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第二篇　转移时代者的特点

转移时代的人

📖 研读 📊 汇集 🇬🇧 English 📋 对照
　　读经：
　　但二17~18：“但以理回到他的居所，将这事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅，要他们祈求天上的神施怜悯，将这奥秘的事指明。”
　　六10~11：“但以理知道这禁令盖了玉玺，就到自己家里（他楼上的窗户，开向耶路撒冷），一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。那些人就纷纷聚集，见但以理在他神面前祈祷恳求。”
　　19~22节：“次日黎明，王就起来，急忙往狮子坑那里去，临近坑边，哀声呼叫但以理，对但以理说，永生神的仆人但以理啊，你所常事奉的神，能救你脱离狮子么？但以理对王说，愿王万岁。我的神差遣使者，封住狮子的口，叫狮子不伤我，因我在神面前无辜，我在王面前也没有行过亏损的事。”
　　26节：“现在我降旨晓谕我所统辖的全国人民，要在但以理的神面前，战兢恐惧，因为祂是永远长存的活神。”
　　九1~4：“玛代族，亚哈随鲁的儿子大利乌，立为迦勒底国的王元年，就是他在位第一年，我但以理从书上得知耶和华的话临到先知耶利米，论耶路撒冷荒凉的年数，七十年为满。我便禁食，披麻蒙灰，定意向主神祈祷恳求。我向耶和华我的神祈祷，认罪，说，主啊，大而可畏的神。”
　　20节：“我说话，祷告，承认我的罪，和本国之民以色列的罪，为我神的圣山，在耶和华我神面前恳求。”
　　17节：“我们的神啊，现在求你垂听仆人的祈祷恳求，为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”
　　十2~3：“当那时，我但以理悲伤了三个七日。美味我没有吃，酒肉没有入我的口，也没有用油抹我的身，直到满了三个七日。”
　　12~13节：“他就说，但以理啊，不要惧怕，因为从你第一日专心求明白将来的事，又在你神面前刻苦己心，你的言语已蒙应允，我是因你的言语而来。但波斯国的魔君，拦阻我二十一日，忽然有大君中的一位米迦勒来帮助我。”
　　十二13节：“你且去等候结局，因为你必安歇；到了末期，你必起来，享受你的福分。”
　　我们今天要来看转移时代者的特点，也就是转移时代的人所以被神使用的原因。在撒母耳身上，我们可以看出一点，为什么人能给神使用来转移一个时代。在但以理书的记载里，我们更能找出人所以为神使用的原因。
　　许多人读但以理书，都非常看重里面的预言。不错，但以理书有相当一部分是给我们看见预言的问题。但是它更给我们看见，在神对付撒但的争战里头，一个给神用来转移时代的人，所占的地位是何等重要。
　　在神与撒但之间的争执当中，人的确占着极重要的地位。你在这一卷书里看见，神有祂的计划，撒但有他的拦阻。神在地上要成全祂的计划，而撒但就多方作梗，要拦阻，要破坏神这个计划。在这二者之间，就有人特别的地位。人的地位如果站对了，神的计划就得以成功，撒但的诡计就被破坏。人的地位如果站的不对，神的计划就受到拦阻，撒但的诡计就成功了。
　　但以理书就是特别描写给我们看，神和撒但二者的争执当中，人是站在一个何等重要的地位上。这个地位是能够转移时代的。这个地位能够叫神的旨意成全，撒但失败；也能叫撒但的诡计得逞，神受阻碍。所以可以说，一个时代能不能转移，就看神和撒但二者之间的人是站在什么地位上。人的地位若站对了，撒但就不能一直控制住那一个时代，阻挠那一个转变。这就是但以理书所给我们看见的。
　　现在我们来看一点，在但以理身上，能给神使用来转移时代的特点到底是什么。我信主会借着这些话在我们中间施恩作工。
　
　　但以理身上的第一个特点，就是他是一个分别出来的人。每一个人若要给神使用来转移时代，就必须是一个分别出来的人。我们要知道，所有的世人在这个时代里，都是走同一条路，在同一个流的里头。这一条路，就是跟随撒但的路。这一条路是撒但起头的，也是撒但作先锋的。这一条路绝对是远离神的，也是一直走下坡的。你在但以理书里，能够看见这种光景。
　　我盼望青年的弟兄姊妹在读经的时候，要注意一件事。你不能光读经文中的一段字句，你必须凭着那一段的话，来意会它所描写的一幅图画。但以理书是一卷很短的书，它里面许多的描写都是非常简要的，因此你必须仔细的去意会它所含蓄的意思。
　　比方你在它一开头的描写里头，就能看见一幅图画，在那里有一个地方叫示拿地（你知道示拿地是当初人集体造反，背叛神的地方。从创世记一直到启示录，差不多所有地上人群中顶撞神的事，都是发生在示拿地，就是巴比伦，也称巴别），在那里有一个掌权者，有一个地上的首领，他控制了当时地上一个最有势力的范围。可以说，那一个时候的天下，就是控制在巴比伦王的手下。所以那一幅图画，就是描写给我们看见，全世界的人如何都控制在撒但的手下，因为巴比伦王在那里就是撒但的代表。
　　你知道在巴比伦那里，没有圣殿，却有庙宇。它是偶像的发源地，也是偶像最盛的地方。世界的人拜偶像，就是发源于巴别，发源于示拿地，发源于巴比伦。但以理开头第一章，就给我们看见，全天下的人，都落到巴比伦王的权下，都事奉了巴别的神，受了撒但的管治，而且还在那里敬拜撒但。全天下的人都是如此。在这其中，有一部分的人原该是被分别出来的，这就是以色列人。以色列人本来不属巴比伦，不在巴别的权下。他们也不拜巴别的神。他们原来是居住在巴比伦之外的一个地方，就是迦南地。在那里他们只有圣殿，没有庙宇。他们只敬拜神。但是到了但以理第一章的时候，连以色列人也被掳到巴别的天下去了，连神所分别出来的人，也被掳到跟随撒但的流里去了。所以在那时候，可以说全地上的人，不管是外邦人，还是以色列人，统统都归在巴别辖管之下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神了。这也就是说，都落到撒但的权下，都在那里跟随撒但了。
　　这就是但以理一开头给我们看见的一幅图画。这一幅图画，清楚地描写给我们看，全地上的人都在巴比伦的权下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神。结果神的权柄被摆在－但以理一边，神的荣耀不得彰显，反而是撒但在那里得势、掌权，撒但在那里得着彰显，得着人的敬拜。这就是但以理第一章的一幅图画。
　　就在这个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友，虽然还很年轻，竟然站起来作一个相反的见证。这个相反的见证就是分别。他们一站起来，就明显的和世人有一个分别。好像别人是在那里打着黑色的旗子，他们却在那里打着白色的旗子。你读但以理第一章，必须领会这幅图画的意思。他们丝毫不跟随巴比伦的潮流，他们是分别出来的人。别人能吃的东西他们不吃，别人能喝的东西，他们不喝，别人能作的事，他们不作。他们在每一件事上，都与别人有明显的分别。我不知道青年的弟兄姊妹，读但以理书的时候有没有注意，一直到但以理年纪老迈的时候，他仍是一个分别出来的人。许多他所作的事，天下的人都不作。反之，许多天下的人所作的事，他也不作。他与世人之间，始终有着分别。
　　青年的弟兄姊妹，你们要看见，今天这一个时代，就和但以理一章的那个时代一模一样，－但以理一点都不差。不光是外邦人服在巴比伦的权下，连所谓神的子民，所谓的基督教也都被掳了。特别这几天是过圣诞节的时候，你看整个基督教被掳到那里去了！哦，整个地上的人都走在－但以理一条路上，都进到一个流里。不仅全世界的人在那里跳舞，连基督教的人也在那里跳舞。你看跳舞竟然跳到基督教身上来了。
　　所以今天全地上的人，不光是外邦人，连神的子民也有许多都落到那一个潮流里头，都落到那一个权势之下，都在那里拜了鬼魔。当初那些以色列人，他们表面上是以色列人，但实际上却和巴比伦人没有什么分别。巴比伦人所吃的东西，他们也吃。巴比伦人所喝的东西，他们也喝。巴比伦人所拜的偶像，他们也拜。今天也是这样。许多人表面上是基督教的人，实际上是拜鬼魔的人。外邦人所作的事，他们也作。外邦人所拜的，他们也拜。外邦人所推崇的，他们也照样推崇。所以今天整个世界的潮流，都落在撒但的权下了。撒但今天是把全数的人都掳去了，叫神在地上没有法子作事。
　　我们要知道，撒但若不是先得着人，他就没有办法破坏神的旨意。神若不能得着人，祂也不能成全祂的计划。在神和撒但之间，人实在占着重要的地位。今天撒但既把地上所有的人都拖走，所以神所要用来转移时代的人，第一个特点就必须站起来显明与世人有分别。他要站起来宣告说，世人所作的我不能作，世人所吃喝的我不能吃喝，世人所走的路我不能走，世人一切的生活我不能有分。我和世人总有一个分别。所以转移时代的人，第一个特点乃是绝对站在神的一面。他看见这个世界潮流里头的事，不仅不跟随，反而心里难过，好像火烧一样。他在许多的事上，都站在另一个地位上，作相反的见证。
　　弟兄姊妹，少年人在生活的事上，是最容易随流的。但是，你看但以理一开头所胜过的，就是关于生活的事，吃喝的事。许多时候，少年人会感觉说，这些事别人可以作，我们也可以。别人都作，我们作一点也无所谓。请大家记得，若是这样的话，你在转移时代的事上，在神的手里就完全没有用处，因为你没有站在神这一边，你已经落到撒但那一边去了。这样你就永远没有办法给神使用来转移一个时代。
　　所以你在世人中间，必须有一个分别，必须站起来作一个相反的见证。外面的流虽然是往下去，但是你的里面却是顶着这一个流往上去。他们玩耍、游戏，你不玩耍，也不游戏。他们有各种的爱好，但是你不能有。当然我在这里不是劝你们去作古怪的人，这不是我的意思。但是请记得，你若要在潮流往下去的时候，给神用着来转移一个时代，你这个人就必须是分别出来的人，必须能起来为神作相反的见证。这是第一个必须有的特点。
　
　　第二个特点，但以理不光是一个常读神话语的人，而且还是一个与神的话联得起来的人。他读神的话语，并不是为着研究知识，也不光是要知道神的心意，他乃是接受而又谨守神的教训。比方你应该信，他所以不吃巴比伦王的饭，不喝巴比伦王的酒，定规是因为他读过摩西的五经，从利未记、申命记里头读出来，什么食物是洁净的，什么食物是不洁净的。同时也读出来，神的百姓绝不能有分于那些与偶像接触过的东西。他既读出了这些教训，懂得了神的心意，就接受到自己身上来。所以他不是一个和圣经脱节的人，他不是仅仅在那里研究圣经。
　　当他从耶利米书读出来，神定规以色列人被掳七十年，到了七十年期满，神就要回头恩待以色列人，但以理把这件事读出来之后，就立刻禁食祷告。他不是一个死读圣经的人，他从圣经里头一摸着神的心意，立刻就把自己联在这一个心意上。
　　他是这样一个读经的人，所以凡是圣经里头的话语、亮光和教训，每一点都能摸着他。他读到利未记的时候，他就不能吃污秽的东西。他读到耶利米书，他就不能不禁食为着神百姓的复兴祷告。他读到那一点，他就把自己联在那一点上。弟兄姊妹，请你记得，一个要为神转移时代的人，必须有这一个特点。你要学习，当你来读神话语的时候，不是研究一点学问，得着一点知识，乃是要从神的话语里，读出神的心意来。并且什么时候你一把神的心意读出来，马上就要把自己联在那个心意上头。
　　我信好些青年弟兄姊妹是常读圣经的。但是我怕你们读圣经的时候，圣经是圣经，你们是你们。比方圣经明明说，信的和不信的原不相配。这个话说得很清楚。但是大家读过之后，可能仍旧和不信的人作朋友。这就是说，圣经是圣经，你是你，圣经不能影响你的生活，你这个人也不能联于圣经。你在圣经里面，明明读出神的心意不许可祂的儿女，在任何事上和不信的人配在一起，作朋友不可以，谈婚姻更不可以，但是你仍旧和不信的人作朋友，或者甚至和不信的人谈婚姻。所以你的生活和圣经，完全是脱节的。像这样的人，就不能作转移时代的人，不能在这个走下坡的时代，起来为神作相反的见证。要为神作相反见证的人，必须读神的话，从神的话摸着神的心意，并且把自己联于神这个心意。
　　今天整个世界的潮流，都是和神的心意相反的。你里头若摸着神的心意，定规要在生活中，作反时代反潮流的见证。当你读到林后六14，读出神的心意，是信的和不信的原不相配，你马上应当说，阿们！从这个时候起，我再不能和不信的人结交，因为这是神的心意。虽然我的弟兄和姊妹，有的还一直和世人作朋友，但是我不能这样，我要站起来作一个相反的见证。我一从神的话读出神这个心意来，我就把自己联在这个心意上。
　　弟兄姊妹，这就是当初在但以理身上的特点。他不像今天许多读圣经的人，把读圣经当作莫相干的事。那样的读经，并不能读到神的心意里面去，因为他是在圣经以外来读圣经，圣经永远跑不到他里头去。这样的人，就是读经也没有多少用处。读经必须把自己和自己的生活联在神的话语上。什么时候你一从神的话语里，读出神的心意来，你就马上必须恐惧战兢的，把自己联于神的这个心意。这就是你在但以理身上，所看到的第二个特点。这一个特点，也是每一个给神使用来转移时代的人所必须有的。只有把自己联在神话语上的人，在神的手里才有真实地用处！
　
　　但以理还有第三个特点，他是一个经常祷告的人。他的祷告，一点不是平常的祷告。他的祷告，乃是转移时代的祷告。他每逢遇见一件重大的事，就在神面前祷告。他绝对信祷告。他所以信祷告，就是因为他信神，不信自己。
　　从但以理书第二章开始，就提到他的祷告。但我绝对相信，他在第一章里面，也定规有祷告。当他吃素菜的时候，我绝对信他天天都有祷告。他在神面前，也在撒但跟前表示说，我们身体的健康，完全不靠外邦的酒肉。我们只信神的眷顾。所以他和其他三个少年人，虽然吃素菜，还能长得肥壮。他信神的眷顾，他也必定多有祷告。
　　到了第二章，就给我们看见一个光景，地上的人统统不能明白神的事。不要说那些巴比伦的术士不能明白，连以色列人也都不能明白。为什么？因为他们都服在撒但的权下，都跟随了撒但。就在这里神来一个表白，表白但以理和他的三个朋友，是和任何人不同的。所有地上的人，不能明白神深奥的事，但是但以理能懂得。在第一章是但以理和他的三个朋友，他们自己来一个分别，到了第二章是神在他们身上来一个表白。第一章的分别，是他们自己在那里站起来作的，第二章的分别是神为他们作的。
　　在这里神兴起一个环境来，使巴比伦王作了一个梦。奇妙就在这里，王在梦中很清楚，可是一醒来就忘了，说不出是什么故事来。因此他把巴比伦那些行法术的术士都请来，把那些有智慧，有学问的，也都请来。但那些人都不能把这个梦解说出来。那就是一幅图画，给我们看见，所有地上跟随撒但的人，没有一个能明白神深奥的事。就在这个时候，神在但以理身上有一个表白，使众人看见，在这里有一个人是特别分别出来的，这一个人是祂所印证的，是能给祂使用的，是能把祂的奥秘说出来的。
　　在这里我们该看见，也该抓牢一个原则，就是像这样的一个人，必定是与神合作的人。而人与神合作，最高的表现就是祷告。
　　当巴比伦王把但以理召来之先，曾经公开宣告说，若是今天在我权下的人，没有一个能把梦解出来，我就要把巴比伦所有的哲士、术士都灭绝了。但以理和他的三个朋友，也是在这些人当中，也要被杀。所以我绝对相信，但以理会对他的三个朋友说，我们要为这件事祷告。他们就在那里给神一个最高的合作，给神一个最高的配合。因此，就在他们专一的祷告里头，神把梦启示给但以理。原来是巴比伦王作的梦，现在但以理也看见了。他不仅在祷告里看见了那个梦，并且还领会了那个梦的意思。这就说明但以理这一个人，是活在神面前的，是倚靠祷告来作人所不能作的事，倚靠祷告来明白人所不能明白的事。他这个人，是在祷告里头与神合作的。
　　你应该信，那时但以理若不去祷告，定规不能看见那个梦，也不能懂得那个梦的意思。他所以能看见尼布甲尼撒王所看见的梦，还能懂得那个梦的意思，完全因为他是活在祷告里面，借着祷告给神一个最高的合作。
　　有的时候，我想到印书的事。你们若到印刷厂里去参观，可以看到排好的铅字，整版的摆在机器上面，下面还有纸张摆着。机器一动，一张一张的纸就都印上字了。但是有的纸张没有摆在适当的地位上，就没有法子印上去。或是有的纸张摆歪了，那就印得不像样。你要那个印版刚刚好能印上去，就必须把纸张摆在对的地位上，摆得正当适合。同样，神的心意也像一块印版。尼布甲尼撒王所作的梦就是神的心意所排成的一块印版。这块印版现在摆在那里，就需要但以理作一张摆正了的纸头。他摆的地位若是正当了，关乎神心意的那个异梦的印版，就自然的会印出来了。这一个地位，这一个能够给神把祂的心意印到但以理里面来的地位，就是祷告。如果那个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友没有祷告，反而去忙别的事，那就像一张纸头没有摆在适当的地位上。纸张的地位一摆得不合式，印版上的字就没有法子印上去。但是，当但以理从巴比伦王那里回来的时候，我信他头一件事就是和他的三个朋友在一起祷告。因此在这个祷告里头，神就把祂的心意印到但以理的里面。
　　但以理书记载但以理是能祷告的人。而撒但想要特别对付的，也是他的祷告。他的祷告，是摸着神心意的，也是能成全神计划的，所以撒但就特别对付他的祷告，破坏他的祷告。尤其是在第六章给我们看见，撒但设法借着他手下的人，要陷害这一个祷告的人，最低限度也要破坏他的祷告，使他不能祷告。
　　你们还能记得那个故事。大利乌王下了一个命令，三十天以内不拘什么人，若在王以外，或向神或向人求什么，都要被丢在狮子坑里。撒但这个诡计，就是要用大利乌王四周围的人，来对付但以理，不让但以理祷告，末了还要陷害但以理这一个祷告的人。那么，但以理怎样应付呢？他还是照常不断地祷告，一点不因着这个而受到威胁。圣经说得很清楚，“他…一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。”（但六）任何事物都不能阻止但以理的祷告。若是但以理没有祷告，但以理就失败了。只要撒但能把但以理的祷告破坏了，阻止了，撒但就得胜了。所以但以理的祷告，就如同战场上一个必争的据点一样。
　　你要看见，就是但以理的这个祷告，结果显出神是一位活神来。实实在在神是在但以理身上，显出祂是一位活神来。而神这一个显出，乃是借着但以理的祷告。
　　到了第九章你就看见，但以理从圣经里一读出神的心意，知道以色列人被掳七十年期满，神就要使他们归回，他马上就禁食祷告。哦，有的人有一个错误的观念，以为若是神已经说过，祂定规以色列人被掳七十年期满，就要使他们归回，就我们何须祷告呢？因为神不是已经说过，祂要使他们归回么？但是不！不错，神应许七十年期满，就要使以色列人归回，但还必须有人祷告。如果神在地上找不着人为这事祷告，七十年期满，以色列人归回的事，就很难实现。但是但以理应付了神这个需要。他实在是一个借着祷告与神合作的人。
　　到了第十章我们看见，但以理不仅是祷告的人，而且是一个坚持祷告的人。他向神求明白，求指点，他是一直的求，一直的求。圣经告诉我们，他头一天求的时候，就得着了神的垂听。从头一天，神就答应他的祷告，打发天使来指示他，以色列族要遭遇什么事。但是当那个天使来到空中的时候，遇到撒但的魔君，不让他通过。在那里就发生了一个争战。换句话说，天上的神要和地上的人相通的时候，在空中却遇到撒但在那里作梗，于是有三个七日的争战。虽然神已经垂听了但以理的祷告，撒但却在空中作梗，不让神的答应临到但以理。但是但以理是一个坚持祷告的人，他在祷告里一直坚持了三个七日，结果天使就来告诉他，神怎样垂听他的祷告，并要怎样对待他的同胞。
　　这些都给我们看见，但以理是一个祷告的人。他天天祷告，凡事祷告。有一次我问一位少年弟兄有没有祷告，他说，我天天祷告。我说，你什么时候祷告？他说，一天三次吃饭的时候都祷告。我愿意告诉你们，吃饭时的祷告，算不得祷告。那样的祷告没有多大用处，因为那是为着吃饭而祷告。但是但以理祷告，一点不是为着吃饭。他是一直专一的祷告，并且没有一点是为着他自己祷告。
　　但以理的祷告，爬到了最高峰。他求神为神自己作事。他祷告说，“神啊，…为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”（九）我盼望在你们的圣经里，把“为自己”几个字圈一圈。你看见他这个祷告，完全是为着神自己而祷告，不是为着他自己祷告。好像他在那里对神说，我今天在这里求你，并不是为着我，乃是为着你。我虽然求你来作事，但并不是为着我自己，乃是为着你。这是很特别的祷告，也是最高的祷告。许多时候，我们的祷告，百分之九十九点九，都是为着我们自己，很少是为着神。但只有像但以理这样一个专一为着神祷告的人，才能给神用着来转移时代。
　
　　还有第四个特点，但以理是一个牺牲自己而殉道的人。但以理书从第一章到末了一章，一直给我们看见，这一个在神手里用来转移时代的人，是一个牺牲自己的人。每一次的遭遇和事实，都给我们看见，他是如何不顾自己的性命。比方他拣选吃素菜的时候，不一定有把握就能吃得肥壮。可能越吃越瘦弱，那就要给巴比伦王杀死。但是他不管生死。他只知道那些不洁的食物，那些祭过偶像的食物，不能入他的口，他不能受玷污，他要守住神的道。他就是为着这个道，丧命也甘心。
　　后来王下禁令，在三十天以内，全国的人都不能在王以外，向神或向人求什么。但是他还要祷告，即使会被丢在狮子坑里，还是要祷告。用世界的话来说，他真有殉道的精神。
　　弟兄姊妹，凡事畏首畏尾，东也怕西也怕，一下子怕这个，一下子怕那个，这样的人神不能用来转移时代。你们不要误会我，让我说一句很粗的话，凡是给神用来转移时代的人，都是天不怕，地不怕的人。什么他都不怕，他只怕一件事，就是怕得罪神，怕失掉神的同在。凡是一遇到难处就躲避，一遇到难处就退缩，一遇到难处就颓萎，一遇到难处就变了主意，这样的人在神手里没有多少用处。胆怯的人，神没法使用。凡能给神使用来转移时代的人，都是胆大的人。不是放肆，天然的胆大，乃是敬畏神而不怕为难的胆大。
　　我曾读过一点关乎路德马丁改教运动的记载。使我最受感动的，就是他在那里受审的情形。那些坐在他面前的，都是君王、公侯，但是路德站在那里毫无恐惧。他曾经当着他们说过这样坚定的话，我所传的，若是违反这本圣经，我甘心受死；我所传的，若是合乎这本圣经，就没有一个人可以杀死我！这些雄壮的话，使那些爱护他，关心他的人听见了都为他胆寒战兢。他的话太雄壮了。他是这样一个不怕死的人，所以神能够用他来转移时代。
　　你看但以理和他三个朋友，他们一点不顾惜自己的性命。你听听但以理三个朋友说的话是何等坚定雄壮！虽然巴比伦王用最奸险狠毒的手腕来诱惑他们，但他们说什么？他们说，尼布甲尼撒啊，我们所事奉的神能将我们从烈火的窑中救出来，祂也必救我们！就是祂不救我们，我们也不事奉你的神，不拜你所立的像！你还记得圣经记载：尼布甲尼撒听见这几句话，就怒气填胸，向他们变了脸色，马上吩咐人把火窑烧热，比寻常更加七倍，连那些抬他们的人都被火焰烧死了。但他们宁愿被捆着丢进火窑里也不肯屈服。哦，若是他们胆怯怕死的话，那一天定规不能为神作任何见证，不能给神用来转移时代。
　　今天我们只看这四个特点：第一是作相反的见证，第二是读经，第三是祷告，第四是不顾性命。这四个特点，不光在但以理身上可以看到，就是在别的被神用来转移时代的人身上，也可以看到。你若去读路德的传记，你在他的身上同样能看见这四个东西。路德是一个站起来作相反见证的人。他原来是罗马教的一个神甫，到了－但以理一个时候，他看见罗马教完全不照真理而行，就起来作很厉害相反的见证。路德也是－但以理一个读经的人，他从圣经里头读出人称义是因着信，－但以理一点不是靠自己的行为，他马上就接受神的话，并且把自己联在这个话上。路德也是－但以理一个祷告的人。每逢遇到重大的问题，他在神面前都有争战的祷告。同时，毫无疑问的，路德也是－但以理一个不顾自己性命，甘愿为主殉道的人。所以只有像这样的人，才能给神使用来转移一个时代。
　　青年的弟兄姊妹，我在神面前深深地感觉，主这次是要我对你们说一点这样的话。你们要看见，今天全地上的人都跟从了撒但。神在这个时代要得着厉害的少年人，好给祂使用来转移时代。我信所有今天在这里蒙神怜悯的人，定规都响应这件事，都愿意摸着神的心意，作一个自愿奉献的人，作一个拿细耳人，好被神使用，在这一个每况愈下的时代里头，为神作一个相反见证的人。
　　读经：　　但以理二章十七至十八节：“但以理回到他的居所，将这事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅，要他们祈求天上的神施怜悯，将这奥秘的事指明。”
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但2:17  
但以理回到他的家，将这事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅，
但2:18  
要他们为这奥秘的事，在天上的神面前求怜恤，免得但以理和他的同伴，与巴比伦其余的哲士一同灭亡。
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　　六章十至十一节：“但以理知道这禁令盖了玉玺，就到自己家里（他楼上的窗户，开向耶路撒冷），一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。那些人就纷纷聚集，见但以理在他神面前祈祷恳求。”　　十九至二十二节：“次日黎明，王就起来，急忙往狮子坑那里去，临近坑边，哀声呼叫但以理，对但以理说，永生神的仆人但以理啊，你所常事奉的神，能救你脱离狮子么？但以理对王说，愿王万岁。我的神差遣使者，封住狮子的口，叫狮子不伤我，因我在神面前无辜，我在王面前也没有行过亏损的事。”　　二十六节：“现在我降旨晓谕我所统辖的全国人民，要在但以理的神面前，战兢恐惧，因为祂是永远长存的活神。”　　九章一至四节：“玛代族，亚哈随鲁的儿子大利乌，立为迦勒底国的王元年，就是他在位第一年，我但以理从书上得知耶和华的话临到先知耶利米，论耶路撒冷荒凉的年数，七十年为满。我便禁食，披麻蒙灰，定意向主神祈祷恳求。我向耶和华我的神祈祷，认罪，说，主啊，大而可畏的神。”　　二十节：“我说话，祷告，承认我的罪，和本国之民以色列的罪，为我神的圣山，在耶和华我神面前恳求。”　　十七节：“我们的神啊，现在求你垂听仆人的祈祷恳求，为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”　　十章二至三节：“当那时，我但以理悲伤了三个七日。美味我没有吃，酒肉没有入我的口，也没有用油抹我的身，直到满了三个七日。”　　十二至十三节：“他就说，但以理啊，不要惧怕，因为从你第一日专心求明白将来的事，又在你神面前刻苦己心，你的言语已蒙应允，我是因你的言语而来。但波斯国的魔君，拦阻我二十一日，忽然有大君中的一位米迦勒来帮助我。”　　十二章十三节：“你且去等候结局，因为你必安歇；到了末期，你必起来，享受你的福分。”　　我们今天要来看转移时代者的特点，也就是转移时代的人所以被神使用的原因。在撒母耳身上，我们可以看出一点，为什么人能给神使用来转移一个时代。在但以理书的记载里，我们更能找出人所以为神使用的原因。　　许多人读但以理书，都非常看重里面的预言。不错，但以理书有相当一部分是给我们看见预言的问题。但是它更给我们看见，在神对付撒但的争战里头，一个给神用来转移时代的人，所占的地位是何等重要。　　在神与撒但之间的争执当中，人的确占着极重要的地位。你在这一卷书里看见，神有祂的计划，撒但有他的拦阻。神在地上要成全祂的计划，而撒但就多方作梗，要拦阻，要破坏神这个计划。在这二者之间，就有人特别的地位。人的地位如果站对了，神的计划就得以成功，撒但的诡计就被破坏。人的地位如果站的不对，神的计划就受到拦阻，撒但的诡计就成功了。　　但以理书就是特别描写给我们看，神和撒但二者的争执当中，人是站在一个何等重要的地位上。这个地位是能够转移时代的。这个地位能够叫神的旨意成全，撒但失败；也能叫撒但的诡计得逞，神受阻碍。所以可以说，一个时代能不能转移，就看神和撒但二者之间的人是站在什么地位上。人的地位若站对了，撒但就不能一直控制住那一个时代，阻挠那一个转变。这就是但以理书所给我们看见的。
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但以理书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
但以理书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　现在我们来看一点，在但以理身上，能给神使用来转移时代的特点到底是什么。我信主会借着这些话在我们中间施恩作工。
　
