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创世记生命读经 · 第115篇

成熟的以色列掌权的一面（四）

Being Matured-
1对许多读创世记的人而言，约瑟的故事好像对幼稚园儿童讲的故事一样。然而，我们必须记得，几乎一切属灵真理的种子都撒在创世记里。约瑟的记载究竟是仅仅一套幼稚园的故事，还是神圣真理的种子，这在于我们读经时的观点。我们若从幼稚园儿童的观点来看约瑟生平的记载，就会把牠仅仅当作儿童故事来读。但我们若看见约瑟经过许多的试验，并在生命里成熟，我们就会看见约瑟的记载不仅仅是故事，乃是成熟圣徒掌权一面的启示。我们若将约瑟的记载视为成熟圣徒掌权的一面，我们的领会就会有革命性的改变。所以，我们在本篇信息中所要看的创世记四十二章，不是幼稚园的故事，乃是成熟生命掌权方面的一部分。我们在约瑟的生平中所看见的，乃是那灵的管治。你们也许听过那灵的重生，那灵的定罪，那灵的感动，那灵的充满，那灵的膏抹，那灵的能力，那灵的亮光，和那灵的生命，但那灵的管治这辞对你们却是新的。我们都需要在那灵的管治之下。那灵的这一面高过其他任何方面，甚至高过那灵的建造。那灵的管治是关于那灵之教训的结构的顶石，盖石。约瑟生平的记载是启示那灵的管治，因为那灵的管治是成熟圣徒掌权的一面。
1To many readers of the book of Genesis, the stories of Joseph are like the stories told to kindergarten children. However, we must remember that in the book of Genesis the seeds of nearly all the spiritual truths are sown. Whether the record of Joseph is merely a series of kindergarten stories or the seeds of the divine truths depends upon our point of view in reading it. If we look at the record of Joseph’s life from the point of view of a kindergarten child, we shall read it merely as a story for children. But if we see that Jacob had passed through so many tests and had become matured in life, we shall see that the record of Joseph is not merely a story, but a revelation of the reigning aspect of a matured saint. If we view the record of Joseph as being the reigning aspect of a mature saint, our understanding will be revolutionized. Genesis 42, therefore, which we shall consider in this message, is not a kindergarten story; it is part of the reigning aspect of a mature life. What we see in the life of Joseph is the rulership of the Spirit. You may have heard of the regeneration of the Spirit, the conviction of the Spirit, the inspiration of the Spirit, the infilling of the Spirit, the anointing of the Spirit, the power of the Spirit, the light of the Spirit, and the life of the Spirit, but the term the rulership of the Spirit is something new. We all need to be under the rulership of the Spirit. This aspect of the Spirit is higher than any other aspect. It is even higher than the building of the Spirit. The rulership of the Spirit is the topstone, the capstone, of the structure of the teaching of the Spirit. The record of Joseph’s life is a revelation of the rulership of the Spirit, for the rulership of the Spirit is the reigning aspect of a matured saint
2有两条线贯穿约瑟生平的记载：约瑟豫表基督的线，和约瑟个人生活的线。我们在四十二章看见这两条线。为著充分解释本章，我们需要来看这两条线。我们需要跟著这两条线，直到约瑟生平记载的结束。这两条线都给我们亮光和滋养。当我是个青年基督徒的时候，我听见许多关于约瑟豫表基督的事。然而，我所听见的只是普通的点，有许多细节漏掉了，有几章甚至越过了。我也听见关于约瑟个人生活的事，但主要是看重约瑟生活的一些方面，这些方面能造就青年圣徒，教导他们要忍耐、赦免人并爱人。我所听过关于约瑟的信息，没有一篇用到生命这辞。在本篇信息中，我们要来看关于约瑟豫表基督的一些事。在下篇信息中，我们要更多来看约瑟的个人生活。我们若仔细来看四十二章，就会看见本章描绘了一幅基督的生动图画。
2Two lines run throughout the record of Joseph’s life: the line of Joseph as a type of Christ and the line of Joseph’s personal life. We see these two lines in chapter forty - two. In order to have an adequate interpretation of this chapter, we need to consider both lines. We need to follow these two lines to the end of the record of Joseph’s life. Both lines afford us light and nourishment. When I was a young Christian, I heard a great deal about Joseph being a type of Christ. However, what I heard only included the general points. Many details were left out, and certain chapters were even skipped. I also heard about Joseph’s personal life, but the emphasis was mainly on those aspects of Joseph’s life which could edify the young saints and teach them to be patient, forgiving, and loving. None of the messages I heard about Joseph used the term life. In this message we shall cover a number of matters pertaining to Joseph as a type of Christ. In the next message we shall consider more of Joseph’s personal life. If we consider chapter forty-two carefully, we shall see that it gives a vivid portrait of Christ.
