Manna issue 76 - Understanding and Fulfilling Our Commission 明白和完成自已的使命
Are we committed to our true purpose in life? 我們有忠於自已生命的真正的使命嗎？
Philip Shee—Jakarta, Indonesia 印尼雅加達許腓利 執事
When Jesus was faced with His
impending death, He said, “But for
this purpose I came to this hour” (Jn
12:27b). Jesus clearly understood
His ultimate purpose on earth, and
never let Himself be distracted from
it. He was regularly overwhelmed by
crowds of people who sought Him
for healing, but He would say to
them: “I must preach the kingdom of
God to the other cities also, because
for this purpose I have been sent” (Lk
4:43). And when He was interrogated
by Pilate, Jesus responded, “For this
cause I was born, and for this cause
I have come into the world, that I
should bear witness to the truth” (Jn
18:37b).
當耶穌面對即將到來的死亡時，祂說，"但我原是為這時候來的。"(約 12：27b)
耶穌很清楚的明白自已在世上最終極的任務，並且要讓祂自已不要被世上的事情來分心。
他常常被擁擠的人群圍的滿滿的，他們想要找祂尋求疾病的醫治，但是祂會這樣跟他們說：
"43但耶穌對他們說：我也必須在別城傳神國的福音，因我奉差原是為此。"(路 4：43)
並且當祂被彼拉多審問的時候，耶穌回答說，我為此而生，也為此來到世間，特為給真理作見證。(約 18：37b)
Jesus was sent to the world with
the commission to preach the gospel
of salvation and to give His life as
a ransom for us, and He stopped
at nothing to fulfill His duties. Are
we able to be as dedicated as we
carry out our own commission as
ambassadors of Christ?
耶穌被派遣到世上來，身上帶著傳揚得救福音的使用，並且到最後犧牲祂的生命為了我們而成為贖價，
而且毫無畏懼來達成他的使命。
在我們執行自已的使命成為基督在世上的代表，我們能夠專心來完成嗎？
UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMISSION 了解自的使命
There are many who commit their
lives to a certain cause or career. Some
do so out of duty, while others are
driven by passion or ideology. They
brush aside distractions and dedicate
themselves to what they deem to be
their calling. A rich heir may seek to
expand his family’s business empire.
A musician may devote lifelong
practice to present that perfect
performance. A political activist
may risk his life to influence society
according to his ideology. And an
altruistic man may work unceasingly
to help the underprivileged. But what
about us? What is our calling today?
有許多人會因為某些原因，或是某種志業，願意獻上自已的生命。
有些人因為責任的原故而這麼作，而或有其他人會因為自已的熱情，或是自已的理想的驅使而獻身。
他們會撇除一切會讓他們分心的事情，全心投入自已的心力，在他們認為是自已一生使命的事情。
家道豐富的繼承人，會想要擴大自已家族的商業帝國。
音樂家會投注一生的時間不斷的練習，為的就是可以作出自已最完美的演出。
政治活動的活躍人士，會願意冒著生命的危險，跟據自已的理想主義來影響社會。
喜歡幫助別人的人，會不斷的工作來幫助那些社會下層貧困的人民。
但是我們會怎麼作呢？
在今日，什麼才是我們自已的使命呢？
We have often heard about the
great commission Jesus gave His
apostles: “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature”
(Mk 16:15). Indeed, this commission
is entrusted to all Christians. But do
we have a clear understanding of our
purpose and the conviction to carry
it out? If we want to stay on the
right path, then we must know what
our purpose is and carry it out with
conviction.
我們常常聽到有關耶穌給祂門徒的大使命："你們往普天下去，傳福音給萬民（萬民：原文是凡受造的）聽。"(可 16：15)
事實上，所有的基督徒都被託負了這個大使命。
但是我們真的有清楚明白自已一生的使命，並且願意堅信到底去付諸實現？
若是我們想要停留在正確的道路上，那麼我們一定要知道，自已的使命是什麼？用絕對的信心去執行到底。
“But you shall receive power when
the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be witnesses to
Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the end of the
earth.”
(Acts 1:8)
8但聖靈降臨在你們身上，你們就必得著能力，並要在耶路撒冷、猶太全地，和撒瑪利亞，直到地極，作我的見證。
(徒 1：8)
This commission was given to the
church, but it was not until the Holy
Spirit descended that the church was
established and sent to do the work.