　　但以理身上的第一个特点，就是他是一个分别出来的人。每一个人若要给神使用来转移时代，就必须是一个分别出来的人。我们要知道，所有的世人在这个时代里，都是走同一条路，在同一个流的里头。这一条路，就是跟随撒但的路。这一条路是撒但起头的，也是撒但作先锋的。这一条路绝对是远离神的，也是一直走下坡的。你在但以理书里，能够看见这种光景。　　我盼望青年的弟兄姊妹在读经的时候，要注意一件事。你不能光读经文中的一段字句，你必须凭着那一段的话，来意会它所描写的一幅图画。但以理书是一卷很短的书，它里面许多的描写都是非常简要的，因此你必须仔细的去意会它所含蓄的意思。　　比方你在它一开头的描写里头，就能看见一幅图画，在那里有一个地方叫示拿地（你知道示拿地是当初人集体造反，背叛神的地方。从创世记一直到启示录，差不多所有地上人群中顶撞神的事，都是发生在示拿地，就是巴比伦，也称巴别），在那里有一个掌权者，有一个地上的首领，他控制了当时地上一个最有势力的范围。可以说，那一个时候的天下，就是控制在巴比伦王的手下。所以那一幅图画，就是描写给我们看见，全世界的人如何都控制在撒但的手下，因为巴比伦王在那里就是撒但的代表。　　你知道在巴比伦那里，没有圣殿，却有庙宇。它是偶像的发源地，也是偶像最盛的地方。世界的人拜偶像，就是发源于巴别，发源于示拿地，发源于巴比伦。但以理开头第一章，就给我们看见，全天下的人，都落到巴比伦王的权下，都事奉了巴别的神，受了撒但的管治，而且还在那里敬拜撒但。全天下的人都是如此。在这其中，有一部分的人原该是被分别出来的，这就是以色列人。以色列人本来不属巴比伦，不在巴别的权下。他们也不拜巴别的神。他们原来是居住在巴比伦之外的一个地方，就是迦南地。在那里他们只有圣殿，没有庙宇。他们只敬拜神。但是到了但以理第一章的时候，连以色列人也被掳到巴别的天下去了，连神所分别出来的人，也被掳到跟随撒但的流里去了。所以在那时候，可以说全地上的人，不管是外邦人，还是以色列人，统统都归在巴别辖管之下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神了。这也就是说，都落到撒但的权下，都在那里跟随撒但了。　　这就是但以理一开头给我们看见的一幅图画。这一幅图画，清楚地描写给我们看，全地上的人都在巴比伦的权下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神。结果神的权柄被摆在一边，神的荣耀不得彰显，反而是撒但在那里得势、掌权，撒但在那里得着彰显，得着人的敬拜。这就是但以理第一章的一幅图画。　　就在这个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友，虽然还很年轻，竟然站起来作一个相反的见证。这个相反的见证就是分别。他们一站起来，就明显的和世人有一个分别。好像别人是在那里打着黑色的旗子，他们却在那里打着白色的旗子。你读但以理第一章，必须领会这幅图画的意思。他们丝毫不跟随巴比伦的潮流，他们是分别出来的人。别人能吃的东西他们不吃，别人能喝的东西，他们不喝，别人能作的事，他们不作。他们在每一件事上，都与别人有明显的分别。我不知道青年的弟兄姊妹，读但以理书的时候有没有注意，一直到但以理年纪老迈的时候，他仍是一个分别出来的人。许多他所作的事，天下的人都不作。反之，许多天下的人所作的事，他也不作。他与世人之间，始终有着分别。　　青年的弟兄姊妹，你们要看见，今天这一个时代，就和但以理一章的那个时代一模一样，一点都不差。不光是外邦人服在巴比伦的权下，连所谓神的子民，所谓的基督教也都被掳了。特别这几天是过圣诞节的时候，你看整个基督教被掳到那里去了！哦，整个地上的人都走在一条路上，都进到一个流里。不仅全世界的人在那里跳舞，连基督教的人也在那里跳舞。你看跳舞竟然跳到基督教身上来了。
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但以理书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　所以今天全地上的人，不光是外邦人，连神的子民也有许多都落到那一个潮流里头，都落到那一个权势之下，都在那里拜了鬼魔。当初那些以色列人，他们表面上是以色列人，但实际上却和巴比伦人没有什么分别。巴比伦人所吃的东西，他们也吃。巴比伦人所喝的东西，他们也喝。巴比伦人所拜的偶像，他们也拜。今天也是这样。许多人表面上是基督教的人，实际上是拜鬼魔的人。外邦人所作的事，他们也作。外邦人所拜的，他们也拜。外邦人所推崇的，他们也照样推崇。所以今天整个世界的潮流，都落在撒但的权下了。撒但今天是把全数的人都掳去了，叫神在地上没有法子作事。　　我们要知道，撒但若不是先得着人，他就没有办法破坏神的旨意。神若不能得着人，祂也不能成全祂的计划。在神和撒但之间，人实在占着重要的地位。今天撒但既把地上所有的人都拖走，所以神所要用来转移时代的人，第一个特点就必须站起来显明与世人有分别。他要站起来宣告说，世人所作的我不能作，世人所吃喝的我不能吃喝，世人所走的路我不能走，世人一切的生活我不能有分。我和世人总有一个分别。所以转移时代的人，第一个特点乃是绝对站在神的一面。他看见这个世界潮流里头的事，不仅不跟随，反而心里难过，好像火烧一样。他在许多的事上，都站在另一个地位上，作相反的见证。　　弟兄姊妹，少年人在生活的事上，是最容易随流的。但是，你看但以理一开头所胜过的，就是关于生活的事，吃喝的事。许多时候，少年人会感觉说，这些事别人可以作，我们也可以。别人都作，我们作一点也无所谓。请大家记得，若是这样的话，你在转移时代的事上，在神的手里就完全没有用处，因为你没有站在神这一边，你已经落到撒但那一边去了。这样你就永远没有办法给神使用来转移一个时代。　　所以你在世人中间，必须有一个分别，必须站起来作一个相反的见证。外面的流虽然是往下去，但是你的里面却是顶着这一个流往上去。他们玩耍、游戏，你不玩耍，也不游戏。他们有各种的爱好，但是你不能有。当然我在这里不是劝你们去作古怪的人，这不是我的意思。但是请记得，你若要在潮流往下去的时候，给神用着来转移一个时代，你这个人就必须是分别出来的人，必须能起来为神作相反的见证。这是第一个必须有的特点。
　
　　第二个特点，但以理不光是一个常读神话语的人，而且还是一个与神的话联得起来的人。他读神的话语，并不是为着研究知识，也不光是要知道神的心意，他乃是接受而又谨守神的教训。比方你应该信，他所以不吃巴比伦王的饭，不喝巴比伦王的酒，定规是因为他读过摩西的五经，从利未记、申命记里头读出来，什么食物是洁净的，什么食物是不洁净的。同时也读出来，神的百姓绝不能有分于那些与偶像接触过的东西。他既读出了这些教训，懂得了神的心意，就接受到自己身上来。所以他不是一个和圣经脱节的人，他不是仅仅在那里研究圣经。　　当他从耶利米书读出来，神定规以色列人被掳七十年，到了七十年期满，神就要回头恩待以色列人，但以理把这件事读出来之后，就立刻禁食祷告。他不是一个死读圣经的人，他从圣经里头一摸着神的心意，立刻就把自己联在这一个心意上。　　他是这样一个读经的人，所以凡是圣经里头的话语、亮光和教训，每一点都能摸着他。他读到利未记的时候，他就不能吃污秽的东西。他读到耶利米书，他就不能不禁食为着神百姓的复兴祷告。他读到那一点，他就把自己联在那一点上。弟兄姊妹，请你记得，一个要为神转移时代的人，必须有这一个特点。你要学习，当你来读神话语的时候，不是研究一点学问，得着一点知识，乃是要从神的话语里，读出神的心意来。并且什么时候你一把神的心意读出来，马上就要把自己联在那个心意上头。　　我信好些青年弟兄姊妹是常读圣经的。但是我怕你们读圣经的时候，圣经是圣经，你们是你们。比方圣经明明说，信的和不信的原不相配。这个话说得很清楚。但是大家读过之后，可能仍旧和不信的人作朋友。这就是说，圣经是圣经，你是你，圣经不能影响你的生活，你这个人也不能联于圣经。你在圣经里面，明明读出神的心意不许可祂的儿女，在任何事上和不信的人配在一起，作朋友不可以，谈婚姻更不可以，但是你仍旧和不信的人作朋友，或者甚至和不信的人谈婚姻。所以你的生活和圣经，完全是脱节的。像这样的人，就不能作转移时代的人，不能在这个走下坡的时代，起来为神作相反的见证。要为神作相反见证的人，必须读神的话，从神的话摸着神的心意，并且把自己联于神这个心意。　　今天整个世界的潮流，都是和神的心意相反的。你里头若摸着神的心意，定规要在生活中，作反时代反潮流的见证。当你读到林后六章十四节，读出神的心意，是信的和不信的原不相配，你马上应当说，阿们！从这个时候起，我再不能和不信的人结交，因为这是神的心意。虽然我的弟兄和姊妹，有的还一直和世人作朋友，但是我不能这样，我要站起来作一个相反的见证。我一从神的话读出神这个心意来，我就把自己联在这个心意上。
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林后6:14  
你们跟不信的，不要不配地同负一轭，因为义和不法有什么合伙？光对黑暗有什么交通？
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　　弟兄姊妹，这就是当初在但以理身上的特点。他不像今天许多读圣经的人，把读圣经当作莫相干的事。那样的读经，并不能读到神的心意里面去，因为他是在圣经以外来读圣经，圣经永远跑不到他里头去。这样的人，就是读经也没有多少用处。读经必须把自己和自己的生活联在神的话语上。什么时候你一从神的话语里，读出神的心意来，你就马上必须恐惧战兢的，把自己联于神的这个心意。这就是你在但以理身上，所看到的第二个特点。这一个特点，也是每一个给神使用来转移时代的人所必须有的。只有把自己联在神话语上的人，在神的手里才有真实地用处！
　
　　但以理还有第三个特点，他是一个经常祷告的人。他的祷告，一点不是平常的祷告。他的祷告，乃是转移时代的祷告。他每逢遇见一件重大的事，就在神面前祷告。他绝对信祷告。他所以信祷告，就是因为他信神，不信自己。　　从但以理书第二章开始，就提到他的祷告。但我绝对相信，他在第一章里面，也定规有祷告。当他吃素菜的时候，我绝对信他天天都有祷告。他在神面前，也在撒但跟前表示说，我们身体的健康，完全不靠外邦的酒肉。我们只信神的眷顾。所以他和其他三个少年人，虽然吃素菜，还能长得肥壮。他信神的眷顾，他也必定多有祷告。　　到了第二章，就给我们看见一个光景，地上的人统统不能明白神的事。不要说那些巴比伦的术士不能明白，连以色列人也都不能明白。为什么？因为他们都服在撒但的权下，都跟随了撒但。就在这里神来一个表白，表白但以理和他的三个朋友，是和任何人不同的。所有地上的人，不能明白神深奥的事，但是但以理能懂得。在第一章是但以理和他的三个朋友，他们自己来一个分别，到了第二章是神在他们身上来一个表白。第一章的分别，是他们自己在那里站起来作的，第二章的分别是神为他们作的。　　在这里神兴起一个环境来，使巴比伦王作了一个梦。奇妙就在这里，王在梦中很清楚，可是一醒来就忘了，说不出是什么故事来。因此他把巴比伦那些行法术的术士都请来，把那些有智慧，有学问的，也都请来。但那些人都不能把这个梦解说出来。那就是一幅图画，给我们看见，所有地上跟随撒但的人，没有一个能明白神深奥的事。就在这个时候，神在但以理身上有一个表白，使众人看见，在这里有一个人是特别分别出来的，这一个人是祂所印证的，是能给祂使用的，是能把祂的奥秘说出来的。　　在这里我们该看见，也该抓牢一个原则，就是像这样的一个人，必定是与神合作的人。而人与神合作，最高的表现就是祷告。　　当巴比伦王把但以理召来之先，曾经公开宣告说，若是今天在我权下的人，没有一个能把梦解出来，我就要把巴比伦所有的哲士、术士都灭绝了。但以理和他的三个朋友，也是在这些人当中，也要被杀。所以我绝对相信，但以理会对他的三个朋友说，我们要为这件事祷告。他们就在那里给神一个最高的合作，给神一个最高的配合。因此，就在他们专一的祷告里头，神把梦启示给但以理。原来是巴比伦王作的梦，现在但以理也看见了。他不仅在祷告里看见了那个梦，并且还领会了那个梦的意思。这就说明但以理这一个人，是活在神面前的，是倚靠祷告来作人所不能作的事，倚靠祷告来明白人所不能明白的事。他这个人，是在祷告里头与神合作的。　　你应该信，那时但以理若不去祷告，定规不能看见那个梦，也不能懂得那个梦的意思。他所以能看见尼布甲尼撒王所看见的梦，还能懂得那个梦的意思，完全因为他是活在祷告里面，借着祷告给神一个最高的合作。　　有的时候，我想到印书的事。你们若到印刷厂里去参观，可以看到排好的铅字，整版的摆在机器上面，下面还有纸张摆着。机器一动，一张一张的纸就都印上字了。但是有的纸张没有摆在适当的地位上，就没有法子印上去。或是有的纸张摆歪了，那就印得不像样。你要那个印版刚刚好能印上去，就必须把纸张摆在对的地位上，摆得正当适合。同样，神的心意也像一块印版。尼布甲尼撒王所作的梦就是神的心意所排成的一块印版。这块印版现在摆在那里，就需要但以理作一张摆正了的纸头。他摆的地位若是正当了，关乎神心意的那个异梦的印版，就自然的会印出来了。这一个地位，这一个能够给神把祂的心意印到但以理里面来的地位，就是祷告。如果那个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友没有祷告，反而去忙别的事，那就像一张纸头没有摆在适当的地位上。纸张的地位一摆得不合式，印版上的字就没有法子印上去。但是，当但以理从巴比伦王那里回来的时候，我信他头一件事就是和他的三个朋友在一起祷告。因此在这个祷告里头，神就把祂的心意印到但以理的里面。　　但以理书记载但以理是能祷告的人。而撒但想要特别对付的，也是他的祷告。他的祷告，是摸着神心意的，也是能成全神计划的，所以撒但就特别对付他的祷告，破坏他的祷告。尤其是在第六章给我们看见，撒但设法借着他手下的人，要陷害这一个祷告的人，最低限度也要破坏他的祷告，使他不能祷告。　　你们还能记得那个故事。大利乌王下了一个命令，三十天以内不拘什么人，若在王以外，或向神或向人求什么，都要被丢在狮子坑里。撒但这个诡计，就是要用大利乌王四周围的人，来对付但以理，不让但以理祷告，末了还要陷害但以理这一个祷告的人。那么，但以理怎样应付呢？他还是照常不断地祷告，一点不因着这个而受到威胁。圣经说得很清楚，“他…一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。”（但六）任何事物都不能阻止但以理的祷告。若是但以理没有祷告，但以理就失败了。只要撒但能把但以理的祷告破坏了，阻止了，撒但就得胜了。所以但以理的祷告，就如同战场上一个必争的据点一样。　　你要看见，就是但以理的这个祷告，结果显出神是一位活神来。实实在在神是在但以理身上，显出祂是一位活神来。而神这一个显出，乃是借着但以理的祷告。　　到了第九章你就看见，但以理从圣经里一读出神的心意，知道以色列人被掳七十年期满，神就要使他们归回，他马上就禁食祷告。哦，有的人有一个错误的观念，以为若是神已经说过，祂定规以色列人被掳七十年期满，就要使他们归回，就我们何须祷告呢？因为神不是已经说过，祂要使他们归回么？但是不！不错，神应许七十年期满，就要使以色列人归回，但还必须有人祷告。如果神在地上找不着人为这事祷告，七十年期满，以色列人归回的事，就很难实现。但是但以理应付了神这个需要。他实在是一个借着祷告与神合作的人。　　到了第十章我们看见，但以理不仅是祷告的人，而且是一个坚持祷告的人。他向神求明白，求指点，他是一直的求，一直的求。圣经告诉我们，他头一天求的时候，就得着了神的垂听。从头一天，神就答应他的祷告，打发天使来指示他，以色列族要遭遇什么事。但是当那个天使来到空中的时候，遇到撒但的魔君，不让他通过。在那里就发生了一个争战。换句话说，天上的神要和地上的人相通的时候，在空中却遇到撒但在那里作梗，于是有三个七日的争战。虽然神已经垂听了但以理的祷告，撒但却在空中作梗，不让神的答应临到但以理。但是但以理是一个坚持祷告的人，他在祷告里一直坚持了三个七日，结果天使就来告诉他，神怎样垂听他的祷告，并要怎样对待他的同胞。　　这些都给我们看见，但以理是一个祷告的人。他天天祷告，凡事祷告。有一次我问一位少年弟兄有没有祷告，他说，我天天祷告。我说，你什么时候祷告？他说，一天三次吃饭的时候都祷告。我愿意告诉你们，吃饭时的祷告，算不得祷告。那样的祷告没有多大用处，因为那是为着吃饭而祷告。但是但以理祷告，一点不是为着吃饭。他是一直专一的祷告，并且没有一点是为着他自己祷告。　　但以理的祷告，爬到了最高峰。他求神为神自己作事。他祷告说，“神啊，…为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”（九）我盼望在你们的圣经里，把“为自己”几个字圈一圈。你看见他这个祷告，完全是为着神自己而祷告，不是为着他自己祷告。好像他在那里对神说，我今天在这里求你，并不是为着我，乃是为着你。我虽然求你来作事，但并不是为着我自己，乃是为着你。这是很特别的祷告，也是最高的祷告。许多时候，我们的祷告，百分之九十九点九，都是为着我们自己，很少是为着神。但只有像但以理这样一个专一为着神祷告的人，才能给神用着来转移时代。
　
　　还有第四个特点，但以理是一个牺牲自己而殉道的人。但以理书从第一章到末了一章，一直给我们看见，这一个在神手里用来转移时代的人，是一个牺牲自己的人。每一次的遭遇和事实，都给我们看见，他是如何不顾自己的性命。比方他拣选吃素菜的时候，不一定有把握就能吃得肥壮。可能越吃越瘦弱，那就要给巴比伦王杀死。但是他不管生死。他只知道那些不洁的食物，那些祭过偶像的食物，不能入他的口，他不能受玷污，他要守住神的道。他就是为着这个道，丧命也甘心。　　后来王下禁令，在三十天以内，全国的人都不能在王以外，向神或向人求什么。但是他还要祷告，即使会被丢在狮子坑里，还是要祷告。用世界的话来说，他真有殉道的精神。　　弟兄姊妹，凡事畏首畏尾，东也怕西也怕，一下子怕这个，一下子怕那个，这样的人神不能用来转移时代。你们不要误会我，让我说一句很粗的话，凡是给神用来转移时代的人，都是天不怕，地不怕的人。什么他都不怕，他只怕一件事，就是怕得罪神，怕失掉神的同在。凡是一遇到难处就躲避，一遇到难处就退缩，一遇到难处就颓萎，一遇到难处就变了主意，这样的人在神手里没有多少用处。胆怯的人，神没法使用。凡能给神使用来转移时代的人，都是胆大的人。不是放肆，天然的胆大，乃是敬畏神而不怕为难的胆大。　　我曾读过一点关乎路德马丁改教运动的记载。使我最受感动的，就是他在那里受审的情形。那些坐在他面前的，都是君王、公侯，但是路德站在那里毫无恐惧。他曾经当着他们说过这样坚定的话，我所传的，若是违反这本圣经，我甘心受死；我所传的，若是合乎这本圣经，就没有一个人可以杀死我！这些雄壮的话，使那些爱护他，关心他的人听见了都为他胆寒战兢。他的话太雄壮了。他是这样一个不怕死的人，所以神能够用他来转移时代。　　你看但以理和他三个朋友，他们一点不顾惜自己的性命。你听听但以理三个朋友说的话是何等坚定雄壮！虽然巴比伦王用最奸险狠毒的手腕来诱惑他们，但他们说什么？他们说，尼布甲尼撒啊，我们所事奉的神能将我们从烈火的窑中救出来，祂也必救我们！就是祂不救我们，我们也不事奉你的神，不拜你所立的像！你还记得圣经记载：尼布甲尼撒听见这几句话，就怒气填胸，向他们变了脸色，马上吩咐人把火窑烧热，比寻常更加七倍，连那些抬他们的人都被火焰烧死了。但他们宁愿被捆着丢进火窑里也不肯屈服。哦，若是他们胆怯怕死的话，那一天定规不能为神作任何见证，不能给神用来转移时代。　　今天我们只看这四个特点：第一是作相反的见证，第二是读经，第三是祷告，第四是不顾性命。这四个特点，不光在但以理身上可以看到，就是在别的被神用来转移时代的人身上，也可以看到。你若去读路德的传记，你在他的身上同样能看见这四个东西。路德是一个站起来作相反见证的人。他原来是罗马教的一个神甫，到了一个时候，他看见罗马教完全不照真理而行，就起来作很厉害相反的见证。路德也是一个读经的人，他从圣经里头读出人称义是因着信，一点不是靠自己的行为，他马上就接受神的话，并且把自己联在这个话上。路德也是一个祷告的人。每逢遇到重大的问题，他在神面前都有争战的祷告。同时，毫无疑问的，路德也是一个不顾自己性命，甘愿为主殉道的人。所以只有像这样的人，才能给神使用来转移一个时代。　　青年的弟兄姊妹，我在神面前深深地感觉，主这次是要我对你们说一点这样的话。你们要看见，今天全地上的人都跟从了撒但。神在这个时代要得着厉害的少年人，好给祂使用来转移时代。我信所有今天在这里蒙神怜悯的人，定规都响应这件事，都愿意摸着神的心意，作一个自愿奉献的人，作一个拿细耳人，好被神使用，在这一个每况愈下的时代里头，为神作一个相反见证的人。
　Scripture Reading: Dan. 2:17-18; 6:10-11, 19-22, 26; 9:1-4, 17, 20; 10:2-3, 12-13; 12:13
　Today we will consider the characteristics of the men who turn the age. In other words, we will consider the reasons those men who turn the age are used by God. We can see briefly from Samuel the kind of men God used to turn an age. From the record of the book of Daniel, we can further find out the reasons man was used by God.
　In reading the book of Daniel, many pay much attention to its prophecies. No doubt, a large part of the book of Daniel shows the matter of prophecy. But more important than showing us the prophecies, it shows us the crucial position of one who, in the midst of the conflict of God versus Satan, was used by God to turn the age.
　In the conflict between God and Satan, man indeed occupies a very critical position. We can see from this book that God has His plan and Satan has his resistance. God wants to accomplish His plan on earth. Yet Satan tries in many ways to frustrate and destroy God’s plan. Between the two, man stands in a special position. If man takes the right stand, God’s plan will be accomplished, and Satan’s subtle scheme will be destroyed. If man does not take the right stand, God’s plan will be hindered, and Satan’s scheme will succeed.
　The book of Daniel describes in a specific way the crucial position man occupies in the conflict between God and Satan. This position is one that turns the age. This position can cause God’s will to succeed and Satan to fail, or it can cause Satan’s subtle scheme to succeed and God to be frustrated. Therefore, we may say that whether an age can be turned depends on what position man takes. Man is between God and Satan. If man’s position is right, Satan will lose his control over that age and will not be able to frustrate the turn. This is what the book of Daniel reveals.
　Now let us consider a few of Daniel’s characteristics that enabled God to use him for the turning of the age. I believe that the Lord will use this word to grant grace to us and work among us.
　
THE FIRST CHARACTERISTIC— SEPARATION FROM AN AGE THAT FOLLOWS SATAN
　The first characteristic of Daniel was that he was a separated person. Everyone who wants to be used by God to turn the age must be a separated person. We must know that everyone in this age is walking on the same road and is swept into the same current. This way is a way that follows Satan. This way is initiated by Satan and is pioneered by Satan. This way is definitely far from God and is always going downhill. We can find this condition in the book of Daniel.
　I hope that the young brothers and sisters will pay attention to one thing when they read the Bible. We cannot merely study an isolated text in the Scripture. We have to grasp the picture presented in the entire portion of the Word. Daniel is a short book. Because many descriptions in it are very brief, we must carefully try to understand the hidden meaning there.
　For example, from the very beginning of its narration, we can see a picture of a place called Shinar. The land of Shinar was a place where men revolted and rebelled against God from the beginning. From Genesis to Revelation most of the cases of man’s rebellion against God happened in Shinar, which is Babylon (Babel). Here we see a ruler, a leader, who had dominion at that time over the most powerful regions on earth. We can say that at that time the whole earth was under the hand of the king of Babylon. Hence, this picture shows how the whole world is under Satan’s hand. Here the king of Babylon is a type of Satan.
　In Babylon there was no temple, only shrines. It was the place of origin for idols. It was also the place where idols were most prevalent. All idol worship in this world originated in Babel, which is Shinar and Babylon. From the first chapter of Daniel, we can see that the whole world was under the authority of the king of Babylon; they all served the god of Babel, were under Satan’s dominion, and were even worshipping Satan. The whole earth was under this kind of condition. Among them there was a people, the Israelites, who should have been separated. The Israelites did not belong to Babylon; they should not have been under Babel’s authority. They should not have worshipped the gods of Babel. They lived originally in the land of Canaan, a place away from Babylon. Among them they had only the temple and no shrines. They worshipped only God. However, by the time of Daniel 1, even the Israelites were carried away to the world of Babel. The people separated by God were carried away to follow Satan’s current. Hence, by then everyone, including the Gentiles and the Israelites, was under Babel’s ruling and was worshipping the Babylonian gods. In other words, they all fell under Satan’s ruling and were following Satan.
