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Upako wa Roho Mtakatifu - World MAP

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TOLEO LA KISWAHILI<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

MATENDO<br />

“Si k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu,<br />

bali ni k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Yangu,<br />

asema B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong><br />

Majeshi”<br />

(Zekaria 4:6)<br />

UPAKO<br />

WA ROHO<br />

MTAKATIFU<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>ndishi Mch. Frank R. Parrish<br />

Tunatumaini k<strong>wa</strong>mba utafurahia toleo hili kub<strong>wa</strong> la MATENDO! Tafadhali angalia uk. 63 k<strong>wa</strong> maelezo jinsi ya<br />

kuendelea kupokea matoleo ya MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya posta - na k<strong>wa</strong> haraka zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya barua pepe ('email').


Mpend<strong>wa</strong> Kiongozi Mwenzangu <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa:<br />

Toleo hili la Gazeti la MATENDO juu ya<br />

“<strong>Upako</strong>” limeandali<strong>wa</strong> liwe somo la ndani na<br />

la ki-Biblia kuhusu hoja hii. Ili upate ufahamu<br />

bora <strong>wa</strong> hoja hiyo nyeti, itakubidi utafakari<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> makini, ujifunze na kujibidisha kikamilifu.<br />

Itakupasa utumie muda mrefu katika<br />

kujifunza somo hili. Huenda ujifunze kurasa<br />

mbili au tatu tu k<strong>wa</strong> siku. Lakini<br />

nakuhamasisha sana ujitoe katika sala na bidii ya<br />

kujifunza. Ukifanya hivyo, maisha yako na utumishi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ko vitabadilish<strong>wa</strong>!<br />

Mimi niliku<strong>wa</strong> mtumishi k<strong>wa</strong> muda mrefu kabla<br />

sijatambua hamu ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Wake uwepo katika maisha yangu na utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ngu.<br />

Nilipofungua moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu na kumruhusu Mungu<br />

“afungue macho ya ufahamu <strong>wa</strong>ngu” (taz. Waefeso<br />

1:18), nilibadilish<strong>wa</strong>! Utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ngu ulibadilish<strong>wa</strong>!<br />

Uwepo na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ulidhihirika na<br />

kutendeka zaidi sana ndani yangu, na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong><br />

maisha yangu na utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ngu.<br />

Matunda mengi zaidi yalionekana katika utumishi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ngu. Nilitambua uwepo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ndani zaidi<br />

kabisa kuliko zamani zote. Maisha yangu hayaku<strong>wa</strong><br />

rahisi zaidi; lakini niliona uwezo <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> zaidi ya<br />

mshindi k<strong>wa</strong> Kristo anipendaye (taz. Warumi 8:37).<br />

Ninataka kukutia moyo sana ujibidishe kama<br />

mfanyakazi m<strong>wa</strong>minifu na madhubuti katika kujifunza<br />

somo hili. Yafuatayo ni maagizo ya kimatendo<br />

yatakayokusaidia kufanya hivyo:<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, nimetaja mistari mingi ya Biblia katika<br />

mafunzo haya yote. Tafadhali tumia muda <strong>wa</strong> kutafuta<br />

na kusoma kila mstari <strong>wa</strong> Maandiko uliotaj<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Kufanya hivyo kutakusaidia katika malengo kadhaa<br />

yaliyo muhimu sana: 1) Wewe kama kiongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa, <strong>wa</strong>kati wowote usipokee hivi hivi kila fundisho<br />

unalosoma au kulisikia, haidhuru limetokea <strong>wa</strong>pi.<br />

Wakati wote uchunguze Maandiko mwenyewe<br />

(Matendo 17:11); 2) Kama kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, ni<br />

muhimu k<strong>wa</strong>ko kuongeza ujuzi, uzoefu na ufahamu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong> Maandiko (2Timotheo 2:15-18). Kufanya<br />

hivyo kutakulinda mwenyewe na <strong>wa</strong>le unao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza<br />

ili msidanganyike, na pia kutakufanya uwe mstadi<br />

katika Neno la Mungu; 3) Neno la Mungu peke yake<br />

limethibitish<strong>wa</strong> na uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (2Timotheo 3:16- 17;<br />

Waebrania 4:12-13; 2Petro 1:20-21). Ni utendaji <strong>wa</strong><br />

2 • MATENDO<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

BARUA YA MWANDISHI – MUHIMU!<br />

REV.<br />

FRANK<br />

PARRISH<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>ndishi Rev. Frank R. Parrish<br />

pamoja tu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na Neno la<br />

Mungu unaobadilisha moyo <strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu.<br />

Pili, ukae na daftari na kalamu uandike<br />

kumbukumbu, mas<strong>wa</strong>li au mistari ya Biblia ya<br />

kuchunguza baadaye. Mungu ataongea na<br />

wewe akikufunulia ukweli unapojifunza Neno<br />

Lake. Mafunzo haya yawe safari ya kukua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko binafsi, yenye kukusaidia zaidi sana<br />

kuliko kupokea mafundisho mazuri tu.<br />

Mwisho, mtenda kazi mwenzangu mpend<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

nataka kukutia moyo uambatanishe na kujifunza<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko, kumwomba na kumngojea B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> wingi.<br />

Maana ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anayefunua ukweli, na asili<br />

na tabia ya Kristo (Yohana 14:17,26). Usiache mafunzo<br />

haya yahusiane na akili yako tu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ukifanya<br />

hivyo utafungia mengine ambayo ungaliweza<br />

kuyapokea. Ni kweli akili zetu ni karama ya Mungu,<br />

lakini bado zina mipaka (taz. 1Wakorintho sura ya 3<br />

na 4). Ufungue moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko, ukamruhusu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akufundishe wewe na kukutengeneza wewe.<br />

Unaweza ku<strong>wa</strong>ongoza wengine mahali pale tu ambapo<br />

wewe, mwenyewe, umekwisha fika. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo uombe,<br />

ujifunze na kufurahia mafunzo haya – nawe ukue<br />

katika uweza <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu hata katika kusoma<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko!<br />

Tafadhali pia uangalie jambo maalum tuliloongeza<br />

katika toleo hili la MATENDO. Kila mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara<br />

katika mafunzo yote, kutaku<strong>wa</strong> na viangalizo maalum<br />

kutoka k<strong>wa</strong>ngu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako. Hivi vimeandali<strong>wa</strong> ili<br />

wewe kama kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa upate mtazamo <strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani zaidi kuhusu kanuni fulani muhimu ya ki-Biblia<br />

kuhusu utumishi au kukua k<strong>wa</strong>ko binafsi. Viangalizo<br />

hivyo hutambulika k<strong>wa</strong> kich<strong>wa</strong> “Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mchungaji” navyo vimeweke<strong>wa</strong> rangi ya kijivu nyuma<br />

kusudi vionekane k<strong>wa</strong> urahisi zaidi.<br />

Mchungaji, mimi ninakupenda katika Kristo, tena<br />

naamini makusudi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako. Wewe u<br />

chombo kilichochaguli<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu, ili Yeye akutumie<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Ufalme na utukufu Wake, na katika<br />

kubariki Kanisa Lake. Ubarikiwe katika Jina la B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

Yesu Kristo. Mungu sasa akubariki, akupe uwezo na<br />

ukuzi unapojifunza na kupokea kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Neno Lake<br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> Wake!<br />

Ndugu yako,<br />

Mch. Frank R. Parrish<br />

Mkurugenzi, <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong><br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Kabla hatujaweza kuanza mafunzo haya kuhusu<br />

“<strong>Upako</strong>”, yaliyo ya ki-Biblia na yenye ufanisi <strong>wa</strong>ke,<br />

inatubidi tuweke msingi <strong>wa</strong> kanuni fulani muhimu.<br />

Kanuni hizi zitatujengea juk<strong>wa</strong>a la kusimamia ambapo<br />

tutaweza kupata mandhari au picha ifaayo ya upako.<br />

Mafungu ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza ya mafunzo hayo yatahusiana na<br />

kanuni hizo za kimsingi. Huenda ni mapya k<strong>wa</strong>ko, au<br />

pengine umekwisha kuyazoea. Lakini ni muhimu sana tuwe<br />

na msingi <strong>wa</strong> pamoja <strong>wa</strong> kujengea mafunzo hayo. Nakuomba<br />

ujifunze kanuni zifuatazo k<strong>wa</strong> makini. Umruhusu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> apate muda <strong>wa</strong> kutosha ili afunue, kuthibitisha,<br />

kupima na kuyakinisha kiasi gani kanuni hizo zimejeng<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kujulikana katika maisha yako na utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

Kiongozi mwenzangu, haya si mafunzo ya kupevuka<br />

“kimkato”. Pia hayakupatii utaratibu mwepesi <strong>wa</strong>la ufundi<br />

maridadi utakaokufanya “maarufu”.<br />

Kinyume chake, mafunzo hayo ni ya ki-Biblia yahusuyo<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

“Si k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo, <strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu, bali ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> roho yangu, asema B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> majeshi.”<br />

(Zekaria 4:6)<br />

UTANGULIZI<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

M<strong>wa</strong>ndishi Rev. Frank R. Parrish<br />

jinsi inavyotubidi sisi kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa tukue na<br />

kutenda kazi katika Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Njia ya upevu ni<br />

mafuatano ya lazima ili tuwe na matunda halisi, na utumishi<br />

unaodumu na kumletea Mungu utukufu mwingi!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tujishughulishe k<strong>wa</strong> bidii tunapojifunza<br />

kuhusu hoja hii ya upako. Mungu aweza kubariki yale tu<br />

aliyoyaweka kama njia na mapenzi Yake. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo ni lazima<br />

tuweke msingi imara <strong>wa</strong> kanuni zinazotokana na Neno Lake<br />

kabla ya kuendelea na hoja zinazofuatana za upako (Isaya<br />

28:10).<br />

Utumishi Usio Na Mipaka<br />

Hoja ya UPAKO ni muhimu sana k<strong>wa</strong> kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu Kristo. Lakini ufahamu <strong>wa</strong> UPAKO – u nini,<br />

unafanyaje, na jinsi tunavyoweza kukua na kutenda ndani<br />

yake – ni <strong>wa</strong> lazima, hasa k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>lioiti<strong>wa</strong> utumishi <strong>wa</strong><br />

muda wote.<br />

MATENDO • 3


4 • MATENDO<br />

TOLEO LA KISWAHILI<br />

TOLEO 16 / NAMBARI 1<br />

Limetole<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong><br />

CHENNAI, INDIA<br />

MATENDO<br />

YALIYOMO<br />

UPAKO WA ROHO MTAKATIFU<br />

“Si k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo, <strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu, bali ni k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Yangu, asema B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Majeshi” (Zekaria 4:6)<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>ndishi Mch. Frank R. Parrish<br />

Barua Ya M<strong>wa</strong>ndishi – Muhimu! .................................2<br />

Utangulizi ........................................................................3<br />

SEHEMU YA I<br />

Utangulizi Wa Ki-Historia Na Ki-Biblia Wa <strong>Upako</strong> ...9<br />

SEHEMU YA II<br />

Asili, Kusudi Na Matumizi Ya <strong>Upako</strong> ........................11<br />

SEHEMU YA III<br />

Kutembea Katika Apako .............................................35<br />

Kutazama K<strong>wa</strong> Kifupi Ishara Na Maajabu...............54<br />

Wahariri.........................................Frank & Wendy Parrish<br />

Wahariri Kimataifa .........................................Gayla Dease<br />

Mfasiri <strong>wa</strong> Kis<strong>wa</strong>hili..................................Judie M<strong>wa</strong>rabu<br />

Wahairi <strong>wa</strong> Kis<strong>wa</strong>hili...........................................Sig Feser<br />

Mhakiki <strong>wa</strong> Kis<strong>wa</strong>hili: ................................Ndelilio Nnko<br />

Gharama za Posta zimelip<strong>wa</strong><br />

Chennai - 600 010 India<br />

MAONO NA UTUME<br />

WA GAZETI LA MATENDO<br />

Ku<strong>wa</strong>patia bure mafundisho ya Bibliana mafunzo ya<br />

huduma viongozi <strong>wa</strong> makanisa <strong>wa</strong> nchi za Asia, Afrika, na<br />

Latini Amerika ambao <strong>wa</strong>nafundisha au kuhubiri neon la<br />

Mungu (Biblia) k<strong>wa</strong> kundi la <strong>wa</strong>tu 20 au zaidi angalau<br />

mara moja k<strong>wa</strong> wiki.<br />

MATENDO (ISSN 0744-1789) hutole<strong>wa</strong> mara nne k<strong>wa</strong><br />

m<strong>wa</strong>ka na <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> ACTS INDIA, 67 Beracah Road,<br />

Kilpaul, Chennai 600 010, T.N., INDIA. Head office and<br />

copyright: <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong>, 1419 North San Fernando Blvd.,<br />

Burbank, CA 91504-4194, U.S.A. Gharama za Posta za<br />

gazeti zimelip<strong>wa</strong> kule Arcadia, California na katika ofisi<br />

nyingine za Posta. Mas<strong>wa</strong>li hupokele<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> an<strong>wa</strong>ni ya<br />

hapo juu pamoja na Box 4142, Manila, Philippines; Box<br />

942, White River 1240, South Africa.<br />

MKUU WA POSTA: Tafadhali utume mabadiliko ya<br />

an<strong>wa</strong>ni k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> ACTS INDIA, 67 Beracah Road,<br />

Kilpaul, Chennai 600 010, T.N., INDIA. <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong>, 1419<br />

North San Fernando Blvd., Burbank CA 91504-4194,<br />

U.S.A. MATENDO ni gazeti linalotole<strong>wa</strong> bure, ambalo<br />

huchapish<strong>wa</strong> na kutum<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> viongozi <strong>wa</strong> makanisa.<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba UPAKO mara nyingi haufahamiki<br />

vema au ni hoja ambayo viongozi wengine hata<br />

<strong>wa</strong>najiepusha nayo. Inga<strong>wa</strong> ni karama ambayo Mungu<br />

anataka kutupatia, viongozi wengi ha<strong>wa</strong>jui upako ni nini<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la jinsi ya kuupokea. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, <strong>wa</strong>najaribu kuvipatia vitu<br />

vingine nafasi ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Viongozi fulani hu<strong>wa</strong> na ustadi katika uta<strong>wa</strong>la au<br />

utaratibu. Huenda <strong>wa</strong>najiongezea elimu, <strong>wa</strong>kiweka cheo, jina<br />

au digrii katika majina yao. Wanahudhuria mikutano mingi<br />

na kuhuish<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>wa</strong>hutubu <strong>wa</strong>kuu. Pengine <strong>wa</strong>nakuza<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyao binafsi vya kuhutubu au kuimba ili<br />

<strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>ongoze au ku<strong>wa</strong>hamasisha <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi zaidi.<br />

Mambo yaliyotaj<strong>wa</strong> hapo huenda si mabaya yenyewe,<br />

tena yanaweza yasaidie au yasisaidie katika utumishi.<br />

LAKINI HAYA SI UPAKO! Wala hayawezi kuwepo badala<br />

ya upako halisi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha ya<br />

mtumishi.<br />

Elimu na ustadi katika uta<strong>wa</strong>la huweza kufaa na<br />

kusaidia. Lakini hu<strong>wa</strong> na mipaka katika kumsaidia kiongozi.<br />

Tunapotegemea elimu yetu, matokeo bora tunayoweza<br />

kutumainia hulingana na upeo <strong>wa</strong> elimu yetu.<br />

Tunapotegemea ubora wetu <strong>wa</strong> kuhutubu au ustadi<br />

mwingine, tunafungi<strong>wa</strong> mipaka ya uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Lakini, tunapomtegemea <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

tunaweke<strong>wa</strong> mipaka ya uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> tu!<br />

Tunayochagua kutegemea, au kuamini, ili tutekeleze<br />

wito wetu <strong>wa</strong> utumishi – ndiyo yatakayoweka mipaka ya<br />

uwezo wetu. Je, unataka mipaka kiasi gani katika utumishi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ko?<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, hakuna mipaka (taz. Luka 18:27)! K<strong>wa</strong><br />

hiyo, nikim<strong>wa</strong>mini na kumtegemea Mungu katika uweza<br />

Wake, mipaka yangu peke yake katika utumishi ni mapenzi<br />

ya Mungu na makusudi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yangu (Wafilipi 4:13).<br />

Ni mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini<br />

aliyezali<strong>wa</strong> mara ya pili k<strong>wa</strong>mba adhihirishe matunda ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> (Wagalatia 5:16-26) katika mwenendo na matendo<br />

yake. Matunda ya <strong>Roho</strong> ni tabia ya Kristo. Aina hii hii ya<br />

tabia hutaki<strong>wa</strong> hasa k<strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>lioit<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>ongoze wengine<br />

katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Ni kazi ya kiongozi ku<strong>wa</strong> mfano <strong>wa</strong><br />

mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> kiuchaji k<strong>wa</strong>o anao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza (1Wakorintho<br />

11:1; Wafilipi 3:17; 1Timotheo 4:12). Hakuna karama, ustadi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kuta<strong>wa</strong>la, <strong>wa</strong>la ujuzi <strong>wa</strong> kuhubiri au kufundisha<br />

vinavyoweza kuwepo badala ya unyofu na tabia ya kufanana<br />

na Kristo.<br />

Ni mapenzi ya Mungu pia – hasa k<strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>naoit<strong>wa</strong> ili<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ongoze – k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuwe na uweza upitao akili zetu <strong>wa</strong><br />

ki-Mungu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>ambia <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi<br />

Wake: “Si ninyi mlionichagua mimi, bali ni mimi<br />

niliye<strong>wa</strong>chagua ninyi; nami nika<strong>wa</strong>weka mwende mkazae<br />

matunda; na matunda yenu yapate kukaa” (Yohana 15:16).<br />

Kutokana na mstari huu tunaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu anataka<br />

matunda ya maisha yetu yadumu. Yatawezaje kufanya hivyo?<br />

Utumishi wetu unapojaa uweza <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu –<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> – uweza Wake kupitia kwetu<br />

unatuwezesha kuongoza maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> njia yenye<br />

matunda yanayodumu.<br />

Haidhuru kiongozi ana vipa<strong>wa</strong>, talanta au akili kiasi<br />

gani. Pasipo kuwezesh<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, kiongozi<br />

hawezi kutimiza mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Mungu<br />

katika utumishi. Ni baraka kwetu k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anajua<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


mahitaji yetu vizuri sana kuliko sisi tujuavyo wenyewe. Na<br />

Yeye amekwisha kutupatia uweza Wake utusaidie katika<br />

kutimiza wito Wake ulio tukufu.<br />

Sura Pasipo Uweza<br />

Kuna makanisa mengi na huduma nyingi siku za leo<br />

ambamo uwepo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

umefungi<strong>wa</strong> mipaka. Huduma hizi huenda zinavuta umati<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu, tena zina vituo na vifaa vya hali ya juu na<br />

tamasha za kusisimua. Lakini kama uwepo na uweza halisi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> hauonekani <strong>wa</strong>la kukaribish<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

mikutano yake huenda itaku<strong>wa</strong> sherehe za kidini zisizo na<br />

uhai wowote.<br />

Ukumbi au u<strong>wa</strong>nja mkub<strong>wa</strong> hujaa umati mkub<strong>wa</strong> sana<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu, hu<strong>wa</strong> na vifaa vya kisasa na ratiba ya kusisimua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mechi ya kandanda tu. Lakini mambo haya ya<br />

kimwili au ya nje hayana uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> maana na ku<strong>wa</strong>fanya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong>naomfuata Yesu Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> bidii!<br />

Katika historia ya Kanisa, kuna maeneo mengi duniani<br />

ambapo Mungu alitenda miujiza na mambo mengine makuu<br />

akitumia <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>liojitolea kama vyombo Vyake.<br />

Makanisa mengi ya maeneo haya na hata maeneo yenyewe<br />

makub<strong>wa</strong>, zamani yalijulikana k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya uwepo <strong>wa</strong><br />

Ukristo wenye uhai na uwezo. Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba leo<br />

maeneo hayo yamo ndani ya giza ya kiroho. Pale Kanisa la<br />

zamani lilipositawi na ku<strong>wa</strong> na uongozi mkub<strong>wa</strong>, sasa ni<br />

patupu pasipo nuru ya Injili.<br />

Kati ya makanisa ya aina hii yanayojulikana zaidi katika<br />

historia ya Agano Jipya ni yale ya Asia Ndogo (sasa taifa la<br />

Uturuki). Habari za makanisa haya hupatikana katika kitabu<br />

cha Ufunuo. K<strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida hujulikana kama “Makanisa Saba<br />

ya Ufunuo”.<br />

Makanisa hayo yalisifi<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> ngome kuu zenye uwezo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> kazi ya ukombozi ya Kristo katika mioyo ya <strong>wa</strong>tu.<br />

Miujiza mingi ilitendeka hapo (soma Kitabu cha Matendo).<br />

Lakini leo, <strong>wa</strong>talii <strong>wa</strong>natoa fedha ili <strong>wa</strong>tembee kati ya<br />

magofu ambapo mitume <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>kuu <strong>wa</strong>lipohubiri Neno la<br />

Uzima. Sehemu hizi sasa hazina uhai <strong>wa</strong>la uwezo wowote <strong>wa</strong><br />

Injili.<br />

Ilitokeaje basi k<strong>wa</strong> hayo makanisa na hizi huduma<br />

ambavyo zamani viliku<strong>wa</strong> vikuu? Magofu haya matupu,<br />

yanayotumi<strong>wa</strong> sasa na ndege <strong>wa</strong> angani tu, yamesimama<br />

kama onyo na mafundisho kwetu sisi sote.<br />

Haya ndiyo tunayoweza kujifunza: Wakati wowote<br />

ambapo viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa <strong>wa</strong>naanza kutegemea uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o, au mapokeo, vyeo, siasa za kikanisa, au hata elimu na<br />

ujuzi <strong>wa</strong> kimasomo – badala ya kumtegemea <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na kweli za milele za Neno Lake –<br />

ndipo uhai na uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu unapoanza kutoweka kwetu<br />

sisi kama viongozi, na pia kwenye huduma au makanisa<br />

ambayo Mungu ameweka chini ya uongozi wetu.<br />

Kanisa Ni Nini?<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alimwezesha Paulo ashughulikie hali ya<br />

kanisa (taz. 1Wakorintho sura ya 3). Kanisa la Korintho<br />

lilikeme<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kugombana k<strong>wa</strong>o katika hali ya<br />

kimwili, kitoto na kibinafsi. Watu <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kiga<strong>wa</strong>nyika<br />

katika vikundi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kujipatia nafasi ya kuta<strong>wa</strong>la<br />

wengine kana k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni <strong>wa</strong>kub<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>o (3:1-4). Hali hii<br />

iliku<strong>wa</strong>, na hata leo bado ndiyo, kiburi cha kujisifu – yaani<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Kutangaza<br />