Therefore, before we preach the
gospel, we must first be sent by God
(Rom 10: 15). The presence of the
Holy Spirit confirms that the church
has the authority to cleanse sins and
save souls through water baptism
(Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Jn 5:6–8).
When we received the gospel and
were baptized, we gained salvation.
But just as we have freely received,
we need to freely give (Mt 10:7–8).
We have not only received salvation,
but also the commission to bring
salvation to others. If we do not pass
it on, then who will?
教會被給予這個使命，但是教會並無法執行這個使命，直到聖靈降臨，教會被建立了，才開始作這件工作。
所以，在我們開始傳福音之前，首先我們一定要接受神的差派。(羅 10：15)
聖靈的同在，証實了，教會有權柄赦罪，並且可以透過洗禮來拯救人的靈魂。(可 16：16；徒 2：38；約壹 5：6-8)
當我們領受了福音，接受了洗禮，我們的靈魂得到了救贖。
但是就如同我們是白白接受的，我們也要白白的把這福音傳給別人。(太10：7-8)
我們不只得到了救贖，而且也領受了使命，要把這個救贖傳給其他人。
若是我們不把這個福音繼續傳下去，那麼有誰會作呢？
Like Jesus, we must understand
that this is the reason we have been
called. This is the purpose of our lives.
We may come from different walks
of life, harbor different passions, or
have different talents. We may live in
different countries, work in different
companies, or study at different
academic institutions. Without a
doubt, these factors will shape our
lives, but they do not define our
purpose on earth. Instead, our lives
are defined by our commission to
preach the gospel. We should ask
ourselves: Why has God placed
me in this country, this company,
or this college? How can I use my
circumstances to further the work of
the gospel? And how can I offer my
knowledge and talents for the same
purpose?
如同耶穌，我們一定要知道，就是這個原因，今日我們才被選召的。
我就是我們一生的目的。
我們可能是來自不同的各行各業，心中懷有不同的熱情，或是有不同的天份。
我們或許住在不同的國家，在不同的公司裡工作，在不同的學院或學校裡受教育。
毫無疑問地，這些外在的因素會塑造出我們不同的生活模式，但是這一切，並不能就訂義我們這一生在世上所要作的事。
相反的，我們的人生是以我們的使命來訂義的，為的就是要傳揚福音，。
我們可以捫心自問：為什麼神把我放在這個國家，這間公司，或是這所學校呢？
我要怎麼作，才能好好利用我現在的環境，來更進一步促進福音的工作？
我要怎麼作，才能好好利用我現在的知識和天份，來為這個目標來付出？
FULFILLING OUR COMMISSION 完成自已的使命
The early apostolic church left us
a positive example of fulfilling the
commission. After the church was
established on the Day of Pentecost,
the brethren continued to worship
together daily, learning the word of
God, praying and breaking bread
from house to house. Preaching the
word became the center of their
daily activities, so “the Lord added
to the church daily those who were
being saved” (Acts 2:47). When they
were threatened with punishment
for preaching in Jesus’ name, they
raised their voices to God with one
accord and prayed for boldness to
speak His word (Acts 4:24, 29). And,
indeed, they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit and boldly spoke the word
of God (Acts 4:31). These passages
show that the early church was not
deterred by threats and persecution.
Not only the apostles, but the
entire church, strived to fulfill their
commission.
早期使徒教會，留給我們一些實際的模範，完成了他們的使命。
在五旬節那一天，教會建立之後，每一天弟兄姐妹都繼續在一起來敬拜神，學習神的話，一起禱告，家家戶戶一起撥餅享用。
傳揚這道成為他們每一日活動的重心，所以 "主將得救的人天天加給他們。"(徒 2：47)
當他們受到威脅，如果再傳揚耶穌的名就會受到處罰，他們同心一意大聲向神呼求，並且禱告讓他們可以放膽講論神的話。(徒 4：24，29)
而且事實上，他們都充滿了聖靈，可以大膽的講論神的話。(徒 4：31)
這些經節告訴我們，早期教會不會因為受到威脅和逼迫，而停止傳福音。
不只是眾使徒，而且整個教會，都努力要去達成他們的使命。
Furthermore, the early church
remained committed to their cause
even in the face of heightened
persecution. When Stephen was
martyred, a great persecution arose
against the church in Jerusalem.
