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创世记生命读经 · 第15篇

贯串圣经的生命线

The Line of Life Throughout the Scriptures
1在这篇信息中，我有负担讲到贯串圣经生命树的原则，当作一篇插进的话。我们曾多次指出，在创世记头二章里，几乎每一件事都像种子一样撒在那里，并且这种子在圣经以后的各卷逐渐长大，在新约中显出是庄稼，到启示录就成熟收割。这是神圣话语的基本原则。神写圣经非常精简，不浪费一个单字。祂每一个字都用得非常精简。不仅如此，在整本圣经中，神的启示是一贯的。所以我们在圣经起头所看到的，在整本圣经以及牠的结尾也都看到。
1In this message I have the burden to cover, as a parenthesis, the principle of the tree of life throughout the Scriptures. We have pointed out many times that almost everything in the first two chapters of Genesis has been sown there as a seed and that this seed grows gradually in the following books of the Bible, appearing as a crop in the New Testament and ripening as a harvest in the book of Revelation. This is a basic principle of the divine Word. God was very economical in writing the Bible, not wasting a single word. He used every word in a most economical way. Furthermore, God’sr evelation is consistent throughout the Scriptures. Therefore, whatever we find in the beginning of the Bible we also find throughout the Bible and at the end
2创世记二章所记载的两棵树─生命树和知识树，不仅仅是古老的历史，因为今天这两棵树仍与我们在一起。我们若仔细读圣经，就会发现有两条线贯串整本圣经生命树的线和知识树的线。我们可简称为生命线和知识线。这两条线开始于创世记，延续于圣经接著的各卷，最后到达终点。我们在第十三篇信息曾指出，生命线的终点是新耶路撒冷，在那里生命树再次出现。在新耶路撒冷也看到生命水的河，这河流通全城。因此，新耶路撒冷这一座生命水的城，乃是生命树的线终极的完成。知识线要结束于火湖，那是新耶路撒冷鲜明的对比。城是一座生命水的城，湖是一个烧著火的湖。
2The record of the two trees in Genesis 2, the tree of life and the tree of knowledge, is not merely ancient history, for these two trees are still with us today. If we read the Bible carefully we will discover that throughout the Bible we have two lines—the line of the tree of life and the line of the tree of knowledge. We may refer to them in brief as the line of life and the line of knowledge. These two lines began at the book of Genesis and continue through the subsequent books of the Bible until they reach their destination. As we pointed out in message thirteen, the destination of the line of life will be the New Jerusalem, where the tree of life appears once again. The river of the water of life is also found in the New Jerusalem, for it flows throughout the entire city. Thus, the New Jerusalem, a city of living water, is the ultimate consummation of the line of the tree of life. The line of knowledge will conclude with the lake of fire, a vivid contrast to the city of New Jerusalem. The city is a city of living water; the lake is a lake of burning fire
3按照圣经的启示，有两道河从神的宝座流出来，一道是生命水的流，一道是火的流。生命水的流启示在以西结四十七章和启示录二十二章。在以西结书，生命水是从神的殿发出；在启示录二十二章，生命水是从神的宝座流出。在但以理七章九至十节，我们看见另一道流，火的流，从神的宝座发出。生命水是为著复苏与滋润，而火流是为著审判。这流在审判里流过全宇宙。水河从神的宝座流出，要将一切积极的事物流进新耶路撒冷。火流从神的宝座发出，要将一切消极的事物扫进火湖。在圣经的开始有生命线和知识线这两条线的开端，在圣经的末了有两个结果，两个完成－生命水的城以及烧著火的湖。
3According to the reve lation in the Bible, we see two streams proceeding out of the throne of God. One is the stream of living water, and the other is a stream of fire. The stream of living water is revealed in Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22. In Ezekiel living water issues out of the house of God; in Reve lation 22 living water flows out of the throne of God. In Daniel 7:9-10 we see another stre am, a stre am of fire, flowing out of the throne of God. The living water is for reviving and watering, but the stream of fire is for judging. It courses in judgment throughout the universe. The river of water proceeds out of the throne of God and will flow all positive things into the New Jerusalem. The stream of fire issues out of the throne of God and will sweep all negative things in to the lake of fire. In the beginning of the Bible we have the start of two lines, the line of life and the line of knowledge. At the end of the Bible we have two results, two consummations — the city of living water and the lake of burning fire.
