[오늘의 한문장] 신약성경과 그 세계

신약성경은 이 세계를 혼돈과 우상숭배에서 구하고 새롭게 변화된 피조 세계를 출범시키려는 하나님의 계획을 펼쳐 보이는 이야기 속으로 우리를 이끌어 가도록 설계됐다. 이런 구원, 이런 출범이 예수 안에서 일어났다.  - P37

11The first lot came up for t...

11The first lot came up for the tribe of Benjamin according to its clans. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: - P80

21The tribe of Benjamin, according to its clans, had the following towns: Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz,

22Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,

23Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,

24Kephar Ammoni, Ophni and Geba—twelve towns and their villages.

25Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

26Mizpah, Kephirah, Mozah,

27Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,

28Zelah, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah and Kiriath—fourteen towns and their villages. This was the inheritance of Benjamin for its clans.

- P81

Benjamin is the first of the seven tribes to receive an inheritance. The allotted land is between Judah in the south and Joseph in the north. This isnot a coincidence. This position becomes a critical buffer between the twoareas when the nation later splits into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
This passage reminds us that God is working in our lives even in areas thatseem random or accidental.  - P82

Although we may not always understand thedetails of what is happening, God can work through our families, churches,
workplaces, and communities in glorious ways) His plans may be myste-rious and hidden from us, but we can trust that God can use anything tofulfill His good purposes.  - P82

Sometimes we are tempted to doubt or compareour situations with others‘, but rather than fretting over what we think welack, we can embrace what God has given to us and be thankful for theopportunities to be faithful there. - P82

Dear Jesus, thank you for our family and relatives. Help us to bless oneanother with Your love and grace-even those we find hard to get alongwith. Give us Your heart for each family member. In Your name, amen. - P83

5You are to divide the land i...

5You are to divide the land into seven parts. Judah is to remain in its territory on the south and the tribes of Joseph in their territory on the north.

6After you have written descriptions of the seven parts of the land, bring them here to me and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord our God.

- P74

This passage marks a turning point for Israel. The tent of meeting is now established at Shiloh, making it the center of worship for the nation. Militarily, Israel has subdued its enemies and faces no immediate external threat. Yet, seven tribes still have not taken possession of their inheritance. Joshua challenges them to rise and claim what God has already given. - P76

This moment teaches us two important lessons. First, we must remain close to God so that we are not waiting in vain when He has already given something to us. Second, God involves us in His plans, and He expects us to respond in faith and obedience. - P76

We should not settle for less than God’s promises but actively receive and step into them. - P76

Joshua instructs each of the seven tribes to appoint three men to surveythe land and bring back a written report. Based on their survey, Joshua willcast lots in Shiloh before the presence of the LORD to determine each tribe‘sportion. The Levites, however, are reminded that their inheritance is GodHimself. This passage reveals the dynamic interplay between God‘s sover-eignty and our responsibility. God has already determined Israel‘s inheri-tance, but the people still have a role in surveying the land and reporting it.
Even the casting of lots is done before God, acknowledging His sovereigntyin the distribution of the land.  - P76

Likewise, God invites us to actively engagewith His plans, trusting that He weaves both divine guidance and humaneffort into His purposes. - P76

Dear God, thank you that You are sovereign over all. Help me to recognize the new phases You bring and to move with Your Spirit. Give me faith, obedience, and wisdom to partner in Your good work. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P76

[오늘의 한문장] 히브리 성서를 열다

매우 편안한 꿈이다. 하지만 설득력이 있는가? "내가 네 말대로하여..." 인간의 욕구에 대해 하나님이 순응하실 것이라는 이 위안의 말은, 아브라함에서 모세 그리고 예레미야에 이르기까지 이스라엘의 선택된 지도자들이 경험했던 야훼와의 상호 작용의 특징이 아니다. 그들 중 누구도, 심지어 예수도 그런 위안의 말을 듣지 못했다.
오히려 그들은 하나님이 요구하는 것과 씨름하고 그 대가가 무엇이든 궁극적으로 거기에 굴복한다. - P319

솔로몬 통치의 공식 기록은 사무엘의 경고가 정확했음을 증명한다. 솔로몬은 많은 병거와 기마병을 소유했고, 특별히 방비하고 유지해야 할 도시가 있었으며 10:26 참조. 4:26 그것을 위해 또한 잘 닦인 도로와 수많은 지원 인력, 곧 마부, 제빵사, 요리사, 상처를 치료하는연고 제조자 등이 필요했다. 대규모 징집 노동자9:15 와 노예2:20-21는동부 지중해의 3대 주요 무역로가 교차하는 지점에 위치한 전략적으로 중요한 도시인 게셀, 므깃도, 하솔9:15을 요새화하는 데 필수적이었다.  - P321

17But Joshua said to the trib...

17But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment

18but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out."

- P71

Ephraim and Manasseh feel that their allotted land is too small for the numerous population. Joshua suggests that they go into the forest and clear the land there, but the additional territory is already occupied by stronger people with superior chariots. The situation is certainly a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. - P72

Growth and increase are possible, but it requires courage, determination, and trust that God is with His people. This perspective applies to us today. Whenever we seek to grow in faith, influence, or blessing, we can face seemingly insurmountable challenges. - P72

However, if we focus on the Lord rather than our fears, we can walk the difficult path to growth because we are walking with Him. - P72

When Ephraim and Manasseh doubt their ability to capture the land, Joshua reminds them of their strength and numbers. He affirms their potentialand assures them that they can clear the forested hill country and face theCanaanites, even with their iron chariots. Joshua tells the tribes that, if theystep out in faith, they will reach the farthest limits of the land d‘and be able todrive out even the strongest opposition.  - P72

In our own spiritual journeys, Godoften calls us not only to believe in His promises but also to act courageous-ly, tackling the work before us. God has already equipped us, butstep out in faith and do the work that He has entrusted to us. - P72

"When Christ gives us a particular calling to fulfill, he emphatically does not promisethat it will come easy. In fact, it is often precisely the opposite. Difficult obstaclesemerge to confirm the genuineness of our calling." - David Mathis - P72

There maybe times when we feel dissatisfied with what we have receivedfrom God. We may have different preferences and desires, but we shouldnot be ungrateful or fail to ask God how He wants us to use what He hasprovided. God does not want us to be spiritually stagnant and lazy withwhat He has given. Thus, when we ask for more, it sometimes requires us towork harder. We may even be challenged to do something far more difficultthan we thought possible.
- P73

When we receive from the Lord, , we should remember that He alwaysknows exactly how much we need. We should be grateful for what He hasprovided and know how to make the best use of it. However, if we seekmore from the Lord, we should also be ready for whatever difficulties maycome with our requests. We should see these moments as opportunities toincrease our faith, remembering we can overcome any challenge that Hehas deemed possible for us. - P73

Lord, I confess that challenges often intimidate me and make me hesitant to move forward. Strengthen my faith so that my desire for growth in You is greater than my fear of opposition. - P73

Help me to trust Your power above all. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P73