　This is the picture that Daniel reveals from the very beginning. This picture clearly shows that the whole world was under Babylon’s ruling and was worshipping the god of Babylon. Consequently, God’s authority was laid aside, and God’s glory was not expressed. On the contrary, Satan had dominion and was ruling. He was expressed and was worshipped by men. This is the picture in Daniel 1.
　At this time, although Daniel and his three friends were still very young, they stood up to be an anti-testimony. This anti-testimony is a separation. As soon as they stood up, there was clearly a separation from the world. It was as if others were waving a black flag, and they were waving a white one. When we read Daniel 1, we must grasp the meaning of this picture. These men did not follow the tide of Babylon at all. They were the separated ones. They could not eat what others could eat. They could not drink what others could drink. They could not do what others could do. They were clearly different from others in everything. I do not know if the young people have ever realized by reading Daniel that even in his old age, Daniel was still a separated person. He did many things that no one who was in the world would do. Furthermore, he did not do the things that the world did. There was always a separation between him and the world.
　Young people, you must realize that today’s age is the same as Daniel’s age; they are not at all different. Not only the Gentiles are under the ruling of Babylon; even the so-called people of God, so-called Christianity, are also in captivity. This is especially true during Christmas, when the whole of Christianity is carried away. Everyone in the world is walking on the same road, and everyone is swept into the same current. Not only do we see the whole world dancing; even those in Christianity are dancing. Dancing has even come to Christianity.
　Hence, everyone in the world, Gentiles and God’s people alike, has been swept into this current; they have all fallen under the same authority and are worshipping the demons. The Israelites in those days were Israelites only outwardly; in reality, they were not much different from the Babylonians. They ate what the Babylonians ate. They drank what the Babylonians drank. They worshipped whatever idols the Babylonians worshipped. The situation is the same today. Many are Christians outwardly, but actually they are demon worshippers. They do what the Gentiles do. They worship whatever the Gentiles worship. They highly esteem what the Gentiles highly esteem. For this reason the tide of the whole world has come under Satan’s ruling. Today Satan has taken everyone captive and has made it impossible for God to do anything on earth.
　Unless Satan gains man first, he cannot damage God’s will. Unless God gains man first, He cannot accomplish His plan. Man indeed occupies an important position between God and Satan. Since Satan today has carried away everyone on earth, the first characteristic of a person used by God to turn the age must be that of a strong standing and a clear separation from the world. Such a person must stand up and declare, “I cannot do what the world does. I cannot eat and drink what others eat and drink. I cannot walk the way that they walk. I cannot have a part in the kind of life that they live. I am always somewhat different from them.” The first characteristic of those who turn the age is an absoluteness in standing on God’s side. Such a person sees through everything that belongs to the tide of this age. Not only will he not follow those things, but his heart grieves and burns because of them. With respect to many things, he stands in a position of separation and becomes an anti-testimony.
　Young people are most susceptible to follow others in their manner of living. However, the first things Daniel overcame were in the matter of living, things related to eating and drinking. Many times young people feel that since others can do something, they can do the same. They feel that since everyone else is doing it, it is all right for them to do it also. Please remember that if we do this, we will become completely useless in God’s hand in the matter of turning the age. This is because we do not stand on God’s side but rather on Satan’s side. If we do this, we can never be used by God to turn the age.
　Hence, we must have a separation from those in the world. We must stand up and be an anti-testimony. Although the tide around us is downward, inwardly we are standing up against the tide. Others may play and amuse themselves, but we will not do the same. Others may have all kinds of cravings, but we cannot have the same. Of course, I am not suggesting that we be peculiar persons. That is not what I mean. Nevertheless, we must remember that in an age where the tide is downward, to be used by God as a person to turn the age, we must be separated persons; we must be able to stand up as an anti-testimony for God. This is the first necessary characteristic.
　
THE SECOND CHARACTERISTIC— BEING JOINED TO GOD’S DESIRE THROUGH HIS WORD
　Daniel was not only a person who read God’s Word regularly but a person who was joined to God’s Word. This is the second characteristic. He did not read God’s Word for the purpose of finding out some knowledge or merely for finding out God’s will. Rather, he read to receive and to keep God’s commandments. We should believe that he refused the food and drink of the king of Babylon because he had read the five books of Moses. He must have read about the clean and unclean food from Leviticus and Deuteronomy. At the same time, he must have found out that God’s people cannot partake of any food that has touched the idols. Since he read these commandments and therefore knew God’s desire, he accepted them and applied them to himself. Hence, he was not a person separate from the Scripture. He was not merely studying the Bible.
　When he read from the book of Jeremiah that God had ordained seventy years of captivity for the Israelites and that after seventy years God would turn back to bless them, he immediately fasted and prayed. He did not read the Scripture in a dead way. As soon as he touched God’s desire through the Word, he immediately joined himself to that desire.
　This was the way that he read the Bible. This was why he could be touched by every word, by the light, and by the teaching in the Bible. After he read the book of Leviticus, he could no longer eat the unclean food. After he read the book of Jeremiah, he could not help but fast and pray for the restoration of God’s people. Whichever point he read, he joined himself to that point. Brothers and sisters, please remember that a person who turns the age for God must possess such a characteristic. When we come to God’s Word, we have to learn not to study for some scholarship or for some knowledge but to find out God’s desire from His Word. Whenever we find out God’s desire, we must immediately join ourselves to that desire.
　I believe that many young brothers and sisters read the Bible regularly. However, I am afraid that when you read the Bible, the Bible remains the Bible, and you are still you. For instance, the Bible clearly says that a believer and an unbeliever should not be yoked together. This word is very clear. Nevertheless, after you read it, perhaps you still make friends with unbelievers. This means that the Bible is the Bible and you are you. The Bible cannot affect your living, and you cannot be joined to the Bible. You read clearly from the Bible that God’s will forbids His children from being yoked together with unbelievers in everything. You should not befriend unbelievers. You should much less consider marrying an unbeliever. Yet you still befriend unbelievers and even consider marrying unbelievers. This means that your living is totally separate from the Bible. Such a person cannot turn the age; neither can he be an anti-testimony in a degrading age. To be an anti-testimony, one must read God’s Word, touch God’s desire from His Word, and join himself to this desire of God.
　The current of the entire world today is against God’s desire. If within you, you have touched God’s desire, your living must be an anti-testimony against the age and the tide. When you read 2 Corinthians 6:14 and find out God’s desire about believers and unbelievers not being yoked together, you should right away say Amen! From that point on, you should be determined not to befriend any unbelievers anymore, because this is God’s desire. Although some brothers and sisters among you still make friends with unbelievers, you cannot do that anymore. You will stand up as an anti-testimony. As soon as you find out God’s desire from His Word, you must join yourself to this desire.
　Brothers and sisters, this was Daniel’s characteristic in those days. He was not like many Bible readers who treat Bible reading as an objective matter. This kind of Bible reading cannot touch God’s desire. Because you read the Bible apart from the Bible, the Bible can never get into you. Bible reading is useless to such persons. To read the Bible, one must join himself and his living to God’s Word. Any time you find out God’s desire from His Word, you must immediately join yourselves to this desire with fear and trembling. This is the second characteristic that we find in Daniel. Every person whom God uses to turn the age must possess this characteristic. Only those who join themselves to God’s Word can be of real use to God.
　
THE THIRD CHARACTERISTIC— COOPERATING WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYERS
　Daniel had a third characteristic. He was a man who was always praying. His prayers were not at all common. His prayers were prayers that turned the age. Every time he encountered some crucial matter, he prayed before God. He believed absolutely in prayer. He believed in prayer because he believed in God and not in himself.
　From chapter 2 on, the book of Daniel mentions Daniel’s prayers. Of course, I fully believe that in chapter 1 he also prayed. When he was eating vegetables only, I fully believe that he must have prayed every day. He declared before God and Satan that the health of his body did not at all depend on the Gentile food and drink. He believed in God’s care only. This was why he and the other three young men could still be strong even though they ate vegetables only. He believed in God’s care, and he must have prayed much.
　Chapter 2 reveals a picture, one in which everyone on earth was ignorant of the things of God. Not only were the Babylonian magicians ignorant; even the Israelites were ignorant. Why were they ignorant? It was because they were under Satan’s ruling and were following Satan. Here we see God coming in to vindicate. He vindicated by showing that Daniel and his three friends were different from all the other people. No one on earth knew the profound things of God but Daniel. In chapter 1 it was Daniel and his three friends who separated themselves. In chapter 2 it was God who vindicated them. The separation in chapter 1 was done by they themselves standing up. The separation in chapter 2 was done by God for them.
　Here God raised up an environment. He caused the king of Babylon to have a dream. The strange thing is that the king was clear in the dream, yet he could not remember what went on in the dream after he woke up. Therefore, he called together all the magicians in Babylon, as well as all the wise and knowledgeable ones. None of them could tell or explain the dream. This is a picture. It shows that all the followers of Satan on earth cannot understand the profound things of God. At that juncture God vindicated Daniel. He showed everyone that here was one who was particularly separated. He was acknowledged by God, qualified to be used by God, and capable of speaking forth the mystery of God.
　Here we must see and lay hold of a principle. Such a one must be a person who cooperates with God. And the highest expression of a man who cooperates with God is in prayer.