4今天你在那里？你要往那里去？你在那一条线上？生命线必然是对的线，而知识线是错的线。我们这些蒙救赎的人必然是在对的线，就是生命的线上。然而我们的生活和工作，就是我们为神生活并工作的方式，却可能在错的线上。我们这人可能是在生命线上，但我们的行事并工作可能是在知识线上。圣经首先警告人远离知识线，而留在或回到生命线。我们一次得救便永远得救，我们的救恩是永远稳妥的。然而圣经警告我们，关于我们为著主的行事为人和工作。在加拉太书，保罗警告我们要凭著灵而行，（加五16，）并为著那灵撒种，（加六7～8，）不然我们所作的一切都要被火烧毁。在林前三章，保罗告诫我们这些建造召会的人，要谨慎用正确的材料建造。如果我们用金、银、宝石建造召会，那工程就要存留到新耶路撒冷，因为新耶路撒冷是一座用金、珍珠和宝石建造的城。另一面，保罗也警告我们，木、草、禾楷只配被烧毁。（林前三12～15。）凡用这些材料建造的东西，都要被火流扫进火湖。所以我们必须谨慎我们自己、我们的行事为人和我们的工作。我们自己必须留在对的线上，我们日常的行事为人和工作也必须在对的线上，这样我们和我们的工作就要进入新耶路撒冷。我们对这两条线必须非常清楚。我在本篇信息要说到生命线，在下一篇信息要说到知识线。
4Where are you and where are you going? Which line are you on? The line of life is certainly the right line, but the line of knowledge is the wrong line. As redeemed people we are surely on the right line, the line of life. However, it is possible that our walk and our work—that is, the way we live and work for God—might be on the wrong line. Although as persons we may be on the line of life, our walk and work may be on the line of knowledge. The Bible firstly warns people to stay away from the line of knowledge and remain on or return to the line of life. Once we are saved, we are eternally saved, and our salvation is eternally secure. Nevertheless, the Bible warns us concerning our daily walk and our work for the Lord. In Galatians Paul warns us to walk in the Spirit (5:16) and to sow to the Spirit (6:7-8). Otherwise, everything we do will be consumed by fire. In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul cautions us, the builders of the churches, to be careful to build with the proper materials. If we build the church with gold, silver, and precious stones, this work will continue unto the New Jerusalem, because the New Jerusalem is a city built with gold, pearl, and precious stones. On the other hand, Paul warns us that the wood, grass, and straw are only useful for burning (1 Cor. 3:12-15). Everything that is built with those materials will be swept by the stream of fire into the lake of fire. Thus, we must be careful about ourselves, our walk, and our work. We ourselves must stay on the right line, and our daily walk and work must also be on the right line. Then we and our work will enter the New Jerusalem. We need to be very clear about these two lines. In this message, I shall cover the line of life and in the following message the line of knowledge
5许多次我对一件事感到困惑，就是生命树在创世记二章短暂一现，到创世记三章末了就向人封闭了。表面上，生命树已经向人封闭了；实际上，历代以来，藉著所应许的救赎，生命树仍让神的子民接触、享受并经历。现在我要把许多在生命线上正面的人物，非常简单的指给你们看。我们不从亚当开始，他是堕落而蒙救赎的；我们要从亚伯开始。
5Many times I have been bothered by the fact that the tree of life appeared for a short while in Genesis 2 and that it was closed off from man at the end of Genesis 3. Apparently the tree of life has been closed to man; actually through the promised redemption it has been available throughout the ages for God’sp eople to touch, enjoy, and experience. Now in a very simple way I want to give you many of the positive person son this line of life. We do not begin with Ad am, who was fallen and redeemed. We begin with Abel.
1 亚伯－照神的方法接触神
I. Abel—Contacting God in God’sWay
6亚伯一生的特点是：他照神的方法接触神。（创四4。）不要说，只要你接触神，就甚么都是对的。你是照谁的方法接触神？是照你的方法呢，还是照神的方法？有三班人都说，他们是接触神的：犹太人、回教徒和基督徒。犹太人是照他们自己的方法接触神。按照罗马十章二至三节，犹太人想要建立自己的义，就不服神的义。这就是说，他们照著自己的方法接触神。回教徒更是热心的照著他们自己的方法敬拜神。你若去参观回教寺院，会看到他们显得虔诚又敬虔，俯伏下来敬拜神。许多所谓的基督徒，包括天主教徒，也是照看他们自己的方法事奉神，既不藉著基督的救赎，也不在灵里。
6The characteristic of Abel’s life was that he contacted God in God’sway (Gen. 4:4). Do not say that as long as you contact God everything is all right. In whose way do you contact God—in your way or God’s? There are three peoples who claim to contact God: the Jews, the Moslems, and the Christians. The Jews contact God in their own way. According to Romans 10:2-3, the Jews seek to establish their own righteousness and do not submit to the righteousness of God. This means that they contact God in their own way. The Moslems are even more devoted to their own way of worshipping God. If you visit a Moslem mosque, you will find that the Moslems appear pious and godly, worshipping God by bowing themselves. Many so-called Christians, including Catholics, do their service to God according to their own way, not through the redemption of Christ, nor in the Spirit
7人用自己的方法接触神的起源是甚么？源头乃是人麻烦的心思。心思只能产生知识，不能产生别的。因此，人用知识的方法，不用生命的方法接触神。然而，亚伯却照神的方法接触神。我们在下一篇信息会看到，他的哥哥该隐是照著自己的方法接触神。神的方法是生命，该隐的方法是知识。我们都得谨慎。你可以说你是为著神，但你可能是照著自己的方法来为著神。你照著自己发明的方法接近神，而那方法完全是知识的事。不要跟从那方法。我们该观看亚伯的榜样，放下自己的思想、意见和观念来接触神。『主阿，我照你的方法接触你，我不凭著我的思想、观念或知识接触你。主阿，你是我的方法。』我们若这样作，就要享受神作生命树。亚伯的确享受了神作生命树，他真的吃了这棵树上的果子。
7What is the origin of man’sown way of contacting God? The source is man’s troublesome mind, which can produce nothing except knowledge. Hence, men contact God in the way of knowledge, not in the way of life. Abel, however, contacted God in His way. As we shall see in the following message, his elder brother, Cain, contacted God in his own way. God’sway is life; Cain’sway is knowledge. We all need to be careful. Although you may say that you are for God, perhaps you are for God in your own way. You approach God in your self-invented way, and that way is entirely a matter of knowledge. Do not follow that way. We should observe the example of Abel and contact God by laying aside our thought, opinion, and concept. “Lord, I contact You in Your way. I don’t contact You by my thought, concept, or knowledge. Lord, You are my way.” If we do this, we will enjoy God as the tree of life. Abel did partake of God as the tree of life. He truly ate of the fruit of this tree
２ 塞特与以挪士－呼求主的名
II. Seth and Enosh— Calling upon the Name of the Lord
8你也许不熟悉塞特和以挪士这两个名字。塞特和以挪士是人类的第二代和第三代，不过圣经把他们看为一个人。在亚伯被杀以后，生命线似乎中断了；但塞特和以挪士却被兴起接续这条线。这两代有一个显著的特征－他们开始呼求主的名。（创四26。）他们不但祷告，并且呼求主名。如果你读希伯来文和希腊文，会看见『呼求』这辞的意思不仅是祷告，乃是大声呼喊。虽然所有的基督徒都祷告，但很少人用呼求的方式，大都是非常安静的祷告，甚至默祷。然而人类的第二和第三代却知道，为了接触神，他们需要向祂大声呼喊并呼求。不要争辩说，神不是聋子，我们小声祷告祂也能听见。连主耶稣自己在园中祷告也是强烈的哭号。（来五7。）在塞特和以挪士的时代，人学会用呼求神的方式向神祷告。你若试试，就会发现的确不同。使徒保罗说，主对一切呼求祂的人是丰富的。（罗十12。）你若要享受主的丰富，就需要呼求祂的名。
8Perhaps the names of Set hand Enosh are unfamiliar to you. Set hand Enosh were the third and fourth generations of mankind, although the Bible considers them as one. After Abel was slain, the line of life seemed to be terminated. Nevertheless, Seth and Enosh were raised up to continue it. These two generations had one outstanding characteristic—they began to call upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 4:26). They not only prayed, but called on the name of the Lord. If you read the original text of the Hebrew and Greek, you will see that the word call means to cry out, not only to pray. Although all Christians pray, few pray in a calling way. Most pray very quietly, even in silence. However, the third and fourth generations of mankind learned that in order to contact God they needed to cry out to Him and call on Him. Do not argue that God is not deaf, that He is able to hear us. Even the Lord Jesus Himself prayed with a strong cry in the garden (Heb. 5:7). During the time of Seth and Enosh, men learned how to pray to God in the way of calling on Him. If you try it, you will discover that it makes a difference. The Apostle Paul said that the Lord is rich unto all who call upon Him (Rom. 10:12). If you want to enjoy the riches of the Lord, you need to call upon His name.