Believers were scattered throughout
the regions of Judea and Samaria.
But this did not prevent the spread
of the gospel, for “those who
were scattered went everywhere
preaching the word” (Acts 8:4, 1).
This persecution even caused the
gospel to spread beyond Jerusalem,
into Judea, Samaria and to the end of
the earth, thus fulfilling Jesus’ word.
不只如此，早期教會即使在面臨高壓統治的逼迫時，仍然可以保持繼續傳福音。
在司提反為主殉道之後，在耶路撒冷有大逼迫針對教會而來。
許多信徒四散分佈到猶大和撒馬利亞的各地區。
但是這一切，並沒有辨法阻止福音的傳播，"4那些分散的人往各處去傳道。"。(徒 8：4，1)
這個逼迫甚至讓福音傳到耶路撒冷以外的地方，傳到了猶大地，撒馬利亞，並且直到地極，因為完成了耶穌的預言。
Apart from the apostles and other
workers who had devoted themselves
to the ministry, the believers would
have had their own occupations,
such as tentmakers Aquila and
Priscilla (Acts 18:3). Still, the work of
the gospel took center stage, while
their livelihoods were used to support
the ministry. For example, Aquila and
Priscilla provided lodging for Paul
while he was in Corinth, and even
sailed with him to Syria. They also
played a part in correcting Apollos in
Ephesus (Acts 18:1–3, 18, 24–26).
除了使徒和其他工人已經把他們自已的全身，奉獻在福音的事工之外，許多信徒都有他們自已的職業，
例如以織帳棚為業的百基拉和亞居拉。(徒 18：3)
然而，福音的工作成為他們生活的重心，而他們就用自已謀生方式，來支持傳福音。
例如，當保燭在哥林多的時候，百基拉和亞居拉提供住所給保羅，並且也一同和他一起坐船去敘利亞。
在以弗所教會糾正亞波羅的問題是，他們也扮演了自已的工作。(徒 18：1-3，18，24-26)
We are certainly better off today,
as most of us can practice our faith
without persecution. God provides for
our physical needs, even exceeding
our needs and expectations. We have
received a good education, and may
have a stable job or a place in college
to further our education. But have
we, like the early believers, taken
our commission seriously? In Paul’s
epistle to the Corinthians, he calls
us ambassadors for Christ, entrusted
with the ministry of reconciliation, to
reconcile man to God (2 Cor 5:18–
20). In the world of international
diplomacy, an ambassador may
host various events, galas and social
functions in the country he has been
sent to, but the purpose behind these
is to promote his own country. Hence,
wherever God places us, whatever
we do there should be secondary to,
or the means by which we fulfill, the
real purpose of God.
比起那個時候，今日我們的日子一定比較好過，我們大部份的人都可以有自已的信仰，而不會受到逼迫。
神會提供我們肉體上的需求，甚至超過我們的需要和期待。
我們已經接受了良好的教育，或許有一份穩定的工作，或者在大學裡繼續我們自已的深造。
但是我們是，是否有像早期的許多信徒一樣，好好認真看待我們自已的使命呢？
在保羅寫給哥林多教會的書信中，他稱我們是基督的代表，交託我們與神和好的福音事工，讓人可以和神重新和好。(林後 5：18-20)
在國際外交的世界中，身為國家的大使可能要舉辨許多的活動，聯歡會，並且執行許多他被送到這個國家所要從事的社會功能，
但是在這外表功能之後，最終的目標，就是要來推廣他自已的國家。
因此，無論神我們放在那裡，無論我們在那裡要從事什麼事，或是我們所要完成的目標，比起神給我們真正的目的，都應該比較次要。
We have not only received
salvation, but also the
commission to bring salvation
to others. If we do not pass it
on, then who will?
我們不只得到了救贖，而且也要完成使命要把這個救贖傳給別人。
若我們不把這個福音傳下去，那麼有誰會這麼作呢？
It does not matter where
you end up. The key is to
preach the gospel wherever
you are.
無論最後你會在那裡都沒有關係。
最重要的是，無論你在那裡，都要傳福音。
For example, if we are students,
there will be many opportunities
to meet new friends. While our
schedules may be packed with
lectures, laboratory sessions or
examinations, there will still be
pockets of time that we can spend
socializing. If we fully understand
our commission, we will seize every
opportunity to reach out to our
friends. It can start by simply asking
them about their weekend plans,
and then inviting them to church.