　Before the king of Babylon called for Daniel, he declared that if none of the magicians or learned ones in Babylon under him could explain the dream, he would destroy them all. Among those who were to be killed were Daniel and his three friends. I fully believe that Daniel would have told his three friends to pray with him. There they afforded God the highest cooperation; they gave God the highest coordination. In their single-hearted prayer, God revealed to Daniel the dream. It was the dream of the king of Babylon, but now Daniel saw it also. Not only did Daniel see that dream in his prayer; he understood its meaning as well. This shows that Daniel was a person living before God; he depended on prayer to do what man could not do, and he depended on prayer to understand what man could not understand. He was a person who cooperated with God in prayer.
　We should believe that Daniel would not have seen the dream or understood its meaning if he had not prayed. The only reason he could see King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and could know its meaning was that he was a person living in prayer. Through prayer he afforded God the highest cooperation.
　Sometimes I am reminded of the way books are printed. If you visit a printing factory, you will find plates filled with properly set type on the printing press. Underneath the plates is the paper. When the press starts, sheets of paper are impressed with the letters from the plates. If the paper is not positioned in the proper place, nothing will be printed. If the paper is placed a little out of position, the image will not appear properly. If you want the plates to stamp the paper correctly, you have to position the paper correctly. In the same way, God’s desire can be likened to a plate. King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was a plate typeset with God’s desire. The plate was there, but it needed Daniel to be a piece of properly positioned paper. If the paper was positioned correctly, the dream as a plate concerning God’s desire would spontaneously be printed on it. This position upon which God could print His desire onto Daniel was prayer. Had Daniel and his three friends not prayed at that time but rather been busy with other things, it would have been like the paper positioned wrongly. If the paper was positioned improperly, it would be impossible to print the letters from the plate. However, when Daniel came back from the king of Babylon, I believe that the first thing he did was to pray with his three friends. In this prayer God printed His desire into Daniel.
　The book of Daniel records Daniel as a person who could pray. What Satan wanted to deal with particularly was Daniel’s prayer. His prayer touched God’s heart and was able to fulfill God’s plan. Satan purposely wanted to deal with his prayer and to destroy his prayer. Chapter 6 especially shows that Satan wanted to damage this praying person through the men under Satan. At least, he tried to destroy his prayer and to render him unable to pray.
　One remembers the story of King Darius, who decreed that within thirty days, anyone who petitioned anything of any god or man besides the king would be cast into the lions’ den. Satan’s subtle strategy was to utilize the men around King Darius to deal with Daniel, to stop Daniel from praying, and eventually to ensnare Daniel, the man of prayer. How did Daniel respond to this? He still prayed as usual and was not at all threatened by it. The Bible is very clear: “Three times daily he knelt on his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God, because he had always done so previously” (Dan. 6:10). Nothing could stop Daniel’s praying. If Daniel had not prayed, Daniel would have failed. As long as Satan could destroy and stop Daniel’s prayer, Satan would win. Hence, Daniel’s prayer was like a stronghold on a battlefield.
　We must realize that it was this prayer of Daniel that resulted in God being manifested as the living God. With Daniel, God truly manifested Himself as the living God. And this manifestation of God was due to Daniel’s prayer.
　In chapter 9 we see that as soon as Daniel read and found out God’s desire for the Israelites to return from captivity after seventy years were fulfilled, he immediately fasted and prayed. Some have the wrong concept that since God had spoken and ordained that the Israelites would return from captivity after seventy years, why was there any more need for prayer? Had God not spoken that He would bring them back? Indeed, it is true that God had promised to bring back the Israelites after the fulfillment of seventy years. Yet there was still the need for man to pray. If God could not find a man to pray for this on earth, it would be hard to bring to pass the return of the Israelites after the seventy years. Daniel met God’s need. He was truly a man who cooperated with God through his prayer.
　In chapter 10 we see that not only was Daniel a praying person, but he was a persistent praying person. He asked God for understanding and for direction. He prayed and prayed steadfastly. The Bible says that he received God’s answer on the first day of his petition. From the first day God had answered his prayer by sending an angel to show him what would happen to the children of Israel. Yet when the angel came to the air, he met Satan’s prince, who withstood him. There was a battle. In other words, when God in heaven was about to join Himself to man on earth, He met Satan’s resistance, and there was a twenty-one-day battle. Although God had already heard Daniel’s prayer, Satan resisted in the air and would not allow God’s answer to reach Daniel. Nevertheless, Daniel was a persistent praying person. He persisted in prayer for three seven-day periods. As a result, the angel came to tell him how God had heard his prayer and how He would deal with His people.
　All of this shows that Daniel was a praying person. He prayed every day, and he prayed for everything. Once, I asked a young brother if he prayed. He said, “I pray every day.” I asked, “What time of the day do you pray?” He said, “Three times a day at mealtime I pray.” I would say that prayers at mealtime do not count as prayer. There is not much use for that kind of prayer because it is prayer for the food. But Daniel’s prayer was not at all for the food. He always prayed with a single purpose and never prayed for himself.
　Daniel’s prayer reached the highest peak. He asked God to do something for Himself. He prayed, “Cause Your face to shine upon Your sanctuary that has been desolated, for the Lord’s sake” (Dan. 9:17). I hope that we would circle the words for the Lord’s sake. We can see that his prayer was totally for God and not for himself. It seems as if he was saying to God, “My supplication here today is not for myself but for You. Even though I am asking You to do something, it is not for myself but for You.” This was a very special prayer; it was also the highest prayer. Our prayers are ninety-nine and nine tenths percent for ourselves. Very few of them are for God. Only a person like Daniel, who prayed to God single-heartedly, can be used by Him to turn the age.
　
THE FOURTH CHARACTERISTIC— NOT CARING FOR ONE’S LIFE
　There is still a fourth characteristic. Daniel was a person who would sacrifice himself to be martyred. From the first chapter to the last, the book of Daniel shows that a person who is under God’s hand and who is used by Him to turn the age is a self-sacrificing person. Every incident and fact shows that he was a person who did not care for his own life. For example, when he chose to eat vegetables only, he did not necessarily have the assurance that he would be strong. If the more he ate, the slimmer he became, he would be killed by the king of Babylon. Yet he cared neither for life nor for death. He knew that the unclean food, the food sacrificed to idols, could not enter into his mouth, that he would not be defiled, and that he would keep God’s word. Because of this word, he was willing to lose even his life.
　Later, King Darius decreed that within thirty days none in the kingdom could make petition of any god or man besides the king. But Daniel still prayed. Even if he would be thrown into the lions’ den, he would still pray. Humanly speaking, he truly had the spirit of martyrdom.
　Brothers and sisters, all those who are afraid of what might happen to them, who are afraid of things that come from one direction or another, of this and of that, cannot be used by God to turn the age. Please do not misunderstand me. Let me say it in a plain way. Everyone whom God uses to turn the age is afraid neither of heaven nor of hell. He fears nothing. He is afraid of only one thing, that is, to offend God and to lose His presence. Anyone who hides, withdraws, withers, and changes his mind when confronted with difficulties is not of much use in God’s hands. God cannot use cowards. All those whom God uses to turn the age are bold ones. They are not bold in a wild or natural way but bold because of their fear of God and their courage to confront difficulties.
　In the past I have read a little of the record of Martin Luther’s Reformation. I was most touched by the scene at his trial. Those who sat in front of him were kings and noblemen, yet Luther stood before them fearlessly. He spoke a firm word to their face: “If what I preach is contrary to this Bible, I am willing to die, but if what I preach is according to this Bible, no one can kill me!” Such majestic words caused even those who loved him and were concerned for him to tremble. His words were too majestic. He was a man who was not afraid of death. This was why God was able to use him to turn the age.
　Consider Daniel and his three friends. They did not care for their own lives at all. Listen to the words of Daniel’s three friends. How resolute and majestic they were! Although the king of Babylon seduced them in the most cunning and devious way, what did they answer? They said, “O Nebuchadnezzar,...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the blazing furnace of fire, and He will deliver us out of your hand...But if He does not,...we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18). Do you not remember the record of the Bible? When Nebuchadnezzar heard these words, he was full of fury, and the countenance of his face was changed toward them. Right away he commanded that the furnace be made seven times hotter than it was usually heated. Even the men who lifted them into the furnace were slain by the flames. The three of them would rather be bound and cast into a fiery furnace than submit to the king. If they had been cowardly and afraid of death, surely they could not have testified for God at all that day and could not have been used by God to turn the age.
　Today, we can cover only these four characteristics. First, we must be an anti-testimony. Second, we must read the Bible. Third, we must pray, and fourth, we must not care for our own life. These four characteristics can be seen not only in Daniel but also in all those used by God to turn the age. If we read the biography of Luther, we will see these four things in him also. Luther was one who stood up as an anti-testimony. He was originally a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. When he saw that the Roman Catholic Church did things completely contrary to the truth, he rose up and became a strong anti-testimony. Luther was also a person who read the Bible. He saw from the Bible that man is justified by faith and not at all by works. Immediately, he accepted God’s Word and joined himself to this Word. Luther was also a man of prayer. Each time he came across important issues, he would fight in prayers before God. At the same time, undoubtedly, Luther was one who cared not for his own life and was willing to be martyred for the Lord. Only this kind of person can be used by God to turn the age.
　Young brothers and sisters, I feel deeply before God to speak such a word to you. You must see that the whole world today has followed Satan. God wants to gain absolute young people so that He can use them to turn the age. I believe that everyone who has received mercy from God today will surely respond to this matter. I believe that these ones will surely want to touch God’s desire, be voluntarily consecrated ones, Nazarites, and be used by God as an anti-testimony in this ever-degrading age.
 