《十六》为以色列人所认
16) Recognized by the Children of Israel
《1》全地都在饥荒之下
a) The Whole Earth Being under Famine
3创世记四十一章五十六节说，『当时饥荒偏满天下，』五十七节说，『天下的饥荒甚大。』在四十二章的时候，全地都在饥荒之下。这正是今天的光景。饥荒就是严重的缺乏粮食，缺乏人类维持生存的凭藉。然而，粮食不仅维持我们的生存，并且给我们满足。我们在吃喝的时候，不仅觉得在维持生存，并且得著满足。我吃饱美食的时候，就很快乐。因此，饥荒实际上是指不满足。今天全世界都不满足。以色列国尤其是在经历这样的不满足。这个国家在竭力奋斗挣扎，来维持生存。你若访问以色列，你必然会同情他们，因为他们确实需要保障和安全，以确保自己的生存。以色列似乎需要戈兰高地和沿著西乃旷野的屯垦区，以确保她的生存。以色列国奋斗挣扎，因为她是在饥荒之下，不满足之下。美国这个在地球上领头的国家，也在同样的光景中，也在经历不满足。我们需要把创世记四十二章应用到今日世界的局势中。若是这样，我们会看见全世界都是在饥荒之中。
3Genesis 41:56 says, “And the famine was over all the face of the earth,” and verse 57 says that “the famine was severe in all lands” (Heb.). At the time of chapter forty-two the whole earth was under famine. This is exactly the situation today. A famine is a severe shortage of food, the means by which human beings maintain their existence. Food, however, not only maintains our existence, but also gives us satisfaction. When we eat and drink, we do not merely have the sense that we are maintaining our existence, but that we are being satisfied. When I am filled with good food, I am happy. Thus, a famine actually denotes dissatisfaction. The whole world today is dissatisfied. The nation of Israel in particular is experiencing such dissatisfaction. This nation is aggressively striving and struggling to maintain its existence. If you visit Israel, you will certainly sympathize with them, for they definitely need protection and safety to secure their existence. Israel seems to need the Golan Heights and the settlements along the Sinai wilderness to secure its existence. The reason the nation of Israel is striving and struggling is that it is under famine, under dissatisfaction. The United States, the leading country on earth, is in the same situation. It also is experiencing dissatisfaction. We need to apply Genesis 42 to today’s world situation. If we do, we shall see that the entire world is in a famine
《2》粮食只在基督所在之处
b) Food Being Only Where Christ Is
4照著创世记四十二章，只有约瑟所在之处才有粮食。（创四二5～。）这指明在豫表里，只有基督所在之处才有粮食。换句话说，惟有在基督里才能寻得满足。基督在那里，那里就有满足。今天，基督是在召会中。你若在召会中，却没有享受到满足，这指明你是在饥荒之中。我能向众人宣告，我不在饥荒之中。一天又一天，我因美食得著滋养、充满并饱足。哦，召会是满足之地，满足之境，因为基督在这里！惟有基督所在之处才有粮食、滋养并满足。
4According to Genesis 42, food was to be found only where Joseph was (vv. 5-6). This indicates in type that food is only where Christ is. I n6 other words, satisfaction can only be found in Christ. Where Christ is, there is satisfaction. Today, Christ is in the church. If you are in the church yet are not enjoying satisfaction, it indicates that you are in a famine. I can declare to all that I am not in a famine. Day by day I am nourished, filled, and satisfied with good food. Oh, the church is the land of satisfaction, the region of satisfaction, because Christ is here! Food, nourishment, and satisfaction are only where Christ is.