9假定你正帮助一个新蒙恩的人祷告来摸主。他祷告说，『耶稣阿，你是神的儿子，你为我死，我接受你作我的救主。我感谢你。』虽然这是很好的祷告，但你不如帮助他强有力的呼求主名。如果他说，『哦主耶稣，感谢你为我死，』他的灵要被挑旺起来，他就活活的摸著主。
9Suppose you are helping a new convert touch the Lord in prayer. He prays, “Jesus, You are the Son of God. You died for me. I take You as my Savior. Thank You.” Although this is a good prayer, it is better for him to call on the Lord in a strong way. If he says, “O Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me,” his spirit will be stirred up and he will touch the Lord in a living way
10虽然人类的第二、第三代发现了呼求主名的方法，这种方法却渐渐失去了。今天许多基督徒忽略这个，甚至藐视这个。虽然如此，没有一个基督徒能不呼求主名。在平安无事的时候，你会镇静沉著，不愿丢脸呼求主名；然而一旦面临危难，或是车祸，或是急病，你就会自然而然的呼求祂说，『哦，主阿！』我们不需要教人呼求主名，有一天他们都要呼求祂的名。当难处来临的时候，他们就需要呼求祂的名。呼求主的名就是享受主，吃主作生命树。
10Although the third and fourth generations of mankind discovered the way of calling on the name of the Lord, this way of calling on Him was gradually lost. Many Christians today neglect it and even despise it. However, no Christian can escape calling on the Lord’s name. During peaceful and untroubled times you may retain your composure, unwilling to lose your face by calling on the name of the Lord. However, during a time of difficulty, perhaps after an automobile accident or in a time of sudden illness, you will call on Him spontaneously, saying, “O Lord.” It is unnecessary for us to teach people to call on the Lord. One day they will call on Him. When troubles come, they will have the need to call on His name. To call on the name of the Lord is simply to enjoy Him and to eat Him as the tree of life
３ 以诺－与神同行
III. Enoch—Walking with God
11以诺一生的特点是与神同行。（创五22，24。）圣经没有告诉我们他为神工作，或为神作了大事，却告诉我们，他与神同行。这是非常有意思的。要与一个人同行，你必须喜欢他。我若不喜欢你，绝不会与你同行。我先是喜欢你，接著是爱你，然后就不断的与你同行。以诺与神同行的事实证明他爱神。他就是爱活在神面前。主责备在以弗所的召会，因为他们为神作了许多工作，却失去了起初的爱。（启二2～4。）主不要看见这么多好的工作；祂要看见我们向著神的爱。假定一个妻子为她丈夫从事许多好的工作，然而从不留在丈夫面前，那作丈夫的一定会说，『我不要你这么忙，却不在我身边。我要一个一直与我同在的妻子。』
11The characteristic of Enoch’s life was that he walked with God (Gen. 5:22, 24). We are not told that he worked for God or that he did great things for God, but that he walked with God. This is very meaningful. In order to walk with a person, you must like him. If I do not like you, I will never walk with you. Firstly, I like you, then I love you, and then I will walk with you continually. The fact that Enoch walked with God proves that he loved God. He simply loved to be in the presence of God. The Lord Jesus rebuked the church at Ephesus because they did many works for God but had lost their first love (Rev. 2:2-4). The Lord does not want to see so many good works; He wants to see our love toward God. Suppose a wife performs many good works for her husband, yet would never be in his presence. Surely the husband will say, “I don’t want you to be busy and yet be away from me. I want a wife who is with me all the time.”