　　读经：

　　但以理二章十七至十八节：“但以理回到他的居所，将这事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅，要他们祈求天上的神施怜悯，将这奥秘的事指明。”

　　六章十至十一节：“但以理知道这禁令盖了玉玺，就到自己家里（他楼上的窗户，开向耶路撒冷），一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。那些人就纷纷聚集，见但以理在他神面前祈祷恳求。”

　　十九至二十二节：“次日黎明，王就起来，急忙往狮子坑那里去，临近坑边，哀声呼叫但以理，对但以理说，永生神的仆人但以理啊，你所常事奉的神，能救你脱离狮子么？但以理对王说，愿王万岁。我的神差遣使者，封住狮子的口，叫狮子不伤我，因我在神面前无辜，我在王面前也没有行过亏损的事。”

　　二十六节：“现在我降旨晓谕我所统辖的全国人民，要在但以理的神面前，战兢恐惧，因为祂是永远长存的活神。”

　　九章一至四节：“玛代族，亚哈随鲁的儿子大利乌，立为迦勒底国的王元年，就是他在位第一年，我但以理从书上得知耶和华的话临到先知耶利米，论耶路撒冷荒凉的年数，七十年为满。我便禁食，披麻蒙灰，定意向主神祈祷恳求。我向耶和华我的神祈祷，认罪，说，主啊，大而可畏的神。”

　　二十节：“我说话，祷告，承认我的罪，和本国之民以色列的罪，为我神的圣山，在耶和华我神面前恳求。”

　　十七节：“我们的神啊，现在求你垂听仆人的祈祷恳求，为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”

　　十章二至三节：“当那时，我但以理悲伤了三个七日。美味我没有吃，酒肉没有入我的口，也没有用油抹我的身，直到满了三个七日。”

　　十二至十三节：“他就说，但以理啊，不要惧怕，因为从你第一日专心求明白将来的事，又在你神面前刻苦己心，你的言语已蒙应允，我是因你的言语而来。但波斯国的魔君，拦阻我二十一日，忽然有大君中的一位米迦勒来帮助我。”

　　十二章十三节：“你且去等候结局，因为你必安歇；到了末期，你必起来，享受你的福分。”

　　我们今天要来看转移时代者的特点，也就是转移时代的人所以被神使用的原因。在撒母耳身上，我们可以看出一点，为什么人能给神使用来转移一个时代。在但以理书的记载里，我们更能找出人所以为神使用的原因。

　　许多人读但以理书，都非常看重里面的预言。不错，但以理书有相当一部分是给我们看见预言的问题。但是它更给我们看见，在神对付撒但的争战里头，一个给神用来转移时代的人，所占的地位是何等重要。

　　在神与撒但之间的争执当中，人的确占着极重要的地位。你在这一卷书里看见，神有祂的计划，撒但有他的拦阻。神在地上要成全祂的计划，而撒但就多方作梗，要拦阻，要破坏神这个计划。在这二者之间，就有人特别的地位。人的地位如果站对了，神的计划就得以成功，撒但的诡计就被破坏。人的地位如果站的不对，神的计划就受到拦阻，撒但的诡计就成功了。

　　但以理书就是特别描写给我们看，神和撒但二者的争执当中，人是站在一个何等重要的地位上。这个地位是能够转移时代的。这个地位能够叫神的旨意成全，撒但失败；也能叫撒但的诡计得逞，神受阻碍。所以可以说，一个时代能不能转移，就看神和撒但二者之间的人是站在什么地位上。人的地位若站对了，撒但就不能一直控制住那一个时代，阻挠那一个转变。这就是但以理书所给我们看见的。

　　现在我们来看一点，在但以理身上，能给神使用来转移时代的特点到底是什么。我信主会借着这些话在我们中间施恩作工。
 
　Scripture Reading: Dan. 2:17-18; 6:10-11, 19-22, 26; 9:1-4, 17, 20; 10:2-3, 12-13; 12:13

　Today we will consider the characteristics of the men who turn the age. In other words, we will consider the reasons those men who turn the age are used by God. We can see briefly from Samuel the kind of men God used to turn an age. From the record of the book of Daniel, we can further find out the reasons man was used by God.