5我实在同情以色列国。他们无须挣扎奋斗，或与埃及交涉。他们需要转向基督。以色列总理无须去华盛顿或开罗；他应当与基督办好交涉。若是犹太人肯呼求祂，一切就都解决了。开罗或华盛顿都不能解决以色列不满足的问题。他们惟有转向基督，到基督所在之处，饥荒才会结束。也许一些犹太裔的圣徒应当写信给以色列总理，告诉他惟一能解决以色列难处并赐人满足的乃是基督。有一天，犹太人要转向主耶稣。当他们发觉一切挣扎都归虚空，他们就要在绝望中被迫转向基督。赞美主，我们已经领头转向祂！在这件事上我们是先锋。五十多年前，我发觉我是在饥荒之地，我非常不满足，我就转向基督。我们这些转向基督的人，已经找到了粮食、滋养并满足，因为惟有基督所在之处才有粮食。
5I truly sympathize with the nation of Israel. There is no need for them to struggle and strive or to negotiate with Egypt. They need to turn to Christ. The prime minister of Israel does not need to go to Washington or to Cairo; instead, he should carry out negotiations with Christ. If the Jews would call on Him, everything would be settled. Neither Cairo nor Washington can solve Israel’s problem of dissatisfaction. The famine will end only when they turn to Christ and go where He is. Perhaps some saints of Jewish origin should write a letter to the Israeli prime minister telling him that the only person who can solve Israel’s problems and give satisfaction is Christ. Some day the Jews will turn to the Lord Jesus. When they realize that all their struggles are in vain, they will be forced in their desperation to turn to Christ. Praise the Lord that we have taken the lead to turn to Him! We are pioneers in this matter. More than fifty years ago I turned to Christ, having come to the realization that I was in a land of famine and that I was very dissatisfied. We who have turned to Christ have found food, nourishment, and satisfaction, for the food is found only where Christ is
《3》以色列人被迫转向基督
c) The Children of Israel Forced to Turn to Christ
6圣经豫言以色列人要被迫转向基督，正如约瑟的哥哥们被迫转向约瑟去籴粮。（创四二1～5。）撒迦利亚十二章十节说，『他们必仰望我，就是他们所扎的；必为我悲哀，如丧独生子，又为我愁苦，如丧长子。』在罗马十一章二十六节保罗说，『于是以色列全家都要得救，如经上所记：「必有拯救者从锡安出来，祂要从雅各家消除不虔。」』将来以色列要被迫转向基督。现在他们既不愿意，也不容易这样作，因为他们不认识基督。虽然以色列总理是聪明人，但他和以色列政府中所有的人都不认识基督。
6The Scriptures prophesy that the children of Israel will be forced to turn to Christ just as Joseph’s brothers were forced to turn to him for food (42:1-5). Zechariah 12:10 says, “They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” In Romans 11:26 Paul says, “So all Israel will be saved, as it is written, The Deliverer will come out of Zion, He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” In the future, Israel will be forced to turn to Christ. Presently they are neither willing nor inclined to do this because they are ignorant of Christ. Although the prime minister of Israel is an intelligent man, he, along with all others in the Israeli government, is ignorant concerning Christ
《4》不认识基督
(d) Ignorant concerning Christ
7创世记四十二章八节说，『约瑟认得他哥哥们，他们却不认得他。』约瑟的哥哥们怎样不认识约瑟，今天地上的人也照样不认识基督。然而，我们认识祂。哦，我们认识基督！我们在召会中的人不是愚笨的，我们比政治领袖更认识世界局势。我们若不比外交家聪明，至少和他们一样。因为我们不是愚笨的，反而是顶聪明的人，所以我们知道必须在那里花费我们的时间。召会是青年人花费时间最好的地方。当我是十几岁的少年时，我浪费时间在许多的活动上。最终，我发觉我是何等不满足，我便转向基督。如今我是在美地，在召会之地。我享受这地，因为基督在这里。我们从前不认识基督，但如今我们对祂非常清楚。每当我看报纸的时候，我就发觉那些在会议桌上讨论事情的外交家们，在神眼中乃是在无知的说话。他们完全是无知愚昧的。所有在日内瓦举行的会议，都满了虚空的谈论。我们在这里谈圣经，比他们要好得多。我们的谈话最有道理，最合理性，最合逻辑，甚至最富哲学。因为我们对基督不再是无知的，所以我们知道我们在这里作甚么。