12以诺与神同行。我们若仔细读创世记五章二十一至二十四节，会看到以诺在六十五岁时开始与神同行，并且继续与神同行三百年。他一天又一天与神同行，达三百年之久。最后神似乎说，『以诺，你与我同行彀久了，让我把你提到我身边罢。』许多基督徒喜欢谈论被提和主的来临，但你是否知道被提需要爱主，并活在祂面前？我们需要爱主。『主耶稣，我爱你。我要活在你面前。我要与你同行，因为我爱你。』这种爱的态度乃是被提的豫备、条件和根据。以诺的被提是根据甚么？他的被提乃是根据于与神同行三百年。以诺给我们绝佳的榜样。
12Enoch walked with God. If we read Genesis 5:21-24 carefully, we will see that Enoch began his walk with God at the age of sixty-five and continued walking with Him for three hundred years. He walked with God day after day for a period of three hundred years. Finally, God seemed to say, “Enoch, you have walked with Me long enough. Let Me take you to Myself.” Many Christians are fond of talking about the rapture and the coming of the Lord. Do you realize that rapture requires that you love the Lord and live in His presence? We need to love the Lord. “Lord Jesus, I love You. I want to live in Your presence. I want to walk with You because I love You.” This loving attitude is the preparation, condition, and basis of being raptured. On what ground was Enoch raptured? He was raptured on the basis of his walk with God for a period of three hundred years. Enoch offered us an excellent example
4 挪亚－与神同行
IV. Noah—Walking with God
13挪亚跟随以诺的脚踪，也与神同行。（创六9。）他与神同行的时间，实际上超过三百年。当挪亚与神同行时，神向他显示一个异象，叫他看见神在那时代要作的事。挪亚接受了方舟的异象，这方舟救了堕落族类中的八个人。像挪亚一样，我们不该照著我们的观念行事。我们的所行、所作，都该照著我们与主同行时所得的异象。在我们每天与主的同行里，我们会明白祂的心愿，祂的心思和祂的旨意。这样，我们就能照著神的心愿，而不照著我们的想法工作事奉。挪亚是藉著与神同行而享受神。
13Noah followed Enoch’s footsteps and also walked with God (Gen. 6:9). Actually, he walked with God for a period even longer than three hundred years. As Noah walked with God, God showed him a vision of what He wanted to do in that age. Noah received the vision of the ark used to save eight members of the fallen race. Like Noah, we should not act according to our concept. Whatever we do and work should be according to the vision we received in walking with the Lord. In our daily walk with the Lord we will come to see His desire, His mind, and His will. Then we will work and serve according to God’s desire, not according to our own thoughts. Noah enjoyed God by walking with Him
5 亚伯拉罕－活在神的显现中并呼求主名
V. Abraham—Living in the Appearing of God and Calling upon the Name of the Lord
14亚伯拉罕比挪亚更为特出。我们在罗荣耀的神的显现所传输。当亚伯拉罕在迦勒底的吾珥时，荣耀的神向他显现并吸引他。（徒七2。）按照创世记的记载，神还曾几次向亚伯拉罕显现。（创十二7，十七1，十八1。）亚伯拉罕凭自己并不是信心的大汉，他和我们一样软弱。但是荣耀的神一次又一次向他显现，每一次都将祂神圣的成分传输注入到他里面，使他能凭神的信活著。亚伯拉罕的经历使我们想起电池，电池充电后很好用，但一段时间后需要再充电。照著神向亚伯拉罕的显现来研究亚伯拉罕的历史是非常有趣的。神呼召亚伯拉罕从迦勒底的吾珥出来，并藉著一次又一次向他显现，带领他往前。我前面已经题过，当神呼召亚伯拉罕离开吾珥时，并没有给他一张地图或任何指示；亚伯拉罕是照著神的显现而行走。神的显现若在某方向，亚伯拉罕就往那方向行动。亚伯拉罕是以这方式享受神的丰富。
14Abraham was more outstanding than Noah. As we was transfused with the appearing of the God of glory. While Abraham was in Ur of the Chaldees, the God of glory appeared to him and attracted him (Acts 7:2). According to the record in Genesis, God appeared to Abraham several other times as well (Gen. 12:7; 17:1; 18:1). Abraham was not a giant of faith by himself; he was as weak as we are. The God of glory appeared to Abraham a gain and a gain, each time transfusing and infusing His divine elements into him, enabling him to live by the faith of God. Abraham’s experience reminds us of a battery which operates well after it is charged, but which needs recharging after a period of time. It is very interesting to study Abraham’s history according to God’s appearings to him. God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees and led him on by appearing to him again and again. As I have mentioned previously, when God called Abraham to leave Ur, He did not give him a map or any directions. Abraham walked according to the appearing of God. If God’s appearing was in a certain direction, Abraham simply moved in that direction. In this way Abraham enjoyed the riches of God.
15除了经历神的显现之外，亚伯拉罕也12:7-呼求主名。（创十二7～8。）亚伯拉罕的儿子以撒，孙子雅各，也都呼求主名。因为这三代都是一样，所以神被称为亚伯拉罕、以撒和雅各的神。这就是说，神是那活在祂显现中并呼求祂名之人的神。因为亚伯拉罕活在祂的显现中，并呼求祂的名，他就享受神作生命树。按照创世记十八章，当亚伯拉罕坐在他的帐棚门口，神向他显现，又留下与他同在约有半天之久，甚至与他一同吃饭。因此圣经甚至说，亚伯拉罕得称为神的朋友。（雅二23。）在创世记十八章，神与亚伯拉罕一同谈话并用餐，像朋友一样。
15In addition to experiencing the appearings of God, Abraham called upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 8). Abraham’ss on, Isaac, and his grandson, Jacob, also called upon the name of the Lord. Since these three generations were all the same, God was called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This means that God is the God of His people who live in His appearing and who call upon His name. As Abraham lived in the appearing of God and called upon the name of the Lord, he enjoyed Him as the tree of life. According to Genesis 18, God appeared to Abraham as he sat at the entrance of his tent, and He stayed with him for about half a day, even enjoying a meal with him. Thus, the Bible even says that Abraham was called the friend of God (James 2:23). In Genesis 18 God and Abraham conversed together and ate together as friends.
16当然我们都愿意有这种对主的享受。然而，我们今天所得的分远比创世记十八章亚伯拉罕的经历好。照著启示录三章二十节，主是在门外叩门，若有人听见祂的声音并且开门的，主就要进到他里面与他一同坐席。我们可以天天与主同席。亚伯拉罕与主共餐约有半天，我们却能不断的与主同席。我们在早餐、中餐和晚餐时，都能与主相会。我们的分比亚伯拉罕的更高、更丰富。
16Certainly we all would like to have such an enjoyment of the Lord. Nevertheless, our portion today is much better than Abraham’s experience in Genesis 18. According to Revelation 3:20, the Lord Jesus is knocking at the door. If anyone will hear His voice and open the door, the Lord will come into him and sup with him. Day by day we may have a feast with the Lord. Abraham dined with the Lord for approximately half a day, but we may feast with Him continually. We may meet with the Lord at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our portion is higher and richer than was Abraham’s
17亚伯拉罕享受神作生命树。甚么是生命树？生命树就是生命供应，维持我们活在神面前。亚伯拉罕就是这样来享受神的。
17Abraham enjoyed God as the tree of life. What is the tree of life? The tree of life is the supply of life that maintains our living in the presence of God. Abraham enjoyed God in such a way.