　In reading the book of Daniel, many pay much attention to its prophecies. No doubt, a large part of the book of Daniel shows the matter of prophecy. But more important than showing us the prophecies, it shows us the crucial position of one who, in the midst of the conflict of God versus Satan, was used by God to turn the age.

　In the conflict between God and Satan, man indeed occupies a very critical position. We can see from this book that God has His plan and Satan has his resistance. God wants to accomplish His plan on earth. Yet Satan tries in many ways to frustrate and destroy God’s plan. Between the two, man stands in a special position. If man takes the right stand, God’s plan will be accomplished, and Satan’s subtle scheme will be destroyed. If man does not take the right stand, God’s plan will be hindered, and Satan’s scheme will succeed.

　The book of Daniel describes in a specific way the crucial position man occupies in the conflict between God and Satan. This position is one that turns the age. This position can cause God’s will to succeed and Satan to fail, or it can cause Satan’s subtle scheme to succeed and God to be frustrated. Therefore, we may say that whether an age can be turned depends on what position man takes. Man is between God and Satan. If man’s position is right, Satan will lose his control over that age and will not be able to frustrate the turn. This is what the book of Daniel reveals.

　Now let us consider a few of Daniel’s characteristics that enabled God to use him for the turning of the age. I believe that the Lord will use this word to grant grace to us and work among us.
　　但以理身上的第一个特点，就是他是一个分别出来的人。每一个人若要给神使用来转移时代，就必须是一个分别出来的人。我们要知道，所有的世人在这个时代里，都是走同一条路，在同一个流的里头。这一条路，就是跟随撒但的路。这一条路是撒但起头的，也是撒但作先锋的。这一条路绝对是远离神的，也是一直走下坡的。你在但以理书里，能够看见这种光景。

　　我盼望青年的弟兄姊妹在读经的时候，要注意一件事。你不能光读经文中的一段字句，你必须凭着那一段的话，来意会它所描写的一幅图画。但以理书是一卷很短的书，它里面许多的描写都是非常简要的，因此你必须仔细的去意会它所含蓄的意思。

　　比方你在它一开头的描写里头，就能看见一幅图画，在那里有一个地方叫示拿地（你知道示拿地是当初人集体造反，背叛神的地方。从创世记一直到启示录，差不多所有地上人群中顶撞神的事，都是发生在示拿地，就是巴比伦，也称巴别），在那里有一个掌权者，有一个地上的首领，他控制了当时地上一个最有势力的范围。可以说，那一个时候的天下，就是控制在巴比伦王的手下。所以那一幅图画，就是描写给我们看见，全世界的人如何都控制在撒但的手下，因为巴比伦王在那里就是撒但的代表。

　　你知道在巴比伦那里，没有圣殿，却有庙宇。它是偶像的发源地，也是偶像最盛的地方。世界的人拜偶像，就是发源于巴别，发源于示拿地，发源于巴比伦。但以理开头第一章，就给我们看见，全天下的人，都落到巴比伦王的权下，都事奉了巴别的神，受了撒但的管治，而且还在那里敬拜撒但。全天下的人都是如此。在这其中，有一部分的人原该是被分别出来的，这就是以色列人。以色列人本来不属巴比伦，不在巴别的权下。他们也不拜巴别的神。他们原来是居住在巴比伦之外的一个地方，就是迦南地。在那里他们只有圣殿，没有庙宇。他们只敬拜神。但是到了但以理第一章的时候，连以色列人也被掳到巴别的天下去了，连神所分别出来的人，也被掳到跟随撒但的流里去了。所以在那时候，可以说全地上的人，不管是外邦人，还是以色列人，统统都归在巴别辖管之下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神了。这也就是说，都落到撒但的权下，都在那里跟随撒但了。

　　这就是但以理一开头给我们看见的一幅图画。这一幅图画，清楚地描写给我们看，全地上的人都在巴比伦的权下，都在那里敬拜巴比伦的神。结果神的权柄被摆在一边，神的荣耀不得彰显，反而是撒但在那里得势、掌权，撒但在那里得着彰显，得着人的敬拜。这就是但以理第一章的一幅图画。

　　就在这个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友，虽然还很年轻，竟然站起来作一个相反的见证。这个相反的见证就是分别。他们一站起来，就明显的和世人有一个分别。好像别人是在那里打着黑色的旗子，他们却在那里打着白色的旗子。你读但以理第一章，必须领会这幅图画的意思。他们丝毫不跟随巴比伦的潮流，他们是分别出来的人。别人能吃的东西他们不吃，别人能喝的东西，他们不喝，别人能作的事，他们不作。他们在每一件事上，都与别人有明显的分别。我不知道青年的弟兄姊妹，读但以理书的时候有没有注意，一直到但以理年纪老迈的时候，他仍是一个分别出来的人。许多他所作的事，天下的人都不作。反之，许多天下的人所作的事，他也不作。他与世人之间，始终有着分别。

　　青年的弟兄姊妹，你们要看见，今天这一个时代，就和但以理一章的那个时代一模一样，一点都不差。不光是外邦人服在巴比伦的权下，连所谓神的子民，所谓的基督教也都被掳了。特别这几天是过圣诞节的时候，你看整个基督教被掳到那里去了！哦，整个地上的人都走在一条路上，都进到一个流里。不仅全世界的人在那里跳舞，连基督教的人也在那里跳舞。你看跳舞竟然跳到基督教身上来了。

　　所以今天全地上的人，不光是外邦人，连神的子民也有许多都落到那一个潮流里头，都落到那一个权势之下，都在那里拜了鬼魔。当初那些以色列人，他们表面上是以色列人，但实际上却和巴比伦人没有什么分别。巴比伦人所吃的东西，他们也吃。巴比伦人所喝的东西，他们也喝。巴比伦人所拜的偶像，他们也拜。今天也是这样。许多人表面上是基督教的人，实际上是拜鬼魔的人。外邦人所作的事，他们也作。外邦人所拜的，他们也拜。外邦人所推崇的，他们也照样推崇。所以今天整个世界的潮流，都落在撒但的权下了。撒但今天是把全数的人都掳去了，叫神在地上没有法子作事。

　　我们要知道，撒但若不是先得着人，他就没有办法破坏神的旨意。神若不能得着人，祂也不能成全祂的计划。在神和撒但之间，人实在占着重要的地位。今天撒但既把地上所有的人都拖走，所以神所要用来转移时代的人，第一个特点就必须站起来显明与世人有分别。他要站起来宣告说，世人所作的我不能作，世人所吃喝的我不能吃喝，世人所走的路我不能走，世人一切的生活我不能有分。我和世人总有一个分别。所以转移时代的人，第一个特点乃是绝对站在神的一面。他看见这个世界潮流里头的事，不仅不跟随，反而心里难过，好像火烧一样。他在许多的事上，都站在另一个地位上，作相反的见证。

　　弟兄姊妹，少年人在生活的事上，是最容易随流的。但是，你看但以理一开头所胜过的，就是关于生活的事，吃喝的事。许多时候，少年人会感觉说，这些事别人可以作，我们也可以。别人都作，我们作一点也无所谓。请大家记得，若是这样的话，你在转移时代的事上，在神的手里就完全没有用处，因为你没有站在神这一边，你已经落到撒但那一边去了。这样你就永远没有办法给神使用来转移一个时代。

　　所以你在世人中间，必须有一个分别，必须站起来作一个相反的见证。外面的流虽然是往下去，但是你的里面却是顶着这一个流往上去。他们玩耍、游戏，你不玩耍，也不游戏。他们有各种的爱好，但是你不能有。当然我在这里不是劝你们去作古怪的人，这不是我的意思。但是请记得，你若要在潮流往下去的时候，给神用着来转移一个时代，你这个人就必须是分别出来的人，必须能起来为神作相反的见证。这是第一个必须有的特点。
 
　The first characteristic of Daniel was that he was a separated person. Everyone who wants to be used by God to turn the age must be a separated person. We must know that everyone in this age is walking on the same road and is swept into the same current. This way is a way that follows Satan. This way is initiated by Satan and is pioneered by Satan. This way is definitely far from God and is always going downhill. We can find this condition in the book of Daniel.

　I hope that the young brothers and sisters will pay attention to one thing when they read the Bible. We cannot merely study an isolated text in the Scripture. We have to grasp the picture presented in the entire portion of the Word. Daniel is a short book. Because many descriptions in it are very brief, we must carefully try to understand the hidden meaning there.

　For example, from the very beginning of its narration, we can see a picture of a place called Shinar. The land of Shinar was a place where men revolted and rebelled against God from the beginning. From Genesis to Revelation most of the cases of man’s rebellion against God happened in Shinar, which is Babylon (Babel). Here we see a ruler, a leader, who had dominion at that time over the most powerful regions on earth. We can say that at that time the whole earth was under the hand of the king of Babylon. Hence, this picture shows how the whole world is under Satan’s hand. Here the king of Babylon is a type of Satan.

　In Babylon there was no temple, only shrines. It was the place of origin for idols. It was also the place where idols were most prevalent. All idol worship in this world originated in Babel, which is Shinar and Babylon. From the first chapter of Daniel, we can see that the whole world was under the authority of the king of Babylon; they all served the god of Babel, were under Satan’s dominion, and were even worshipping Satan. The whole earth was under this kind of condition. Among them there was a people, the Israelites, who should have been separated. The Israelites did not belong to Babylon; they should not have been under Babel’s authority. They should not have worshipped the gods of Babel. They lived originally in the land of Canaan, a place away from Babylon. Among them they had only the temple and no shrines. They worshipped only God. However, by the time of Daniel 1, even the Israelites were carried away to the world of Babel. The people separated by God were carried away to follow Satan’s current. Hence, by then everyone, including the Gentiles and the Israelites, was under Babel’s ruling and was worshipping the Babylonian gods. In other words, they all fell under Satan’s ruling and were following Satan.

　This is the picture that Daniel reveals from the very beginning. This picture clearly shows that the whole world was under Babylon’s ruling and was worshipping the god of Babylon. Consequently, God’s authority was laid aside, and God’s glory was not expressed. On the contrary, Satan had dominion and was ruling. He was expressed and was worshipped by men. This is the picture in Daniel 1.

　At this time, although Daniel and his three friends were still very young, they stood up to be an anti-testimony. This anti-testimony is a separation. As soon as they stood up, there was clearly a separation from the world. It was as if others were waving a black flag, and they were waving a white one. When we read Daniel 1, we must grasp the meaning of this picture. These men did not follow the tide of Babylon at all. They were the separated ones. They could not eat what others could eat. They could not drink what others could drink. They could not do what others could do. They were clearly different from others in everything. I do not know if the young people have ever realized by reading Daniel that even in his old age, Daniel was still a separated person. He did many things that no one who was in the world would do. Furthermore, he did not do the things that the world did. There was always a separation between him and the world.

　Young people, you must realize that today’s age is the same as Daniel’s age; they are not at all different. Not only the Gentiles are under the ruling of Babylon; even the so-called people of God, so-called Christianity, are also in captivity. This is especially true during Christmas, when the whole of Christianity is carried away. Everyone in the world is walking on the same road, and everyone is swept into the same current. Not only do we see the whole world dancing; even those in Christianity are dancing. Dancing has even come to Christianity.

　Hence, everyone in the world, Gentiles and God’s people alike, has been swept into this current; they have all fallen under the same authority and are worshipping the demons. The Israelites in those days were Israelites only outwardly; in reality, they were not much different from the Babylonians. They ate what the Babylonians ate. They drank what the Babylonians drank. They worshipped whatever idols the Babylonians worshipped. The situation is the same today. Many are Christians outwardly, but actually they are demon worshippers. They do what the Gentiles do. They worship whatever the Gentiles worship. They highly esteem what the Gentiles highly esteem. For this reason the tide of the whole world has come under Satan’s ruling. Today Satan has taken everyone captive and has made it impossible for God to do anything on earth.

　Unless Satan gains man first, he cannot damage God’s will. Unless God gains man first, He cannot accomplish His plan. Man indeed occupies an important position between God and Satan. Since Satan today has carried away everyone on earth, the first characteristic of a person used by God to turn the age must be that of a strong standing and a clear separation from the world. Such a person must stand up and declare, “I cannot do what the world does. I cannot eat and drink what others eat and drink. I cannot walk the way that they walk. I cannot have a part in the kind of life that they live. I am always somewhat different from them.” The first characteristic of those who turn the age is an absoluteness in standing on God’s side. Such a person sees through everything that belongs to the tide of this age. Not only will he not follow those things, but his heart grieves and burns because of them. With respect to many things, he stands in a position of separation and becomes an anti-testimony.

　Young people are most susceptible to follow others in their manner of living. However, the first things Daniel overcame were in the matter of living, things related to eating and drinking. Many times young people feel that since others can do something, they can do the same. They feel that since everyone else is doing it, it is all right for them to do it also. Please remember that if we do this, we will become completely useless in God’s hand in the matter of turning the age. This is because we do not stand on God’s side but rather on Satan’s side. If we do this, we can never be used by God to turn the age.