Neno<br />

la Uzima<br />

dhambi ya ibilisi (1Timotheo 3:6). Huu mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> kiburi<br />

na hii bidii ya kujitegemea ya kibinadamu bado huzuia<br />

ufanisi <strong>wa</strong> kuzaa matunda katika Kanisa leo.<br />

Paulo anaendelea kutamka <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu ndiye<br />

Peke Yake anayewezesha Kanisa likue kikweli. “Hivyo,<br />

apandaye si kitu, <strong>wa</strong>la atiaye maji, bali Mungu akuzaye”<br />

(1Wakorintho 3:7).<br />

Kuna MSINGI MMOJA tu ambao Kanisa linaweza<br />

kujeng<strong>wa</strong> juu yake: Yesu Kristo aliye Jiwe Kuu la Pembeni<br />

(1Wakorintho 3:10-11; taz. pia Waefeso 2:20-22). Hili ndilo<br />

Jiwe letu Kuu la Pembeni k<strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la leo, vile vile kama<br />

lilivyoku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati Kanisa lilipozali<strong>wa</strong> zaidi ya miaka elfu<br />

mbili iliyopita!<br />

Kiini Cha Kanisa<br />

Matumizi ya jiwe kuu la pembeni katika ulimwengu <strong>wa</strong><br />

zamani yaliku<strong>wa</strong> ya kipekee kabisa, nayo yatatusaidia<br />

tufahamu vizuri zaidi sababu ya Yesu kuit<strong>wa</strong> “jiwe kuu la<br />

pembeni” (Mathayo 21:42).<br />

Katika Mashariki ya Kati <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> zamani, nyumba na<br />

majengo mengine yote yalijeng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia ile ile. Jiwe moja<br />

liliwek<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> vipimo vilivyofuat<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uangalifu, nalo<br />

liliku<strong>wa</strong> jiwe kuu la pembeni. Halafu jengo lote liliendelea<br />

kupimi<strong>wa</strong> ukub<strong>wa</strong>, ramani na uwekaji, kufuatana na<br />

kulingana na jiwe kuu lile pekee la pembeni.<br />

Huu ndio mfano uliotumi<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kupitia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Paulo akionesha ukuu <strong>wa</strong> Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kujeng<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Kanisa lililo hai. Ni la mawe yaliyo hai, yanayokua na<br />

kuhuish<strong>wa</strong> kiroho, ambayo yamejeng<strong>wa</strong> kulingana na Jiwe<br />

Kuu la Pembeni la wokovu katika Yesu Kristo (1Petro<br />

2:4-10). Hakuna sehemu nyingine yoyote itakayokaa sa<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>la kunyoka pasipo Jiwe hili likaalo kama kiini cha Kanisa.<br />

Sisi kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe <strong>wa</strong>shirika<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Kristo katika kutii makusudi na mipango Yake tukisaidia<br />

kujenga Kanisa la Mungu lililo hai. Kanisa la Agano Jipya –<br />

Kanisa la Kristo – ni kundi la <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liopata ufahamu <strong>wa</strong><br />

wokovu katika kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu Kristo. Neno “kanisa”<br />

katika Agano Jipya halimaanishi utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> kiuta<strong>wa</strong>la,<br />

vyeo, majengo <strong>wa</strong>la madhehebu. “Kanisa” ni <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liookole<strong>wa</strong> na kuhesabi<strong>wa</strong> haki k<strong>wa</strong> imani katika Kristo,<br />

na ambao <strong>wa</strong>naendelea ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong>naopevush<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

MATENDO • 5


Uzao Halisi Wa Matunda<br />

Majina mengine ya Agano Jipya yanayofafanua Kanisa<br />

ni pamoja na: “Mawe yaliyo hai” (1Petro 2:5); “Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo” (1Wakorintho 12:27); “shamba”, “jengo” au<br />

“hekalu” la Mungu (1Wakorintho 3:9,16-17). Majina haya<br />

yote yana uhusiano mmoja: yote yana<strong>wa</strong>husu <strong>wa</strong>tu ambao ni<br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo.<br />

Ni muhimu kabisa kuyaele<strong>wa</strong> haya. Sisi kama viongozi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kanisa, tumeiti<strong>wa</strong> zaidi ya kufuata utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> kuta<strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kanisa, kusimamia majengo mapya, au kuandaa matamasha<br />

na matukio ya kikanisa. Sisi tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe <strong>wa</strong>shiriki <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu katika ku<strong>wa</strong>funza na ku<strong>wa</strong>jenga <strong>wa</strong>tu.<br />

Tumeit<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu tulichunge na kulilea Kanisa lililo<br />

hai la Mungu aliye hai, yaani <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naoamini –<br />

tuki<strong>wa</strong>saidia <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong>naokua <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo.<br />

Hatuwezi kutekeleza wito huu <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> ma<strong>wa</strong>kili bila<br />

msaada na uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (taz. Zaburi 127:1).<br />

Mungu atatu<strong>wa</strong>jibisha kuhusu jinsi tulivyojenga juu ya<br />

Msingi Mmoja yaani wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Kristo<br />

(1Wakorintho 3:12-23). Je, sisi tunavuta umati <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

kutokana na ubunifu wetu, nguvu na akili zetu? Njia hii<br />

inaweza kuonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> na ufanisi k<strong>wa</strong> muda, lakini<br />

haitaleta matunda ya kudumu ambayo Mungu anayatafuta<br />

(Yohana 15:5,8,16).<br />

Au badala ya haya, je, sisi tunajitoa k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu kila siku na kujisalimisha k<strong>wa</strong> mapenzi Yake? Je,<br />

tunaongoz<strong>wa</strong> na Yeye kama <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

(Warumi 8:14), tukimtegemea k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila dakika ya<br />

utumishi ambayo anatukubalia? Kama ndivyo, basi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uweza na msaada Wake, tunaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na matunda ya<br />

kweli, na matunda yetu yatakaa milele (Yohana 15:16).<br />

Tafadhali ufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba matunda na uzazi <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

havikuainish<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu jinsi akili ya kibinadamu awezavyo<br />

kuviainisha. Wanadamu huenda <strong>wa</strong>sema k<strong>wa</strong>mba uzazi <strong>wa</strong><br />

matunda ni ku<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>wa</strong>fuasi wengi, au kupata ku<strong>wa</strong> tajiri na<br />

mwenye kusikiliz<strong>wa</strong>. Hekima ya kibinadamu huweza<br />

kuuainisha kama umashuhuri, uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kuta<strong>wa</strong>la au ufanisi.<br />

6 • MATENDO<br />

Kufanya <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi na<br />

kuimarisha imani yao.<br />

Lakini uzazi <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> matunda k<strong>wa</strong> maoni ya Mungu<br />

huainish<strong>wa</strong> na kupim<strong>wa</strong> kufuatana na kipimo kimoja tu:<br />

maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naogeuz<strong>wa</strong> katika mfano na tabia ya<br />

Kristo jinsi <strong>wa</strong>navyopevuka kama <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi Wake.<br />

Kufahamu kanuni zifuatazo kutakusaidia kushikamana na<br />

ukweli <strong>wa</strong> kuainish<strong>wa</strong> huku.<br />

Kurejez<strong>wa</strong> Upya Katika Mfano Wake<br />

Binadamu aliumb<strong>wa</strong> katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (M<strong>wa</strong>nzo<br />

1:26-27). Mfano huu si <strong>wa</strong> kimwili hasa, bali ni mfano katika<br />

uwezo na ustadi. “Mfano” katika maana hii ya ki-Biblia<br />

huhusiana na akili na kutafakari, hisia na ubunifu, na uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kuchagua. Tuliumb<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kupenda, kujitolea na<br />

kutambua yaliyo mema, ya kweli na ya haki.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> nini Mungu alituumba hivi? Mungu alituumba k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kusudi moja: k<strong>wa</strong> ajili Yake Mwenyewe, ili tuwe na uhusiano<br />

na Yeye. Ndio wito wetu mkuu kabisa! Kama Mungu<br />

angalihitaji au kutamani ku<strong>wa</strong> na malaika wengi zaidi,<br />

angali<strong>wa</strong>umba wengine. Lakini badala yake, tunaona katika<br />

Biblia nzima k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu alitaka <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> kiume na <strong>wa</strong><br />

kike ambao <strong>wa</strong>ngeku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu katika<br />

kupendana na Yeye.<br />

Lakini uwezekano <strong>wa</strong> uhusiano huu na Mungu<br />

uliharibika <strong>wa</strong>kati dhambi ilipoingia ulimwenguni kutokana<br />

na uasi <strong>wa</strong> kimakusudi <strong>wa</strong> Adamu na Ha<strong>wa</strong>. Uasi <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

uli<strong>wa</strong>letea dhambi <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote (Warumi 5:12-21).<br />

Lakini <strong>wa</strong>kati ule, mpango <strong>wa</strong> ajabu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kukomboa uhusiano Wake na binadamu ulianzish<strong>wa</strong><br />

(M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 3:15: “Uzao <strong>wa</strong>ke” unamaanisha hatimaye<br />

kufany<strong>wa</strong> mwili na kuzali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu M<strong>wa</strong>na, yaani<br />

Yesu).<br />

Ulipo<strong>wa</strong>dia utimilifu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati (Wagalatia 4:4-5),<br />

Kristo alikuja duniani akafa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu. Tendo<br />

Lake la kujitoa dhabihu lilifungua uwezekano <strong>wa</strong> kurejeza<br />

uhusiano wetu na Mungu Mwumbaji wetu, ulioku<strong>wa</strong><br />

umeharibi<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi. Tunapopokea kazi ya Kristo ya<br />

wokovu na k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye, dhambi zetu<br />

zinaweza kusamehe<strong>wa</strong>, nasi tunaweza kumjua Mungu na<br />

kushirikiana na Yeye.<br />

Kazi Ya Kubadilish<strong>wa</strong><br />

Lakini zaidi ya haya, Mungu anataka pia kutuweka huru<br />

na matokeo ya dhambi, na uharibifu <strong>wa</strong>ke katika maisha yetu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, matokeo ya moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja ya wokovu wetu<br />

katika Kristo ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anaanza kufanya kazi katika<br />

maisha yetu akitugeuza na kuturejeza katika “mfano” ule<br />

ambao alituumba nao.<br />

“Maana <strong>wa</strong>le alio<strong>wa</strong>jua tangu asili, ali<strong>wa</strong>chagua tangu<br />

asili <strong>wa</strong>fananishwe na mfano <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>ke, ili yeye [Yesu<br />

Kristo] awe mzali<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza miongoni m<strong>wa</strong> ndugu<br />

wengi” (Warumi 8:29). Mstari huu unafunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni<br />

mapenzi yalioamri<strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li ya Mungu ku<strong>wa</strong> sisi tunaomjia<br />

Kristo katika wokovu tubadilishwe ili “[tu]fananishwe na<br />

mfano <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>ke”.<br />

Kazi hii ya kugeuz<strong>wa</strong> inaanza na wokovu na kuendelea<br />

katika maisha yetu yote. Mungu ni mwenye hekima<br />

isiyokoma. Aliunda Ufalme Wake ufuate njia fulani k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu maalum. Tunapogeuz<strong>wa</strong> zaidi katika “mfano” <strong>wa</strong><br />

uumbaji wetu <strong>wa</strong> asili (mfano <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake), mambo<br />

mawili maalum yatatendeka:<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atagusa mwingine<br />

kupita k<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

1) Tutaweza kutembea katika uhusiano na Mungu usio<br />

na vizuizi, unaoingia ndani zaidi <strong>wa</strong>kati wote. Ni dhambi<br />

iliyoharibu na inayoendelea kuharibu uhusiano wetu na<br />

Mungu. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tunapowek<strong>wa</strong> huru na dhambi na<br />

matokeo yake, tunapata uwezo zaidi <strong>wa</strong> kushiriki uhusiano<br />

na Mwumbaji wetu ulio na upendo na undani zaidi.<br />

2) Tutarejez<strong>wa</strong> katika nafasi na lengo vilivyokusudi<strong>wa</strong><br />

na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu. Binadamu hakuumb<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

dhambi <strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi. Tuliumb<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

utakatifu, usafi na utakaso. Uumbaji wote <strong>wa</strong> asili <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> mema. “Mungu akaona kila kitu alichokifanya, na<br />

tazama, ni chema sana” (M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 1:31).<br />

Hatukuumb<strong>wa</strong> na mapungufu yoyote, lakini dhambi<br />

iliharibu uzuri <strong>wa</strong> ule mfano <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo,<br />

tunapowek<strong>wa</strong> huru na dhambi na kugeuz<strong>wa</strong> ili tuwe pia huru<br />

zaidi na matokeo ya dhambi, hatima yake itaku<strong>wa</strong> furaha,<br />

amani na uhuru zaidi katika maisha yetu. Pia tutaku<strong>wa</strong><br />

tumeandali<strong>wa</strong> vizuri zaidi kabisa kutimiza mapenzi na<br />

makusudi ya Mungu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tunaweza kusema k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

mageuzi binafsi ni kipaumbele cha Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kila mtu pekee. Tunaweza kuainisha maana ya mageuzi<br />

hapa hivi, “kufananish<strong>wa</strong> zaidi na Yesu katika ma<strong>wa</strong>zo,<br />

mapenzi na matendo yetu”.<br />

Kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong> Uwezo Wa <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

Tunapookole<strong>wa</strong>, maisha yetu ya zamani yamepita.<br />

Tunaanza mafuatano ya mambo yote yakigeuz<strong>wa</strong> yawe<br />

mapya (2Wakorintho 5:17). K<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

na Neno la Mungu tunabadilish<strong>wa</strong> katika “mfano <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke” (Warumi 8:29).<br />

Kazi hii ya kimwujiza ya mabadiliko haiwezi kutimiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu yetu <strong>wa</strong>la bidii zetu binafsi (Yeremia 13:23).<br />

Tunaweza kujirekebisha katika mambo madogo, ambayo k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ka<strong>wa</strong>ida ni ya nje tu. Tunaweza kufanya kazi k<strong>wa</strong> bidii<br />

tukijaribu kubadilisha maisha yetu na kuendeleza tabia njema.<br />

Lakini kuna kazi ya ndani zaidi sana tunayohitaji kabisa,<br />

kama vile: uponyaji <strong>wa</strong> kuvunjika na kuumia; ukombozi<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

katika kukatali<strong>wa</strong> na aina nyingine za utum<strong>wa</strong>; uhuru kutoka<br />

katika mienendo yetu ya ubinafsi na dhambi. Aina hii ya<br />

mabadiliko huwezekana k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> peke<br />

yake (Warumi 8:1-11; taz. pia Mathayo 19:23-26; Waefeso<br />

2:1-10; Waebrania 9:13-14).<br />

Mungu anatutakia tukue na kupevuka baada ya kumjia<br />

Kristo kama Mwokozi wetu. Inga<strong>wa</strong> neema Yake na<br />

msamaha Wake ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati wote (1Yohana 1:9), si<br />

kisingizio cha kuendelea katika dhambi au mwenendo <strong>wa</strong><br />

kibinafsi. Mungu anasamehe kujik<strong>wa</strong>a au kuanguka kwetu<br />

mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara; lakini lazima tusiendelee katika dhambi ile,<br />

bali tusogee mbele katika kutembea kwetu na Mungu<br />

(Luka 9:23-26).<br />

Ukweli ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naokataa kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> au<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naopinga kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ya ku<strong>wa</strong>badilisha<br />

<strong>wa</strong>mem<strong>wa</strong>si Mungu (Yakobo 1:21-25). Hukumu ya Mungu<br />

juu ya maasi ni kali sana (Mithali 29:1; Waebrania 3:8-11).<br />

Matunda Ambayo Mungu Anataka<br />

Maana ya ku<strong>wa</strong> mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> Injili anayezaa matunda<br />

ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>tu unao<strong>wa</strong>hudumia<br />

yanageuz<strong>wa</strong> kufuatana zaidi na mfano <strong>wa</strong> Yesu. Ukumbuke<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba kuzaa matunda hakuhusiani na umati <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

takwimu. Ni rahisi kuingiza <strong>wa</strong>tu wengi katika kanisa lako.<br />

U<strong>wa</strong>pe chakula, nguo au fedha pasipo malipo nawe utapata<br />

umati! Au u<strong>wa</strong>pe tamasha, uki<strong>wa</strong>ambia mambo<br />

yanayofurahisha “masikio ya utafiti” (2Timotheo 4:3-4)<br />

<strong>wa</strong>pate kujisikia vizuri.<br />

Lakini umati si usharika, kundi <strong>wa</strong>la jamii. Mkusanyiko<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu si uthibitisho k<strong>wa</strong>mba una kanisa la Agano<br />

Jipya lenye afya, <strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong>mba wewe unafanya <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi!<br />

S<strong>wa</strong>li tunalopas<strong>wa</strong> kujiuliza kila <strong>wa</strong>kati kuhusu utumishi<br />

wetu ni hili: “Je, maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu ninao<strong>wa</strong>tumikia<br />

yanabadilish<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>fanane zaidi na Yesu?” Je, lengo lako ni<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>wa</strong>tu wengi zaidi katika kanisa lako tu, au ni kupata<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong>naopevuka na kukua katika Kristo?<br />

Haidhuru <strong>wa</strong>kiwepo <strong>wa</strong>tu kumi au <strong>wa</strong>tu elfu moja – wewe<br />

unazaa matunda iki<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong>nazidi kufanana na<br />

Yesu!<br />

Aina Ya Udhaifu Inayofaa<br />

Tumethibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba kugeuz<strong>wa</strong> katika mfano <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo ni mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>fuasi wote <strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

Tunajua k<strong>wa</strong>mba hali hii haiwezi kutimiz<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> bidii za<br />

kibinadamu, ila tu k<strong>wa</strong> uweza na uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Hali hiyo inatufundisha nini basi kuhusu uendeshaji <strong>wa</strong><br />

utumishi tuliope<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu?<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> urahisi, tufahamu hili: Uweza unaoonekana <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, akifanya kazi na kuongoza pasipo<br />

kuzui<strong>wa</strong> ndani ya m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu aliyejitoa, ndio<br />

utakaoleta mageuzi makuu katika maisha ya mtu<br />

mwingine.<br />

Huenda ukweli huu unaonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> dhahiri mno!<br />

Lakini je, mara ngapi bidii zetu binafsi zenye nia njema<br />

zinachukua nafasi ya kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kati yetu?<br />

Tuki<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nyofu kama viongozi na kujichunguza k<strong>wa</strong><br />

makini, inatubidi tukiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba mara nyingi sisi ndio tatizo.<br />

Hatuendelei muda mrefu katika utumishi pasipo kutambua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatuna uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kutimiza kazi. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

tunajishughulisha na mipango, elimu na njia nyingine<br />

MATENDO • 7


zinazotaki<strong>wa</strong> zilete ushindi au ufanisi. Lakini ukweli ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ndani yetu sisi hatuna uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kutimiza yote<br />

Mungu anayotaka kufanya! Je, unaweza kukiri hali hii juu<br />

yako binafsi?<br />

Kama viongozi, tunataka tufikie upeo <strong>wa</strong> uwezo wetu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wote. Lakini bidii zetu za juu kabisa za kibinadamu<br />

hazitoshi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutimiza mapenzi na makusudi ya<br />

Mungu.<br />

Haya huenda yanaonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> habari mbaya. Lakini<br />

hali halisi – kama tu tayari kuikubali na kuipokea – ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba upungufu wetu ni chanzo cha habari njema! Angalia<br />

yale mtume mmoja mkuu kabisa aliyoandika kuhusu<br />

kitendawili hiki:<br />

“K<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kitu hicho [“mwiba katika mwili” <strong>wa</strong><br />

Paulo, ms. 7] nalimsihi B<strong>wa</strong>na mara tatu k<strong>wa</strong>mba kinitoke.<br />

Naye akaniambia, Neema yangu yakutosha; maana uweza<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ngu hutimilika katika udhaifu. Basi nitajisifia udhaifu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ngu k<strong>wa</strong> furaha nyingi, ili uweza <strong>wa</strong> Kristo ukae juu<br />

yangu. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo napendez<strong>wa</strong> na udhaifu, na ufidhuli, na<br />

misiba, na adha, na shida, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Kristo. Maana<br />

ni<strong>wa</strong>po dhaifu ndipo nilipo na nguvu” (2Wakorintho<br />

12:8-10).<br />

Paulo hakukubali mwelekeo <strong>wa</strong> kushind<strong>wa</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

hakufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba aliku<strong>wa</strong> akiadhibi<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu. Bali,<br />

Paulo alifurahia mafunuo yake na utendaji <strong>wa</strong> neema ya<br />

Mungu yenye ushindi katika maisha yake binafsi!<br />

Ni k<strong>wa</strong> neema ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuna uhai na ushindi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>shindaji (Warumi 8:37). Lakini kujitoa kabisa na kukiri<br />

<strong>wa</strong>zi haja yake ndiko kulikomfungulia Paulo njia na kuachia<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ndani ya maisha yake na kupitia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Paulo hakujaribu kuficha au kufunika udhaifu <strong>wa</strong>ke, bali<br />

alisema: “nitajisifia udhaifu <strong>wa</strong>ngu” (ms. 9) na “napendez<strong>wa</strong><br />

na udhaifu” (ms. 10). Maana katika hali hii hasa Paulo<br />

8 • MATENDO<br />

Kukaza mwendo ili<br />

kufikia ufahamu<br />

imara <strong>wa</strong> ki-Biblia <strong>wa</strong><br />

upako....<br />

<strong>Upako</strong><br />

alitegemea kabisa uweza na utoshelevu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu – naye<br />

aliweza kuishia uweza huo uliomtegemeza na kumwezesha!<br />

(Taz. pia 2Wakorintho 3:1-6.)<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Hatujui “mwiba<br />

katika mwili” <strong>wa</strong> Paulo uliku<strong>wa</strong> nini hasa. Lakini<br />

tunajua k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika k<strong>wa</strong>mba haiku<strong>wa</strong> dhambi au<br />

ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> maadili k<strong>wa</strong> upande <strong>wa</strong> Paulo. Mungu<br />

kamwe haachilii dhambi yetu, bali anatuhukumu na<br />

kutuadhibu ili atufikishe kwenye toba ya kweli (Mithali<br />

3:11-12; 2Wakorintho 7:9-10; 1Yohana 1:9). Hakuna<br />

inayofich<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Inga<strong>wa</strong> neema Yake<br />

inaweza kumpa mtu muda <strong>wa</strong> kufikia toba, Yeye<br />

hadanganyiki tunapojaribu kuficha dhambi. Hatimaye<br />

dhambi yetu itafunuli<strong>wa</strong> (Hesabu 32:23; Wagalatia<br />

6:7; 1Timotheo 5:24).<br />

Mungu Ana<strong>wa</strong>tumia Watu Wanyenyekevu<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mafunzo haya, tuainishe udhaifu ku<strong>wa</strong>:<br />

• kutambua kushind<strong>wa</strong> kwetu katika kutimiza mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu peke yetu;<br />

• kutoa mioyo yetu na kutegemea kabisa uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>;<br />

• kumruhusu <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> afanye kazi kupitia kwetu ili<br />

atimize mambo yenye thamani ya milele katika utumishi<br />

– maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu yaliyobadilish<strong>wa</strong> – k<strong>wa</strong> uweza Wake<br />

na si wetu.<br />

Viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa mara nyingi <strong>wa</strong>nasikia msukumo<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> na “ufanisi” katika utumishi. Inasikitisha<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ma<strong>wa</strong>zo yetu kuhusu ufanisi mara nyingi hufuatana<br />

na vipimo vya dunia au hata vya kujiona kwetu. Tunataka<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> maarufu machoni pa wengine. Tunataka ku<strong>wa</strong> “<strong>wa</strong>kuu”<br />

katika Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ili Mungu atutumie katika mambo<br />

makuu!<br />

Lakini ukweli ndio, nao <strong>wa</strong>kati wote umeku<strong>wa</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

hakuna <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>kuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu – <strong>wa</strong>liopo tu ni <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekevu <strong>wa</strong>liotumi<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu katika mambo<br />

makuu! (Taz. Mathayo 20:20-28.)<br />

Tena, hoja ya kimsingi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utumishi wenye<br />

matunda ni uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kazi anayofanya<br />

Yeye! Mungu ha<strong>wa</strong>pingi <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye elimu, vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya<br />

uta<strong>wa</strong>la au talanta nyingi. Lakini hakuna yoyote kati yake<br />

ambayo yanafaa badala ya uweza <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika utumishi.<br />

Mungu anaweza kutumia vipa<strong>wa</strong> na karama zetu katika<br />

kuongeza ufanisi wetu. Lakini amefunua <strong>wa</strong>zi katika Neno<br />

Lake k<strong>wa</strong>mba “Pasipo mimi ninyi hamwezi kufanya neno lo<br />

lote” (Yohana 15:5) na “Si k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo, <strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu,<br />

bali ni k<strong>wa</strong> roho yangu, asema B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> majeshi” (Zekaria<br />

4:6).<br />

Mungu anayajua haja zetu, tena amekwisha andaa<br />

kikamilifu mahitaji yetu yote. Ametuandalia <strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili tuzae matunda <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kutimiza wito<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> utumishi.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, sasa tujifunze pamoja ili tupate ufahamu<br />

imara <strong>wa</strong> ki-Biblia <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Lengo la masomo haya ni: 1) kuainisha upako, kama<br />

ulivyo na usivyo; 2) kufafanua jinsi upako unavyotenda kazi<br />

katika na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong> maisha ya mtumishi; na, 3) kufunua jinsi<br />

tunavyoweza kupokea upako huo na kukua ndani yake.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


SEHEMU YA I<br />

UTANGULIZI WA KI-HISTORIA NA KI-BIBLIA WA UPAKO<br />

A. UPAKO KATIKA AGANO LA KALE<br />

Ili tuweze kufahamu Agano la Kale kikamilifu, ni lazima<br />

tutumie Agano Jipya pia. Maandiko ya Agano Jipya ni kama<br />

“vioo” au “mi<strong>wa</strong>ni” ambavyo mara nyingi husaidia kulenga<br />

na kuongeza u<strong>wa</strong>zi katika kuangalia maandiko ya Agano la<br />

Kale.<br />

Agano Jipya linafafanua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Agano la Kale (au<br />

Mapatano ya Kale) la Torati au Sheria ni Neno la Mungu<br />

(Mathayo 5:17-18; 2Petro 1:20-21). Lakini sisi sasa tunaishi<br />

chini ya Agano Jipya (Mapatano) ya neema na wokovu<br />

katika Yesu Kristo aliye Mwokozi. Hatuishi tena chini ya<br />

Agano la Kale la Sheria na hatuwezi kupata wokovu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

njia ya matendo yetu binafsi (Wagalatia 3:21-25).<br />

Agano Jipya limebatilisha Agano la Kale (taz.<br />

Waebrania sura 7-8). Agano hili Jipya linatimiza Agano la<br />

Kale (Mathayo 5:17-18; Luka 24:25-27) na kuweka msingi<br />

ulio “njia mpya, iliyo hai” (Waebrania 10:20) k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> binadamu na Mungu.<br />

Hata hivyo, maandiko ya Agano la Kale bado ni sehemu<br />

ya Neno la Mungu la milele (Isaya 40:8). Tunaposoma Agano<br />

la Kale, bado tunaweza kujifunza kanuni nyingi muhimu<br />

ambazo zinahusiana na maisha yetu chini ya uta<strong>wa</strong>la <strong>wa</strong><br />

Agano Jipya.<br />

Paulo aki<strong>wa</strong>andikia Wakorintho (1Wakorintho 10:1-13)<br />

alieleza k<strong>wa</strong>mba historia, matukio na mambo ya kujifunza<br />

yaliyoandik<strong>wa</strong> katika Agano la Kale yafaa kujifunz<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

kueleweka na kutumi<strong>wa</strong> katika maisha yetu kama <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya. “Mambo hayo yaliku<strong>wa</strong> mifano kwetu…”<br />

(1Wakorintho 10:6).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaweza kupokea maarifa ya thamani kuhusu<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ambao sasa hupatikana k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya tukichunguza picha au “mifano” ya<br />

upako iliyotole<strong>wa</strong> katika Agano la Kale.<br />

1. Asili ya neno “upako”<br />

Neno la Kiebrania katika Agano la Kale lenye maana ya<br />

“upako” ni masah, nalo hutumika mara 69. Neno<br />

linamaanisha kuwekea mafuta k<strong>wa</strong> kumimina, kupaka au<br />

kutia k<strong>wa</strong> kusukuma na kueneza kwenye kitu au mtu<br />

mwenye kupak<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mazoea ya kupaka mafuta yalikuwepo kati ya tamaduni<br />

na makabila mengi ya Mashariki ya Kati ya a<strong>wa</strong>li. Mazoea<br />

haya yaliku<strong>wa</strong> na matumizi ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida na pia matakatifu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, kumpaka mgeni mafuta kama tendo la ukarimu<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

<strong>Upako</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

kulifanyika hata <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Yesu (Zaburi 23:5; Luka 7:46;<br />

Yohana 12:3).<br />

Lakini mazoea ya kupaka mafuta yaliku<strong>wa</strong> na maana<br />

mazito zaidi sana k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Israeli katika Agano la Kale.<br />

Tunaona kupak<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kitu mara ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza Yakobo<br />

alipoweka kumbukumbu ya kukutana k<strong>wa</strong>ke na Mungu mara<br />

ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza. Yakobo alimimina mafuta juu ya jiwe aliloku<strong>wa</strong><br />

amewekea kich<strong>wa</strong> chake akilala na kuota ndoto (M<strong>wa</strong>nzo<br />

28:10-18).<br />

Badaye, mafuta yalipak<strong>wa</strong> kwenye madhabahu na vitu<br />

vingine vilivyotumi<strong>wa</strong> katika ibada za Hema ya Kukutania<br />

(Kutoka 30:26-29; Walawi 8:10-11). Makuhani pia <strong>wa</strong>liti<strong>wa</strong><br />

mafuta (Kutoka 28:41; 30:30; Walawi 8:12). (Pia kuliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na upako <strong>wa</strong> makuhani k<strong>wa</strong> kuti<strong>wa</strong> damu ya kondoo, ambao<br />

tutauangalia baadaye katika mafundisho haya <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuchunguza mifano ya upako katika Agano la Kale.)<br />

Mazoea ya kutia mafuta yalipanuli<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>falme<br />

(1Samweli 9:16; 15:1; 16:3,12) na mara chache k<strong>wa</strong> manabii<br />

(1Wafalme 19:16).<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> ulitumi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> makusudi matatu muhimu katika<br />

Agano la Kale. K<strong>wa</strong>nza, ulitumi<strong>wa</strong> katika kuweka <strong>wa</strong>kfu:<br />

kutenga, k<strong>wa</strong> mfano vifaa fulani, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi<br />

matakatifu. Haya ni pamoja na kuruhusu kitu fulani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya huduma ya Mungu (k.m. vifaa vilivyotumi<strong>wa</strong> katika ibada<br />

ya Hema ya Kukutania, Kutoka 30:26-29).<br />

Pili, tendo la upako, inga<strong>wa</strong> lilifany<strong>wa</strong> na m<strong>wa</strong>kilishi<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu, lilieleweka ku<strong>wa</strong> limetoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Mfano<br />

ulio <strong>wa</strong>zi ni <strong>wa</strong>kati Samweli alipo<strong>wa</strong>tia mafuta Sauli na pia<br />

Daudi ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>falme juu ya Israeli (1Samweli 10:1;<br />

16:12-13; 2Samweli 12:7). <strong>Upako</strong> huu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

uli<strong>wa</strong>kilisha kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuit<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mtu binafsi awe<br />

mtumishi Wake aliyewek<strong>wa</strong> rasmi.<br />

Tatu, upako huu mara fulani ulifuatana na uwezo<br />

maalum <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu. Huu ulitoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na kuhusiana<br />

moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na kukamilish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kazi ambayo Mungu<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> amem<strong>wa</strong>gizia yule aliyeti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta (taz. 1Samweli<br />

16:1-13; 2Wafalme 2:9-15).<br />

2. Asili la neno “masihi”<br />

Neno hili limetoka moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja katika neno la<br />

kimzizi masah liki<strong>wa</strong> katika Kiebrania masiah, na<br />

kutafsiri<strong>wa</strong> masihi k<strong>wa</strong> maana ya “aliyeti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta”. Neno<br />

hili limetumika mara 39 katika Agano la Kale k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu wengi mbalimbali. Matumizi yake ya <strong>wa</strong>zi kabisa ni<br />

MATENDO • 9


k<strong>wa</strong> Masihi mwenyewe – Yesu, M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Isaya<br />

9:7; 11:1-5; sura ya 53). Lakini neno hili limetumi<strong>wa</strong> pia k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>falme <strong>wa</strong> Israeli katika 1Samweli na 2Samweli na<br />

Zaburi. Linatumi<strong>wa</strong> hasa kumaanisha uzao katika ukoo <strong>wa</strong><br />

kifalme <strong>wa</strong> Daudi (Zaburi 2:2; 18:50; 84:9; n.k.).<br />

B. UPAKO KATIKA AGANO JIPYA<br />

Maneno matatu tofauti ya Kiyunani hutumi<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

Agano Jipya k<strong>wa</strong> maana ya “upako”. Kila neno<br />

linadhihirisha namna tofauti ya upako.<br />

1. Aleipho (limetumi<strong>wa</strong> mara 8): kupaka na kusugua<br />

mafuta mwilini (taz. Marko 6:13; Luka 7:38,46; Yakobo<br />

5:14). Katika Yakobo 5:14, upako haukuhusu uponyaji <strong>wa</strong><br />

ugonj<strong>wa</strong>. Ila upako huu uliku<strong>wa</strong> ishara ya uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kumweka <strong>wa</strong>kfu mtu aliyeku<strong>wa</strong> mgonj<strong>wa</strong> ili<br />

amwombe Mungu uponyaji katika imani.<br />

Ifahamike k<strong>wa</strong>mba si kosa kutafuta matibabu ya<br />

hospitali au daktari. Mungu aliumba vitu vinavyotumi<strong>wa</strong><br />

kutengeneza mada<strong>wa</strong> na ame<strong>wa</strong>pa madaktari hekima ya<br />

kuyatumia ifaavyo. Lakini Wakristo <strong>wa</strong>napas<strong>wa</strong> kuishi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

imani katika maamuzi yote ya maisha yao. Tusione maombi<br />

kama njia ya mwisho baada ya nyingine zote kushindikana.<br />

Kulipo na ugonj<strong>wa</strong> au majeruhi, umwombe Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya uponyaji. Mungu akifanya mwujiza <strong>wa</strong> uponyaji,<br />

usifu Jina Lake! Mungu akichagua kutumia mada<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

madaktari katika kuponya, usifu Jina Lake! Kusipoku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

uponyaji wowote, bado usifu Jina Lake – maana, uponyaji<br />

wetu <strong>wa</strong> mwisho na nyumba yetu ya milele ni K<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

ambapo tutamwona uso k<strong>wa</strong> uso (1Wathesalonike 4:16-18).<br />

Mungu wetu <strong>wa</strong>kati wote ni m<strong>wa</strong>minifu na mnyofu!<br />

2. Chrio (limetumi<strong>wa</strong> mara 5): humaanisha wito au<br />

utume maalum <strong>wa</strong> Mungu unaomtenga mtu (au <strong>wa</strong>tu) peke<br />

yake atimize kazi fulani aliyope<strong>wa</strong> (taz. Luka 4:18; Matendo<br />

10:38; 2Wakorintho 1:21; Waebrania 1:9).<br />

3. Chrisma (limetumi<strong>wa</strong> mara 3): kupe<strong>wa</strong> uweza na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kujua yaliyo kweli na haki;<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akishirikiana na Neno la Mungu<br />

katika moyo <strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>mini.<br />

Waraka <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza <strong>wa</strong> Yohana 2:20 na 2:27 hutaja<br />

huduma ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika kufunulia ukweli moyo <strong>wa</strong><br />

mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (taz. pia Yohana 14:16-17,26; 1Wakorintho<br />

2:10-16; Waefeso 1:17-18).<br />

Mtume Yohana aliku<strong>wa</strong> akiandika barua hii (1Yohana)<br />

apinge uzushi <strong>wa</strong> kikundi cha <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liojidai ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

ufahamu maalum <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Hao <strong>wa</strong>limu <strong>wa</strong> uwongo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>likataa k<strong>wa</strong>mba M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amekuja<br />

katika mwili (1Yohana 2:18-23). Walidai k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o peke<br />

yao ndio <strong>wa</strong>lioku<strong>wa</strong> na ufahamu halisi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ili<strong>wa</strong>bidi wote <strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>fuate.<br />

Lakini Yohana ali<strong>wa</strong>tuliza moyo Wakristo k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kifanya kazi chini ya mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> kishetani<br />

<strong>wa</strong> roho <strong>wa</strong> Mpinga Kristo (ms. 18). Yohana anapinga<br />

mafunzo haya ya uwongo k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>kumbusha <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o tayari <strong>wa</strong>mempokea <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ambaye<br />

“mafuta yake yana-<strong>wa</strong>fundisha habari za mambo yote”<br />

(ms. 27).<br />

Yohana hapunguzi <strong>wa</strong>la kuzuia huduma ya kufundisha (taz.<br />

Warumi 12:7 na Waefeso 4:11); badala yake, Yohana anatilia<br />

mkazo huduma ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, anayetuongoza katika<br />

ufahamu <strong>wa</strong> Ukweli katika Neno la Mungu (Yohana 16:13).<br />

Masihi – Mwenye <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba maana ya neno “Masihi” ni<br />

“aliyepak<strong>wa</strong> mafuta” au “mwenye upako”. Injili za Agano<br />

Jipya zinathibitisha kabisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu <strong>wa</strong> Nazareti<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> (na ndiye) Masihi PEKEE, Mwenye <strong>Upako</strong> PEKEE!<br />

Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> (na ndiye) mwenye upako k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utume<br />

au kusudi maalum.<br />

Katika lugha ya asili ya Kiyunani ya Agano Jipya, Yesu<br />

ait<strong>wa</strong> “Kristo” au “Yesu Kristo”. Lakini “Kristo” pia ni jina la<br />

cheo linalomaanisha “mwenye upako”. Agano Jipya lote<br />

linafunua <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu ndiye Mwenye <strong>Upako</strong> (Yohana<br />

1:41; 4:25-26).<br />

Wayahudi <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kimsubiri masihi (Kiebrania<br />

“mwenye upako”), mfalme katika ukoo <strong>wa</strong> kifalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

Daudi, ambaye angerejesha taifa la Israeli katika utukufu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> zamani kama <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Sulemani. K<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya<br />

matazamio yao, Wayahudi wengi <strong>wa</strong>limkataa Yesu.<br />

Hakulingana na ma<strong>wa</strong>zo yao mapungufu na yasiyo sahihi<br />

kuhusu Masihi aliyeahidi<strong>wa</strong> (Mathayo 11:1-19; Yohana<br />

6:26-29).<br />

Wayahudi ha<strong>wa</strong>kuona k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

mpango mkuu zaidi kabisa ulioenea mbali na taifa lao (Isaya<br />

42:5-9; 49:5-6; Matendo 4:8-12; 13:44-49). Mungu ali<strong>wa</strong>pa<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o (na sisi) lililo kuu kabisa kuliko mfalme <strong>wa</strong> muda <strong>wa</strong><br />

kidunia. Aliupatia ulimwengu Mfalme <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>falme,<br />

Mwokozi <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> wote, hata milele – Yesu, Masihi,<br />

utukufu k<strong>wa</strong> jina Lake!<br />

Muhtasari<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> katika Agano la Kale uliku<strong>wa</strong> tendo lenye maana<br />

kuu kabisa. <strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> vifaa, makuhani, manabii na <strong>wa</strong>falme<br />

uli<strong>wa</strong>weka <strong>wa</strong>kfu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makusudi ya Mungu. Lakini<br />

tuelewe k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako huo <strong>wa</strong> Agano la Kale uliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mfano au fumbo <strong>wa</strong> yale ambayo Mungu angeyatimiza chini<br />

ya uta<strong>wa</strong>la <strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya.<br />

Chini ya Agano Jipya, kuliingia njia mpya iliyo hai ya<br />

uhusiano kati ya Mungu na binadamu. Njia hii ilionekana<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza katika kutum<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu (Yohana 7:28-29), M<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, Masihi, Mwenye <strong>Upako</strong>, ili atimize makusudi na<br />

maagizo ya Mungu (Yohana 3:14-17). Yesu alikamilisha kazi<br />

hii alipokufa Msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu, na k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

hiyo alifungua mlango <strong>wa</strong> wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> wote <strong>wa</strong>m<strong>wa</strong>minio<br />

(Warumi 10:9-13; Waefeso 2:1-10; Waebrania 7:11-25;<br />

9:11-15).<br />

Sehemu moja ya mpango <strong>wa</strong> Mungu Baba k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

wokovu <strong>wa</strong> binadamu iliku<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>patia msaada <strong>wa</strong><br />

ki-Mungu <strong>wa</strong>le ambao <strong>wa</strong>ngem<strong>wa</strong>mini M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake.<br />

Waamini <strong>wa</strong>ngepata msaada na uwezo wote <strong>wa</strong>hitajio ili<br />

<strong>wa</strong>timize mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, Yesu alipomaliza kazi Yake aliyope<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Mungu duniani (Yohana 17:4; 19:30), aliahidi kututumia<br />

“Msaidizi” (Yohana 7:37-39; 15:26; 16:5-15). Huyu<br />

Msaidizi (Mfariji) ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> – Mungu <strong>Roho</strong>.<br />

Yaliyoonekana katika fumbo au mfano katika Agano la<br />

Kale katika kumimina au kupaka mafuta (upako) sasa<br />

yalipata ku<strong>wa</strong> ya kweli halisi k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo<br />

katika Agano Jipya. Haya yalianza <strong>wa</strong>kati Mungu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

alipomimin<strong>wa</strong> katika Siku ya Pentekoste (Yoeli 2:28-32;<br />

Luka 24:29-32; Matendo 2:1-39).<br />

10 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


SEHEMU YA II<br />

A. ASILI YA UPAKO<br />

Maoni ya <strong>wa</strong>tu wengi yamechanganyiki<strong>wa</strong> kuhusu<br />

upako, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> mafunzo na masomo halisi<br />

ya ki-Biblia kuhusu hoja hii. Katika sehemu hii, tutaainisha<br />

upako unavyodhihirish<strong>wa</strong> kwetu katika Maandiko.<br />

Baadaye katika sehemu hii, tutaainisha upako jinsi<br />

ulivyo; lakini k<strong>wa</strong>nza, tudhihirishe ule USIO upako.<br />

1. Mambo Ambayo <strong>Upako</strong> Siyo<br />

a. <strong>Upako</strong> SI nguvu isiyo na uhai, <strong>wa</strong>la uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

kifumbo. <strong>Upako</strong> si kama umeme (nguvu isiyo na uhai), <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

aina fulani ya nguvu ya kishirikina au uchawi. Simoni<br />

mchawi (Matendo 8:9-25) aliku<strong>wa</strong> na aina ya nguvu (ya<br />

kishetani); lakini alitambua haraka k<strong>wa</strong>mba nguvu ile<br />

haikulingana kabisa na uwezo uliokuwemo ndani ya mitume.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu si <strong>wa</strong> kimaumbile, ni <strong>wa</strong> kiroho.<br />

b. <strong>Upako</strong>, jinsi unavyoelez<strong>wa</strong> katika Maandiko, SI<br />

miitikio ya kihisia tu, yanayoonesha ama nafsi yenye<br />

nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong> ama mtindo fulani <strong>wa</strong> kuhubiri. Mara<br />

nyingi Mungu anagusa hisia zetu tunapotembea katika uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> upako Wake. Lakini kuonesha hisia zenye nguvu si<br />

kuthibitisha uwepo <strong>wa</strong> upako Wake Mungu. Watu <strong>wa</strong>naweza<br />

kuonesha hisia zenye nguvu katika michezo ya kuigiza,<br />

uimbaji au michezo. Lakini bila shaka si uthibitisho <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu!<br />

Watu fulani <strong>wa</strong>nafikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba mhubiri akipaza sauti au<br />

kusisimka na kurukaruka, anao upako. Lakini upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

kweli kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu unaweza uonekane au usionekane<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

