六月三日

這些人都是窑匠，是尼他應（田園）和基低拉（籬笆）的居民，與王同處，爲王作工。（代上4：23）

窑匠幷不是高等的工匠，但“王”需要窑匠，雖然他們工作的材料不過是泥土，但也是爲君王服役。我們也許在主的工作上所居的地位非常輕微，但爲“王”作事也是一種很大的權利，因此我們當忠于我們的呼召、盼望：“我們安臥在瓦器中的時候，好像鴿子的翅膀鍍白銀，翎毛鍍黃金一般。”經文中告訴我們他們是住在田園和籬笆內，叫我們知道他們的工作是粗笨、卑陋的，過著有籬笆，有溝渠的生活。他們或許希望住在城市中有城市的生活、社會和斯文，但他們却仍留在指定的地方，因爲他們作的也是王的工作。

我們所住的地方已經固定了，我們不要因無恒和妄想就要搬出去，乃要設法在其中服侍主，要使我們居所周圍的人因我們蒙福。這些窑匠和園丁們與王有交往，因爲他們“與王同處”，雖然居住在田園間、籬笆內，可是却與王在那裏同處。我們的住處和職業不論多麽微小卑下，都不足以攔阻我們與聖神相交。在荒蕪的茅屋內、狹小的陋室裏、作房或牢獄中，我們都能與王同行。

在信心的一切工作上我們都算與耶穌相交，我們在作他的工作時就得見他臉上的笑容。你們這些卑微中至卑微的、從事污穢和破爛工作的人們，要快樂，因爲現在你們就可在糞堆上找到珍寶，在瓦器中滿了天上的寶貝，野草要變爲奇花。你們要與王同處，爲王作工，他必使你們的名字垂諸史乘。

June 3

"These were potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work." -- 1 Chronicles 4:23

Potters were the very highest grade of workers, but "the king" needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for "the king"; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, "although we have lien among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the king" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or gaols, we may go with the king. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesu's fellowship. It is when we are in His work that we may reckon upon His smile. Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for His work, and when He writes His chronicles your name shall be recorded.