　Hence, we must have a separation from those in the world. We must stand up and be an anti-testimony. Although the tide around us is downward, inwardly we are standing up against the tide. Others may play and amuse themselves, but we will not do the same. Others may have all kinds of cravings, but we cannot have the same. Of course, I am not suggesting that we be peculiar persons. That is not what I mean. Nevertheless, we must remember that in an age where the tide is downward, to be used by God as a person to turn the age, we must be separated persons; we must be able to stand up as an anti-testimony for God. This is the first necessary characteristic.
　　第二个特点，但以理不光是一个常读神话语的人，而且还是一个与神的话联得起来的人。他读神的话语，并不是为着研究知识，也不光是要知道神的心意，他乃是接受而又谨守神的教训。比方你应该信，他所以不吃巴比伦王的饭，不喝巴比伦王的酒，定规是因为他读过摩西的五经，从利未记、申命记里头读出来，什么食物是洁净的，什么食物是不洁净的。同时也读出来，神的百姓绝不能有分于那些与偶像接触过的东西。他既读出了这些教训，懂得了神的心意，就接受到自己身上来。所以他不是一个和圣经脱节的人，他不是仅仅在那里研究圣经。

　　当他从耶利米书读出来，神定规以色列人被掳七十年，到了七十年期满，神就要回头恩待以色列人，但以理把这件事读出来之后，就立刻禁食祷告。他不是一个死读圣经的人，他从圣经里头一摸着神的心意，立刻就把自己联在这一个心意上。

　　他是这样一个读经的人，所以凡是圣经里头的话语、亮光和教训，每一点都能摸着他。他读到利未记的时候，他就不能吃污秽的东西。他读到耶利米书，他就不能不禁食为着神百姓的复兴祷告。他读到那一点，他就把自己联在那一点上。弟兄姊妹，请你记得，一个要为神转移时代的人，必须有这一个特点。你要学习，当你来读神话语的时候，不是研究一点学问，得着一点知识，乃是要从神的话语里，读出神的心意来。并且什么时候你一把神的心意读出来，马上就要把自己联在那个心意上头。

　　我信好些青年弟兄姊妹是常读圣经的。但是我怕你们读圣经的时候，圣经是圣经，你们是你们。比方圣经明明说，信的和不信的原不相配。这个话说得很清楚。但是大家读过之后，可能仍旧和不信的人作朋友。这就是说，圣经是圣经，你是你，圣经不能影响你的生活，你这个人也不能联于圣经。你在圣经里面，明明读出神的心意不许可祂的儿女，在任何事上和不信的人配在一起，作朋友不可以，谈婚姻更不可以，但是你仍旧和不信的人作朋友，或者甚至和不信的人谈婚姻。所以你的生活和圣经，完全是脱节的。像这样的人，就不能作转移时代的人，不能在这个走下坡的时代，起来为神作相反的见证。要为神作相反见证的人，必须读神的话，从神的话摸着神的心意，并且把自己联于神这个心意。

　　今天整个世界的潮流，都是和神的心意相反的。你里头若摸着神的心意，定规要在生活中，作反时代反潮流的见证。当你读到林后六章十四节，读出神的心意，是信的和不信的原不相配，你马上应当说，阿们！从这个时候起，我再不能和不信的人结交，因为这是神的心意。虽然我的弟兄和姊妹，有的还一直和世人作朋友，但是我不能这样，我要站起来作一个相反的见证。我一从神的话读出神这个心意来，我就把自己联在这个心意上。

　　弟兄姊妹，这就是当初在但以理身上的特点。他不像今天许多读圣经的人，把读圣经当作莫相干的事。那样的读经，并不能读到神的心意里面去，因为他是在圣经以外来读圣经，圣经永远跑不到他里头去。这样的人，就是读经也没有多少用处。读经必须把自己和自己的生活联在神的话语上。什么时候你一从神的话语里，读出神的心意来，你就马上必须恐惧战兢的，把自己联于神的这个心意。这就是你在但以理身上，所看到的第二个特点。这一个特点，也是每一个给神使用来转移时代的人所必须有的。只有把自己联在神话语上的人，在神的手里才有真实地用处！
 
　Daniel was not only a person who read God’s Word regularly but a person who was joined to God’s Word. This is the second characteristic. He did not read God’s Word for the purpose of finding out some knowledge or merely for finding out God’s will. Rather, he read to receive and to keep God’s commandments. We should believe that he refused the food and drink of the king of Babylon because he had read the five books of Moses. He must have read about the clean and unclean food from Leviticus and Deuteronomy. At the same time, he must have found out that God’s people cannot partake of any food that has touched the idols. Since he read these commandments and therefore knew God’s desire, he accepted them and applied them to himself. Hence, he was not a person separate from the Scripture. He was not merely studying the Bible.

　When he read from the book of Jeremiah that God had ordained seventy years of captivity for the Israelites and that after seventy years God would turn back to bless them, he immediately fasted and prayed. He did not read the Scripture in a dead way. As soon as he touched God’s desire through the Word, he immediately joined himself to that desire.

　This was the way that he read the Bible. This was why he could be touched by every word, by the light, and by the teaching in the Bible. After he read the book of Leviticus, he could no longer eat the unclean food. After he read the book of Jeremiah, he could not help but fast and pray for the restoration of God’s people. Whichever point he read, he joined himself to that point. Brothers and sisters, please remember that a person who turns the age for God must possess such a characteristic. When we come to God’s Word, we have to learn not to study for some scholarship or for some knowledge but to find out God’s desire from His Word. Whenever we find out God’s desire, we must immediately join ourselves to that desire.

　I believe that many young brothers and sisters read the Bible regularly. However, I am afraid that when you read the Bible, the Bible remains the Bible, and you are still you. For instance, the Bible clearly says that a believer and an unbeliever should not be yoked together. This word is very clear. Nevertheless, after you read it, perhaps you still make friends with unbelievers. This means that the Bible is the Bible and you are you. The Bible cannot affect your living, and you cannot be joined to the Bible. You read clearly from the Bible that God’s will forbids His children from being yoked together with unbelievers in everything. You should not befriend unbelievers. You should much less consider marrying an unbeliever. Yet you still befriend unbelievers and even consider marrying unbelievers. This means that your living is totally separate from the Bible. Such a person cannot turn the age; neither can he be an anti-testimony in a degrading age. To be an anti-testimony, one must read God’s Word, touch God’s desire from His Word, and join himself to this desire of God.

　The current of the entire world today is against God’s desire. If within you, you have touched God’s desire, your living must be an anti-testimony against the age and the tide. When you read 2 Corinthians 6:14 and find out God’s desire about believers and unbelievers not being yoked together, you should right away say Amen! From that point on, you should be determined not to befriend any unbelievers anymore, because this is God’s desire. Although some brothers and sisters among you still make friends with unbelievers, you cannot do that anymore. You will stand up as an anti-testimony. As soon as you find out God’s desire from His Word, you must join yourself to this desire.

　Brothers and sisters, this was Daniel’s characteristic in those days. He was not like many Bible readers who treat Bible reading as an objective matter. This kind of Bible reading cannot touch God’s desire. Because you read the Bible apart from the Bible, the Bible can never get into you. Bible reading is useless to such persons. To read the Bible, one must join himself and his living to God’s Word. Any time you find out God’s desire from His Word, you must immediately join yourselves to this desire with fear and trembling. This is the second characteristic that we find in Daniel. Every person whom God uses to turn the age must possess this characteristic. Only those who join themselves to God’s Word can be of real use to God.
　　但以理还有第三个特点，他是一个经常祷告的人。他的祷告，一点不是平常的祷告。他的祷告，乃是转移时代的祷告。他每逢遇见一件重大的事，就在神面前祷告。他绝对信祷告。他所以信祷告，就是因为他信神，不信自己。

　　从但以理书第二章开始，就提到他的祷告。但我绝对相信，他在第一章里面，也定规有祷告。当他吃素菜的时候，我绝对信他天天都有祷告。他在神面前，也在撒但跟前表示说，我们身体的健康，完全不靠外邦的酒肉。我们只信神的眷顾。所以他和其他三个少年人，虽然吃素菜，还能长得肥壮。他信神的眷顾，他也必定多有祷告。

　　到了第二章，就给我们看见一个光景，地上的人统统不能明白神的事。不要说那些巴比伦的术士不能明白，连以色列人也都不能明白。为什么？因为他们都服在撒但的权下，都跟随了撒但。就在这里神来一个表白，表白但以理和他的三个朋友，是和任何人不同的。所有地上的人，不能明白神深奥的事，但是但以理能懂得。在第一章是但以理和他的三个朋友，他们自己来一个分别，到了第二章是神在他们身上来一个表白。第一章的分别，是他们自己在那里站起来作的，第二章的分别是神为他们作的。

　　在这里神兴起一个环境来，使巴比伦王作了一个梦。奇妙就在这里，王在梦中很清楚，可是一醒来就忘了，说不出是什么故事来。因此他把巴比伦那些行法术的术士都请来，把那些有智慧，有学问的，也都请来。但那些人都不能把这个梦解说出来。那就是一幅图画，给我们看见，所有地上跟随撒但的人，没有一个能明白神深奥的事。就在这个时候，神在但以理身上有一个表白，使众人看见，在这里有一个人是特别分别出来的，这一个人是祂所印证的，是能给祂使用的，是能把祂的奥秘说出来的。

　　在这里我们该看见，也该抓牢一个原则，就是像这样的一个人，必定是与神合作的人。而人与神合作，最高的表现就是祷告。

　　当巴比伦王把但以理召来之先，曾经公开宣告说，若是今天在我权下的人，没有一个能把梦解出来，我就要把巴比伦所有的哲士、术士都灭绝了。但以理和他的三个朋友，也是在这些人当中，也要被杀。所以我绝对相信，但以理会对他的三个朋友说，我们要为这件事祷告。他们就在那里给神一个最高的合作，给神一个最高的配合。因此，就在他们专一的祷告里头，神把梦启示给但以理。原来是巴比伦王作的梦，现在但以理也看见了。他不仅在祷告里看见了那个梦，并且还领会了那个梦的意思。这就说明但以理这一个人，是活在神面前的，是倚靠祷告来作人所不能作的事，倚靠祷告来明白人所不能明白的事。他这个人，是在祷告里头与神合作的。

　　你应该信，那时但以理若不去祷告，定规不能看见那个梦，也不能懂得那个梦的意思。他所以能看见尼布甲尼撒王所看见的梦，还能懂得那个梦的意思，完全因为他是活在祷告里面，借着祷告给神一个最高的合作。

　　有的时候，我想到印书的事。你们若到印刷厂里去参观，可以看到排好的铅字，整版的摆在机器上面，下面还有纸张摆着。机器一动，一张一张的纸就都印上字了。但是有的纸张没有摆在适当的地位上，就没有法子印上去。或是有的纸张摆歪了，那就印得不像样。你要那个印版刚刚好能印上去，就必须把纸张摆在对的地位上，摆得正当适合。同样，神的心意也像一块印版。尼布甲尼撒王所作的梦就是神的心意所排成的一块印版。这块印版现在摆在那里，就需要但以理作一张摆正了的纸头。他摆的地位若是正当了，关乎神心意的那个异梦的印版，就自然的会印出来了。这一个地位，这一个能够给神把祂的心意印到但以理里面来的地位，就是祷告。如果那个时候，但以理和他的三个朋友没有祷告，反而去忙别的事，那就像一张纸头没有摆在适当的地位上。纸张的地位一摆得不合式，印版上的字就没有法子印上去。但是，当但以理从巴比伦王那里回来的时候，我信他头一件事就是和他的三个朋友在一起祷告。因此在这个祷告里头，神就把祂的心意印到但以理的里面。

　　但以理书记载但以理是能祷告的人。而撒但想要特别对付的，也是他的祷告。他的祷告，是摸着神心意的，也是能成全神计划的，所以撒但就特别对付他的祷告，破坏他的祷告。尤其是在第六章给我们看见，撒但设法借着他手下的人，要陷害这一个祷告的人，最低限度也要破坏他的祷告，使他不能祷告。

　　你们还能记得那个故事。大利乌王下了一个命令，三十天以内不拘什么人，若在王以外，或向神或向人求什么，都要被丢在狮子坑里。撒但这个诡计，就是要用大利乌王四周围的人，来对付但以理，不让但以理祷告，末了还要陷害但以理这一个祷告的人。那么，但以理怎样应付呢？他还是照常不断地祷告，一点不因着这个而受到威胁。圣经说得很清楚，“他…一日三次，双膝跪在他神面前，祷告感谢，与素常一样。”（但六）任何事物都不能阻止但以理的祷告。若是但以理没有祷告，但以理就失败了。只要撒但能把但以理的祷告破坏了，阻止了，撒但就得胜了。所以但以理的祷告，就如同战场上一个必争的据点一样。

　　你要看见，就是但以理的这个祷告，结果显出神是一位活神来。实实在在神是在但以理身上，显出祂是一位活神来。而神这一个显出，乃是借着但以理的祷告。

　　到了第九章你就看见，但以理从圣经里一读出神的心意，知道以色列人被掳七十年期满，神就要使他们归回，他马上就禁食祷告。哦，有的人有一个错误的观念，以为若是神已经说过，祂定规以色列人被掳七十年期满，就要使他们归回，就我们何须祷告呢？因为神不是已经说过，祂要使他们归回么？但是不！不错，神应许七十年期满，就要使以色列人归回，但还必须有人祷告。如果神在地上找不着人为这事祷告，七十年期满，以色列人归回的事，就很难实现。但是但以理应付了神这个需要。他实在是一个借着祷告与神合作的人。

　　到了第十章我们看见，但以理不仅是祷告的人，而且是一个坚持祷告的人。他向神求明白，求指点，他是一直的求，一直的求。圣经告诉我们，他头一天求的时候，就得着了神的垂听。从头一天，神就答应他的祷告，打发天使来指示他，以色列族要遭遇什么事。但是当那个天使来到空中的时候，遇到撒但的魔君，不让他通过。在那里就发生了一个争战。换句话说，天上的神要和地上的人相通的时候，在空中却遇到撒但在那里作梗，于是有三个七日的争战。虽然神已经垂听了但以理的祷告，撒但却在空中作梗，不让神的答应临到但以理。但是但以理是一个坚持祷告的人，他在祷告里一直坚持了三个七日，结果天使就来告诉他，神怎样垂听他的祷告，并要怎样对待他的同胞。

　　这些都给我们看见，但以理是一个祷告的人。他天天祷告，凡事祷告。有一次我问一位少年弟兄有没有祷告，他说，我天天祷告。我说，你什么时候祷告？他说，一天三次吃饭的时候都祷告。我愿意告诉你们，吃饭时的祷告，算不得祷告。那样的祷告没有多大用处，因为那是为着吃饭而祷告。但是但以理祷告，一点不是为着吃饭。他是一直专一的祷告，并且没有一点是为着他自己祷告。

　　但以理的祷告，爬到了最高峰。他求神为神自己作事。他祷告说，“神啊，…为自己使脸光照你荒凉的圣所。”（九）我盼望在你们的圣经里，把“为自己”几个字圈一圈。你看见他这个祷告，完全是为着神自己而祷告，不是为着他自己祷告。好像他在那里对神说，我今天在这里求你，并不是为着我，乃是为着你。我虽然求你来作事，但并不是为着我自己，乃是为着你。这是很特别的祷告，也是最高的祷告。许多时候，我们的祷告，百分之九十九点九，都是为着我们自己，很少是为着神。但只有像但以理这样一个专一为着神祷告的人，才能给神用着来转移时代。
 
　Daniel had a third characteristic. He was a man who was always praying. His prayers were not at all common. His prayers were prayers that turned the age. Every time he encountered some crucial matter, he prayed before God. He believed absolutely in prayer. He believed in prayer because he believed in God and not in himself.