ASILI, KUSUDI NA<br />

MATUMIZI YA UPAKO<br />

katika matendo ya kimwili.<br />

Vile vile, mtu hawezi “kustahili” kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya elimu, ujuzi au utaratibu. Vipa<strong>wa</strong> au<br />

talanta za asili zenye uwezo pia si alama ya upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu. Inga<strong>wa</strong> talanta zetu za asili yetu ya kibinadamu ni<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, hata mtu asiyeokole<strong>wa</strong> anaweza<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> navyo na kuvitumia. Tusichanganye kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong><br />

talanta na vipa<strong>wa</strong>, na upako.<br />

Ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anaweza kupatia vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyetu<br />

uwezo <strong>wa</strong> upako Wake ili vifanye kazi katika eneo kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

zaidi kuliko tuliloweza kufikia k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu yetu, kama<br />

alivyofanya k<strong>wa</strong> Sulemani (1Wafalme 4:29-34). Lakini<br />

talanta na vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyetu kamwe visichukue nafasi yetu ya<br />

kumtegemea Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya uweza Wake <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> unaotoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu ni <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu, si <strong>wa</strong><br />

kimaumbile, nao hutokana na nguvu na uweza Wake!<br />

c. <strong>Upako</strong> SI wokovu. Kila mtu aliyetubu dhambi zake<br />

na kumjia Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> wokovu anaye <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>!<br />

Lakini hali hii ni tofauti na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Tuangalie kazi za <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati mtu<br />

anapookole<strong>wa</strong>:<br />

• Mtu anaweza kuzali<strong>wa</strong> mara ya pili k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya kazi na<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> peke Yake (Yohana 3:3-8;<br />

Warumi 8:9,16).<br />

• Mtu anaung<strong>wa</strong> na Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo uliopo mahali pote,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kuokole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia isiyo ya kimaumbile;<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo uki<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wote <strong>wa</strong>naom<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu (1Wakorintho 12:13).<br />

MATENDO • 11


• Mtu “huti<strong>wa</strong> muhuri” na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuokole<strong>wa</strong> (2Wakorintho 1:22; 5:5; Waefeso 1:13-14).<br />

Neno la Kiyunani lililotafsiri<strong>wa</strong> “kuti<strong>wa</strong> muhuri” ni<br />

arrabon, maana yake arabuni au dhamana. Lakini zaidi<br />

ya kuainisha k<strong>wa</strong> juujuu hivi, kuna maana ya ndani.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza “kuti<strong>wa</strong> muhuri” ni kuweke<strong>wa</strong> alama ya ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mali ya Mungu. Ni ishara iliyo hai k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu<br />

amepokea fidia k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu. Fidia hiyo ni dhabihu ya<br />

damu ya M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu<br />

(Waefeso 1:7). Pili, tunapomjia Kristo katika imani k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya wokovu (Warumi 10:9-10) tunape<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kama “arabuni” au “fungu ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza ya<br />

malipo” ya uwekaji <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndani yetu. Uwekaji huu<br />

ni dhamana (au ahadi) k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunaweza kuongezeka<br />

kila siku katika uhai, furaha, baraka na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> mpaka siku ambapo Mungu atatupokea kabisa<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke kule mbinguni (Wafilipi 1:6; 2Petro 1:5-11)!<br />

Kazi na huduma ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> huanza ndani yetu na<br />

kupitia kwetu <strong>wa</strong>kati tunapookole<strong>wa</strong>. Yale tunayopokea<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati huo ni hatua ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza tu katika mfuatano <strong>wa</strong><br />

kupevuka kwetu. Mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

wote ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>fikie ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong>liopevuka kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>na Wake <strong>wa</strong> kiume na kike. Ili tufikie hapo inatubidi tujitoe<br />

kikamilifu katika kukua na kugeuz<strong>wa</strong> kwetu binafsi. Lazima<br />

tujitoe kila siku k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha yetu<br />

anapotuhukumu, kutuadhibu, kutuhamasisha na kutuwezesha!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Wewe kama<br />

mchungaji na kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, umeit<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu<br />

uwe mfano k<strong>wa</strong> wengine <strong>wa</strong> kundi lako <strong>wa</strong> kujitoa ili<br />

uendelee kukua katika mambo ya Mungu.<br />

Tunashawishika tufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba, kama viongozi,<br />

hatuna haja tena kuwekea kipaumbele kukua kwetu<br />

binafsi katika Kristo. Lakini ukweli halisi ni kinyume<br />

chake! (Taz. 1Petro 5:2-3.)<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu sisi ni viongozi, tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tuwe<br />

mifano hai zaidi <strong>wa</strong> maneno ya Yesu: “Mtu ye yote<br />

akitaka kunifuata, na ajikane mwenyewe, ajitwike<br />

msalaba <strong>wa</strong>ke kila siku, anifuate” (Luka 9:23). Kila<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini amepe<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuokole<strong>wa</strong>; tujinyenyekeze, basi, k<strong>wa</strong> kazi yake na<br />

mwongozo Wake katika maisha yetu kila siku!<br />

12 • MATENDO<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

anahudumia ndani yetu<br />

na kupitia kwetu.<br />

d. <strong>Upako</strong> SI sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> na Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ubatizo huu ni tukio maalum, inayopatikana k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini wote <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (Mathayo 3:11). Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pia si sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> na kuja k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili<br />

akae ndani ya m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kuokole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Karama ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ilitabiri<strong>wa</strong> na nabii Yoeli<br />

zaidi ya miaka mia nane kabla ya karama hiyo kumimin<strong>wa</strong><br />

siku ya Pentekoste (taz. Yoeli 2:28-32 na Matendo 2:1-39).<br />

Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> umeandali<strong>wa</strong> ili<br />

kumwezesha kila mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo awe na ufanisi na uwezo<br />

zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kazi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na! Ubatizo huu utamwongoza<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Kristo katika:<br />

• kushughulikia zaidi roho za <strong>wa</strong>tu;<br />

• uwezo mkub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi katika sala na hamu kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

zaidi ya kuomba;<br />

• upendo <strong>wa</strong> ndani zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> Kristo na Mwili Wake;<br />

• kuandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mapambano ya kiroho;<br />

• ufahamu unaoongezeka <strong>wa</strong> Neno la Mungu.<br />

Waamini wote <strong>wa</strong> Kristo hupokea karama ya moyoni ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kuokole<strong>wa</strong> (Yohana 3:5-6;<br />

Warumi 8:15-16). Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> na kufuriki<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Ubatizo huo<br />

haukupatii wokovu zaidi <strong>wa</strong>la upendo mwingi zaidi <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu. Lakini utakuandaa uweze ku<strong>wa</strong> na maisha ya ufanisi<br />

na ushindi zaidi katika Kristo!<br />

Kama umepokea Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

ukumbuke k<strong>wa</strong>mba si tukio la mara moja la kupata; ila zaidi<br />

ni mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> maisha <strong>wa</strong> kudumisha. Tunapas<strong>wa</strong><br />

tuendelee kujaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati wote! [Angalia Sehemu Ya III,<br />

C.1, “Mjazwe!”, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mafunzo zaidi kuhusu hoja hii.]<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Tunapojifunza kuhusu<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, ni lazima tutambue kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> roho<br />

nyingine katika dunia yetu. Kuna aina tatu za roho<br />

zinazofanya kazi duniani siku hizi:<br />

1) Mashetani<br />

Wapo mapepo <strong>wa</strong>ovu (mashetani) leo hapa<br />

duniani. Wameagiz<strong>wa</strong> na Shetani (Ibilisi)<br />

<strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>danganye <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote (Ufunuo 12:7-9) na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>pofusha <strong>wa</strong>sione ukweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu ndiye nani<br />

(2Wakorintho 4:4; 1Yohana 2:22; 4:1-3). Ufalme <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kishetani hufanya kazi zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya dini za<br />

uwongo. Wanatumia udanganyifu kama silaha yao<br />

kub<strong>wa</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>kishirikiana na Ibilisi ambaye ni “mwongo, na<br />

baba <strong>wa</strong> huo” (Yohana 8:44).<br />

Mapepo <strong>wa</strong>ovu hu<strong>wa</strong>ta<strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>sio<br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini (2Wakorintho 4:3-4). Lakini pia <strong>wa</strong>najaribu<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>lenga <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, ambao k<strong>wa</strong>o<br />

nuru tukufu ya Injili inahubiri<strong>wa</strong> (Waefeso 6:10-12;<br />

2Wakorintho 10:3-5; 11:3). Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> kishetani, kama<br />

dhambi, hauna mamlaka juu ya Wakristo – isipoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mkristo akichagua k<strong>wa</strong> hiari kushirikiana nao katika hila<br />

zao au majaribu yao.<br />

Shetani atatumia <strong>wa</strong>nadamu kama vyombo vyake<br />

(hata wengine <strong>wa</strong>naojidai ku<strong>wa</strong> ni Wakristo) akijaribu<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>potosha <strong>wa</strong>tu (Mathayo 24:24; 2Wakorintho<br />

11:13-15; 2Petro sura ya 2). Mapepo <strong>wa</strong>ovu hata<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naweza kusema nusu-ukweli mara nyingine<br />

(Mathayo 4:1-11; Marko 5:1-8; Matendo 16:16-19), lakini<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>tamtukuza Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la kufanya mapenzi Yake.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> hizi za kishetani hujua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu ni <strong>wa</strong><br />

kweli na halisi:<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


“Wewe <strong>wa</strong>amini ya ku<strong>wa</strong> Mungu ni mmoja;<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tenda vema. Mashetani nao <strong>wa</strong>amini na<br />

kutetemeka” (Yakobo 2:19). Lakini mashetani<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>tubu kamwe. Wanafanya kazi k<strong>wa</strong> bidii <strong>wa</strong>pate<br />

kudanganya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>wa</strong>najua k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

hukumu yao ina<strong>wa</strong>jia (Ufunuo 12:12).<br />

2) <strong>Roho</strong> za kibinadamu<br />

Kila m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu ana roho tangu mama yake<br />

alipotunga mimba. Binadamu ana sehemu muhimu<br />

tatu: mwili, nafsi na roho (1Wathesalonike 5:23;<br />

Waebrania 4:12). Lakini roho yetu ni mfu ndani yetu<br />

mpaka inapohuish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> imani katika Kristo (Waefeso<br />

2:1-8).<br />

Biblia inafundisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu akisha<br />

kufa kimwili, roho yake huondoka mwilini. Walio katika<br />

Kristo <strong>wa</strong>nakwenda kukaa pamoja na B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

(2Wakorintho 5:6,8). Wanaokufa pasipo Kristo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nawek<strong>wa</strong> hadi siku ya hukumu (Waebrania 9:27;<br />

Ufunuo 20:11-15). <strong>Roho</strong> za <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>liokufa<br />

haziruhusiwi kutembea duniani! Wala haziingii tena<br />

katika m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu mwingine, mnyama <strong>wa</strong>la kiumbe<br />

chochote. Kila mtu ana maisha MOJA tu, na baada ya<br />

kufa hukumu (Waebrania 9:27).<br />

Zipo dini nyingi zinazoabudu roho za aina<br />

mbalimbali. Watu wengine huamini k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>naweza<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>siliana na roho za mababu zao au mizimu<br />

mingine. Lakini <strong>wa</strong>tu hao ha<strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>siliani na <strong>wa</strong>nadamu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liokufa; ukweli ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>siliana na<br />

mapepo <strong>wa</strong>nao<strong>wa</strong>igiza <strong>wa</strong>liokufa.<br />

Usidanganywe na roho hizi za uwongo! Biblia<br />

inatufundisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba Shetani na mapepo yake<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naweza kujifanya mifano ya “malaika <strong>wa</strong> nuru”<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kijaribu kuiga mambo ya ki-Mungu (2Wakorintho<br />

11:14). Wakiweza kufanya hivyo, si vigumu k<strong>wa</strong>o kuiga<br />

sauti ya mtu aliyekufa na kujua historia yake. Usijaribu<br />

kamwe ku<strong>wa</strong>siliana na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liokufa, <strong>wa</strong>la kushiriki<br />

katika aina yoyote ya ibada au sherehe inayojaribu<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>abudu au ku<strong>wa</strong>omba mababu au mizimu.<br />

Ukifanya hivyo, una<strong>wa</strong>karibisha mapepo <strong>wa</strong> kishetani<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko!<br />

3) <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, naye ndiye<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> pekee anayestahili kuit<strong>wa</strong> mtakatifu (Warumi<br />

1:4). <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni Mungu mkamilifu, kama<br />

Baba ni Mungu na Yesu ni Mungu (Mathayo 28:19;<br />

2Wakorintho 13:14).<br />

Katika Maandiko, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ana sifa zifuatazo:<br />

• Anait<strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Yohana 4:24; Matendo 5:3-4;<br />

• 1Wakorintho 3:16; 2Wakorintho 3:17)<br />

• Yeye ni <strong>wa</strong> milele (Waebrania 9:14)<br />

• Yeye anajua mambo yote (Yohana 14:26;<br />

1Wakorintho 2:10)<br />

• Yeye yupo kila mahali (Zaburi 139:7)<br />

• Yeye ana uweza wote (Luka 1:35; katika uumbaji,<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 1:2)<br />

• Anajua mambo yote kabla hayajatokea (Matendo<br />

1:16; 11:27-28)<br />

• Ana upendo (Warumi 15:30)<br />

• Aliongoza kuandik<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Biblia k<strong>wa</strong> pumzi ya<br />

Mungu (2Petro 1:21; 2Timotheo 3:16)<br />

• Yeye ni Mtendaji katika uongozi <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu (Marko<br />

13:11; Warumi 8:14)<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

• Yeye ni Mtu, kama Yesu na Baba ni Watu (Yohana<br />

14:16-17,26)<br />

• Yeye anaweza kuhuzunish<strong>wa</strong> (Waefeso 4:30)<br />

Masomo kamili kuhusu <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yana upana<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> usioweza kufiki<strong>wa</strong> katika mafunzo haya.<br />

Lakini Agano la Kale na Agano Jipya pia hufunua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> ni <strong>wa</strong> kweli naye ni Mungu; anaishi<br />

pamoja na Baba na M<strong>wa</strong>na aki<strong>wa</strong> na usa<strong>wa</strong> na umilele<br />

pamoja nao; ndiye Nafsi ya tatu katika Utatu.<br />

e. <strong>Upako</strong> SI sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> na utakaso. Tuainishe utakaso<br />

na kuuchunguza k<strong>wa</strong> kifupi ili tupate kufahamu mfuatano<br />

huu vizuri zaidi.<br />

Kuainisha Utakaso<br />

Utakaso una maana mbili muhimu. Maana ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza ni<br />

kuwek<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kfu – kuteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mtu au kitu fulani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya matumizi maalum matakatifu.<br />

Tumejifunza kutoka Agano la Kale k<strong>wa</strong>mba kuwek<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kfu kulihusiana na vitu vya kimwili kama vile: nyumba<br />

(Walawi 27:14), shamba (Walawi 27:16), vyombo<br />

vilivyotumi<strong>wa</strong> katika Hekalu (2Nyakati 29:18-19). Vitu hivi<br />

vyote viliwek<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kfu na kuteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi<br />

maalum.<br />

Watu pia <strong>wa</strong>liteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi maalum: kila<br />

mtoto <strong>wa</strong> kiume <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza <strong>wa</strong> Waisraeli (Kutoka 13:2),<br />

makuhani (2Nyakati 29:4-5,15), nabii Yeremia (Yeremia<br />

1:5), Yesu Mwenyewe, kama M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu asiye na<br />

dhambi (Yohana 10:36; 17:19).<br />

Maana ya pili ya utakaso ni kusafish<strong>wa</strong> – kuondole<strong>wa</strong> au<br />

kutakas<strong>wa</strong> na uchafu <strong>wa</strong> kimaadili. K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, Paulo<br />

alipo<strong>wa</strong>ombea <strong>wa</strong>amini k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yao yote<br />

(1Wathesalonike 5:23) au kusafish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> dhamiri ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini (Waebrania 9:13-14), n.k.<br />

Utakaso: kuteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya matumizi matakatifu<br />

MATENDO • 13


Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Aina hizi mbili za<br />

utakaso husaidia kudhihirisha tofauti ya maoni ya<br />

Agano la Kale na ya Agano Jipya kuhusu utakaso.<br />

Katika Agano la Kale, kitu cha ka<strong>wa</strong>ida<br />

kilihesabi<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> kitakatifu na chenye utakaso<br />

kilipoteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi au utumishi <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu.<br />

Katika Agano Jipya, kitu cha ka<strong>wa</strong>ida kilijaz<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na kugeuz<strong>wa</strong> kiwe chombo kilichofaa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> matumizi au utumishi <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na (2Timotheo<br />

2:19-21).<br />

Sisi kama viongozi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, tumeit<strong>wa</strong><br />

katika mwito mtakatifu (2Timotheo 1:9). Mwito huo<br />

unatutenga k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utumishi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Lakini<br />

Mungu hajamaliza hapo. Anaanza kazi ya “kututakasa”<br />

ndani yetu, akiendelea kutugeuza k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake na<br />

Neno Lake. Tunaposhirikiana na Yeye katika kazi hii na<br />

kutii Neno, Yeye anatugeuza tupate ku<strong>wa</strong> aina ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

ambao ma<strong>wa</strong>zo, maneno na matendo yao katika<br />

maisha ya kila siku yanamfunua Yeye aliye B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

ndani yetu.<br />

2. Pande Tatu Za Utakaso<br />

a. Kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> Na Kuwek<strong>wa</strong> Katika Utakaso – Kazi<br />

Iliyotimiliz<strong>wa</strong>. Alipoku<strong>wa</strong> hapa duniani, Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mkamilifu kabisa kimaadili naye haku<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi yoyote.<br />

Alitum<strong>wa</strong> hapa na Baba Yake atimilize kusudi la kujia<br />

ulimwengu wetu ulioanguka akijitoa dhabihu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya adhabu<br />

ya dhambi zetu. Katika Yeye, tena katika Yeye peke Yake,<br />

tunaweza kupata msamaha, wokovu na ukombozi k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Mtu anapofikia imani katika Kristo na kujisalimisha k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Ub<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, mtu huyu anaunganish<strong>wa</strong> kiufalme na<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, yaani Kanisa (1Wakorintho 12:13). Neno la<br />

Kiyunani lililotafsiri<strong>wa</strong> “kanisa” ni ekklesia, maana yake<br />

“<strong>wa</strong>lioit<strong>wa</strong> nje”. Tukiainisha kanisa hivi tunaona jinsi kila<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Kristo anapas<strong>wa</strong> aitwe nje au kuteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya matumizi ya Mungu.<br />

Aina hii ya utakaso – kuteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi<br />

matakatifu – tunaweza kuita pia kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuwek<strong>wa</strong><br />

katika utakaso (taz. 1Wakorintho 1:30; 6:11; 2Wathesalonike<br />

2:13). Huku kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuwek<strong>wa</strong> katika utakaso ni kazi<br />

ambayo Mungu amekwisha timiliza na kumpatia kila mtu<br />

binafsi <strong>wa</strong>kati anapookole<strong>wa</strong> (Matendo 26:18; Warumi<br />

15:16; 1Wakorintho 6:11).<br />

Kristo alim<strong>wa</strong>ga damu Yake Mwenyewe na kutoa uhai<br />

Wake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu. Kazi moja<strong>wa</strong>po<br />

iliyotimiliz<strong>wa</strong> ni utakaso <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>naom<strong>wa</strong>mini. “Katika<br />

mapenzi hayo tumepata utakaso, k<strong>wa</strong> kutole<strong>wa</strong> mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu Kristo mara moja tu” (Waebrania 10:10); “Bali k<strong>wa</strong><br />

yeye ninyi mmepata ku<strong>wa</strong> katika Kristo Yesu, aliyefany<strong>wa</strong><br />

kwetu hekima itokayo k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, na haki, na utakatifu<br />

[utakaso], na ukombozi” (1Wakorintho 1:30).<br />

Kule “kutakas<strong>wa</strong>” ni asili ya <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li<br />

kuit<strong>wa</strong> “<strong>wa</strong>takatifu” (1Wakorintho 1:2; Waefeso 1:1).<br />

Utakaso huo unatole<strong>wa</strong> bure kwetu k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya kazi<br />

iliyotimiliz<strong>wa</strong> na Kristo pale msalabani. Hatuwezi kamwe<br />

kufanya matendo mema <strong>wa</strong>la ya dini ya kutosha ili tuustahili.<br />

Hatuwezi kamwe ku<strong>wa</strong> “wema kiasi cha kutosha” ili tustahili<br />

kukubali<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu au kupata wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> ustahili wetu<br />

binafsi.<br />

Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> Mbinguni asiye na dhambi yoyote, aliye<br />

mkamilifu kabisa kimaadili, anapotuangalia sisi, anatambua<br />

kila aina ya kupunguki<strong>wa</strong> na kushind<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini pia anatuona<br />

kupitia damu ya Yesu, M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake, ambayo imetufunika<br />

(imetutakasa) kabisa. “Kufunik<strong>wa</strong>” huku k<strong>wa</strong> dhambi zetu ni<br />

njia pekee inayotuwezesha tukubalike mbele za Mungu aliye<br />

mtakatifu na mwenye haki (Waefeso 1:6-7). Hii kweli ni<br />

Habari Njema!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> njia ya damu ya milele ya M<strong>wa</strong>na-Kondoo Asiye na<br />

dhambi, <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>metakas<strong>wa</strong> (Waebrania 10:11-14;<br />

13:12). Sadaka ya Kristo ya damu Yake iliyom<strong>wa</strong>gika ni kazi<br />

ya utakaso ya mara-moja-k<strong>wa</strong>-<strong>wa</strong>kati-wote, (Waebrania<br />

9:28; 10:12). Hatuhitaji “kazi ya pili ya neema” (kama<br />

wengine <strong>wa</strong>navyofundisha) ili tukubaliwe na Mungu. Dakika<br />

ile ile ambapo tunam<strong>wa</strong>mini Kristo na dhabihu Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya dhambi zetu (Warumi 10:9-10), Mungu anatuhesabia<br />

utakatifu <strong>wa</strong> Kristo na kututangazia ku<strong>wa</strong> “<strong>wa</strong>takatifu”<br />

(1Wakorintho 1:30).<br />

b. Utakaso Unaoendelea – Mfuatano <strong>wa</strong> Kimatendo.<br />

Upande <strong>wa</strong> pili <strong>wa</strong> pande tatu za utakaso ni mfuatano<br />

<strong>wa</strong> utakaso unaoendelea katika maisha yote ya m<strong>wa</strong>mini.<br />

