Article #33 in the series: You Are God’s Masterpiece: The Genesis Notes.
你是神的工作: 《创世记手记》系列第三十三篇
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With the victory of Jesus, you can face any difficult meeting depend on God’s outcomes.
因着耶稣的胜利，靠着神，你可以面对任何困难。
Jacob’s Spiritual Victory – the Night Before
雅各属灵生命的得胜—— 前一夜
In Genesis 32 Jacob had a great victory. With God’s help Jacob conquered fear, something he had been battling for years. Genesis 32 is the night before Jacob will meet his twin brother. His twin brother, Esau, who Jacob stole from. His twin brother, Esau, who wants to kill Jacob. Jacob knows Esau is on his way with 400 men to meet Jacob. All night long Jacob alone wrestles with God and when finished, God gave Jacob a new name: Israel. It was an amazing experience between God and Jacob.
在创世记三十二章，雅各获得了了不起的胜利。在 神的帮助下，他胜过了与之争战多年的恐惧。创世记三十二章所写的正是雅各见双胞胎哥哥的前一个晚上发生的事，雅各曾偷了双胞胎哥哥以扫的祝福。双胞胎哥哥以扫想杀死雅各。雅各知道以扫正带着四百个人迎着他而来。整个晚上，雅各独自一人跟 神摔跤，结束后， 神给了雅各一个新名字：以色列。这是发生在 神和雅各之间的神奇经历。
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
Genesis 32:28-30 NIV
那人说：“你的名不要再叫雅各，要叫以色列，因为你与神与人较力，都得了胜。”雅各问他说：“请将你的名告诉我。”那人说：“何必问我的名？”于是在那里给雅各祝福。雅各便给那地方起名叫毗努伊勒（注：就是“神之面”的意思），意思说：“我面对面见了神，我的性命仍得保全。”
创世记32:28-30
Mountain-Top Experience
矗立巅峰的体验
Maybe you have had an amazing experience like this in your life. During a church service, a worship event, spiritual retreat, prayer meeting or special conference, did you feel God speak directly to you? Maybe you felt He even changed you on the inside? What an amazing moment for God to spiritually work in your life. Maybe God spoke to you about your future, or gave you hope to face a trial. Maybe God even gave you a new name just like Jacob’s new name. We call this a mountain-top experience with God.
也许在生活中，你有过这样的神奇经历。在一场教堂礼拜、赞美会、属灵退修会、祷告会或特会期间，你有感觉到 神亲口对你说话吗？或许你感觉到 神甚至改变了内在的你？神在你生命中作属灵的工作，这是多么神奇的事啊。或许 神告诉了你未来会如何，或者给了你面对试炼的盼望，也许 神甚至给了你一个新名字，就像雅各的新名字一样。我们称这些经历是跟 神矗立巅峰的经历。
Remember when after the concert, after the church service, after the prayer meeting, after you went home and had to face the daily activities in your life, the hard things? What happened when you came down off of the mountain top?
当赞美会，教堂礼拜，祷告会结束后，要记得你回到家不得不面对生活中的日常琐事、难事。当你从巅峰下来，会发生什么事呢？
Have you been able to “walk out” in your daily life the spiritual conversation God spoke to you? Did you stand on the promises of God? Did you use the gifts He gave you? Did you tell those people around you His message?
你是否在日常生活中行出了神与你属灵的交流？你是否坚守 神的应许？你是否发挥了 神给你的才干？你把 神的福音告诉了周围的人吗？
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:17 NIV
“这样，信心若没有行为就是死的。”
雅各书 2:17
Let’s not just think about spiritual things – let’s do them. It is time to act!
我们不要只是思考属灵的事—— 而要行出来！现在就行动吧！
The Next Day
第二天
Verse one of Genesis 33 says:
创世记 三十三章的第一节经文说：
“Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men.”
“雅各举目观看，见以扫来了，后头跟着四百人。”
After the amazing experience with God maybe Jacob hoped God would just make those 400 men disappear. Maybe Jacob hoped the problem would be gone. But this is not the case. Immediately after Jacob’s amazing time with God, Jacob has to face his huge problem. His biggest fear in life of facing his brother, Esau. But at this moment Jacob has a new name: Israel. Now it is time for Israel to walk out his new identity.
很神奇地经历 神之后，也许雅各希望 神让那四百个人消失，也许雅各希望难题没有了。但是这些并没有发生——就在雅各与神共度美好时刻过后，很快他不得不面对他的大难题。他生命中最怕的事就是面对哥哥以扫。但就在此刻，雅各有了一个新的名字：以色列。现在以色列要活出他的新身份了。
Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Then the female servants and their children approached and bowed down. Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down. Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?” “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said. But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.
