8月10日靈修禱文|DEVOTION

August 10th, 2020

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50:19-20

Thought

Free will is an interesting topic in the study of artificial intelligence. If people have full freedom to make choices, then how is it possible that people's behavior can be predicted? Likewise, if people have free will in its entirety, then how can God fulfill his will? Joseph's story lets us see that people's sinful acts cannot have impact on God's sovereignty, nor on the blessings he planned. Joseph had a lot of unfavorable experiences, like being sold to Egypt by his brothers, and wrongfully imprisoned due to the false accusation of his master's wife. He did not complain and did not regard himself as a victim. Conversely, he firmly believed that God's works were behind all these. Joseph was caused harm in a couple of occasions, but he described himself as "being sent by God". His mission was to complete the tasks that God gave him. He was strong to face difficulties and unfairness in his life squarely. He was certain that God ruled. Because of this attitude, he brought blessings to those around him, no matter whether he was an overseer in Potiphar's house, or he became a prisoner, or he became the governor of Egypt. In the last few months, the world has changed a lot. There have been political clashes. And natural disasters like floods and plague have made many people sick, and even die. These have caused severe socio-economic impacts. All of us become victims to one degree or another. May we firmly believe God's sovereignty like Joseph, and strive to complete the tasks God gives us. May we be a blessing to others in this time of bewilderment.

Prayer

O Lord, please forgive us as we often focus on the surface of things and forget that you have absolute sovereignty over everything. No matter how people act, they cannot change your plan. May you give us great determination to become your vessels, so as to bring blessings to people around us. Amen.

Elder Henry Leung

創世紀 50:19-20

約瑟對他們說、不要害怕、我豈能代替神呢。從前你們的意思是要害我、但神的意思原是好的、要保全許多人的性命、成就今日的光景

思想

在人工智能的研究上,自由意志是一個有趣的問題.如果人是完全有自由作出選擇的,那麽人的行為怎麼可能是可以預測的呢? 同樣,人如果有完全自由意志,神怎樣可以完成祂的意旨? 約瑟的故事給我們看到在人的罪性下作出的種種作為,是影响不了神的主權並神計劃下帶來的祝福.對自己很多不如意的經歷好像被兄弟賣到埃及,無辜被主母誣告而坐監等,约瑟並沒有抱怨, 也有以受害者自居.相反,他堅定相信這一切背後都是神的作為.對自己被害的幾件事情,约瑟都形容自己是「被神所差遣的」.他的使命就是要完成神的事工. 他堅強地面對生命中的困難及不公平的事. 這種肯定神在管治的態度,令约瑟無論在波提乏家中做管家,或在監牢中,或在埃及宰相,他都將祝福帶給他身邊的人. 最近幾個月世界發生很大的變化,有政治上的冲突,天然的災禍好像水災,疫情令很多人生病,死亡,令社會及經濟嚴重受影响,我們每個人都好像或多或少成為受害者. 但願我們都能像約瑟般堅定相信神的主權,努力作成神交給我們的事工,在這困惑的時期,能成為别人的祝福