Mara nyingi huit<strong>wa</strong> utakaso unaoendelea.<br />

Tumekwisha jifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba utakaso <strong>wa</strong> kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong><br />

na kuwek<strong>wa</strong> ni tendo la kifalme la Mungu linalotupatia<br />

utakatifu unaotokana na dhabihu ya Kristo peke yake.<br />

Hatuwezi kuupata k<strong>wa</strong> bidii yoyote ya kibinadamu, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote <strong>wa</strong>mepotea kabisa chini ya dhambi<br />

(Warumi 3:9-26).<br />

Lakini mtu akiisha kufikia imani katika Kristo k<strong>wa</strong><br />

wokovu, kazi kuu ya Mungu inayofuata ni mfuatano <strong>wa</strong><br />

“[ku]badilish<strong>wa</strong> tufanane na mfano uo huo [<strong>wa</strong> Kristo], toka<br />

utukufu hata utukufu, kama vile k<strong>wa</strong> utukufu utokao k<strong>wa</strong><br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, aliye <strong>Roho</strong>” (2Wakorintho 3:18). Maana ni mapenzi<br />

ya Mungu sisi “[tu]fananishwe na mfano <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>ke,<br />

ili yeye awe mzali<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza miongoni m<strong>wa</strong> ndugu<br />

wengi” (Warumi 8:29).<br />

Mfuatano huu (au maendeleo) <strong>wa</strong> utakaso ni tofauti na<br />

aina ile ya kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuwek<strong>wa</strong>. Utakaso <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuwek<strong>wa</strong> ni tendo la kifalme la mara moja la<br />

Mungu <strong>wa</strong>kati tunapopokea kazi ya Kristo ya wokovu.<br />

Lakini utakaso <strong>wa</strong> mfuatano unahusiana na maendeleo ya<br />

mapenzi, hamu na bidii zetu k<strong>wa</strong> muda mrefu.<br />

Tendo hili la kujitoa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya “kugeuz<strong>wa</strong>” ni<br />

ushirikiano <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu na kibinadamu. Ina<strong>wa</strong>bidi <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

<strong>wa</strong>shirikiane na Mungu kwenye kazi yake ya ki-Mungu ya<br />

kuleta mageuzi katika maisha yao.<br />

Biblia inafunua <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba ina<strong>wa</strong>bidi <strong>wa</strong>fuasi wote<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Kristo <strong>wa</strong>kazane kabisa katika kufanana zaidi na Kristo,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kiishi maisha yenye utakatifu na utakaso. “Basi, <strong>wa</strong>penzi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ngu, k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> tuna ahadi hizo, na tujitakase nafsi zetu na<br />

uchafu wote <strong>wa</strong> mwili na roho, huku tukitimiza utakatifu<br />

katika kumcha Mungu” (2Wakorintho 7:1).<br />

Tumeambi<strong>wa</strong>: “Mvue k<strong>wa</strong> habari ya mwenendo <strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza utu <strong>wa</strong> zamani, unaoharibika k<strong>wa</strong> kuzifuata tamaa<br />

zenye kudanganya; na mfanywe <strong>wa</strong>pya katika roho ya nia<br />

zenu; mkavae utu mpya, ulioumb<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> namna ya Mungu<br />

katika haki na utakatifu <strong>wa</strong> kweli” (Waefeso 4:22-24).<br />

Tafadhali tumia muda sasa hivi kusoma mistari ifuatayo,<br />

ambayo ni michache kati ya mingi iliyopo yenye<br />

14 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


kutuhamasisha kuhusu hoja hii: Warumi 6:11-13; 12:1-2;<br />

13:14; 2Timotheo 2:20-21; 1Petro 1:13-19; 1Yohana 3:3.<br />

Hoja hiyo ni muhimu sana katika imani yetu ya Kikristo.<br />

Lakini pia ni eneo ambapo <strong>wa</strong>amini wengi <strong>wa</strong>nashind<strong>wa</strong><br />

kufikia hali ambayo Mungu amekusudia k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yao.<br />

Wanaendelea kufung<strong>wa</strong> na hasira, dhambi, utum<strong>wa</strong> au hofu,<br />

badala ya kumruhusu Mungu a<strong>wa</strong>weke huru na mambo haya.<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>najaribu k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu yao binafsi kujiweka huru na<br />

tabia au matendo yasiyo<strong>wa</strong>faa kama <strong>wa</strong>cha Mungu,<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>fahamu ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nahitaji msaada <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ili <strong>wa</strong>pate<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhuru kamili.<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi kufuatana na Maandiko k<strong>wa</strong>mba haiwezekani<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> mtakatifu na safi kimaadili pasipo uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

ukitusaidia (Yeremia 13:23; 17:9-10; Warumi 3:20,23; 7:18).<br />

Ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba damu ya Kristo huweka msingi <strong>wa</strong> utakaso<br />

wetu <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza (Waebrania 10:29), lakini ni ushirikiano <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na Neno la Mungu la milele (Waefeso 5:26)<br />

vikifanya kazi pamoja, vinavyoendelea kutugeuza zaidi<br />

katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (Warumi 8:29-30; 2Wakorintho 3:18;<br />

Wafilipi 1:6; 1Petro 5:10). Kazi hiyo ni ya maisha yote,<br />

itaendelea mpaka tutakapoonana na Yeye “uso k<strong>wa</strong> uso”<br />

(1Wakorintho 13:12; 1Yohana 3:2).<br />

Mungu anataka kufanya kazi ya kufululiza ndani yetu ili<br />

atutengeneze. Lakini ni lazima pia awe na ushirikiano wetu<br />

na bidii yetu kamili k<strong>wa</strong> kusaidi<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na<br />

Neno la Mungu. Lazima tuchague kusikia na kutii, kusikiliza<br />

na kuitikia maagizo ya Neno la Mungu na ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Huo utakaso unaoendelea ni mageuzi ya muda wote <strong>wa</strong><br />

maisha yetu. Hatutakamilika <strong>wa</strong>la ku<strong>wa</strong> huru kabisa na<br />

dhambi katika maisha haya (1Yohana 1:8), lakini tunaweza<br />

kuendelea kukua katika upevu <strong>wa</strong> kiroho, na inatubidi tukue<br />

hivyo.<br />

c. Utakaso Kamili Au Wa Mwisho. Ukamilifu wetu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutoku<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi yoyote husubiri kurudi k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

Yesu Kristo au dakika ile ambapo, katika kifo, tunaondoka<br />

maisha haya na kwenda k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na. Ndipo tutawek<strong>wa</strong> huru<br />

na mwili huu <strong>wa</strong> uharibifu na “kufumba na kufumbua, <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

<strong>wa</strong> parapanda ya mwisho” (1Wakorintho 15:52)<br />

tutabadilish<strong>wa</strong> tuwe viumbe visivyokufa <strong>wa</strong>la ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

uharibifu (1Wakorintho 15:45-47; taz. pia Wafilipi 3:20-21;<br />

1Yohana 3:2).<br />

Kristo alipokufa pale msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi<br />

zetu, tuliokole<strong>wa</strong> na adhabu ya dhambi. Tunavyokua katika<br />

imani na utakatifu, tunawek<strong>wa</strong> huru zaidi na zaidi na nguvu<br />

ya dhambi. Na <strong>wa</strong>kati Kristo atakaporudi (au tunapokufa<br />

katika B<strong>wa</strong>na) tutaokole<strong>wa</strong> na uwepo <strong>wa</strong> dhambi!<br />

Utakaso si upako. Lakini utakaso (hasa utakaso<br />

unaoendelea) ni muhimu sana k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya upako. Kuishi<br />

maisha matakatifu na yenye kujitoa huhusiana kabisa na<br />

kufurika k<strong>wa</strong> upako katika maisha yetu na utumishi wetu.<br />

[Hoja hii itazungumz<strong>wa</strong> zaidi katika Sehemu Ya III, A.<br />

“Kuhifadhi <strong>Upako</strong>”.]<br />

3. Njia ya Kukua<br />

Wakristo <strong>wa</strong>napas<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kue <strong>wa</strong>kati wote. Biblia<br />

inatuhamasisha: “Kueni katika neema, na katika kumjua<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na wetu na Mwokozi Yesu Kristo” (2Petro 3:18; taz. pia<br />

2Petro 1:5-11).<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Utakaso unaoendelea ni mfuatano unaohitaji<br />

ushirikiano kati ya Mungu na kila mtu binafsi (Wafilipi<br />

2:12-13). Mungu anatenda kazi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

hatuna budi tupokee msaada Wake ili tupate kufanana na<br />

Kristo katika tabia zetu. Lakini nafasi yetu katika mfuatano<br />

huu ni ipi?<br />

Ni lazima:<br />

a. Tum<strong>wa</strong>mini Kristo. Pasipo imani, hatuwezi kupokea<br />

karama ya wokovu, <strong>wa</strong>la karama inayofuata ya Kristo ya<br />

kuchaguli<strong>wa</strong> na kuwek<strong>wa</strong> katika utakaso. Tunapookole<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

Kristo anaku<strong>wa</strong> utakaso wetu (1Wakorintho 1:30).<br />

Tunapokea karama hii kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

(Matendo 26:18).<br />

b. Tumtolee Mungu maisha yetu. Ndivyo tunavyoanza<br />

maisha yetu kama Wakristo; ndivyo tunavyopas<strong>wa</strong> kuishi<br />

siku k<strong>wa</strong> siku pia. Mfululizo <strong>wa</strong> kujitoa au kujisalimisha k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu ni muhimu kabisa. Yeye ndiye anayejua yaliyo ya<br />

lazima kwetu ili tufanane zaidi na Kristo. (Taz. Warumi<br />

6:13,19-21; 12:1-2; 2Timotheo 2:21.) Kujisalimisha k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu kila siku ni lazima pia ili imani yetu ikue na kuongeza<br />

nguvu, tunapochagua kumtegemea na kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

(Waebrania 11:6).<br />

c. Tutii Neno la Mungu. Maandiko Matakatifu ni<br />

kipimo chetu cha mwisho k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya imani na matendo<br />

yetu. “Jinsi gani kijana aisafishe njia yake: K<strong>wa</strong> kutii,<br />

akilifuata neno lako” (Zaburi 119:9). <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

atatumia Neno la Mungu aseme nasi na kutengeneza tabia<br />

zetu (Yohana 14:26). Neno la Mungu litatuandaa na<br />

kutufanya zana zifaazo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utukufu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

(2Timotheo 3:16-17). Neno la Mungu litatusafisha (Waefeso<br />

5:26). Biblia inafunua pia ma<strong>wa</strong>zo na makusudi yetu ya<br />

ndani kabisa (Waebrania 4:12). Inatupasa tusome Biblia kila<br />

siku; na halafu lazima tuitii (Yakobo 1:22). Mungu anatoa<br />

yote yanayohitajika ili tuishi na kukua katika uchaji (2Petro<br />

1:3-4). Lakini ni lazima sisi tushiriki na kutii k<strong>wa</strong> hiari yetu!<br />

d. Tuweke ahadi yetu binafsi ya kufuata utakatifu.<br />

“Tafuteni k<strong>wa</strong> bidii ku<strong>wa</strong> na amani na <strong>wa</strong>tu wote, na huo<br />

utakatifu, ambao hapana mtu atakayemwona B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

asipoku<strong>wa</strong> nao” (Waebrania 12:14; taz. pia Mathayo 5:8).<br />

Petro ana<strong>wa</strong>hamasisha <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>we na kiasi na<br />

kutumaini k<strong>wa</strong> utimilifu neema ya Mungu. Tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tumtii<br />

Mungu na tusifanane na tamaa zilizotuta<strong>wa</strong>la zamani.<br />

Matazamio haya ya ki-Mungu ya utakatifu wetu ni k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu Mungu ni mtakatifu katika asili Yake na mwenye haki<br />

katika hukumu Zake zote (1Petro 1:13-21). Lengo la maisha<br />

yetu na hatima yetu si kuishi katika furaha au starehe, bali ni<br />

utakatifu.<br />

Kutafuta mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> maisha ulio mtakatifu – katika<br />

matendo, ma<strong>wa</strong>zo, mahusiano na maneno yetu – si hiari k<strong>wa</strong><br />

mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Tusiridhiane na lolote lisilokubaliana na<br />

Mungu mtakatifu! Mfano na kielelezo kwetu si<br />

<strong>wa</strong>navyofanya <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine (Wakristo ama sivyo), <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

maridhia ya mienendo tunayopata kushuhudia, hata katika<br />

viongozi wengine. Mwongozo halisi <strong>wa</strong> maisha si utamaduni<br />

au ukoo wetu <strong>wa</strong>la jamaa yetu. Sisi kama raia <strong>wa</strong> Ufalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo (Wafilipi 3:17-20) tuna<strong>wa</strong>jibika kufuata k<strong>wa</strong>nza na<br />

hasa yale ambayo Mungu ametufunulia katika Neno Lake<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>; ndiyo tunayopas<strong>wa</strong> kukazana<br />

kuyatii (Luka 9:23-26)!<br />

Kama tutaku<strong>wa</strong> na juhudi na uangalifu katika kuishi<br />

MATENDO • 15


maisha yetu kufuatana na kipimo cha tabia ya Mungu na<br />

Neno vilivyofunuli<strong>wa</strong>, tumehakikishi<strong>wa</strong> kukua katika<br />

utakaso. Na tunapokua katika utakaso, tunapata ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

“chombo cha kupata heshima, kilichosafish<strong>wa</strong>, kimfaacho<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, kimetengenez<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kila kazi iliyo njema”<br />

(2Timotheo 2:21).<br />

B. KUSUDI LA UPAKO<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine <strong>wa</strong>mechanganyiki<strong>wa</strong> kuhusu<br />

upako, tulitumia nafasi katika sehemu iliyotangulia kuainisha<br />

yale yasiyo upako. Sasa turejee k<strong>wa</strong> kifupi yale tuliyojifunza:<br />

• <strong>Upako</strong> si nguvu ya kifumbo <strong>wa</strong>la nguvu isiyo ya uhai.<br />

• <strong>Upako</strong> si karama, kipa<strong>wa</strong>, talanta, hisia <strong>wa</strong>la nafsi<br />

yenye kuvutia.<br />

• <strong>Upako</strong> si wokovu.<br />

• <strong>Upako</strong> si Ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

• <strong>Upako</strong> si kutakas<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>mini.<br />

1. Maana ya <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Hivyo basi, upako ni nini?<br />

Njia bora ya kuainisha upako ni hii:<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> si tofauti na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> Mwenyewe katika<br />

kuwepo K<strong>wa</strong>ke, akileta pamoja naye uwezo, mamlaka na<br />

karama vinavyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutimiza mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> muda au dakika fulani ya utumishi au agizo<br />

fulani.<br />

Ieleweke <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anahusika<br />

kimatendo katika mambo yote matano mengine<br />

yaliyoorodhesh<strong>wa</strong> hapo juu. Pasipo kuwepo na kutenda k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu <strong>Roho</strong>, mambo hayo matano ya lazima katika maisha<br />

ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini yasingekuwepo.<br />

Hata hivyo, sehemu hii ya kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

inayoit<strong>wa</strong> upako ina kusudi maalum lisilo na kifani.<br />

2. Uweza Wenye Kusudi<br />

a. Uwezo <strong>wa</strong> Ki-Mungu. Kusudi la kimsingi la upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni kumpa m<strong>wa</strong>mini uwezo usio <strong>wa</strong><br />

kimaumbile.<br />

16 • MATENDO<br />

<strong>Upako</strong><br />

unaweza<br />

kuongeza<br />

ufanisi <strong>wa</strong> vipa<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> mfano<br />

muziki.<br />

Mungu anampa mtu yeyote anayependa Yeye uwezo<br />

huu, ili kumsaidia afanye yale yanayotaki<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu.<br />

Huenda ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kusema au kuhubiri, kufanya kazi<br />

fulani, kuimba au kutumia chombo cha muziki. Au pengine<br />

ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong>wekea <strong>wa</strong>gonj<strong>wa</strong> mikono k<strong>wa</strong> uponyaji<br />

au ishara na miujiza mingine ambayo hutend<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu.<br />

Unamwezesha mtu pia asali na kuombea <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi<br />

zaidi.<br />

Ni muhimu kuona pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anaweza kumpa<br />

mtu fulani upako k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuongoza au ku<strong>wa</strong> na ustadi<br />

hata katika biashara au kazi ya mikono (taz. Kutoka 31:3).<br />

Mungu anataka ku<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake upako k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

nafasi za utumishi ndani na nje ya Kanisa Lake – lakini<br />

kumbuka, ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makusudi YAKE na utukufu<br />

WAKE, si yetu au wetu!<br />

Kumbuka upako ni nini: Ni Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake<br />

akipatia chombo cha kibinadamu kilichojitoa, uwezo,<br />

mamlaka na karama vyovyote vinavyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutimiza mapenzi ya Baba katika dakika fulani ya utumishi<br />

au agizo fulani.<br />

Ni muhimu kufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako ni <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> Mwenyewe! Uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu haupo mbali na<br />

Yeye Mwenyewe na kuwepo K<strong>wa</strong>ke. Tunaposema ku<strong>wa</strong> mtu<br />

fulani anao upako, maana yetu ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

Mwenyewe yumo ndani ya maisha yake k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya pekee ili<br />

atimize mapenzi ya Mungu kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

b. Nani anaweza kupokea upako huu? Unaposoma<br />

Agano la Kale, ni rahisi kutambua <strong>wa</strong>kati ambapo <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alimjia nabii, m<strong>wa</strong>muzi, mfalme, kuhani n.k.<br />

Lakini mgawo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> uliku<strong>wa</strong> tofauti katika<br />

Agano la Kale na Agano Jipya. Mtume Yohana aliandika:<br />

“Na neno hilo alilisema katika habari ya <strong>Roho</strong>, ambaye <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

<strong>wa</strong>m<strong>wa</strong>minio <strong>wa</strong>tampokea baadaye; k<strong>wa</strong> maana <strong>Roho</strong><br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> hajaja, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> hajatukuz<strong>wa</strong>”<br />

(Yohana 7:39).<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, ambaye ni Mungu mkamilifu,<br />

amekuwepo tangu milele yote. Alihusika katika uumbaji<br />

(M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 1:2) na katika Agano la Kale lote. Lakini Mungu<br />

Baba aliku<strong>wa</strong> hajapatia maumbile Yake Mungu <strong>Roho</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ukamilifu mpaka Mungu M<strong>wa</strong>na alipoku<strong>wa</strong> amefungua njia<br />

ya wokovu katika kifo Chake kama dhabihu msalabani<br />

(Yohana 14:16-17; 16:7).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Sisi kama Wakristo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naoamini Biblia, hatuabudu miungu mitatu. Bali<br />

tunam<strong>wa</strong>budu Mungu Mmoja anayejifunua katika Nafsi<br />

tatu. Katika Mungu, kuna “nafsi” tatu ambazo si miungu<br />

mitatu <strong>wa</strong>la sehemu tatu. Nafsi hizi tatu ni Mmoja, na<br />

kila moja ni Mungu katika usa<strong>wa</strong> na umilele. Akili zetu<br />

zinapata shida kub<strong>wa</strong> kufahamu asili ya Mungu aliye<br />

“tatu”-katika-mmoja. Lakini Maandiko yamefunua<br />

ukweli huu juu Yake.<br />

Kuna tofauti moja ya kimsingi kati ya mgawo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika Agano la Kale na mgawo katika Agano<br />

Jipya. Katika Agano la Kale, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alimjia juu yake<br />

mtu aliyechaguli<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> chombo k<strong>wa</strong> muda. <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alimwezesha mtu fulani binafsi (nabii, kuhani,<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>muzi, n.k.) afanye mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> dakika ile.<br />

Ndipo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alimwondokea mpaka dakika<br />

nyingine ya kufanya kazi ya utumishi.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Lakini katika Agano Jipya, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alitole<strong>wa</strong> ili<br />

aingie na kukaa ndani ya mioyo ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu na kuishi<br />

katika uhusiano unaoendelea pamoja nao. Tuangalie mifano<br />

kadhaa ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika Agano Jipya:<br />

Yesu<br />

Mtu <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza katika Agano Jipya aliyepokea upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni – Yesu! Yesu alipokea upako uliomtilia<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> ubatizo Wake katika<br />

maji (Mathayo 3:16). Baada ya kujaribi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ke Yesu<br />

jang<strong>wa</strong>ni, tendo Lake la k<strong>wa</strong>nza la huduma ya hadharani<br />

liliku<strong>wa</strong> kusoma Isaya 61:1-2 ndani ya sinagogi. Ndipo<br />

alipotangaza k<strong>wa</strong>mba maandiko haya ya ki-Masihi yaliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

yametimia (Luka 4:14-21).<br />

Unaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> uliotaj<strong>wa</strong><br />

katika Isaya 61:1-2 uliku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuwezesha mapenzi<br />

ya Baba yatimizwe katika huduma ya miaka ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza ya<br />

Yesu.<br />

Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> Mungu mkamilifu na m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu<br />

mkamilifu <strong>wa</strong>kati alipoku<strong>wa</strong> katika mwili Wake hapa duniani<br />

(Wafilipi 2:5-8). Lakini alihitaji uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili<br />

atimize mapenzi ya Baba. Iki<strong>wa</strong> Yesu, M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu,<br />

alimhitaji <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, je, haja yetu sisi ni zaidi kiasi<br />

gani? (Taz. pia Matendo 10:38.)<br />

Kanisa La A<strong>wa</strong>li<br />

Viongozi <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la A<strong>wa</strong>li<br />

Siku ile ya Pentekoste (Matendo 1:12 – 2:4), viongozi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li na <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi wengine <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kisali<br />

katika chumba kikub<strong>wa</strong> orofani. Waliokuwepo ni pamoja na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nafunzi <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza kumi na mmoja (Yuda aki<strong>wa</strong> ameisha<br />

kufa), mtume mpya aliyechaguli<strong>wa</strong> kuchukua nafasi ya Yuda<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> kupiga kura, na kundi la <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi wengine (kama <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

120 hivi). Ghafla, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aliyeahidi<strong>wa</strong> (Yoeli<br />

2:28-32) alimimin<strong>wa</strong> juu yao (Matendo 2:2-4).<br />

Mtume Paulo aliongoka na kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Kristo baadaye.<br />

Yeye pia alipokea <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akaanza kuhubiri Injili ya<br />

Yesu Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> bidii kub<strong>wa</strong> (Matendo 9:1-22).<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Mtu<br />

mmoja<br />

mmoja,<br />

kujaz<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kupak<strong>wa</strong><br />

mafuta...<br />

Wainjilisti kama Filipo <strong>wa</strong>lijaz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na<br />

pia kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> na Yeye (Matendo 8:29). Waliope<strong>wa</strong> karama<br />

ya kufundisha, kama Apolo, <strong>wa</strong>singaliweza kufundisha k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ujasiri pasipo upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 18:24-28;<br />

taz. pia 1Wakorintho 3:5-7). Walioit<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tumikie Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo ulioku<strong>wa</strong> ukikua haraka <strong>wa</strong>lijaa <strong>Roho</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong> mfano<br />