7Genesis 4 2:8 says, “And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.” Just as Joseph’s brothers were ignorant of him, so the people on earth today are ignorant of Christ. We, however, are knowledgeable regarding Him. Oh, we know Christ! We in the churches are not stupid. We know the world situation better than the political leaders do. We are at least as intelligent as the diplomats are, if not more intelligent. Because we are not stupid, but rather the most clever of people, we know where we must spend our time. The church is the best place for the young people to spend their time. When I was a teenager, I wasted time in so many activities. Eventually, I realized how dissatisfied I was and I turned to Christ. Now I am in the good land, the land of the church. I enjoy this land because Christ is here. We used to be ignorant concerning Christ, but now we are very clear regarding Him. Whenever I read the newspaper, I realize that those diplomats discussing matters at the conference tables are, in the eyes of God, speaking ignorantly. They are altogether ignorant and foolish. All the conferences held in Geneva are filled with vain talk. It is much better that we come here and talk about the Bible. Our talk is most sensible, reasonable, logical, and even philosophical. Because we are no longer ignorant of Christ, we know what we are doing here.
《5》基督试验他们
e) Christ Testing Them
8创世记四十二章八节说，约瑟认得他哥哥们，他们却不认得他。因为他们不认得约瑟，约瑟就试验他们。这也豫表以色列人在无知中被迫转向基督时，基督就试验他们。今天以色列国仍在凭自己挣扎，不晓得需要转向基督。但他们将来被迫转向基督时，因著他们的无知，基督仍要将他们置于试验中。
8We have pointed out that 42:8 says that Joseph knew his brothers, but they did not know him. Because they did not know him, Joseph tested them. This also is a type of Christ’ste sting Israel after they have been forced to turn to Him in ignorance. Today the nation of Israel is still struggling by itself. The Jews do not realize their need to turn to Christ. But after they have been forced to turn to Him, although in ignorance, Christ will put them to the test
《6》基督管教他们
f) Christ Disciplining Them
9创世记四十二章十七至二十四节，约瑟管教他的哥哥们。这豫表基督管教以色列人。基督虽然盼望以色列国转向祂，但祂并不放松随便。在以色列人转向祂的过程中，祂不仅要试验他们，也要管教他们。照著圣经中的豫言，重建的以色列国要受到许多试验，忍受许多管教。主要惩治他们，使他们学功课。
9In 42:17-24 we see that Joseph disciplined his brothers. This typifies Christ’s disciplining the children of Israel. Christ expects that the nation of Israel will turn to Him. But He is not loose or careless. When Israel is in the process of turning to Him, He will not only test them, but also discipline them. According to the prophecies in the Bible, the reformed nation of Israel will suffer many tests and endure a great deal of discipline. The Lord will chasten them that they may learn.