Or discussing with them about the
existence of God, or their aspirations
in life, and then sharing about God’s
purpose for human beings. If they are
already Christians, we can ask about
their views on certain topics, such as
speaking in tongues or the existence
of so many denominations today,
and proceed from there to explain
the biblical perspective.
例如，若是我們是學生，就會有許多的機會會遇到新朋友。
或許我們的生活行程都充滿了許多要上的課程，很多實驗課，或是好幾場的考試要面對，
一定仍然還有空閒的時間，我們可以用來和別人進行社交活動。
若是我們真的有完全了解自已的使命，我們會抓住每一個機會，來向外接觸自已的朋友。
或許我們一開始，只要簡單問問別人，他們在週末有什麼計劃，然後邀請他們來教會。
或者和他們討論神的存在，或是他們對自已的人生，有什麼的期望，然後分享有關神對人類的目的。
若是他們已經是基督徒，我們可以詢問他們對某些話題的看法，例如說靈言，或是今日為什麼有許多教派的存在，
從那裡開始，再來解釋聖經裡面的觀點。
Similarly, for those who are already
working, there will be times when
we are having tea or lunch with our
colleagues. During these occasions,
we can reach out to them, even if it is
simply an invitation to an evangelistic
service. Like the early believers who
were scattered, it does not matter
where you end up. The key is to
preach the gospel wherever you are.
同樣地，對那些已經在工作的人，我們會有許多時間和自已的同事一起共進茶點或是午餐。
在這些場合裡，我們可以向外接觸他們，甚至只有簡單的幾句話，邀請他們來參加佈道會。
就像早期四處分散的許多信徒，你最後跑那裡都無所謂。
最重要的是，無論你在那裡，都會傳揚福音。
Have we understood our true purpose and what God’s commission
is for us? If not, we need to slow down and examine our lives.
Have we aligned our lives to God’s commission?
我們已經了解自已人生的目的了嗎？神給我們的使命是什麼呢？
若是還不清楚，我們需要慢下來，重新檢查自已的生活和生命。
我們真的有把自已的生活和神的使命以聯合了嗎？
HAVE WE FORSAKEN OUR COMMISSION? 我們是不是已經放棄自已的使命呢？
When we read about Jesus’ calling
of Peter, it causes us to reflect upon
our own purpose and calling in life.
When Peter was first called by Jesus,
it was after he had “toiled all night
and caught nothing” (Lk 5:5). This
encapsulates a life that is focused
on secular things, and not on Christ
and His commission for us. We will
toil throughout our days and, in
the end, gain nothing. Jesus then
commissioned Peter to undertake his
true purpose—to “catch men” (Lk
5:10). So Peter left his nets, forsook
all and followed Him (Lk 5:11).
當我們讀到有關耶穌對彼得的呼召，這段經文會讓我們回想，我們自已一生的目的和呼召。
當彼得一開始被耶穌呼召的時候，這是在他已經"我們整夜勞力，並沒有打著甚麼。"(路 5：5)
這段節文就濃縮了，人專心在世上事務的一生，但是人若是專心在基督的事上，或是祂給我們的使命，就不會再如此虛空。
我們都會在我們的每天生活中不斷勞碌，直到最後，卻是一無所得。
接下來耶穌託負彼得，要去承擔他自已人生真正的任務 - 要去"得人如魚" (路 5：10)
所以彼得會放下他自已的魚網，放棄一切，並且跟隨耶穌。(路 5：11)
The next few years saw Peter
leading a much more meaningful
life as he accompanied Jesus in His
ministry. He was sent to preach
from city to city and was given
authority to cast out demons and
to heal. However, after Jesus was
arrested and crucified, Peter lost his
direction. He forsook his commission
and returned to fishing. The other
disciples followed suit. But they
discovered that, as before, they
toiled all night only to catch nothing
(Jn 21:3). This again emphasizes the
futility of life that is not directed by
the purpose of God.