Stefano (Matendo 6:1-10). Kuna mafungu mengine ya Agano<br />

Jipya pia yanayohusu hoja hii (yaani Matendo 4:13,33;<br />

11:27-28; 21:10-11).<br />

Wanafunzi <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la A<strong>wa</strong>li<br />

Waliojaz<strong>wa</strong> katika chumba cha orofani Siku ya<br />

Pentekoste <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza tu kati ya <strong>wa</strong>amini wengi<br />

zaidi <strong>wa</strong>liojaz<strong>wa</strong> na kupe<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(Matendo 4:31; 5:32; 13:52; n.k.).<br />

Uwezo K<strong>wa</strong> Ajili Ya Uinjilisti<br />

Jinsi m<strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong> Injili ulivyoenea, ndivyo miminiko<br />

mkuu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ulivyoongezeka pia. Haya<br />

yalitimiza maneno ya Yesu mara kabla ya kupaa K<strong>wa</strong>ke:<br />

“Lakini mtapokea nguvu, akiisha ku<strong>wa</strong>jilia juu yenu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>; nanyi mtaku<strong>wa</strong> mashahidi <strong>wa</strong>ngu katika<br />

Yerusalemu, na katika Uyahudi wote, na Samaria, na hata<br />

mwisho <strong>wa</strong> nchi” (Matendo 1:8).<br />

Yesu alipoorodhesha maeneo haya ya kijiografia haku<strong>wa</strong><br />

akibuni kilugha. Kitabu cha Matendo kinafunua kutimiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ahadi hii ya kumimin<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> juu ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>le wote ambao <strong>wa</strong>ngem<strong>wa</strong>mini, pamoja na kuanzish<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> uinjilisti k<strong>wa</strong> dunia nzima.<br />

Katika Yerusalemu… (ilitimiz<strong>wa</strong> Siku ya Pentekoste –<br />

Matendo sura ya 2). Ilionekana kama kundi hili ya <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

Wayahudi <strong>wa</strong>ngehubiri kule Yerusalemu tu. Kufanya hivyo<br />

kungaliweza kuzuia kusudi la Kristo na utume <strong>wa</strong> Injili<br />

kutole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wote, nyakati zote, mahali pote.<br />

Lakini <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>lianza kutes<strong>wa</strong> karibu mara baada ya<br />

Injili kuanza kuhubiri<strong>wa</strong>. Mungu alitumia mateso yale<br />

kulazimisha Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li lita<strong>wa</strong>nywe mbali kuanzia<br />

Yerusalemu, ili <strong>wa</strong>timize mapenzi ya Baba ya kufikisha<br />

ujumbe <strong>wa</strong> wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> kila mtu.<br />

Ndipo katika Matendo sura ya 8 tunakutana na mtesi<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa – Sauli. Mashambulio haya yangeonekana<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> habari mbaya, kabla hatujasoma katika Maandiko:<br />

“Lakini <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>liota<strong>wa</strong>nyika <strong>wa</strong>kaenda huko na huko<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kilihubiri neno [Injili]” (Matendo 8:4). Maeneo <strong>wa</strong>liyofikia<br />

ni pamoja na Uyahudi na Samaria (Matendo 8:1-25).<br />

Kusonga Mbele Na Mbali K<strong>wa</strong> Injili<br />

Angalia k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aliku<strong>wa</strong> akimimin<strong>wa</strong><br />

juu ya <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>liopokea Injili (Matendo 8:16-17). Kuliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na ishara na miujiza pia iliyofuatana na kuhubiri<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Injili<br />

(Matendo 8:6,13).<br />

Lakini kazi kub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi iliku<strong>wa</strong> ifunuliwe katika Kanisa<br />

la a<strong>wa</strong>li. Mungu alitaka Injili ihubiriwe pote duniani. Yesu<br />

ali<strong>wa</strong>amuru <strong>wa</strong>amini “Enendeni ulimwenguni mwote,<br />

mkaihubiri Injili k<strong>wa</strong> kila kiumbe” (Marko 16:15). Neno<br />

linalofanana na hili limeandik<strong>wa</strong> katika Matendo 1:8: “hata<br />

mwisho <strong>wa</strong> nchi”.<br />

Kusonga mbele na nje zaidi kulianza <strong>wa</strong>kati Filipo<br />

alipokutana na to<strong>wa</strong>shi <strong>wa</strong> Kushi, ambaye aliongoka<br />

mapema aka<strong>wa</strong> Mkristo (Matendo 8:26-40). Mtu huyu <strong>wa</strong><br />

MATENDO • 17


Kushi katika mapokeo ya Kanisa anasifi<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> mtu <strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza kuleta Injili barani Afrika!<br />

Mapema baadaye, Sauli alibadilish<strong>wa</strong> kabisa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kukutana na Yesu (Matendo 9:1-19), naye aliit<strong>wa</strong> awe mtume<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mataifa (Matendo 9:15). Lakini lengo la sehemu kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

ya mahubiri ya Injili bado liliku<strong>wa</strong> Wayahudi – mpaka<br />

Mungu alipofanya badiliko kub<strong>wa</strong> kabisa!<br />

Tunasoma katika Matendo kuhusu Kornelio, Mrumi<br />

(Matendo 10:1-48). Petro alitum<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Kornelio aanze<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>shirikisha Injili <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mataifa. Tendo hili liliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

gumu k<strong>wa</strong> Petro kufanya kama Myahudi (Matendo 10:9-16).<br />

Lakini <strong>wa</strong>kati Petro alipoku<strong>wa</strong> akihubiri, <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ali<strong>wa</strong>shukia Kornelio na <strong>wa</strong>tu wote <strong>wa</strong> nyumba<br />

yake – katikati ya mahubiri ya Petro (Matendo 10:44)! Hata<br />

hivyo, ndugu <strong>wa</strong> Kiyahudi <strong>wa</strong>liokuwepo <strong>wa</strong>lionea ugumu<br />

ukweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mataifa <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kipe<strong>wa</strong> Injili<br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 10:45-48).<br />

Mwisho, kuliku<strong>wa</strong> na mkutano mkuu muhimu <strong>wa</strong><br />

mitume pale Yerusalemu, ambapo Petro aliit<strong>wa</strong> atoe<br />

ushuhuda <strong>wa</strong>ke (Matendo 11:1-15). Hatimaye <strong>wa</strong>liweza<br />

kufahamu na kukubali yale ambayo Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

ame<strong>wa</strong>ambia <strong>wa</strong>zi: Injili ihubiriwe k<strong>wa</strong> kila mtu – “hata<br />

mwisho <strong>wa</strong> nchi” (Matendo 1:8).<br />

Mpango Wa Mungu Umefunuli<strong>wa</strong><br />

Ni muhimu kabisa kutambua jambo fulani kuhusu Kitabu<br />

cha Matendo. Injili ya Yesu Kristo SI dini mpya <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

mafundisho mapya ya dini ya Kiyahudi. Mambo yote<br />

yaliyoku<strong>wa</strong> yametokea katika uhusiano uliopo kati ya binadamu<br />

na Mungu tangu Bustani ya Edeni – historia nzima ya Agano la<br />

Kale – yaliku<strong>wa</strong> yakiendea kilele chake katika <strong>wa</strong>kati huu.<br />

Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> na mkakati Wake ulioanza baada ya<br />

binadamu kuchagua dhambi (M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 3:15). Mpango huu<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> kumwokoa katika adhabu ya kifo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

dhambi, k<strong>wa</strong> neema kupitia imani (si k<strong>wa</strong> matendo) katika<br />

Yesu Kristo. Mpango huo uliwezekana tu kutokana na<br />

dhabihu ya kifo iliyofuat<strong>wa</strong> na ufufuo <strong>wa</strong> Yesu. Tunasoma<br />

kuhusu mkakati huo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika Injili (Mathayo,<br />

Marko, Luka na Yohana).<br />

18 • MATENDO<br />

Lakini kusudi la Mungu liliku<strong>wa</strong> zaidi ya imani mpya na<br />

uhusiano na Yeye uliorudish<strong>wa</strong>. Mungu alitaka (na bado<br />

anataka) kuishi ndani yetu, kutupa uhakika na uwezo<br />

tunaohitaji ili tuishi katika ushindi na kutimiza mapenzi Yake<br />

katika maisha yetu hapa.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, katika hekima Yake na upendo Wake visivyo na<br />

mwisho, Mungu alimimina <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, ambaye angeishi<br />

ndani ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini (Yoeli 2:28-29). Kristo hakuja ili alete<br />

dini au theolojia mpya. Bali alikuja ili atimize yote ambayo<br />

Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> ameahidi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu <strong>wa</strong> binadamu!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> kweli, dhabihu ya Kristo inatuwezesha turudishwe<br />

katika ushirikiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu sana na Mungu. Lakini Mungu<br />

anakusudia pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu Mwenyezi ukae<br />

ndani yetu katika <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ulimwengu hauwezi<br />

kupuuza <strong>wa</strong>la kugeuzia maana uweza huu. Watu <strong>wa</strong>naweza<br />

kudhihaki, kukemea au kuhukumu, kama <strong>wa</strong>livyofanya Siku<br />

ile ya Pentekoste (Matendo 2:5-13), lakini ha<strong>wa</strong>wezi kuzuia<br />

kazi na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kupitia k<strong>wa</strong> maisha ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini yaliyotole<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong>ke!<br />

Tunayoona katika Kitabu cha Matendo kuhusu ishara,<br />

maajabu, miujiza, wokovu, uponyaji, n.k. yanawezekana<br />

nayo yanahusiana na sisi leo, kama yalivyoku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Kanisa<br />

la a<strong>wa</strong>li (Yoeli sura ya 2; Matendo 2:33,38-39). Tunahitaji<br />

uwepo na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> leo kama miaka 2000<br />

iliyopita! Tumshukuru Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba “Yesu Kristo [na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>] ni yeye yule, jana na leo na hata milele”<br />

(Waebrania 13:8).<br />

Waamini Wote Wa Kristo K<strong>wa</strong> Nyakati Zote<br />

Petro, akiongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, alitangaza<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba karama iliyoahidi<strong>wa</strong> ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akaaye<br />

ndani yetu ni “k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yenu, na k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>toto wenu, na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu wote <strong>wa</strong>lio mbali, <strong>wa</strong>takaoit<strong>wa</strong> na B<strong>wa</strong>na Mungu wetu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>mjie” (taz. Matendo 2:33,38-39).<br />

Walioainish<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> “<strong>wa</strong>tu wote <strong>wa</strong>lio mbali” k<strong>wa</strong><br />

hakika ni pamoja na vizazi (vya Wayahudi) vilivyozali<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

vitakavyozali<strong>wa</strong>, lakini pia makabila ya Mataifa na kila<br />

kabila, lugha na ukoo duniani (Waefeso 2:11-19; Wagalatia<br />

3:28; Wakolosai 3:11).<br />

Kila kabila... ...kila kizazi<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Uhusiano Wa Maisha Yote<br />

Karama ya uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika upako<br />

huingia ndani ya moyo <strong>wa</strong> kila mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Huu ni<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida ambao kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini anapokea <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuokole<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mtume Yohana anatupa maoni ya ndani kuhusu upako<br />

huu <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida katika barua yake ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza. Yohana<br />

ali<strong>wa</strong>kumbusha <strong>wa</strong>fuasi <strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li <strong>wa</strong> Kristo jambo muhimu:<br />

“Nanyi mmepak<strong>wa</strong> mafuta na Yeye aliye <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> nanyi<br />

mnajua yote” (1Yohana 2:20).<br />

Kufuatana na sarufi ya lugha ya Kiyunani ya asili katika<br />

mstari huu, ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yohana hakumaanisha ibada ya<br />

kidini ambapo <strong>wa</strong>lipak<strong>wa</strong> mafuta au kitu kingine. Bali upako<br />

huu ulitoka k<strong>wa</strong> “Yeye aliye <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>”, ambaye ni Yesu<br />

Kristo, M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Yohana 6:69; Matendo 3:14; 4:27).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> maneno mengine, “YULE Aliyepak<strong>wa</strong> Mafuta”<br />

(Yesu Kristo) ana<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>fuasi Wake karama kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke;<br />

karama hii ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, aishi ndani yetu na kukaa<br />

pamoja nasi (Mathayo 3:11; Matendo 1:5; Yohana<br />

14:16-17,26; 16:7). <strong>Upako</strong> huo ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini<br />

anayemtegemea Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> neema<br />

katika imani.<br />

Ndipo Yohana, k<strong>wa</strong> mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

anaendelea: “Nanyi, mafuta [ya kiroho, si ya kimwili] yale<br />

mliyoyapata k<strong>wa</strong>ke yanakaa ndani yenu, <strong>wa</strong>la hamna haja ya<br />

mtu ku<strong>wa</strong>fundisha; lakini kama mafuta yake<br />

yanavyo<strong>wa</strong>fundisha habari za mambo yote, tena ni kweli<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la si uongo, na kama yalivyo<strong>wa</strong>fundisha, kaeni ndani<br />

yake” (1Yohana 2:27).<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> huu si <strong>wa</strong> mara moja tu; unataki<strong>wa</strong> uwe uhusiano<br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> maisha yote unaoendelea kukua. Ni<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anayetutia kwenye kweli yote, kutufundisha<br />

mambo yote na kutukumbusha yale ambayo Yesu alifundisha<br />

(Yohana 14:26). <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anatusaidia tufahamu<br />

ukweli na kumtukuza Yesu (Yohana 16:13-14).<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yohana hasemi k<strong>wa</strong>mba huduma za<br />

kufundisha hazihitajiki (Mungu anatupa <strong>wa</strong>limu – tazama<br />

Warumi 12:7; Waefeso 4:11). Lakini hapa Yohana<br />

anamaanisha mafunuo na ufahamu ambavyo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

atampatia mtu binafsi anapomwitikia Yeye katika maisha<br />

yake (1Wakorintho 2:10-16; Waefeso 1:17-18).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaona kutokana na Neno la Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

upo upako ambao kila mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo anaupokea <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

anapookole<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Yale ambayo <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anatilia m<strong>wa</strong>ngaza au anayofunua kuhusu<br />

ukweli yatakubaliana <strong>wa</strong>kati wote na yale ambayo<br />

amekwisha funua katika Neno la Mungu lililoandik<strong>wa</strong><br />

(Yohana 16:13-14).<br />

C. KAZI YA UPAKO<br />

Tunapojifunza kuhusu kazi na hamasa ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> inatubidi tukiri kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> siri za kifumbo<br />

zisizoeleweka. Kuna sehemu ya ukuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika<br />

upako ambayo hatuwezi kuiele<strong>wa</strong> (Yohana 3:8). Itikio letu<br />

pekee k<strong>wa</strong> ukuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu lazima liwe kujitolea k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

na ukamilifu k<strong>wa</strong> Ub<strong>wa</strong>na Wake na mapenzi Yake.<br />

Katika hekima Yake Mungu amependa kuacha sehemu<br />

isiyoeleweka katika njia Zake, ikitubidi tuishi k<strong>wa</strong> imani<br />

(2Wakorintho 5:7; Waebrania 11:6). Kuna mengi katika<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

maisha haya ambayo tunayaona na kuyafahamu “k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sehemu” (1Wakorintho 13:12). Mwelekeo wetu k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

lazima sikuzote uwe <strong>wa</strong> kuamini, kutii na kunyenyekea Neno<br />

Lake zima.<br />

Kanuni Za Kimatendo Za <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Tukiendelea na mafunzo haya, turejee tena kuainish<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> upako:<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> Mwenyewe katika kuwepo<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke, akileta pamoja naye uwezo, mamlaka na karama<br />

vinavyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutimiza mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

muda au dakika fulani ya utumishi au agizo fulani.<br />

Tuki<strong>wa</strong> tumeyafahamu haya kikamilifu, tuangalie<br />

kanuni kadhaa kuhusu jinsi upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

unavyotenda kazi.<br />

1. <strong>Upako</strong> unahusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na wito <strong>wa</strong> mtu<br />

binafsi kutimiza kazi ya huduma aliyope<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> maneno mengine, Mungu anapompa mtu fulani<br />

kazi au wito <strong>wa</strong> kihuduma, Yeye anampatia pia mahitaji yote<br />

ya uwezo, mamlaka, vipa<strong>wa</strong>, mafunuo, utambuzi, n.k.<br />

yanayotaki<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutimiza kazi ile. Haleluya!<br />

Mungu anapokuamuru au kukuongoza ufanye mapenzi<br />

Yake, yote unayohitaji ili uweze kutimiza mapenzi Yake k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ufanisi yamepatikana k<strong>wa</strong> uweza na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Yale ambayo Mungu anam<strong>wa</strong>muru mtu ayatende,<br />

anampatia uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kuyatenda!<br />

Bila shaka, sikuzote kuna kusoma, kujifunza na<br />

kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> kibinafsi kunavyohitaji kufanyika njiani.<br />

Tunapokazana - hali tunakua katika uwezo wetu, vipa<strong>wa</strong><br />

vyetu na ujuzi wetu katika Neno la Mungu - ndipo Mungu<br />

atatupatia hata zaidi.<br />

Kanuni hii ya ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>aminifu k<strong>wa</strong> yale tuliyo nayo na<br />

Mungu kutupatia zaidi (Luka 16:10a; 19:17) ni kanuni ya<br />

lazima k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kukua katika upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Kutenda Katika <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Mungu anataka kutupatia upako ili tutimize mapenzi<br />

Yake na wito Wake. Tunasoma kuhusu kanuni inayofanana<br />

katika maelezo ya Paulo kuhusu imani.<br />

Warumi 12:3: “kama Mungu alivyomgawia kila mtu<br />

kiasi cha imani.” Kiasi hiki cha imani (kama ilivyo k<strong>wa</strong><br />

upako) ni uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu unaolingana na kipa<strong>wa</strong><br />

alichotupatia.<br />

“Basi k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> tuna karama zilizo mbalimbali, k<strong>wa</strong> kadiri<br />

ya neema tuliyope<strong>wa</strong>; iki<strong>wa</strong> unabii, tutoe unabii k<strong>wa</strong> kadiri ya<br />

imani; iki<strong>wa</strong> huduma, tuwemo katika huduma yetu; mwenye<br />

kufundisha, katika kufundisha k<strong>wa</strong>ke” (Warumi 12:6-7).<br />

Paulo anatamka kanuni hiyo hiyo k<strong>wa</strong> njia tofauti kidogo<br />

katika barua yake k<strong>wa</strong> Waefeso: “Lakini kila mmoja wetu<br />

alipe<strong>wa</strong> neema k<strong>wa</strong> kadiri ya kipimo cha kipa<strong>wa</strong> chake<br />

Kristo” (Waefeso 4:7). K<strong>wa</strong> maneno mengine, kipa<strong>wa</strong> hiki<br />

kilichopim<strong>wa</strong> cha uweza <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu kinahusiana moja<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> moja na kule kuweza kutenda katika kipa<strong>wa</strong> ambacho<br />

Mungu amempatia mtu fulani binafsi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutoa<br />

huduma.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Mstari <strong>wa</strong> Waefeso<br />

4:7 unahusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya kiroho<br />

vinavyotaj<strong>wa</strong> chini katika Waefeso 4:11. Mstari huu<br />

MATENDO • 19


(4:7) HAUHUSU kipimo cha neema k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

wokovu jinsi wengine <strong>wa</strong>navyofundisha k<strong>wa</strong> makosa.<br />

Neema ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu hutole<strong>wa</strong><br />

sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu WOTE, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye anataka<br />

mtu yeyote asipotee, bali wote <strong>wa</strong>okolewe (Matendo<br />

2:21; 17:30-31; Warumi 3:22-23; 11:32; 1Timotheo 2:4;<br />

4:10; Tito 2:11; 2Petro 3:9). Mungu anataka <strong>wa</strong>tu wote<br />

<strong>wa</strong>pokee karama Yake ya wokovu inayotole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

imani katika Kristo tu (Waefeso 2:8). Inasikitisha hata<br />

hivyo k<strong>wa</strong>mba wengi <strong>wa</strong>mekataa na <strong>wa</strong>taendelea<br />

kukataa karama hii - na lililo baya zaidi, mamilioni ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu leo ha<strong>wa</strong>jasikia kamwe ujumbe <strong>wa</strong> Injili <strong>wa</strong><br />

wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Yesu Kristo.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Inga<strong>wa</strong> huu si <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kujifunza k<strong>wa</strong> ukamilifu kuhusu vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya kiroho,<br />

nikupatie kanuni moja muhimu kuhusu vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya<br />

kiroho.<br />

Vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyote vya kiroho - kama ni vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya<br />

mafunuo (1Wakorintho 12:1-11); vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya<br />

madhumuni (Warumi 12:3-8) au vipa<strong>wa</strong> vya huduma<br />

(Waefeso 4:11) - hutole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uchaguzi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Si juu yetu kuchagua au kudai kipa<strong>wa</strong> tunachotaka au<br />

ambacho tunaona kinahitajika zaidi hasa. Mungu<br />

anatoa vipa<strong>wa</strong> Vyake kufuatana na ujuzi Wake usio na<br />

mipaka na utakatifu Wake ulio kamilifu kabisa (taz.<br />

1Wakorintho 12:11).<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini ana nafasi ya kihuduma<br />

katika mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, na katika dunia ambamo<br />

tunaishi, kuna tofauti kub<strong>wa</strong> za wito na vipa<strong>wa</strong>. Katika<br />

kila moja, Mungu anatoa uweza, imani, neema na<br />

upako vinavyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutimiza mapenzi<br />

