反省過去Reflectingon the Past
[每日靈修] 9/4/2018, 駱鴻銘編譯
在聖經對時間的分類中，有一個重大的區分，就是對「時序」（chronos）和「時機」（kairos）所作的區分。這個區別內含了一個假設：一些個別時刻可以對人的一生產生巨大的影響。新約聖經特別是像這樣：「時序」是指正常線性時間的流逝；一刻接一刻，日日夜夜、歲歲年年。「時機」則是指時間中具有特殊意義的特定時刻。這是賦予歷史恆久意義的時刻。聖經中具有劃時代意義的時刻（kairotic moments）包括出埃及、膏立掃羅、被擄、耶穌降生、十字架。
與這種區分最接近的或許是這兩個詞：「和歷史有關的」（historical）和「歷史上有重大意義的」（historic）。發生在六月的所有時間都和歷史有關，但不是所有的事件都具有重大歷史意義。有歷史意義的事件改變了歷史的走向，並成為未來慶典、哀傷、值得紀念的原因。《獨立宣言》的簽署具有重大歷史意義，正如人類第一次踏上月球。
在我們個人私下的生活中，也有一些具有歷史意義的時刻，一些塑造和模造我們的個性、我們人生走向的特殊事件。我們的人生中都有一些多產的時刻。我們在人生中最想要的東西，經常會被「埋藏」（meshed）或被「掩飾」（disguised）在我們懷舊記憶的外表下。我們若更深入探究這些記憶，可以發現許多關於「我們究竟是誰」的資料。思考一些你寧可忘記的往事，會激起一些罪咎感或恐懼感。然而我們必須學會和過去相處。
我們人生中具有重大歷史意義的時刻定義了我們的歷史。「我們就是我們的歷史」是十分真確的。我的身份和我的過去是無法分割的。即使我在基督裏成了一個「新人」，我身上仍然背負著「舊人」，一直到死。
活在神的面光中（在神面前禱告）：
當你反省過去時，會浮現出哪些情緒？有什麼尚未解決的問題是你需要解決的嗎？
進一步研讀：
詩篇卅1～3 耶和華啊，我要尊崇你，因為你曾提拔我，不叫仇敵向我誇耀。 耶和華我的神啊，我曾呼求你，你醫治了我。 耶和華啊，你曾把我的靈魂從陰間救上來，使我存活，不至於下坑。
Reflecting
on the Past
In
biblical categories of time, an important distinction is made between chronos
and kairos. This distinction carries within it the assumption that individual
moments can have a dynamic impact on a whole life. The New Testament
distinctive is like this: chronos refers to the normal linear passing of time;
moment by moment, day by day, year by year. Kairos refers to a specific moment
within time that is of crucial significance. It is the moment that gives
lasting significance to history. Examples of kairotic moments in the Bible
would be the exodus, the anointing of Saul, the exile, the birth of Jesus, and
the cross.
Perhaps
the closest thing we have to this distinction is the words historical and
historic. Every event that takes place in June is historical, but not every
event is historic. Historic events change the course of history and become the
cause of future celebration, mourning, or memorial. The signing of the
Declaration of Independence was historic, as were the first human steps on the
moon.
Within
our private individual lives, there are also historic moments, special events
that shape and mold our personalities and the direction of our energies. Each
of us has fruitful moments in our lives. What we want the most from life will
often be “meshed” or “disguised” beneath the veneer of our nostalgic memories.
If we delve more deeply in these memories, we can discover a great deal about
who we are. Reflections on things of the past you might prefer to forget may
provoke feelings of guilt and/or fear. Yet we must live with our past.
The
historic in our lives defines our history. There is a real sense in which we are
our history. I cannot disassociate my identity from the past. Even if I become
a “new person” in Christ, I still carry the “old man” around with me until I
die.
Coram
Deo
What
feelings emerge when you reflect on your past? Are there unresolved issues you
need to resolve?
Passages
for Further Study
Psalm
30:1–3