過了幾年之後，就可以看見彼得過著一個更有意義的生活，就像他伴隨耶穌去從事傳福音的工作。
他們派出去傳福音，從這城到那嘉，並且被賜予權柄，驅逐魔鬼和醫治病人。
然而，在耶穌被逮捕以及被釘十架之後，彼得失去了他的方向。
他放棄了自已的任務，回去繼續捕魚。
其他許多的門徒也跟著有樣學樣，回到以前的生活。
但是他們卻發現了，就跟以前自已的生活經驗一樣，自已勞碌了一整夜，卻只不過是一無所得。(約 21：3)
這也再一次強調了，若是人沒有神的目標來指引自已的生活，生活一樣是空虛的。
Many people devote their entire
lives in pursuit of material goals such
as wealth, status, fame, enjoyment
or intellectual achievement. But no
matter how hard you work, success
cannot be guaranteed. Even if you
achieve your goal, all will be lost
at the point of death. If we do not
understand the spiritual purpose of
God and devote ourselves to it, then
we will be like the disciples toiling
all night and catching nothing—our
labors will be futile.
許多人奉獻自已的全身來追求屬世的物質生活目標，例如財富，社會地位，名譽，肉體的享受，並且知識上的成就。
但是不論你有多認真的工作，依然不能保証你一定會成功。
甚使你達成了自已的目標，在你臨死之際，一切還是都會消失。
若是我們不明白神給我們靈性上的目標和任務，不曉得要把自已的身心用在神的事上，那麼我們就會像許多門徒一樣，
工作勞碌了一整夜，但是卻一無所穫 - 因為我們的勞心勞力都會是空虛的。
After one of these fishing
expeditions, Jesus again appeared
to Peter. During their conversation,
the Lord stirred him up to reflect on
and reaffirm his love for Him. Then
Jesus called Peter once again, as He
did at the beginning, saying, “Follow
Me” (Jn 21:19; cf. Mt 419). Even
though Jesus revealed how Peter
would suffer a terrible death, Peter
readily accepted His commission (Jn
21:18–19). And this time, he did not
turn back.
在這些出海遠征捕魚之後，耶穌再一次向彼得顯現。
在他們的對話中，主耶穌鼓勵他要從新回想一下，並且再次向神重新肯定自已對神的愛。
然後，耶穌就再一次呼召了彼得，就是祂在過去一開始所說的一樣，"跟從我" (約 21：19；cf. 太4：19)
即使在耶穌向彼得顯示了，以後彼得要承受非常可怕的死亡，彼得作好了準備來接受從神而來的任務。(約 21：18-19)
在這個時候，他就不再退縮了。
As we journey through our lives, it
is not uncommon to be overwhelmed
by the pressures of the world and
the fear of being left behind. We
may get swept up in the endless
pursuit of physical advancement. If
this happens, we do not have the
luxury to slow down and ponder:
Why are we chasing these goals and
where do they really lead us? Before
long, we may discover that we have
rushed through life without really
having lived. Have we understood
our true purpose and what God’s
commission is for us? If not, we need
to slow down and examine our lives.
Have we aligned our lives to God’s
commission, just as Jesus and the
believers in the apostolic church did?
Or have we suffered some setbacks
or confusion in our service, like Peter?
If we want meaning and purpose to
come back into our lives, then let
us subject ourselves again to Jesus’
commission, and live to fulfill it.
當我們隨著自已的一生旅程走過時，被世上的壓力和重擔來壓迫，或是感受到被人遺棄恐懼，這種情況並不會不平常。
在這毫無止境追求世俗成就的追求中，我或許會徒勞無功。
若是這種情況發生了，我們並沒有多餘的空閒來慢下來，好好思考：
為什麼我們會去追求這些目標，而這些目標到底最後會領我們那裡去？
不久之前，我們或許會發現，我們匆匆忙忙過了一生，並沒有好好的活著。
我們是不是已經了解自已真正的目標？什麼才是神給我們的任務呢？
若是我們還不清楚，我們一定要慢下來，檢視自已的生活。
我們有沒有在自已的生活中，與神的使命互相結合呢？
就如同耶穌和許多使徒教會時代的信徒一樣呢？
或是在我們自已的事奉中，遭受了一些挫折，又或是經歷了一陣混亂，就像彼得嗎？
若是我們想要自已生活裡面，重新又有自已的意義和目標的話，
那麼讓我們再一次順從於主耶穌的使命，繼續活著直到把它完成為止。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)