Yake na kusudi Lake.<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> inatubidi tusijaribu kamwe kuta<strong>wa</strong>la au<br />

kufanyiza upako (<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>) tunaweza kukua<br />

katika upako. Tunapoku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>aminifu k<strong>wa</strong> yale<br />

ambayo Mungu ametupatia, anaachia zaidi (Mathayo<br />

25:21). Tunaweza pia kujifunza kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi<br />

zaidi katika huduma, na kufuatana na mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ukaribu zaidi [Haya yanajadili<strong>wa</strong> zaidi<br />

katika Sehemu Ya III, B, “Kukua katika <strong>Upako</strong>”.]<br />

“Kuhamisha” <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Mafunzo fulani hudai k<strong>wa</strong>mba mtu aliyepe<strong>wa</strong> upako na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo katika huduma anaweza kumwekea mikono<br />

mtu mwingine na kumpatia “sehemu ya upako <strong>wa</strong>ke” - hata<br />

sehemu maradufu! Tendo hili limeit<strong>wa</strong> “kuhamisha upako”<br />

nalo linahusiana k<strong>wa</strong> mbali na matukio katika Maandiko<br />

kuhusu Eliya na mfuasi <strong>wa</strong>ke Elisha (taz. 1Wafalme<br />

19:16,19; 2Wafalme 2:1-13).<br />

Lakini maandiko yenyewe hayathibitishi mafunzo haya.<br />

Eliya alimtupia Elisha vazi lake (joho) (1Wafalme 19:19).<br />

Lakini tendo hili liliku<strong>wa</strong> alama ya uthibitisho tu la yale<br />

ambayo B<strong>wa</strong>na aliku<strong>wa</strong> amekwisha tamka kuhusu wito <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> Elisha ku<strong>wa</strong> mrithi <strong>wa</strong> Eliya (1Wafalme 19:16).<br />

Katika tendo hili, Eliya hakumwita Elisha, <strong>wa</strong>la hakuweza<br />

kumpa upako <strong>wa</strong> kuthibitisha wito <strong>wa</strong>ke. Iliku<strong>wa</strong> kazi ya<br />

Mungu. Eliya alitii Neno la Mungu tu, na ku<strong>wa</strong>silisha yale<br />

ambayo Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amem<strong>wa</strong>giza am<strong>wa</strong>mbie Elisha<br />

(1Wafalme 19:19).<br />

Elisha alitambua <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba yeye haku<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kuendeleza huduma ya kinabii ya Eliya kama Mungu<br />

alivyoku<strong>wa</strong> amemwita yeye (Eliya). Elisha alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

alihitaji uwezo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (upako), unaotaj<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

Maandiko kama roho ya Eliya (2Wafalme 2:9,15). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

Elisha alimwomba Eliya “sehemu maradufu” ya roho yake<br />

(2Wafalme 2:10).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu Eliya aliku<strong>wa</strong> nabii aliyepak<strong>wa</strong> mafuta na<br />

Mungu, itiko yake k<strong>wa</strong> ombi la Elisha ili apate maradufu<br />

iliku<strong>wa</strong> maneno ya unabii tu: “Umeomba neno gumu; lakini,<br />

ukiniona nitakapoondole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ko, utalipata; la hukuniona,<br />

hulipati” (2Wafalme 2:10).<br />

Tunaposoma sehemu hii ya Maandiko ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Eliya alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba hakuweza kumpa Elisha lolote la<br />

kiroho. Aliweza kukiri wito <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> Elisha, lakini<br />

hakuweza kumtia mafuta (upako) k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuthibitisha<br />

wito huu.<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu, katika ukuu Wake, alimruhusu<br />

Elisha amwone Eliya akinyakuli<strong>wa</strong> kwenda mbinguni. K<strong>wa</strong><br />

hiyo Elisha aliokota vazi la Eliya kufuatana na mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu, kama ilivyotabiri<strong>wa</strong>. Kutoka <strong>wa</strong>kati huu, upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu ulionekana k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi katika huduma ya Elisha<br />

(2Wafalme 2:15).<br />

Mtoaji <strong>wa</strong> wito, vipa<strong>wa</strong> na upako ni Mungu Mwenyewe,<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu peke Yake anaweza kutoa <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! Sisi hatuwezi kumta<strong>wa</strong>la Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la <strong>Roho</strong> Wake;<br />

hatuwezi kuamua nani atape<strong>wa</strong> upako, au kiasi cha upako<br />

atakachopokea. Wala hatuta<strong>wa</strong>li vipa<strong>wa</strong> na wito kutoka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu. Kama Mungu ametupa upako k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma,<br />

hatuwezi kuamua kumpatia mtu mwingine upako huo.<br />

Mungu Anaita - Sisi Tunathibitisha<br />

Hata Musa, aliyeku<strong>wa</strong> mmoja<strong>wa</strong>po <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tumishi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, hakuweza ku<strong>wa</strong>pa wengine upako ambao<br />

Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amempa yeye. Lakini, B<strong>wa</strong>na Mwenyewe<br />

alit<strong>wa</strong>a sehemu katika upako alioku<strong>wa</strong> amempa Musa, naye<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na ali<strong>wa</strong>wekea <strong>wa</strong>zee (Hesabu 11:16-17).<br />

Musa aliamri<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu ampe Yoshua sehemu ya<br />

mamlaka yake (Hesabu 27:20) na kumpa mausia (Hesabu<br />

27:23). Lakini haya yalitendeka baada ya Mungu kumteua<br />

Yoshua ku<strong>wa</strong> mrithi <strong>wa</strong> Musa (27:18). Pia, Yoshua alikuwepo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati B<strong>wa</strong>na alipo<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>zee upako (11:16-17,28), ndiyo<br />

sababu Yoshua anaelez<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> “mtu mwenye roho ndani<br />

yake” kama kiongozi kati ya Waisraeli (27:18).<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na ndiye aliyemwita Yoshua na kumpa upako. Musa<br />

alithibitisha wito <strong>wa</strong> Yoshua, na kumpa mausia ya kuendelea<br />

baada ya kuondoka k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aliye<strong>wa</strong>pa Eliya na baadaye Elisha<br />

kipa<strong>wa</strong> cha unabii na upako <strong>wa</strong>ke, pamoja na ishara na<br />

miujiza (taz. pia Hesabu 11:25-29; 1Samweli 10:6,10;<br />

1Wafalme 18:46).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Si kosa kutaka kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu “sehemu maradufu” ya <strong>Roho</strong> Wake. Wala si<br />

kosa kuomba kipa<strong>wa</strong> fulani maalum ili tufanye huduma.<br />

Tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tuombe; halafu inatubidi tumtegemee<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> yale atakayotupatia, na lini atakapotupatia.<br />

Lakini tazama pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba Elisha aliku<strong>wa</strong> mtiifu<br />

katika kutimiza yote ambayo Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amemwita<br />

ayatende - katika kuitikia wito <strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li, na pia katika<br />

kujiandaa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupokea upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

(1Wafalme 19:20-21; 2Wafalme 2:1-11). Wito <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu na upako Wake havitatimiz<strong>wa</strong> moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja<br />

20 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Kusimik<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utumishi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

katika maisha yetu. Bali utiifu na unyenyekevu wetu, na<br />

kushiriki kwetu, huhitajika katika kila hatua ya njia -<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> maandalizi, na utendaji, <strong>wa</strong> kazi ya huduma<br />

tuliyope<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo<br />

Wazo la mtu mmoja “kumhamishia” mwingine upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke si sahihi. Lakini Maandiko hutupatia mifano mingi ya<br />

tendo linaloit<strong>wa</strong> mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo. Hufuatana hasa na uwekaji <strong>wa</strong><br />

mikono (Waebrania 6:2) na maombi, k<strong>wa</strong> mwongozo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. (Taz. Matendo 13:1-3; 1Timotheo 4:14;<br />

2Timotheo 1:6.)<br />

Ninafahamu habari za <strong>wa</strong>naume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu wenye uwezo ambao hu<strong>wa</strong>ombea wengine <strong>wa</strong>pokee<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Tumekwisha jifunza<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba hao ha<strong>wa</strong>wezi kumpatia mtu mwingine kipa<strong>wa</strong> chao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la upako <strong>wa</strong>o. Lakini inaonekana k<strong>wa</strong>mba sehemu fulani<br />

ya yale ambayo Mungu anatenda k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

ya huduma fulani, au k<strong>wa</strong> msimu maalum ambapo Mungu<br />

anatenda k<strong>wa</strong> njia thabiti na ya kifalme, inaweza kuamsh<strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani ya wengine, au kuga<strong>wa</strong>ny<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>o. Mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lioombe<strong>wa</strong> katika mkutano maalum huonekana<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kitenda katika mamlaka na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> vya<br />

juu zaidi baada ya kuombe<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mimi binafsi mara kadhaa nimepokea mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ulio na nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong>. Matukio haya<br />

yalibadilisha maisha yangu binafsi pamoja na mwelekeo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ngu katika huduma baada ya kuombe<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini hii ni kazi<br />

ya kifalme ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akileta mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo mpya <strong>wa</strong><br />

upako katika maisha yangu, si matendo ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu.<br />

Mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo Unaothibitisha<br />

Mfano <strong>wa</strong> ki-Biblia ulio <strong>wa</strong>zi hasa <strong>wa</strong> aina hii ya<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo huonekana katika kukua k<strong>wa</strong> huduma ya<br />

Timotheo.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Paulo anamkumbusha Timotheo kuhusu tukio fulani<br />

mapema katika huduma yake ambapo Paulo na <strong>wa</strong>zee <strong>wa</strong><br />

makanisa ya Ikonio na Listra <strong>wa</strong>limwekea Timotheo mikono<br />

yao na kumwombea: “Usiache kuitumia karama ile iliyomo<br />

ndani yako, uliyope<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> unabii na k<strong>wa</strong> kuweke<strong>wa</strong> mikono<br />

ya <strong>wa</strong>zee” (1Timotheo 4:14).<br />

Tukio hilo hilo limetaj<strong>wa</strong> tena katika barua ya Paulo ya<br />

pili k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo: “K<strong>wa</strong> sababu hiyo nakukumbusha,<br />

uichochee karama ya Mungu, iliyo ndani yako k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kuweke<strong>wa</strong> mikono yangu. Maana Mungu hakutupa roho ya<br />

woga, bali ya nguvu na ya upendo na ya moyo <strong>wa</strong> kiasi”<br />

(2Timotheo 1:6-7; taz. pia 1Timotheo 1:18).<br />

Neno la asili lililotafsiri<strong>wa</strong> ‘karama’ katika mistari hii ni<br />

charisma. Neno hili linaashiria k<strong>wa</strong>mba mafunuo ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yalitole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo <strong>wa</strong>kati Paulo na <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

<strong>wa</strong>zee <strong>wa</strong>lipomwombea.<br />

Paulo haku<strong>wa</strong> chanzo cha karama ya Timotheo <strong>wa</strong>la cha<br />

wito <strong>wa</strong>ke. Ila, <strong>wa</strong>kati Paulo na <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>zee <strong>wa</strong>lipomwekea<br />

Timotheo mikono na kumwombea, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alifunua<br />

mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo na kutamka kiunabii<br />

kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>o katika kuthibitisha wito <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na mapenzi<br />

Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha ya Timotheo. Walipomsimika<br />

Timotheo katika utume <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ndiye<br />

aliyempa Timotheo upako <strong>wa</strong> kutimiza wito <strong>wa</strong>ke kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Ni k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya<br />

matukio haya ya maombi na kuweke<strong>wa</strong> mikono<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> mara nyingi atafunua kiasi<br />

fulani cha mapenzi na makusudi ya Mungu. Mapenzi<br />

Yake yanaweza kufunuli<strong>wa</strong> kama picha akilini, neno la<br />

kinabii, andiko linalothibitisha, au maono ya yale<br />

ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yanamtakia mtu fulani au hali<br />

yake.<br />

Katika hali hii, inatubidi tumsubiri B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

utulivu na kusikiliza k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya yule ambaye<br />

unamwombea. Lakini kama hatujasikia neno rasmi<br />

kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na, inatupasa tusitamke.<br />

Thamani ya nafasi yetu kama <strong>wa</strong>chungaji<br />

inatokana na ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>aminifu na <strong>wa</strong>tiifu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na<br />

Neno Lake. Huenda tutashawishika ku<strong>wa</strong>pendeza<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu, au tutajisikia kusukum<strong>wa</strong> tuwe viongozi “<strong>wa</strong><br />

kiroho” wenye neno la ku<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>tu. Ndiyo Biblia<br />

inayoita “ku<strong>wa</strong>ogopa <strong>wa</strong>nadamu”. Ni mtego unaoweza<br />

kusababisha kuridhiana kubaya zaidi sana pamoja na<br />

miitikio ya kimwili (Mithali 29:25).<br />

Tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe <strong>wa</strong>aminifu: k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, k<strong>wa</strong> Neno<br />

Lake, na k<strong>wa</strong> mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Kama<br />

unamwombea mtu fulani, na B<strong>wa</strong>na hasemi na wewe<br />

juu yake, hali hii ni sa<strong>wa</strong>. Huenda B<strong>wa</strong>na anataka<br />

kusema naye moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja, au k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati mwingine,<br />

au k<strong>wa</strong> njia nyingine. Mungu akinyamaza, sisi<br />

tunyamaze pia. Mungu akisema nasi kuhusu mtu<br />

mwingine, lazima tuwe <strong>wa</strong>aminifu na <strong>wa</strong>angalifu katika<br />

kusema yale tu ambayo Mungu amesema au kufunua<br />

- si kuongeza <strong>wa</strong>la kupunguza.<br />

Si nafasi yetu kamwe kum<strong>wa</strong>mbia mtu afanye nini,<br />

aende <strong>wa</strong>pi, na kadhalika. Sisi tunam<strong>wa</strong>mbia yule mtu<br />

yale tunayopokea kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Mara<br />

nyingi sana, yanapas<strong>wa</strong> yathibitishe jambo fulani<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ke ambalo B<strong>wa</strong>na amekwisha weka moyoni<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>ke. Ndipo hoja inabaki kati yake na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya kutimiz<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

MATENDO • 21


Mwisho, hoja muhimu: Neno la kinabii kutoka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu SIKUZOTE litakubaliana na yale ambayo<br />

Mungu amekwisha kutufunulia katika Biblia, Neno Lake<br />

takatifu lililoandik<strong>wa</strong>! Yote tunayofanya maishani<br />

mwetu lazima yafuatane na kupatana na Neno la<br />

Mungu, na kanuni zilizofunuli<strong>wa</strong> ndani yake.<br />

Kufuata Mwongozo Wa <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

Mifano mingine ya mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo inaonekana katika<br />

Matendo 6:1-7 na 13:1-3. Matukio haya katika Kanisa la<br />

a<strong>wa</strong>li hayaku<strong>wa</strong> tu ibada ya dini. Katika masimulizi haya,<br />

viongozi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo <strong>wa</strong>litafuta mwongozo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kaufuata kinaganaga. Ndipo k<strong>wa</strong> imani<br />

thabiti, <strong>wa</strong>liomba k<strong>wa</strong> kutii mwongozo huo. Katika kuitikia,<br />

Mungu ali<strong>wa</strong>andaa, ku<strong>wa</strong>bariki na ku<strong>wa</strong>pa upako <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lioombe<strong>wa</strong> ili atimize yale aliyoku<strong>wa</strong> ame<strong>wa</strong>agizia.<br />

Jambo lililo muhimu kabisa ni hili: Mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kufunua makusudi na mapenzi<br />

rasmi ya Mungu. Yesu Mwenyewe alikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba huduma<br />

Yake ya duniani iliwezekana k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ile tu k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> akifanya mapenzi ya Mungu Baba (Yohana 5:19,30;<br />

6:38; 8:29). Tunaweza na inatubidi tufanye sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Tunapofuata mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu <strong>Roho</strong>, Yeye<br />

atatutumia katika kutimiza mapenzi Yake. Sehemu ya haya<br />

inaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> kuthibitisha wito <strong>wa</strong>ke katika wengine; na<br />

halafu ku<strong>wa</strong>ombea ili <strong>wa</strong>pewe upako na karama k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

yote ambayo Mungu amekusudia k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yao, k<strong>wa</strong> utukufu<br />

Wake na k<strong>wa</strong> kujenga Mwili Wake (Waefeso 4:12-16).<br />

Uhuru Zaidi<br />

Katika semina nyingi za <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> za <strong>wa</strong>chungaji,<br />

nimefundisha kuhusu upako au kuhusu ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Katika mikutano hii, <strong>wa</strong>chungaji <strong>wa</strong>siohesabika<br />

<strong>wa</strong>mejaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> upya; wengine <strong>wa</strong>libatiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mara ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza. Mimi binafsi<br />

siku<strong>wa</strong>pa chochote, zaidi ya mafundisho kutoka katika<br />

Maandiko kuhusu mambo haya. Huenda mimi nili<strong>wa</strong>ombea,<br />

lakini ni <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aliye<strong>wa</strong>gusa na ku<strong>wa</strong>jaza (Luka<br />

3:16; Yohana 16:7) - k<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>wa</strong>liona njaa ya kumpokea<br />

Yeye zaidi!<br />

Tunapokea taarifa nyingi sana kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>chungaji<br />

hao hao kuhusu mabadiliko ya ajabu katika huduma zao.<br />

Wameona nyongeza ya ishara, maajabu na miujiza katika<br />

mikutano yao; <strong>wa</strong>na bidii mpya k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Mungu na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uinjilisti; <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ongoza <strong>wa</strong>tu wengi kwenye wokovu au<br />

ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Imeku<strong>wa</strong>je?<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, kumeku<strong>wa</strong> na mafundisho kutoka katika Neno<br />

la Mungu, linaloleta m<strong>wa</strong>ngaza kuhusu hoja fulani. Mtu<br />

anayesikia mafundisho anaamua kupokea k<strong>wa</strong> imani yale<br />

aliyojifunza - na kuyatendea kazi!<br />

Lakini yanayotokea ni zaidi. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yupo naye<br />

anatenda k<strong>wa</strong> njia pekee, akishuhudia ukweli <strong>wa</strong> Neno la<br />

Mungu lililoelez<strong>wa</strong>. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>napoitikia k<strong>wa</strong> moyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi na k<strong>wa</strong> imani - na, katika njaa yao k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kiomba <strong>wa</strong>pokee yote ambayo Yeye ame<strong>wa</strong>andalia - Yeye<br />

anaitikia njaa yao k<strong>wa</strong> njia maalum na nzito (Mathayo<br />

5:6; Yohana 6:35). Wanapokea kweli! <strong>Upako</strong> zaidi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma unafunguli<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Tafadhali ufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu hawekewi mipaka<br />

ya u<strong>wa</strong>nja <strong>wa</strong> mkutano au ya tukio fulani. Mungu <strong>Roho</strong> yupo<br />

kila mahali, naye ata<strong>wa</strong>itikia <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>naomtafuta k<strong>wa</strong> moyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o wote (Yeremia 29:12-13).<br />

Mungu atakutana na wewe popote ulipo, unapomtafuta<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko wote. Haleluya!<br />

Ninataka kusema tena k<strong>wa</strong>mba hakuna mtu<br />

anayefahamu kikamilifu jinsi <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu awezavyo<br />

kutenda na atakavyofanya kazi. Lakini tunajua k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake ataitikia njaa yetu K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ana<strong>wa</strong>jaza <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> upya akiitikia<br />

maombi yao (Luka 11:9-13). Imani yao inapohuish<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naanza kuomba k<strong>wa</strong> imani <strong>wa</strong>kiamini kutoka hapo <strong>wa</strong>lipo<br />

(Waebrania 11:6).<br />

Maombi Bora<br />

Kama tulivyojifunza, mitume <strong>wa</strong>liwekeana mikono na<br />

pia ku<strong>wa</strong>wekea <strong>wa</strong>tenda kazi wengine, <strong>wa</strong>ki<strong>wa</strong>ombea na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>simika katika huduma (Matendo 13:2-3; 6:1-6). Mungu<br />

ali<strong>wa</strong>ongoza <strong>wa</strong>fanye hivyo, k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tendo la lazima na<br />

lenye nguvu liliku<strong>wa</strong> likitokea.<br />

Huenda hatufahamu njia zote za <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Lakini<br />

hili tunalijua: Wakati <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapotuongoza<br />

tu<strong>wa</strong>ombee wengine - na <strong>wa</strong>kati tunapo<strong>wa</strong>ruhusu <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, <strong>wa</strong>naume k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke, <strong>wa</strong>tuombee<br />

sisi - upako, karama, hekima na mengine zaidi vya Mungu<br />

huga<strong>wa</strong>ny<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> sisi hatuwezi kuamua <strong>wa</strong>kina nani <strong>wa</strong>pokee<br />

karama za Mungu na upako Wake, k<strong>wa</strong> hakika tunaweza<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>ombea wengine <strong>wa</strong>we zana zenye nguvu na kutumika<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi katika huduma ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (2Timotheo 1:6-7).<br />

Lazima sikuzote tutii na kupokea mapenzi makuu ya<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> maisha yetu katika mambo haya. Huenda<br />

maombi bora tunayoweza kumletea Mungu ni: “Je, ni vipi<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong>, na kazi, ulivyoniandalia? Je, umeniita nivitumieje?<br />

Unataka kunipa nini ili nitimize mapenzi Yako?”<br />

Mungu ana makusudi pekee ya maagizo, wito na<br />

huduma k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>namume na m<strong>wa</strong>namke.<br />

Pamoja navyo, Yeye atatupa k<strong>wa</strong> utele “mambo ya ajabu mno<br />

kuliko yote tuyaombayo au tuya<strong>wa</strong>zayo, k<strong>wa</strong> kadiri ya nguvu<br />

[<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>] itendayo kazi ndani yetu” (Waefeso 3:20)<br />

ili kutuwezesha tutimize mapenzi Yake tunapomtolea<br />

kikamilifu maisha na mapenzi yetu.<br />

2. <strong>Upako</strong> hautolewi ili kukali<strong>wa</strong>, kuta<strong>wa</strong>li<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kufich<strong>wa</strong> ndani yetu.<br />

Kusudi la msingi la upako ni kutuwezesha tuwe na<br />

ufanisi katika huduma au katika kazi yetu. Hili ni pamoja na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>tolea wengine k<strong>wa</strong> hiari katika huduma yale ambayo<br />

sisi tumepe<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Yesu Mwenyewe, m<strong>wa</strong>nzoni m<strong>wa</strong> huduma Yake,<br />

alisema: “<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na yu juu yangu, k<strong>wa</strong> maana<br />

amenitia mafuta...” (Luka 4:16-21).<br />

Utaona unaposoma mistari hii k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu aliendelea<br />

kusoma orodha ya mambo ambayo Yeye alitili<strong>wa</strong> mafuta<br />

(upako) k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> ni heshima takatifu. Haitupasi tuutamani ili<br />

tuonekane ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> kiroho zaidi au <strong>wa</strong>zuri kuliko<br />

wengine. <strong>Upako</strong> ni maandalizi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

unaotole<strong>wa</strong> ili tuzae matunda mengi zaidi na ku<strong>wa</strong> na ufanisi<br />

22 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


mkub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi katika huduma yetu na wito wetu. Maana yake<br />

hasa ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba tutapata ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tumishi bora k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wote (Yohana 13:12-17). Mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> maisha pamoja na<br />

msimamo <strong>wa</strong> kutoa, katika kila ki<strong>wa</strong>ngo cha maisha, ndiyo<br />

amri ya Biblia k<strong>wa</strong> kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini (Mathayo 10:8; Luka 6:38;<br />