６ 以撒－活在神的显现中并呼求主名
VI. Isaac—Living in the Appearing of God and Calling upon the Name of the Lord
18以撒是亚伯拉罕的儿子，用和他父亲一样的方法接触神。他也活在神的显现中并呼求主的名。（创二六2，24～25。）他不但承继他父亲一切的祝福，也承接他父亲的方法来享受神。
18Isaac, as the son of Abraham, was in the same way of contacting God as was his father. He also lived in the appearing of God and called upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 26:2, 24-25). He did not only inherit all the blessings of his father, but also his way to enjoy God
7 雅各－活在神的显现中并呼求主名
VII. Jacob—Living in the Appearing of God and Calling upon the Name of the Lord
19雅各是蒙召族类的第三代，至终被神带到一个地步，不照著他抓夺的方法生活，而照著与他祖父和父亲同样接触神的方法生活。他被主对付了相当长的一段时间，就学会活在神的显现中并呼求主的名。（创三五1，9，四八3。）对他说来，这方法不只是承继的，也是神藉著管教所引导的。
19Jacob, as the third generation of the called race, was eventually led by God not to live by his supplanting way, but by the same way of contacting God as his grandfather and his father did. After being dealt with by the Lord for a considerable time, he learned to live in the appearing of God and to call upon the name of the Lord (Gen. 35:1, 9; 48:3). To him, this was not only the inherited way, but also the way to which he was led by God’s discipline
8 摩西－活在神的显现和同在里
VIII. Moses—Living in the Appearing and the Presence of God
20摩西是个最有趣味的人物，他生在以色列人受埃及人逼迫的时期。神主宰的把他放在法老王宫中，使他以法老女儿之子，王族一员的身分被养大。他可能从他的奶妈，实际上是他的亲生母亲听来，知道他的同胞在埃及人手下受苦。这些传闻无疑激动了摩西的心。摩西也许说，『埃及人逼迫我的同胞，我要作点事来帮助他们。』摩西虽然心很好，但这好心是知识的心，是死的心。这就是今天许多基督徒的光景。许多人都有一颗好心，被激动要为神作点事。但摩西是照著他自己的作法，用他自己的能力来行动，结果失败了，使他深深的失望。至终摩西知道他不能作甚么，他失望到一个地步以致放弃。他似乎说，『我对我的同胞这么好心，但神不帮助我。神不称许我的努力。神既不与我同在，我就忘掉这局面，到旷野去罢！』他虽然关心以色列人的幸福，但他因失败而沮丧，逃去旷野。他在那里寂寞、丧气，作了一个牧羊的人。摩西这个学了埃及人一切智慧，说话行事都有能力的人，（徒七22，）如今在旷野是一个微小的牧羊人，一个受挫折、沮丧的人。
20Moses was a most interesting person. He was born at a time when the Israelites were under the persecution of the Egyptians. God sovereignly placed him in the palace of Pharoah, and he was brought up as a member of the royal family, as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses learned of the sufferings of his people under the hand of the Egyptians, probably hearing of them from his nursing mother, who was actually his natural mother. Such reports undoubtedly stirred Moses’ heart. Perhaps Moses said, “The Egyptians have been persecuting my people. I will do something to help them.” Although Moses had a good heart, that heart was a heart of knowledge, a heart of death. This is the situation among many Christians today. Many have a good heart. They are stirred up and want to do something for God. But Moses acted in his own way and in his own strength. The result was failure, and he was deeply disappointed. Eventually, Moses realized that he could not do anything; he was disappointed to such an extent that he gave up. It seems that he said, “I had such a good heart for my people, but God didn’t help me. God did not appreciate my efforts. Since God is not with me, I will forget about the situation and go to the wilderness.” Although he was concerned about the welfare of the children of Israel, he was disheartened by his failure and he fled to the wilderness, where, lonely and despondent, he became a keeper of the flock. Moses, the man who was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and who was mighty in words and deeds (Acts 7:22), was now a little shepherd in the wilderness, a defeated and dejected man.
21一天，在他失望之中，神来了。神在火烧荆棘的异象中向摩西显现，荆棘被火烧著却没有烧毁。（出三2，16。）摩西感到惊奇，转过去看这荆棘。神似乎对摩西说，『摩西，你必须像这火烧的荆棘。不要凭你自己来烧，或凭你自己行动。你有一颗好心，但你行事的方法错了。』我们可以用现代的汽车作例子。要使汽车移动，去拉或去推都是笨法子，那只会把我们累坏了。我们该用汽油作能源。当汽油燃烧时，汽车就移动了。我们必须这样来操作车辆。同样，摩西学会停下自己的知识，自己的作法，自己的力量和自己的活动。摩西开始像他先祖所作的，活在主的同在和显现中。他的行动不再出于他自己。从那时起，他就与神是一。为著带领以色列人走他们的旅程，主对他说，『我的同在要和你同去，使你得安息。』他对神说，『你的同在若不和我同去，就不要把我们从这里领上去。（出三三13～15，直译。）这表明摩西知道，为主工作需要有主的同在。他是在神的同在中行动。
21One day, in the midst of his disappointment, God came. God appeared to Moses in a vision of a burning bush, a bush that burned without being consumed (Exo. 3:2, 16). Moses was surprised and turned aside to see this bush. It was as if God was saying to Moses, “Moses, you must be like this burning bush. Do not burn by yourself or act by yourself. You had a good heart, but you acted in the wrong way.” We may use the example of a modern automobile. If we want to move the automobile, it is foolish for us either to pull it or push it. That will only wear us out. We should use gasoline as our source of power. When the gasoline burns, the automobile moves. We must operate the vehicle in this way. Likewise, Moses learned to cease from his own knowledge, his own way, his own energy, and his own activities. Moses began to live, as his grandfathers had done, in the presence and the appearing of the Lord. No longer did he act out of himself. From that time onward, he was one with God. For the leading of the Israelites on their journey, the Lord told him, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” And he said to the Lord, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exo. 33:13-15). This shows that Moses knew the necessity of the Lord’s presence for his work for the Lord. He was acting in the presence of God
22摩西带以色列人出埃及之后，神呼召摩西到山顶上，在那里留了四十天。他在山顶上时，完全被神的荣光所注入。从山上下来时，神的荣耀从他脸上照射出来。（出三四29。）在这山顶上，摩西经历了对神作生命树完满的享受。虽然生命树对于不信的人已经消失不见，然而牠对像摩西这样的人又显出来了。摩西在荣耀的山上享受神作生命树。
22After Moses had brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, God called him to the mountaintop, where he remained for forty days. While he was on the mountaintop, he was thoroughly infused with the shekinah glory of God. As he descended along the side of the mountain, the glory of God radiated from his face (Exo. 34:29). On this mountaintop Moses experienced the full enjoyment of God as the tree of life. Although the tree of life had disappeared from unbelieving men, it nevertheless appeared to a person like Moses. Moses enjoyed God as the tree of life on the mount of glory
23摩西像挪亚一样接受了神建造的异象。当他在山上神的荣耀中，神将祂在地上居所的详细样式给了他。（出二五9。）我们若在事奉神并为神工作时与祂是一，我们的工作就不会是劳苫，乃是享受。当我为主说话时，我大大的享受祂。当我讲完了一篇信息，我觉得满足了。一切属于神并照著神的服事，实际上对于服事的人都是一种食物。摩西是这样的事奉神并享受神。
23Moses, like Noah, received a vision of God’s building. While he was in the glory on the mountain, God gave him a detailed pattern of His dwelling place on the earth (Exo. 25:9). If we are one with God as we minister and work for Him, our work will not be a labor, but an enjoyment. When I speak for the Lord, I enjoy Him immensely. Once I have completed a message, I feel satisfied. Every ministry that is of God and according to God is actually a kind of food to the minister. Moses served God and enjoyed God in this way.
