is contrary and the ship tossed with waves. "Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing." Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale, And then, no matter what winds prevail, No reef can wreck you, no calm delay; No mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay; Though far you wander and long you room Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam, No wind that can blow but shall speed you Home. ─Annie Johnson Flint.