Genesis 33:1-11 NIV
雅各举目观看，见以扫来了，后头跟着四百人，他就把孩子们分开交给利亚、拉结和两个使女，并且叫两个使女和她们的孩子在前头，利亚和她的孩子在后头，拉结和约瑟在尽后头。他自己在他们前头过去，一连七次俯伏在地，才就近他哥哥。以扫跑来迎接他，将他抱住，又搂着他的颈项与他亲嘴，两个人就哭了。以扫举目看见妇人孩子，就说：“这些和你同行的是谁呢？”雅各说：“这些孩子是神施恩给你仆人的。”于是两个使女和她们的孩子前来下拜；利亚和她的孩子也前来下拜；随后约瑟和拉结也前来下拜。以扫说：“我所遇见的这些群畜是什么意思呢？”雅各说：“是要在我主面前蒙恩的。”以扫说：“兄弟啊，我的已经够了，你的仍归你吧！”雅各说：“不然，我若在你眼前蒙恩，就求你从我手里收下这礼物，因为我见了你的面，如同见了神的面，并且你容纳了我。求你收下我带来给你的礼物，因为神恩待我，使我充足。”雅各再三地求他，他才收下了。
创世记33:1-11
Jacob Moves to Action
雅各行动起来
Once Jacob sees Esau and the 400 men coming, Jacob moves into action. Jacob looks for a way to protect his family and at the same time he directly faces the challenge. This is a good husband and father. He is looking for ways to protect, but he is also not afraid to deal with the problem. He faces his biggest fear with humility. He bows down seven times. Remember Jacob has the birthright and the blessing. He is the #1 son. It is like he has become the older brother. And here we see him humbly bowing down to Esau.
一看到以扫和他的四百个人迎上来，雅各就行动起来。雅各找了一个方法保护他的家人，同时，他直面挑战。这是一个称职的丈夫和父亲。他在找保护的方法，同时也不害怕去解决问题。他谦虚地面对最怕的人，一连七次俯伏在地上。记住，雅各拥有长子的名分和祝福—— 他是长子，就好象他成了哥哥。在这里，我们看到他谦卑地向以扫跪拜。
Miracle Moment
奇迹时刻
Esau’s reaction is miraculous. He does not draw a sword or accuse. He could have called Jacob a thief and a liar and could have killed him immediately. But he did not. In this miraculous moment the brothers are reconciled. Esau hugs and kisses Jacob and they both weep. In this moment there is forgiveness and restoration. In this moment all of the fears and pain wash away. Jacob continues to be humble and gives glory to God for all of his flocks and his family.
以扫的反应真是个奇迹！他没有提起刀来，也没有指责雅各。他原本可以骂雅各是贼是骗子，也可以立刻杀了他。但是他没有这么做。在这个奇迹的时刻，两兄弟和好了。以扫将雅各抱住，与他亲嘴，两人放声大哭。这一刻有了宽恕与合好，所有的惧怕和痛苦都被冲刷掉了。雅各依然谦卑，将他所有的牲畜和家人都归荣耀给 神。
Jacob says, “Seeing your face is like seeing the face of God.” Jacob knew God had done this and the relief he felt was thanks to God.
雅各说，“我见了你的面，如同见了 神的面”。雅各知道， 神使奇迹发生，他为着自己得释放而感谢 神。
Have you ever received grace from someone the same way Jacob received grace from Esau? Have you ever been forgiven, reconciled and accepted once again?
你是否像雅各蒙受以扫的恩惠一样，从别人那里获得过恩惠吗？你是否经历过被饶恕，与人和好，再次被人接纳呢？
Esau’s Invitation
以扫的邀请
“Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way; I’ll accompany you.” But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die. So let my lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along slowly at the pace of the flocks and herds before me and the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.” Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” “But why do that?” Jacob asked. “Just let me find favor in the eyes of my lord.” So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.”
Genesis 33:12-17 NIV
以扫说：“我们可以起身前往，我在你前头走。”雅各对他说：“我主知道孩子们年幼娇嫩，牛羊也正在乳养的时候，若是催赶一天，群畜都必死了。求我主在仆人前头走，我要量着在我面前群畜和孩子的力量慢慢地前行，直走到西珥我主那里。”以扫说：“容我把跟随我的人留几人在你这里。”雅各说：“何必呢？只要在我主眼前蒙恩就是了。”于是以扫当日起行，回往西珥去了。雅各就往疏割去，在那里为自己盖造房屋，又为牲畜搭棚；因此那地方名叫疏割（注：就是“棚”的意思）。
创世记33:12-17
At this point Esau invites Jacob to join him. Jacob does not go. Why? I am not sure. One reason could be cultural. Esau invited him as a polite gesture. But they both had many flocks and required land to handle all of the animals. Remember Abraham and Lot? They separated because they both needed so much land, their herdsmen were starting to quarrel. It just wasn’t possible for them to live near each other.