　From chapter 2 on, the book of Daniel mentions Daniel’s prayers. Of course, I fully believe that in chapter 1 he also prayed. When he was eating vegetables only, I fully believe that he must have prayed every day. He declared before God and Satan that the health of his body did not at all depend on the Gentile food and drink. He believed in God’s care only. This was why he and the other three young men could still be strong even though they ate vegetables only. He believed in God’s care, and he must have prayed much.

　Chapter 2 reveals a picture, one in which everyone on earth was ignorant of the things of God. Not only were the Babylonian magicians ignorant; even the Israelites were ignorant. Why were they ignorant? It was because they were under Satan’s ruling and were following Satan. Here we see God coming in to vindicate. He vindicated by showing that Daniel and his three friends were different from all the other people. No one on earth knew the profound things of God but Daniel. In chapter 1 it was Daniel and his three friends who separated themselves. In chapter 2 it was God who vindicated them. The separation in chapter 1 was done by they themselves standing up. The separation in chapter 2 was done by God for them.

　Here God raised up an environment. He caused the king of Babylon to have a dream. The strange thing is that the king was clear in the dream, yet he could not remember what went on in the dream after he woke up. Therefore, he called together all the magicians in Babylon, as well as all the wise and knowledgeable ones. None of them could tell or explain the dream. This is a picture. It shows that all the followers of Satan on earth cannot understand the profound things of God. At that juncture God vindicated Daniel. He showed everyone that here was one who was particularly separated. He was acknowledged by God, qualified to be used by God, and capable of speaking forth the mystery of God.

　Here we must see and lay hold of a principle. Such a one must be a person who cooperates with God. And the highest expression of a man who cooperates with God is in prayer.

　Before the king of Babylon called for Daniel, he declared that if none of the magicians or learned ones in Babylon under him could explain the dream, he would destroy them all. Among those who were to be killed were Daniel and his three friends. I fully believe that Daniel would have told his three friends to pray with him. There they afforded God the highest cooperation; they gave God the highest coordination. In their single-hearted prayer, God revealed to Daniel the dream. It was the dream of the king of Babylon, but now Daniel saw it also. Not only did Daniel see that dream in his prayer; he understood its meaning as well. This shows that Daniel was a person living before God; he depended on prayer to do what man could not do, and he depended on prayer to understand what man could not understand. He was a person who cooperated with God in prayer.

　We should believe that Daniel would not have seen the dream or understood its meaning if he had not prayed. The only reason he could see King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and could know its meaning was that he was a person living in prayer. Through prayer he afforded God the highest cooperation.

　Sometimes I am reminded of the way books are printed. If you visit a printing factory, you will find plates filled with properly set type on the printing press. Underneath the plates is the paper. When the press starts, sheets of paper are impressed with the letters from the plates. If the paper is not positioned in the proper place, nothing will be printed. If the paper is placed a little out of position, the image will not appear properly. If you want the plates to stamp the paper correctly, you have to position the paper correctly. In the same way, God’s desire can be likened to a plate. King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was a plate typeset with God’s desire. The plate was there, but it needed Daniel to be a piece of properly positioned paper. If the paper was positioned correctly, the dream as a plate concerning God’s desire would spontaneously be printed on it. This position upon which God could print His desire onto Daniel was prayer. Had Daniel and his three friends not prayed at that time but rather been busy with other things, it would have been like the paper positioned wrongly. If the paper was positioned improperly, it would be impossible to print the letters from the plate. However, when Daniel came back from the king of Babylon, I believe that the first thing he did was to pray with his three friends. In this prayer God printed His desire into Daniel.

　The book of Daniel records Daniel as a person who could pray. What Satan wanted to deal with particularly was Daniel’s prayer. His prayer touched God’s heart and was able to fulfill God’s plan. Satan purposely wanted to deal with his prayer and to destroy his prayer. Chapter 6 especially shows that Satan wanted to damage this praying person through the men under Satan. At least, he tried to destroy his prayer and to render him unable to pray.

　One remembers the story of King Darius, who decreed that within thirty days, anyone who petitioned anything of any god or man besides the king would be cast into the lions’ den. Satan’s subtle strategy was to utilize the men around King Darius to deal with Daniel, to stop Daniel from praying, and eventually to ensnare Daniel, the man of prayer. How did Daniel respond to this? He still prayed as usual and was not at all threatened by it. The Bible is very clear: “Three times daily he knelt on his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God, because he had always done so previously” (Dan. 6:10). Nothing could stop Daniel’s praying. If Daniel had not prayed, Daniel would have failed. As long as Satan could destroy and stop Daniel’s prayer, Satan would win. Hence, Daniel’s prayer was like a stronghold on a battlefield.

　We must realize that it was this prayer of Daniel that resulted in God being manifested as the living God. With Daniel, God truly manifested Himself as the living God. And this manifestation of God was due to Daniel’s prayer.

　In chapter 9 we see that as soon as Daniel read and found out God’s desire for the Israelites to return from captivity after seventy years were fulfilled, he immediately fasted and prayed. Some have the wrong concept that since God had spoken and ordained that the Israelites would return from captivity after seventy years, why was there any more need for prayer? Had God not spoken that He would bring them back? Indeed, it is true that God had promised to bring back the Israelites after the fulfillment of seventy years. Yet there was still the need for man to pray. If God could not find a man to pray for this on earth, it would be hard to bring to pass the return of the Israelites after the seventy years. Daniel met God’s need. He was truly a man who cooperated with God through his prayer.

　In chapter 10 we see that not only was Daniel a praying person, but he was a persistent praying person. He asked God for understanding and for direction. He prayed and prayed steadfastly. The Bible says that he received God’s answer on the first day of his petition. From the first day God had answered his prayer by sending an angel to show him what would happen to the children of Israel. Yet when the angel came to the air, he met Satan’s prince, who withstood him. There was a battle. In other words, when God in heaven was about to join Himself to man on earth, He met Satan’s resistance, and there was a twenty-one-day battle. Although God had already heard Daniel’s prayer, Satan resisted in the air and would not allow God’s answer to reach Daniel. Nevertheless, Daniel was a persistent praying person. He persisted in prayer for three seven-day periods. As a result, the angel came to tell him how God had heard his prayer and how He would deal with His people.

　All of this shows that Daniel was a praying person. He prayed every day, and he prayed for everything. Once, I asked a young brother if he prayed. He said, “I pray every day.” I asked, “What time of the day do you pray?” He said, “Three times a day at mealtime I pray.” I would say that prayers at mealtime do not count as prayer. There is not much use for that kind of prayer because it is prayer for the food. But Daniel’s prayer was not at all for the food. He always prayed with a single purpose and never prayed for himself.

　Daniel’s prayer reached the highest peak. He asked God to do something for Himself. He prayed, “Cause Your face to shine upon Your sanctuary that has been desolated, for the Lord’s sake” (Dan. 9:17). I hope that we would circle the words for the Lord’s sake. We can see that his prayer was totally for God and not for himself. It seems as if he was saying to God, “My supplication here today is not for myself but for You. Even though I am asking You to do something, it is not for myself but for You.” This was a very special prayer; it was also the highest prayer. Our prayers are ninety-nine and nine tenths percent for ourselves. Very few of them are for God. Only a person like Daniel, who prayed to God single-heartedly, can be used by Him to turn the age.
　　还有第四个特点，但以理是一个牺牲自己而殉道的人。但以理书从第一章到末了一章，一直给我们看见，这一个在神手里用来转移时代的人，是一个牺牲自己的人。每一次的遭遇和事实，都给我们看见，他是如何不顾自己的性命。比方他拣选吃素菜的时候，不一定有把握就能吃得肥壮。可能越吃越瘦弱，那就要给巴比伦王杀死。但是他不管生死。他只知道那些不洁的食物，那些祭过偶像的食物，不能入他的口，他不能受玷污，他要守住神的道。他就是为着这个道，丧命也甘心。

　　后来王下禁令，在三十天以内，全国的人都不能在王以外，向神或向人求什么。但是他还要祷告，即使会被丢在狮子坑里，还是要祷告。用世界的话来说，他真有殉道的精神。

　　弟兄姊妹，凡事畏首畏尾，东也怕西也怕，一下子怕这个，一下子怕那个，这样的人神不能用来转移时代。你们不要误会我，让我说一句很粗的话，凡是给神用来转移时代的人，都是天不怕，地不怕的人。什么他都不怕，他只怕一件事，就是怕得罪神，怕失掉神的同在。凡是一遇到难处就躲避，一遇到难处就退缩，一遇到难处就颓萎，一遇到难处就变了主意，这样的人在神手里没有多少用处。胆怯的人，神没法使用。凡能给神使用来转移时代的人，都是胆大的人。不是放肆，天然的胆大，乃是敬畏神而不怕为难的胆大。

　　我曾读过一点关乎路德马丁改教运动的记载。使我最受感动的，就是他在那里受审的情形。那些坐在他面前的，都是君王、公侯，但是路德站在那里毫无恐惧。他曾经当着他们说过这样坚定的话，我所传的，若是违反这本圣经，我甘心受死；我所传的，若是合乎这本圣经，就没有一个人可以杀死我！这些雄壮的话，使那些爱护他，关心他的人听见了都为他胆寒战兢。他的话太雄壮了。他是这样一个不怕死的人，所以神能够用他来转移时代。

　　你看但以理和他三个朋友，他们一点不顾惜自己的性命。你听听但以理三个朋友说的话是何等坚定雄壮！虽然巴比伦王用最奸险狠毒的手腕来诱惑他们，但他们说什么？他们说，尼布甲尼撒啊，我们所事奉的神能将我们从烈火的窑中救出来，祂也必救我们！就是祂不救我们，我们也不事奉你的神，不拜你所立的像！你还记得圣经记载：尼布甲尼撒听见这几句话，就怒气填胸，向他们变了脸色，马上吩咐人把火窑烧热，比寻常更加七倍，连那些抬他们的人都被火焰烧死了。但他们宁愿被捆着丢进火窑里也不肯屈服。哦，若是他们胆怯怕死的话，那一天定规不能为神作任何见证，不能给神用来转移时代。

　　今天我们只看这四个特点：第一是作相反的见证，第二是读经，第三是祷告，第四是不顾性命。这四个特点，不光在但以理身上可以看到，就是在别的被神用来转移时代的人身上，也可以看到。你若去读路德的传记，你在他的身上同样能看见这四个东西。路德是一个站起来作相反见证的人。他原来是罗马教的一个神甫，到了一个时候，他看见罗马教完全不照真理而行，就起来作很厉害相反的见证。路德也是一个读经的人，他从圣经里头读出人称义是因着信，一点不是靠自己的行为，他马上就接受神的话，并且把自己联在这个话上。路德也是一个祷告的人。每逢遇到重大的问题，他在神面前都有争战的祷告。同时，毫无疑问的，路德也是一个不顾自己性命，甘愿为主殉道的人。所以只有像这样的人，才能给神使用来转移一个时代。

　　青年的弟兄姊妹，我在神面前深深地感觉，主这次是要我对你们说一点这样的话。你们要看见，今天全地上的人都跟从了撒但。神在这个时代要得着厉害的少年人，好给祂使用来转移时代。我信所有今天在这里蒙神怜悯的人，定规都响应这件事，都愿意摸着神的心意，作一个自愿奉献的人，作一个拿细耳人，好被神使用，在这一个每况愈下的时代里头，为神作一个相反见证的人。
 
　There is still a fourth characteristic. Daniel was a person who would sacrifice himself to be martyred. From the first chapter to the last, the book of Daniel shows that a person who is under God’s hand and who is used by Him to turn the age is a self-sacrificing person. Every incident and fact shows that he was a person who did not care for his own life. For example, when he chose to eat vegetables only, he did not necessarily have the assurance that he would be strong. If the more he ate, the slimmer he became, he would be killed by the king of Babylon. Yet he cared neither for life nor for death. He knew that the unclean food, the food sacrificed to idols, could not enter into his mouth, that he would not be defiled, and that he would keep God’s word. Because of this word, he was willing to lose even his life.

　Later, King Darius decreed that within thirty days none in the kingdom could make petition of any god or man besides the king. But Daniel still prayed. Even if he would be thrown into the lions’ den, he would still pray. Humanly speaking, he truly had the spirit of martyrdom.

　Brothers and sisters, all those who are afraid of what might happen to them, who are afraid of things that come from one direction or another, of this and of that, cannot be used by God to turn the age. Please do not misunderstand me. Let me say it in a plain way. Everyone whom God uses to turn the age is afraid neither of heaven nor of hell. He fears nothing. He is afraid of only one thing, that is, to offend God and to lose His presence. Anyone who hides, withdraws, withers, and changes his mind when confronted with difficulties is not of much use in God’s hands. God cannot use cowards. All those whom God uses to turn the age are bold ones. They are not bold in a wild or natural way but bold because of their fear of God and their courage to confront difficulties.

　In the past I have read a little of the record of Martin Luther’s Reformation. I was most touched by the scene at his trial. Those who sat in front of him were kings and noblemen, yet Luther stood before them fearlessly. He spoke a firm word to their face: “If what I preach is contrary to this Bible, I am willing to die, but if what I preach is according to this Bible, no one can kill me!” Such majestic words caused even those who loved him and were concerned for him to tremble. His words were too majestic. He was a man who was not afraid of death. This was why God was able to use him to turn the age.

　Consider Daniel and his three friends. They did not care for their own lives at all. Listen to the words of Daniel’s three friends. How resolute and majestic they were! Although the king of Babylon seduced them in the most cunning and devious way, what did they answer? They said, “O Nebuchadnezzar,...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the blazing furnace of fire, and He will deliver us out of your hand...But if He does not,...we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18). Do you not remember the record of the Bible? When Nebuchadnezzar heard these words, he was full of fury, and the countenance of his face was changed toward them. Right away he commanded that the furnace be made seven times hotter than it was usually heated. Even the men who lifted them into the furnace were slain by the flames. The three of them would rather be bound and cast into a fiery furnace than submit to the king. If they had been cowardly and afraid of death, surely they could not have testified for God at all that day and could not have been used by God to turn the age.

　Today, we can cover only these four characteristics. First, we must be an anti-testimony. Second, we must read the Bible. Third, we must pray, and fourth, we must not care for our own life. These four characteristics can be seen not only in Daniel but also in all those used by God to turn the age. If we read the biography of Luther, we will see these four things in him also. Luther was one who stood up as an anti-testimony. He was originally a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. When he saw that the Roman Catholic Church did things completely contrary to the truth, he rose up and became a strong anti-testimony. Luther was also a person who read the Bible. He saw from the Bible that man is justified by faith and not at all by works. Immediately, he accepted God’s Word and joined himself to this Word. Luther was also a man of prayer. Each time he came across important issues, he would fight in prayers before God. At the same time, undoubtedly, Luther was one who cared not for his own life and was willing to be martyred for the Lord. Only this kind of person can be used by God to turn the age.

　Young brothers and sisters, I feel deeply before God to speak such a word to you. You must see that the whole world today has followed Satan. God wants to gain absolute young people so that He can use them to turn the age. I believe that everyone who has received mercy from God today will surely respond to this matter. I believe that these ones will surely want to touch God’s desire, be voluntarily consecrated ones, Nazarites, and be used by God as an anti-testimony in this ever-degrading age.

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