９ 以色列人－在主的同在里行走路程
IX. The Children Of Israel— Journeying in the Presence of the Lord
24当我们说到以色列人，很容易对他们有恶劣的印象。我们若回想他们怎样在旷野拜金牛犊，我们觉得他们实在是可怜。然而在宇宙中，每一件事物都有两面。例如有白昼，也有黑夜。再如每一个家庭有客厅，也有放垃圾、废物的地方。在圣经中可以看到积极和消极的事物，在于我们看那里。例如亚伯拉罕虽然相当好，但他还娶了妾，就不像我们所想像的那样好。但我们不该看消极的事物，多过于积极的事物。当我们来看以色列人历史的时候，尤其要如此。
24When we speak about the children of Israel, it is easy to have a poor impression of them. If we recall how they worshipped the golden calf in the wilderness, we will think of them as pitiful indeed. However, everything in the universe has two sides. For instance, we have both day and night. Furthermore, in every home there is a living room and a place to keep the refuse, the trash. In the Bible we can find both positive and negative things, depending on where we look. For example, Abraham, who was so good, had a concubine and was not as wonderful as we think he was. But we should not look upon the negative things so much as on the positive things. This is especially true as we come to the history of the children of Israel
25四十年之久，以色列人在神的同在里行走旅程。（出十三21～，民十四14。）他们日间有云柱，夜间有火柱。以色列人并不照他们的意见行走旅程，只简单的跟随柱子的动向。实际上并不是两根柱子，只是一根。柱子在日间像云，在夜间像火。日间神荫蔽他们，保护他们不受烈日曝晒；夜间祂赐给他们光，照明他们的路。这柱子乃是神自己。因此，在旷野的四十年间，以色列人享受神的同在。他们还天天吃吗哪，那属天的粮食，意思就是他们享受神作生命树。因此，即使在旷野，我们也看到生命树的线。虽然我们对于在旷野中的以色列人有消极的观念，但无论如何他们经历了生命树，天天享受神。
25For a period of forty years the children of Israel journeyed in the presence of the Lord (Exo. 1 3:2 1-22; Num. 14:14). They had the pillar of cloud by day 22 and the pillar of fire by night. The Israelites did not journey according to their opinion, but simply followed the movement of the pillar. Actually, there were not two pillars, but just one. In the day the pillar was like a cloud and in the night it was like a fire. During the day God shaded the people, protecting them from the bright sunlight. During the night he gave them light to illuminate their way. This pillar was God Himself. Therefore, during the forty years in the wilderness the children of Israel enjoyed the presence of God. They also ate manna, the heavenly food, day after day, meaning they enjoyed God as the tree of life. Thus, even in the wilderness we see the line of the tree of life. Although we may have a negative concept about the children of Israel in the wilderness, they nevertheless experienced the tree of life, enjoying God day by day.
26如果我们今天在所在的地方经历这样的云柱、火柱和属天的吗哪，岂不是非常美好么？然而，我们所得的分比这个好得多。我们有圣灵作云柱，圣经作火柱，更有主耶稣作我们属天的吗哪。当我们行走在这旷野的时候，主与我们同在，我们也享受祂作生命树。
26Would it not be wonderful to experience such a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire and heavenly manna in Orange County today? However, our portion is much better. We have the Holy Spirit as the pillar of cloud and the Bible as the pillar of fire. We also have the Lord Jesus as our heavenly manna. As we journey through the wilderness of Orange County, the Lord is present with us, and we enjoy Him as the tree of life.