在这时，以扫邀请雅各跟他一起走。雅各没有去。为什么？我不清楚。可能习俗是其中一个原因，以扫出于礼貌邀请雅各。但是他们两个人都有许多牲畜，需要土地来放牧。还记得亚伯拉罕和罗得吗？他们分开也是因为两个人都需要非常广阔的土地，当时他们的牧人开始相争了。他们不可能邻近居住。
Another reason may be living near each other just wasn’t good for these brothers. The Bible says, “A brother is born for adversity.” These brothers had a lot of problems in the past. They are now reconciled. They have forgiven each other. But just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean you have to join with them and live with them again.
另一个原因可能是俩兄弟最好不要住得太近。圣经上说，“弟兄为患难而生。”这两兄弟过去发生了太多问题。他们现在和好了，饶恕了彼此。但是，你原谅了一个人，并不意味着你得再次和他一起生活同住。
Jacob’s New Home
雅各的新家园
After Jacob came from Paddan Aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within sight of the city. For a hundred pieces of silver, he bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent. There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel.
Genesis 33:18-20 NIV
雅各从巴旦亚兰回来的时候，平平安安地到了迦南地的示剑城，在城东支搭帐棚，就用一百块银子向示剑的父亲、哈抹的子孙买了支帐棚的那块地，在那里筑了一座坛，起名叫伊利罗伊以色列（注：就是“神，以色列神”的意思）。
创世记33:18-20
Finally Jacob comes to his new home near Shechem. Finally he has returned to his father’s homeland. Jacob does four important actions.
终于，雅各来到他的新家园，挨着示剑城。终于，雅各回到了他父亲的家乡。他做了四件重要的事情。
When Jacob purchases land he is acting out God’s promise to Abraham. This land will be theirs; he pitches his tent, he is here to stay. Jacob then builds an altar to God. This is the most significant action Jacob does. Jacob remembers he had made a promise to God and now he is keeping the promise.
当雅各买这块土地的时候，他行出了 神对亚伯拉罕的应许，这土地是他们的了；他搭帐篷，在那里住下。然后雅各为 神筑了一座坛，这是雅各做的最重要的事情。雅各记得自己向 神许了愿，现在他在还愿。
Jacob’s Promise
雅各的承诺
At the very beginning of Jacob’s journey he made some promises to God:
雅各刚开始旅程的时候，向 神许下了一些承诺：
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.’”
Genesis 28:20-22 NIV
“雅各许愿说：‘ 神若与我同在，在我所行的路上保佑我，又给我食物吃，衣服穿，使我平平安安地回到我父亲的家，我就必以耶和华为我的 神。我所立为柱子的石头也必作 神的殿，凡你所赐给我的，我必将十分之一献给你。’”
创世记28:20-22
God Answered Jacob’s Prayer – And More.
神回应了雅各的祷告—— 不止于此
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory … ”
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
“ 神能照着运行在我们心里的大力充充足足的成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。但愿他在教会中，并在基督耶稣里，得着荣耀…”
以弗所书 3:20-21
Now Jacob is making a public proclamation. He built an altar and called it “THE GOD OF ISRAEL.” Jacob has publicly proclaimed Jehovah is his God. Jacob has also publicly proclaimed Jacob is a new man. He has a new name God has given him: ISRAEL. It is final. No turning back. Israel is a new man. Jehovah is his God. It is settled.
如今，雅各在公开宣告。他筑了一座坛，起名叫：“以色列的 神”。雅各公开宣告耶和华是他的 神，同时他也公开宣告雅各如今是个新人了—— 他有了 神给他的新名字：以色列。不再回头。以色列是一个新人，耶和华是他的 神。一切尘埃落定。
The Spiritual Victory and the Natural Victory
属灵的得胜与自然界的胜利
The night before the confrontation the spiritual victory was won. But in the day time when facing his brother and 400 men Jacob – now Israel – won the battle in the natural realm. After this he dedicated himself to God proclaiming he would always follow Him.
在较力的前一个晚上，属灵的得胜已经彰显了。但是，在白天，当面对哥哥和四百个男人时，雅各，就是现在的以色列在自然层面上赢得了胜利。此后，他把自己献给 神，宣称会一直跟随衪。
No Turning Back
不再回头
Today we can do the same thing. When we come to Jesus, we ask Him to be with us, watch over us, protect us, give us what we need. We ask Him to heal us, forgive us. We give our lives to Him. And in turn He transforms us. We become His child with a new name: Forgiven, Accepted, Loved, Child of God, Worthy. And through baptism we publicly proclaim – I am His and He is mine. No turning back. From now on He is my God.
今天，我们也可以这样行。当我们来到耶稣面前，求祂与我们同在，看顾保守我们，赐给我们所需。我们求祂医治我们，赦免我们。我们把生命献给祂。并且，反过来，祂就更新改变我们。我们成为 神的孩子，有了一个新的名字：被赦免的，被接纳的，蒙爱的， 神的孩子，一切都值得。而且，通过洗礼，我们公开宣称—— 我属耶稣，耶稣属我。不再回头。从现在起，祂就是我的 神。