《7》基督向他们施慈爱
g) Christ Showing Love to Them
10约瑟管教他的哥哥们时，暗中却爱他们。（创四二25。）这暗中的爱吓坏了他们。照著圣经中的豫言，主也要施行祂主宰的权柄，供应以色列国一切的需要。我们无须为以色列人担忧，因为我们确信主宰的主要供应以色列人生存的需要。例如，小小的以色列国若需要一些领土，主会赐给他们。祂有办法这样作，因为祂是万王之王，万主之主。祂高过地上所有的总统。以色列人会不会保留住戈兰高地或西乃，不在于那些总统和外交家的决定，乃在于主的主宰。倘若我是住在以色列国的犹太人，我会安息在主里面。我相信甚至今天主仍在暗中将祂主宰的爱赐给以色列人。主在将来要继续为以色列人这样作。你若看报纸，就会看见这事一再发生。主要试验并管教以色列人，同时将祂那隐秘、主宰的爱赐给他们，因为祂需要他们。在创世记里，约瑟生平的记载启示约瑟需要他的哥哥们。谁的需要大？是约瑟的哥哥们更需要他，还是约瑟更需要他们？我要说，约瑟需要他的哥哥们，过于他们需要他。不错，约瑟成了埃及的统治者。然而，约瑟仍不满足，因为他仍然盼望看见他梦的应验。约瑟在埃及非常寂寞，他渴望看见他的父亲和弟兄们。他需要梦的应验，需要他的父亲和弟兄们。因此，他对他们的需要，过于他们对他的需要。
10As Joseph was disciplining his brothers, he loved them in a secret way (42:25). This secret love frightened them. According to the prophecies in the Bible, the Lord will also exercise His sovereign authority to provide for all the needs of the nation of Israel. There is no need to worry about Israel, for we have the assurance that the sovereign Lord will provide whatever Israel needs for its existence. For example, if the little nation of Israel needs certain territory, the Lord will give it to them. He has a way to do this, because He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is higher than all the presidents on the earth. Whether or not Israel will retain the Golan Heights or the Sinai does not depend upon the decisions of presidents and diplomats. It depends upon the Lord’s sovereignty. If I were a Jew living in the nation of Israel, I would rest in the Lord. I have no doubt that even today the Lord is extending His sovereign love to Israel in a secret way. The Lord will continue to do this on Israel’s behalf in the future. If you read the newspapers, you will see this happening again and again. The Lord will test and discipline Israel and at the same time extend His secret and sovereign love to them because He needs them. The record of Joseph’s life in the book of Genesis reveals that Joseph needed his brothers. Whose need was greater? Did Joseph’s brothers need him more, or did Joseph need them more? I would say that Joseph needed his brothers more than they needed him. Yes, Joseph had become the ruler in Egypt. However, Joseph was not yet satisfied, for he was still expecting to see the fulfillment of his dreams. In Egypt Joseph was very lonely and he longed to see his father and his brothers. He needed the fulfillment of his dreams, and he needed his father and his brothers. Thus, his need for them was greater than their need for him
11今天对于主耶稣，原则是一样的。谁的需要大－以色列国需要主耶稣，过于主耶稣需要以色列国么？我要说，主需要以色列人，过于以色列人需要主。照样，我们需要主耶稣，主耶稣也需要我们。我也要问：谁的需要大－我们需要主，过于主需要我们么？主需要我们，过于我们需要祂。你若认识这点，你就能告诉主说，『主耶稣，我何等感谢你顾念我的需要。但是主，你需要我，过于我需要你。我也许不在意我会不会下火湖，但你非常在意。』你敢对主这样说么？至少有几次我说，『主，我感谢你的看顾。但是主，我晓得你需要我，过于我需要你。主，我知道你担心失去我。』每当我对主这样说，里面就深觉主在微笑，非常喜乐。祂似乎对我说，『哦，我的孩子，你真懂得我。』我们不该由于害怕下火湖而向主祷告。我们不该说，『主阿，我害怕我会失丧下火湖。主，怜悯我，拯救我，不要让我下火湖！』你若这样祷告，主会说，『你在说甚么？你不是这么可怜，我不需要这么怜悯你。我已经向你施了大恩。你岂不晓得我需要你，过于你需要我么？』