10 约书亚－在主的同在里生活并工作
X. Joshua—Living and Working in the Presence of the Lord
27当神呼召约书亚时，神鼓励他，向他保证要与他同在，像与摩西同在一样。（书一5～9。）主吩咐约书亚要刚强壮胆，因为他无论往那里去，主都必与他同在。约书亚是一个享受神的人。只要我们享受神的同在，我们就能成为今日的约书亚。神离我们不远，祂一直与我们同在。因此我们像约书亚一样，能在神的同在里生活、行事并工作。
27When God called Joshua, He encouraged him, assuring him that He would be with him as He was with Moses (Josh. 1:5-9). The Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous, for the Lord would be with him wherever he went. Joshua was a person who enjoyed God. As long as we enjoy God’s presence, we can be a Joshua today. God is not far from us; He is with us all the time. Thus, we, like Joshua, can live, walk, and work in the presence of the Lord
11 基甸－在神的同在里争战
XI. Gideon— Fighting in the Presence of the Lord
28基甸的特点是在神的同在里争战。（士六12～16。）他不但在神的同在里生活、行事、工作，并且在神的同在里争战。我们都必须如此。一面说，我们日常的行事为人是一种行事为人；另一面说，我们的行事为人是一种工作；再从另一面说，这也是一种争战。我们不论行事为人、工作或争战，都必须在神的同在里。在神的同在里，简单的说就是享受主作生命树。基甸享受神作生命树。
28Gideon’so ut standing characteristic was that he fought the battle in the presence of God (Judg. 6:12, 16). He not only lived, walked, and worked in the presence of the Lord, but fought with the presence of the Lord. We all must be like this. In one sense our daily walk is a walk, in another sense it is a work, and in still another sense it is a warfare. Whether we walk, work, or fight, we must be in the presence of the Lord. To be in the presence of the Lord simply means to have the enjoyment of the Lord as the tree of life. Gideon enjoyed God as the tree of life
12 撒母耳－祷告并呼求主
XII. Samuel— Praying and Calling upon the Lord
29撒母耳是旧约中另一个奇妙的人物，一个不断为神的儿女祷告的人。圣经记载撒母耳告诉百姓说，他断不停止为他们祷告，以致得罪耶和华。（撒上十二23。）当撒母耳得知扫罗王得罪神，他便忧愁，终夜哀求神。（撒上十五11。）所以圣经称撒母耳为呼求主名的人，（诗九九6，）也以他为站在神面前的人。（耶十五1。）这些都启示我们，撒母耳是一个不断祷告的人，他呼求主的名，并站在神的面前。藉著站在主面前并呼求主的名，他享受主并有分于主作生命树。这种激发和享受，使他成了人类历史中一位奇妙的人物。
29Samuel was another wonderful person in the Old Testament, a man who prayed for the children of God continually. The Bible says that Samuel told the people that he would not sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for them (1 Sam. 12:23). When Samuel learned that King Saul offended God, he was grieved and cried to the Lord the entire night (1 Sam. 15:11). Therefore, the Bible refers to Samuel as a man who called upon the name of the Lord (Psa. 99:6) and as a man who stood in the presence of God (Jer. 15:1). All of this reveals to us that Samuel was a person who prayed continually, who called on the name of the Lord, and who stood in the presence of God. By standing in the presence of the Lord and by calling on the name of the Lord, he enjoyed the Lord, partaking of Him as the tree of life. This motivation and enjoyment made him such a wonderful person in human history
13 大卫－信靠神，
XIII. David—Trusting in God
仰望神并享受神的生命
Looking to Him, and Enjoying God’s Life
30大卫是一个信靠神并仰望神的人。（撒上十七37，45，三十6。）大卫一生的秘诀是渴慕一直住在神的殿中，瞻仰祂的荣美。（诗二七4，8，14。）这就是说，他享受神的同在。此外，他享受神作肥甘和乐河的水。（诗三六8～9。）大卫说，『在你那里有生命的源头。』这证明甚至在古时，大卫就享受神的生命作生命树，并作涌流在他里面的江河。这种对神的享受，使他成了以色列人中一位伟大的君王。
30David was a man who trusted in God and looked to Him (1 Sam. 17:37, 45; 30:6). The secret of David’s life was that he desired to dwell continually in the house of God and to behold His beauty (Psa. 27:4, 8, 14). This means that he enjoyed the presence of God. Moreover, he enjoyed God as the fatness and as the river of joy (Psa. 36:8-9). David said, “With thee is the fountain of life.” This proves that even in ancient times David enjoyed God’s life as the tree of life and as the river flowing within him. This enjoyment of God made him such a great king among the children of Israel.
14 但以理－祷告神
XIV. Daniel—Praying to God
31我们对但以理的故事都很熟悉。然而大多基督徒只对但以理的豫言感到好奇。他们想知道但以理二章的那个大像，那个有金头、银肩、铜腹、铁腿和泥足的大像。他们也想知道但以理七章从海中出来的兽。所有年轻人都对这些事有兴趣。许多年以前，我曾花很多时间研究这些事，但至终我对但以理书别的方面更为欣赏。现在我喜欢但以理书，因我在这卷书中看到一个常常祷告并不断接触神的人。（但六10～，九3～4，十2～3，12。）按照但以理六章，在大利乌的国中，但以理超乎其余的总长和总督。他们妒忌他，密谋陷害他，想要除灭他。但以理知道了这事，就到主面前去祷告。那一百三十个总督阴谋的目的，是要摇动但以理和神的关系，然而但以理却打开向著耶路撤冷的窗子，一天三次祷告神。但以理读申言者耶利米的豫言，知道七十年被掳、流放的期限将满，他就开始祷告。（但九2～3。）之后，他看到另一个异象，又连续祷告三周，直到答应临到。（但十1～3，12。）但以理的祷告生活，是从圣别生活产生出来的。他在异教之地的巴比伦，过著圣别的生活。例如但以理拒绝吃王膳，这食物是先向偶像献祭，然后才给王和他人民食用的。（但一8。）但以理拒绝了那些食物，却大大的享受了神。他享受神作生命树。
31We are all familiar with the story of Daniel. However, most Christians are just curious about Daniel’s prophecies. They want to know about the great image in Daniel 2, the image with the golden head, silver shoulders, brass abdomen, iron legs, and clay toes. They also want to know about the beasts that emerge from these a in Daniel 7. All of the young people are interested in these matters. Although many years ago I spent a great deal of time studying these things, I eventually came to appreciate other aspects of the book of Daniel even more. Now I like the book of Daniel because in it I see a man who prayed constantly and contacted the Lord continually (Dan. 6:1 0-1 1; 11 9:3-4; 10:2-3, 12). According to Daniel 6, Daniel was preeminent among the governors and princes in the kingdom of Darius. The other governors and princes were jealous and plotted against him, seeking to destroy him. When Daniel learned of this, he went to the Lord and prayed. The aim of the conspiracy of the one hundred twenty governors was to shake Daniel’s relationship with God. Nevertheless, Daniel opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day. When Daniel learned from reading the prophecy of Jeremiah that the seventy- year period of exile and captivity was soon to expire, he began to pray (Dan. 9:2-3). Then he received another vision and he prayed continually for three weeks until the answer came (Dan. 10:1-3, 12). Daniel’spray er life issued out of a holy life. He lived a holy life in the heathen land of Babylon. For example, Daniel refused to eat the king’s food, the food which was first offered to idols and then used to feed the king and his people (Dan. 1:8). Daniel refused that food, and he enjoyed God very much. He enjoyed God as the tree of life.
