2015年12月10日
絲毫不差 Like Shooting a Fly
读经: 哥林多後書4章1-6節
Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
原來基督的愛激勵我們。因我們想，一人既替眾人死，眾人就都死了。-哥林多後書5章14節
Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.- 2 Corinthians 5:14
全年读经: 何西阿書1-4章;啟示錄1章
Bible in a Year: Hosea 1–4; Revelation 1
在2010年10月的智利礦場爆炸，造成33位礦工受困700公尺深的地底。地形測量師馬卡琳娜·瓦狄（Macarena Valdes）憑著描繪地下礦坑地圖的精湛技術，使得營救任務順利完成。她說以鑽探岩層來發現礦工的確實位置，就像「從700公尺外射擊一隻蒼蠅」那樣艱巨，需要絲毫不差。馬卡琳娜雖然有豐富的挖礦經驗，但也經過了30多次的失敗鑽井，才成功引導救援隊找到礦工們被困的位置，圓滿達成這場戲劇性的營救。
從事屬靈的營救時，我們很容易灰心沮喪。使徒保羅雖然面臨更大的障礙，他卻說「我們⋯⋯不喪膽」（哥林多後書4章1節）。雖然「此等不信之人，被這世界的神弄瞎了心眼，不叫基督榮耀福音的光照著他們」，他仍繼續傳揚救恩福音（4-5節）。保羅被那吩咐光從黑暗裡照出來的上帝（6節）所感召，知道上帝已行在他身上的，也將行在其他人身上。
你我或許也有類似的經歷。我們是被上帝的愛所感動，回應呼召，因此我們就不應當灰心喪膽。就如馬卡琳娜領導救援礦工的行動，上帝的聖靈能將我們的愛與福音的光，照進那些身處黑暗、需要救援的人們內心。
主耶穌，謝謝祢在我們於罪中迷失和無助時，來拯救我們。求祢幫助我們這些已得救的人，去向那些仍被罪捆綁的人，分享祢的愛和救贖。
當你蒙拯救，你會想拯救他人。
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Macarena Valdes's skill in mapping underground mines made a real difference in the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners trapped after an explosion in October 2010. Drilling to find the exact place where the men were located was like "trying to shoot a fly from 700 meters away," she said. With her mining experience, Valdes was able to guide the probe to where the miners were entombed, which helped bring about their dramatic rescue.
In efforts to carry out spiritual rescues, it's easy to become discouraged. Although the apostle Paul faced even greater obstacles, he said, "We do not lose heart" (2 Cor. 4:1). Even though "the god of this age" had "blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel," he continued to proclaim the gospel of salvation (vv. 4-5). Compelled by God, who lovingly spoke light into his own darkness (v.6), Paul knew that what God had done for him God could do for others.
You and I may have a similar story. Compelled by the love of God, we too have reason not to lose heart. As Macarena led in the rescue of the miners, the Spirit of God can carry the light of our love and words into the hearts of those who need a rescue they may not yet understand.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to our rescue when we were lost and helpless in our sin. Help those of us who have been rescued to share the lifeline of Your love with those who are still trapped.
When you've been rescued, you want to rescue others.