11The principle is the same today with respect to the Lord Jesus. Whose need is greater—does the nation of Israel need the Lord Jesus more than the Lord Jesus needs the nation of Israel? I would say that the Lord’s need of Israel is greater than Israel’s need of the Lord. Likewise, we need the Lord Jesus and the Lord Jesus needs us. Again I would ask: Whose need is greater— do we need the Lord more than the Lord needs us? The Lord needs us more than we need Him. If you know this, you can tell the Lord, “Lord Jesus, how I thank You for taking care of my need. But, Lord, Your need of me is greater than my need of You. I may not care whether or not I go to hell, but You care about it very much.” Do you dare to say this to the Lord? At least a few times I have said, “Lord, I thank You for Your care. But, Lord, I realize that You need me more than I need You. Lord, I know that You care about losing me.” Whenever I have said this to the Lord, I have had the deep sense within that the Lord was smiling and very happy. He seemed to be saying to me, “O my little child, you know Me so well.” We should not pray to the Lord out of the fear of being sent to hell. We should not say, “O Lord, I’m afraid I might be lost and sent to hell. Lord, have mercy on me and rescue me from hell. Oh, don’t let me go to hell!” If you pray like this, the Lord may say, “What are you talking about? You are not so pitiful, and I don’t need to have that much mercy upon you. I have already shown great grace to you. Don’ty ou realize that I need you more than you need Me
《8》不明白基督的爱
h) Ignorant of Christ’s Love
12因为主需要以色列国，过于以色列人需要祂，所以祂在暗中爱他们。然而，约瑟的哥哥们怎样不明白他的爱，（创四二27～28，35，）今天以色列国也照样不明白基督对他们的爱。我们也不明白祂对我们的爱。我有几分关切，我们中间许多人仍然不明白主的爱。你清楚祂的爱么？你晓得你在召会中不是因著你的决心，乃是因著祂对你的爱么？你在召会中的事实，是主爱你最有力的证明。然而，这不是说，主耶稣不爱那些在召会之外的人。主必然爱他们，但他们失去了祂的爱。我们虽然没有失去祂的爱，但我们可能不明白祂的爱。我盼望从现在起，我们没有一个人不明白基督的爱。反之，我们应当对祂说，『主，为著你的爱，我感谢你。我在你的同在中，证明你爱我。主，我何等感谢你，我在这里享受你的同在！阿利路亚，这是你爱的标记！』在本篇信息中，我们看过了基督为以色列人所认的八面。你若查考旧约和新约的豫言，就会看见这些面都是豫言到以色列人与基督（他们的弥赛亚）的关系。
12Because the Lord needs the nation of Israel more than Israel needs Him, He loves them in a secret way. However, just as Joseph’s brothers were ignorant of his love (42:27-28, 35), so the nation of Israel today is ignorant of Christ’s love for them. We also have been ignorant of His love for us. I am somewhat concerned that many among us are still ignorant of the Lord’s love. Are you clear about His love? Do you realize that you are not in the church because of your determination, but because of His love for you? The fact that you are in the church is the strongest proof that the Lord loves you. This does not mean, however, that the Lord Jesus does not love those outside the church. He certainly loves them, but they are missing His love. Although we may not be missing His love, we may be ignorant of it. I hope that from now on none of us will be ignorant of Christ’s love. Rather, we should say to Him, “Lord, thank You for Your love. The fact that I am in Your presence is proof that You love me. Lord, how I thank You that I am here enjoying Your presence! Hallelujah for this sign of Your love!” In this message we have covered eight aspects of the recognition of Christ by the children of Israel. If you consider the prophecies in the Old Testament and the New Testament, you will see that all these aspects are in the prophecies concerning Israel’s relationship with Christ, their Messiah.