15 耶稣－是神的儿子，因神活著
XV. Jesus—As the Son of God Living by God
32当我们来到新约，我们看到新约中第一位在生命线上的人，就是主耶稣。耶稣不但享受生命树，祂就是那生命树。祂自己说，祂从父而来，并因父活著。（约六57。）祂不照著知识学问活著，祂的生活、行事为人和工作，都是照著在祂里面作工的父。（约十四10。）
32As we come to the New Testament, we see that the first person on the line of life in the New Testament was the Lord Jesus. Jesus not only enjoyed the tree of life; He was the tree of life. He Himself said that He came from the Father and that He lived by the Father (John 6:57). He did not live according to knowledge and learning. He lived, walked, and worked according to the Father who was working within Him (John 14:10).
16 新约信徒－因主活著
XVI. The New Testament Believers— Living by the Lord
33我们新约信徒的定命就是住在主里面，并让主住在我们里面。（约十五5。）这意思就是我们享受主。主耶稣告诉我们说，我们必须吃祂，那吃祂的就因祂活著。（约六57，十四19。）我们必须吃主耶稣，因为祂是我们生命的粮，是我们的生命树。生命树就是以食物6的形态呈现出来的生命。在约翰六章，主也以食物的方式把自己作生命的供应摆出来，告诉我们祂是生命的粮，（约六35，）祂的肉是可吃的。（约六55。）我们若吃祂，就要得著祂作我们的生命，和我们藉以活著的生命供应。这是对生命树真正的享受。
33Our destiny as New Testament believers is simply to abide in the Lord and to allow the Lord to abide in us (John 15:5). This means that we enjoy the Lord. The Lord Jesus told us that we must eat Him, for he who eats Him shall live because of Him (John 6:57; 14:19). We must eat the Lord Jesus because He is our bread of life, our tree of life. The tree of life is life presented in the form of food. In John the Lord presented Himself as the life supply also in the form of food, telling us that He is the bread of life (v. 35) and that His flesh is eatable (v. 55). If we eat Him, we will have Him as our life and as the life supply by which we live. This is the genuine enjoyment of the tree of life.
17 保罗－活出主
XVII. Paul—Living Out the Lord
34在所有新约信徒中，保罗是一个活出主之人的例子。在加拉太二章二十节保罗说，基督活在他里面，并且他所活的生命，是他因信主耶稣所活的。保罗说，他自己已经钉了十字架并埋葬了，现今乃是基督在他里面活著。至终保罗能说，『因为在我，活著就是基督。』（腓一21。）基督是保罗的生命和生命的供应，因为他享受基督作生命树。
34Among all the New Testament believers, Paul was an example of a man who lived out the Lord. In Galatians 2:20 Paul said that Christ lived in him and that the life which he lived he lived by the faith of the Lord Jesus. Paul was saying that he himself had been crucified and buried, and that it was Christ who lived in him. Eventually Paul could say, “For to me to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). Christ was his life and his life supply, for Paul enjoyed Christ as the tree of life
18 召会是基督的身体－凭基督作生命活著
XVIII. The Church as the Body of Christ— Living by Christ as Life
35召会是基督的身体。身体不可能不享受头。身体不能与头分开，因为一分开就是死。整个召会是基督的身体，倚靠基督并凭基督作生命活著。（弗一23，西三4。）我们由此能看到，召会可以享受基督作生命树。
35The church is the Body of Christ. It is impossible for the body not to enjoy the head. The body cannot be separated from the head, for such separation means death. The entire church is the Body of Christ, depending on Christ and living by Christ as life (Eph. 1:23; Col. 3:4). By this we can see that the church may enjoy Christ as the tree of life
19 新耶路撒冷－
XIX. The New Jerusalem
由生命河同生命树所维持
Sustained by the River of Life with the Tree of Life
36在圣经末了，我们看见生命树的终极完成－新耶路撒冷。在城中心有生命河，从神和羔羊的宝座流出来，其中长著生命树，每月都结果子。（启二二1～2。）在永世里我们的定命和我们的分，乃是享受生命树和生命水。圣经结束在一个应许和一个呼召上。应许是在启示录二十二章十四节：『那些洗净自己袍子的有福了，可得权柄到生命树那里。』呼召是在启示录二十二章十七节：『愿意的都可以白白取生命的水喝。』因此，整本圣经结束在吃和喝，结束在享受神作生命树和喝祂作生命水。这就是生命线的终极完成。
36At the end of the Bible we see the consummation of the tree of life—the New Jerusalem. In the center of this city we see the river of life, which proceeds out of the throne of God and the Lamb, and in which grows the tree of life that bears fruit every month (Rev. 22:1-2). Our destiny and our portion for eternity will be the enjoyment of the tree of life and the water of life. The Bible concludes with a promise and a call. The promise is found in Revelation 22:14 which says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life.” The call is found in Revelation 22:17 which says, “He who wills, let him take the water of life freely.” Thus, the whole Bible ends with eating and drinking, with enjoying God as the tree of life and with drinking Him as the water of life. This is the consummation of the line of life.
37我们今天该作甚么？我们不该作甚么。我们只要简单的留在生命树的线上，享受神作我们的生命和生命的供应。神会照顾一切。因著享受主作我们生命的供应，我们就有日常的生活、行事为人、工作以及召会的建造。这样，我们所有的一切就会照著神的神圣成分，而不照著我们自己的观念。现在我们看见，我们必须走那一条路。愿主怜悯我们，使我们都继续在生命线上。
37What should we do today? We should not do anything. We should simply stay on the line of the tree of life, enjoying God as our life and as our life supply. God will take care of everything. Out of the enjoyment of the Lord as our life supply, we will have our daily life, walk, work, and the building up of the churches. Then everything we have will be according to God’s divine element, not according to our own concepts. Now we see the way we must take. May the Lord have mercy on us that we all may continue on the line of life