2016年1月30日
祂在這裡 The Mention of His Name
读经: 約翰福音16章17-24節
Reading: John 16:17-24
但我要再見你們，你們的心就喜樂了；這喜樂也沒有人能奪去。-約翰福音16章22節
I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22
全年读经: 出埃及記23-24章;馬太福音20章1-16節
Bible in a Year: Exodus 23–24; Matthew 20: 1-16
在主日聚會當中，會眾們全都聚精會神地聆聽那位男中低音的獨唱。他以圓潤的嗓音唱出高登·詹森（Gordon Jensen）的一首觸動人心的老歌。隨著年紀漸長，好像就越能體會歌詞中的真實和寶貴：「輕聲呼喚祂的名，祂就在這裡。」
相信我們都曾經歷過與摯愛分離的時刻，如孩子結婚了搬到其他地方；父母因工作或健康問題而與我們分隔兩地；孩子在遙遠的異鄉求學。當然，我們可透過簡訊或各樣通訊平台與對方保持聯繫。但我們還是在這裡，而他們卻在那裡。也許，不久我們還要面臨生死別離。
但對基督徒而言，上帝應許我們，祂絕不撇下我們。也許有時我們會感到孤單，但祂卻從來不曾離開。祂此時此刻就在這裡，從今時到永遠。耶穌在升天之前，祂告訴門徒說：「我就常與你們同在，直到世界的末了」（馬太福音28章20節） 。而且祂也應許：「我總不撇下你，也不丟棄你」（希伯來書13章5節） 。
無論是無聲的懇求、輕聲呼喚主耶穌的名，或者不過只是心裡想著祂，都能讓我們的心得穩妥、得安慰。記得：「輕聲呼喚祂的名，祂就在這裡。」
親愛的耶穌，謝謝祢常在我身邊。
我時刻都需要祢。
耶穌絕不會離棄或遺忘屬祂的人。
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When the soloist began to sing during our Sunday service, the congregation gave him full, hushed attention. His mellow bass-baritone voice brought them the soul-touching words of an old song by Gordon Jensen. The song's title expresses a truth that grows more precious the older we become: "He's as Close as the Mention of His Name."
We've all experienced times of separation from our loved ones. A child marries and moves far away. Parents are separated from us because of career or health. A child goes off to school in another state or country. True, we have texting and Skype. But we are here and they are there. And then there is the separation of death.
But as believers in Christ, we have His promise that we are never alone. Though we may feel alone, He hasn't gone anywhere. He's right here, right now, always and forever. When He left this earth, He told His followers, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). He also promised us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).
The silent plea, the whispered mention of His name, even the very thought of Him brings us solace and reassurance. "He's as close as the mention of His name."
Jesus, thank You that You are near. I need You.
Jesus never abandons or forgets His own.