Matendo 20:35).<br />

Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>takia <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake <strong>wa</strong>jitolee <strong>wa</strong>kati wote<br />

katika mali yao na vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyao k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong>saidia<br />

wengine. Pasipo mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> maisha <strong>wa</strong> kutoa, hatutaku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na afya ya kiroho, na Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo pia utapunguki<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mungu ametupa mfano <strong>wa</strong> ndani katika jiografia ya nchi ya<br />

Israeli utakaosaidia kufafanua kanuni hii.<br />

Uhai Au Mauti<br />

Nchi ya Israeli ina mazi<strong>wa</strong> makub<strong>wa</strong> mawili. Moja ni<br />

Bahari ya Galilaya, la pili ni Bahari ya Chumvi. Bahari ya<br />

Galilaya ni zi<strong>wa</strong> la maji baridi linalopendeza sana na kujaa<br />

viumbe hai. Bahari ya Chumvi k<strong>wa</strong> Kiingereza huit<strong>wa</strong><br />

Bahari ya Mauti, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu imejaa chumvi na madini<br />

mengine hadi haiwezekani kiumbe chochote kiishi ndani<br />

yake. Maji yake hayafai kabisa kuny<strong>wa</strong>, pia yanaweza<br />

kuunguza ngozi ya mtu, kusababisha upofu na hata kukuua!<br />

Bahari ya Galilaya huongeze<strong>wa</strong> maji ya mito yenye maji<br />

matamu mazuri. Upande <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> chini, maji haya hutoka<br />

katika Mto Yordani, ambao unaingia moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja katika<br />

Bahari ya Chumvi. Inawezekanaje basi, maji mazuri yenye<br />

uhai ya Bahari ya Galilaya yapate ku<strong>wa</strong> maji ya sumu na kifo<br />

ya Bahari ya Chumvi?<br />

Kuna tofauti kuu kati ya mazi<strong>wa</strong> haya mawili: Maji<br />

mazuri huingia katika yote mawili, lakini yanatoka katika<br />

Bahari ya Galilaya tu. Bahari ya Chumvi haina pa kutolea.<br />

Katika Bahari ya Chumvi maji yanakaa na kukauka (kugeuka<br />

he<strong>wa</strong>), yakibakisha nyongeza ya chumvi na madini mengine.<br />

Maji yanazidi ku<strong>wa</strong> na sumu inayoua.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> njia hiyo hiyo, kusudi la upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

katika maisha ya mtumishi ni kuzalisha uhai <strong>wa</strong> Yesu katika<br />

wengine. Utaongeza uhai <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndani yetu, na kutiririka<br />

kutoka kwetu ku<strong>wa</strong>endea wengine. Sisi tunapas<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

wote tu<strong>wa</strong>tolee wengine katika huduma na utumishi vyenye<br />

nguvu na vinavyoleta uhai.<br />

Tunapo<strong>wa</strong>ombea wengine, kuhubiri, kufundisha Neno<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>shirikisha maneno ya ku<strong>wa</strong>jenga chini ya upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, sisi ni <strong>wa</strong>tumishi tunaotoa uhai, ambao<br />

tutabariki na kuadilisha wengine. Tuki<strong>wa</strong> na ubinafsi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya muda wetu au bidii zetu - na kuchagua kutokutoa<br />

‘mtiririko’ <strong>wa</strong> uhai <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika utumishi na<br />

huduma k<strong>wa</strong> wengine - basi upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

utaoza ndani yetu. Tunakusudi<strong>wa</strong> tupokee <strong>wa</strong>kati wote k<strong>wa</strong><br />

upya kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Waefeso 5:18-19) na<br />

halafu tutoe “maji hai” tuliyopokea, katika utumishi na<br />

huduma k<strong>wa</strong> wengine (Yohana 7:37-39).<br />

Unaweza kusoma kuhusu kanuni hii katika Mathayo<br />

25:14-30. Ilimtokeaje yule mtumishi asiyetendea kazi yoyote<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> na upako alivyope<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu?<br />

3. <strong>Upako</strong> unaweza kuzui<strong>wa</strong> au kusimamish<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako ni Nafsi na uwepo <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu <strong>Roho</strong>. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> si nguvu isiyo na uhai na<br />

nafsi. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni Nafsi ya Mungu.<br />

Maandiko yamefunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

“kuhuzunish<strong>wa</strong>” (Waefeso 4:30). Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

anasikia huzuni, anajeruhi<strong>wa</strong> au kuumiz<strong>wa</strong>. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

anaweza pia “kuzimish<strong>wa</strong>” (1Wathesalonike 5:19). Neno hili<br />

lina maana ya kuban<strong>wa</strong> au kusong<strong>wa</strong>, au ya moto<br />

ukizimish<strong>wa</strong> na maji.<br />

a. Kuzimisha <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Tunazimishaje <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>? Hutokea mara nyingi <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>napopinga kazi ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, au <strong>wa</strong>sipojali kazi Yake. Kama <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>taki kuitikia misukumo ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> au hamu<br />

Yake ya kutenda kazi kati yao, <strong>wa</strong>naweza kuzuia (kuzimisha)<br />

kazi Yake kati yao.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> upande mwingine, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza<br />

kuzimish<strong>wa</strong> pia <strong>wa</strong>kati bidii zetu au misisimko yetu ya<br />

kibinadamu vinapotenda kazi badala ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Kuna makanisa ambapo <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>napendelea kufuata taratibu<br />

zao kila juma, pasipo hamu yoyote ya kupokea kazi mpya ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika ibada zao. Katika hali hii, Yeye hana<br />

uhuru <strong>wa</strong> kutenda kazi; k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo <strong>Roho</strong> “anazimish<strong>wa</strong>”.<br />

Kuna sehemu nyingine pia ambapo <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>nataka<br />

“kuigiza” kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Huenda<br />

<strong>wa</strong>narukaruka, kupiga kelele, kutetemeka au mengine. Ni<br />

kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapofanya kazi, mara<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> mara kuna matendo kama haya.<br />

Lakini kama yanafanyika kama igizo, na si kama itikio la<br />

kazi halisi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, matendo kama haya yanaweza<br />

kuzimisha kazi yenyewe ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anataka<br />

kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati ule.<br />

Wakati wowote ambapo <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>nachagua utaratibu<br />

badala ya uwepo wenyewe <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kazi Yake,<br />

Yeye hana nafasi ya kutenda anavyotaka. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, Yeye<br />

“anazimish<strong>wa</strong>”.<br />

Je, mifano hii yote inafananaje? Yote yanafunua<br />

majaribu ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu kuta<strong>wa</strong>la au kuiga kazi ya Mungu.<br />

Huenda <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>meamua k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>meridhika na aina<br />

fulani ya utaratibu au mtindo ambao <strong>wa</strong>nataka kufuata. Kila<br />

juma, utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> ibada yao ni ule ule.<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba hali hii inaweza kumzuia <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> asitende kazi halisi katika ibada zao k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>patia <strong>wa</strong>tu uhai, uweza, uponyaji na upako Wake.<br />

Hakuna nafasi <strong>wa</strong>la ukaribisho K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong>mba aje na<br />

kutenda kazi. Katika hali hii, nia ya m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu imepinga<br />

nia ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> - na ndipo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

“anapozimish<strong>wa</strong>” yaani hana uhuru <strong>wa</strong> kutenda kazi.<br />

Biblia imetaja kipekee bidii za kibinadamu za kuchukua<br />

nafasi ya uweza na uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>: “Si k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uwezo, <strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu, bali ni k<strong>wa</strong> roho yangu, asema<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> majeshi” (Zekaria 4:6).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

hata utaratibu au mtindo <strong>wa</strong>ko unaweza kuzuia kazi ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Kila mara kundi la <strong>wa</strong>amini<br />

linapokusanyika, lazima tuwe <strong>wa</strong>sikivu k<strong>wa</strong> yale<br />

ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anataka kutenda.<br />

Pengine anataka kufanya kazi k<strong>wa</strong> upole na utulivu<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>ponya <strong>wa</strong>tu. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza pia kuja<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu na ku<strong>wa</strong>weka huru <strong>wa</strong>fung<strong>wa</strong>! Anaweza<br />

kuleta hali ya kusherehekea ushindi katika kuabudu,<br />

kujenga imani na matazamio ya <strong>wa</strong>amini. Au anaweza<br />

kuleta hukumu kali, na pamoja nayo hamu ya kutubu,<br />

kati ya <strong>wa</strong>liohudhuria, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makosa yao mbele<br />

za Mungu.<br />

MATENDO • 23


Hoja ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba, inatupasa sikuzote tukaribishe na<br />

kuwekea nafasi kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika ibada<br />

zetu. Tunahitaji kuomba, kusikiliza, na kutii misukumo<br />

na maneno ya kinabii ambavyo vinaweza kuja. Ndipo<br />

“mtindo” wetu <strong>wa</strong> utumishi au kuhubiri unapas<strong>wa</strong><br />

ufuatane na yale ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anayatenda<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati huo.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, kama tutarukaruka au kupiga kelele<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapotaka kuleta amani au<br />

utulivu – “utege sikio lako“ (Zaburi 46:10) tutazimisha<br />

kazi Yake ya dakika ile. Tukikataa msisimko <strong>wa</strong><br />

kusherehekea unaotokea katika kuabudu, tunaweza<br />

kuzuia ushindi usitokee kati ya <strong>wa</strong>tu. Huenda itatubidi<br />

tutulie katikati ya ibada, na kumruhusu kila mtu<br />

amsubiri B<strong>wa</strong>na ili yeye binafsi asikie kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Kutembea Katika <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

Ni muhimu kabisa kwetu, kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

kusitawisha uwezo wetu <strong>wa</strong> kupambanua na kumsikia<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Njia bora ya kufanya hivyo ni kutumia<br />

vipindi virefu vya maombi katika siku zinazotangulia<br />

kabla ya kukusanyika k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>amini. Vipindi hivi vya<br />

maombi visiwe tu vya kumwomba Mungu abariki yale<br />

ambayo umekwisha panga kufanya. Bali ni nafasi ya<br />

kunyenyekeza moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko na kukabidhi mipango yako<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, ukimsubiri hadi upokee maono ya yale<br />

YEYE anayotaka kufanya! Utumie muda <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

mkutano pia, <strong>wa</strong> kusubiri, kusikiliza na kupambanua.<br />

Uamue ku<strong>wa</strong> mtu anayefuatana na yoyote ambayo<br />

Mungu anataka kufanya. Kumbuka, hili ni Kanisa Lake<br />

na hao ni <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake. Wewe upo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>simamia, ku<strong>wa</strong>tunza na ku<strong>wa</strong>fanya <strong>wa</strong>we<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nafunzi. Lakini iliyo muhimu kabisa, nafasi yako ni<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>elekeza <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na ku<strong>wa</strong>fundisha jinsi<br />

ya kumwitikia <strong>Roho</strong> Wake <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika mambo<br />

yote!<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kufanya tendo la<br />

kumweka huru, kumkuza au kumponya mtu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

haraka sana <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> ibada. Kazi kama hii ingeweza<br />

kutumia miezi, au hata kutokutendeka kamwe, pasipo<br />

huduma ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>o k<strong>wa</strong> dakika ile. K<strong>wa</strong><br />

hiyo sisi tufanye kazi pamoja na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, na<br />

kushiriki katika kazi Yake kila mara tunapokusanyika!<br />

b. Kumhuzunisha <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Maandiko<br />

yanaeleza pia kuhusu kumhuzunisha <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(Waefeso 4:30). Maana ya “kuhuzunisha” ni kumfanya<br />

asikitike au kuumia. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kuhuzunish<strong>wa</strong><br />

na lolote tunaloruhusu au kutunza mioyoni mwetu<br />

lisilofanana na Yesu.<br />

Tunaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na misimamo, tabia, ma<strong>wa</strong>zo, maneno<br />

au matendo - lolote lisilofanana na Kristo litamhuzunisha<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

“Wala msimhuzunishe yule <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu;<br />

ambaye k<strong>wa</strong> yeye mliti<strong>wa</strong> muhuri hata siku ya ukombozi.<br />

Uchungu wote na ghadhabu na hasira na kelele na matukano<br />

yaondoke kwenu, pamoja na kila namna ya ubaya; tena iweni<br />

<strong>wa</strong>fadhili ninyi k<strong>wa</strong> ninyi, wenye huruma, mkasameheane<br />

kama na Mungu katika Kristo alivyo<strong>wa</strong>samehe ninyi”<br />

(Waefeso 4:30-32).<br />

Hamasa ya Paulo k<strong>wa</strong> Waefeso hu<strong>wa</strong>saidia kufahamu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o ni hekalu la <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, kama <strong>wa</strong>tu binafsi<br />

24 • MATENDO<br />

(1Wakorintho 6:19) na kama kundi (1Wakorintho 3:9-17)<br />

kama Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu anaishi ndani yetu,<br />

tunaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu sana na Yeye. <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kuhuzunish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye<br />

anatupenda (Warumi 5:5). Tuachane na <strong>wa</strong>zo au tendo lolote<br />

linaloweza kumpa huzuni na majonzi huyo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

anayeishi ndani yetu.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> Na Neno<br />

Huenda <strong>wa</strong>po viongozi ambao <strong>wa</strong>ngesema k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nakaribisha kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kati yao. Lakini<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naweza kupata ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>shupavu k<strong>wa</strong> kuacha kujifunza<br />

Neno la Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> bidii na kufanya maandalizi<br />

yanayohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong>fundisha na ku<strong>wa</strong>funza<br />

wengine katika njia za B<strong>wa</strong>na. Hao “<strong>wa</strong>nam<strong>wa</strong>chia <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> afanye kazi”. Mwelekeo huu <strong>wa</strong> akili haufai,<br />

unaweza kusababisha matatizo mazito katika maisha ya<br />

kiongozi na katika kanisa. Msimamo huu unaweza ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

kisingizio cha uvivu au utovu <strong>wa</strong> nidhamu, kitu ambacho<br />

Mungu hatakibariki.<br />

Biblia inasema <strong>wa</strong>zi kabisa k<strong>wa</strong> viongozi kuhusu hoja<br />

hii. “Jitahidi kujionyesha ku<strong>wa</strong> umekubali<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu,<br />

mtenda kazi asiye na sababu ya kutahayari, ukitumia k<strong>wa</strong><br />

halali neno la kweli” (2Timotheo 2:15-16).<br />

Kama viongozi, lazima tuandae mioyo yetu k<strong>wa</strong> sala<br />

nyingi, na kujaza akili zetu na Neno la Mungu. Lazima<br />

tujifunze Maandiko na kuandaa mafundisho kutoka katika<br />

Neno la Mungu ambayo yata<strong>wa</strong>saidia <strong>wa</strong>le tunao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza<br />

<strong>wa</strong>pate ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi wenye upevu <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo.<br />

Lazima tusifundishe kamwe mambo yasiyo sahihi, imani ya<br />

uwongo au ma<strong>wa</strong>zo ya kimwili kutokana na kutokujifunza na<br />

kuzoea ukweli <strong>wa</strong> Neno la Mungu. Sisi tutahukumi<strong>wa</strong><br />

kufuatana na yale tunayo<strong>wa</strong>fundisha wengine (Yakobo 3:1).<br />

Tunapoku<strong>wa</strong> tumeandali<strong>wa</strong> kutokana na Neno la<br />

Mungu, tunaweza kabisa kutazamia upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> utoe uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kuhubiri Neno la kweli la Mungu.<br />

Tunaweza kumtazamia <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atutumie kama zana<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> dakika ile ya huduma, na pia kutazamia uweza Wake<br />

katika ishara na maajabu yatakayofuata.<br />

Lakini tusipoku<strong>wa</strong> na bidii katika kujifunza Biblia na<br />

kusali, ni rahisi zaidi kabisa kutoa huduma kutokana na<br />

ma<strong>wa</strong>zo yetu au maelekeo yetu ya kimwili. Je, <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atawezaje kutupa upako <strong>wa</strong>kati hatufundishi Neno<br />

la Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la kum<strong>wa</strong>kilisha Kristo kikamilifu katika<br />

maisha yetu na huduma zetu?<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> Usiotazami<strong>wa</strong><br />

Biblia inafundisha pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba zipo nyakati ambapo<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kutia maneno yafaayo midomoni<br />

mwetu: “Lakini hapo <strong>wa</strong>takapo<strong>wa</strong>peleka, msifikiri-fikiri jinsi<br />

mtakavyosema; maana mtape<strong>wa</strong> saa ile mtakayosema”<br />

(Mathayo 10:19; taz. pia Marko 13:11 na Luka 12:11-12).<br />

Lakini mistari hii inahusiana na hali za kufukuz<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kutes<strong>wa</strong> au matukio maalum, si ibada ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida ya juma ya<br />

kundi lako! K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo mistari hii ya Maandiko isitumiwe<br />

kama kisingizio cha kutokujifunza Neno la Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> bidii<br />

na kuandaa mafundisho yafaayo.<br />

Huenda nyakati zitatokea ambapo tunait<strong>wa</strong> tuhubiri,<br />

kusali au kutoa huduma pasipo maandalizi. Ninaamini<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


k<strong>wa</strong>mba katika nyakati hizi msaada maalum <strong>wa</strong> upako<br />

usiotazami<strong>wa</strong> hulet<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Kumbuka, Yeye<br />

ndiye anayetaka kumdhihirisha Yesu, na ku<strong>wa</strong>leta <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

katika wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Kristo! Atatutumia katika hali<br />

yoyote ili afanye hivyo. Lakini zaidi tunavyojiandaa katika<br />

Neno la Mungu na sala, ndivyo tutakavyoku<strong>wa</strong> tayari zaidi ili<br />

Mungu atutumie k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi.<br />

Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>taka viongozi Wake <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>angalifu na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>aminifu k<strong>wa</strong> Neno Lake. Hii ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya manufaa ya<br />

kiongozi mwenyewe, pamoja na manufaa ya <strong>wa</strong>le ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naoongoz<strong>wa</strong>. Mazoea ya kusoma Biblia na kusali kila siku<br />

yanajenga ndani yetu “akiba ya kiroho” ambamo <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kuchota. Ndipo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

anapoongeza uweza, hekima na utambuzi <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu<br />

kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke, katika yale tunayosema. Mchangamano huu<br />

unaweza kubadilisha maisha ya msikilizaji!<br />

Neno la Mungu linatuhimiza tuwe tayari <strong>wa</strong>kati wote ili<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atutumie katika hali yoyote (2Timotheo 4:2;<br />

1Petro 3:15). Hali hii inatendeka k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya kujifunza Neno<br />

la Mungu na kusali k<strong>wa</strong> bidii!<br />

4. <strong>Upako</strong> unaweza kudhulumi<strong>wa</strong> au kutumi<strong>wa</strong><br />

vibaya.<br />

Ipo mifano kadhaa katika Maandiko ya <strong>wa</strong>naume na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong>liodhulumu au kutumia vibaya uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Walipofanya hivyo, Mungu ali<strong>wa</strong>hukumu na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>adhibu.<br />

a. Waamuzi Sura za 13-16 - Samsoni. Karama ya<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> Samsoni iliku<strong>wa</strong> nguvu ya ajabu ya kimwili.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> alipomjia (Waamuzi 13:24-25; 14:6,19;<br />

15:14), Samsoni alifanya matendo makuu dhidi ya Wafilisti<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lio<strong>wa</strong>tesa Waisraeli. Lakini, inga<strong>wa</strong> Samsoni aliku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

karama kuu maalum, udhaifu <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> kimaadili<br />

ulim<strong>wa</strong>ngusha na kufupisha maisha yake na huduma yake<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Israeli (taz. Waamuzi sura ya 16).<br />

Samsoni alifikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba angeweza kuishi maisha yake<br />

kufuatana na mapenzi yake, na bado amtazamie Mungu ampe<br />

upako. Hali hii iliku<strong>wa</strong> ushupavu mkuu, nao ulisababisha<br />

kushind<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ke kama mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Inga<strong>wa</strong><br />

baadaye alitubu na Mungu alimtumia mara nyingine moja,<br />

inaelekea ku<strong>wa</strong> maisha na huduma ya Samsoni havikufikia<br />

makusudi ya Mungu.<br />

[Tutaangalia k<strong>wa</strong> makini zaidi jinsi tabia inavyogusa<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa katika Sehemu Ya III.B.1,<br />

“Tabia na <strong>Upako</strong>”.]<br />

b. Walawi 10:1-3 - Nadabu na Abihu. Hao <strong>wa</strong>na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>wili <strong>wa</strong> Haruni (Kuhani Mkuu) <strong>wa</strong>liti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta <strong>wa</strong>toe<br />

huduma kama makuhani k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Israeli. Biblia<br />

inafunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>litoa “moto <strong>wa</strong> kigeni mbele ya B<strong>wa</strong>na,<br />

ambao yeye haku<strong>wa</strong>agiza” (Walawi 10:1). Tendo hili liliasi<br />

amri ya a<strong>wa</strong>li ya Mungu (Kutoka 30:9).<br />

Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> ameweka nyakati na njia rasmi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya dhabihu na sadaka za makuhani. Kumtii B<strong>wa</strong>na na njia<br />

Zake ni kipaumbele kikuu. Hali ya Nadabu na Abihu ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>ti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta au upako <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na haiku<strong>wa</strong> udhuru k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya kutokutii k<strong>wa</strong>o. Hukumu ya Mungu iliku<strong>wa</strong> ya haraka na<br />

ukali juu ya <strong>wa</strong>na hao <strong>wa</strong>wili <strong>wa</strong> Haruni ambao <strong>wa</strong>litoa<br />

huduma yao k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> njia zao binafsi (Walawi 10:2).<br />

Sisi kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, lazima tutii <strong>wa</strong>kati wote<br />

mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pamoja na kanuni na amri za<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Neno la Mungu. Tusianguke katika mtego <strong>wa</strong> kufikiri<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi tunaweza kuchagua jinsi sisi tunavyotaka<br />

kumfuata Mungu na kutoa huduma katika Kanisa Lake.<br />

Lazima tupokee YOTE ambayo Yeye anataka kutufunulia<br />

katika Neno Lake kuhusu huduma yenye ufanisi, na kufanya<br />

huduma hiyo k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo wetu wote!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Ni rahisi k<strong>wa</strong> viongozi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kanisa ambao Mungu ame<strong>wa</strong>pa upako - hasa <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

ambao Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>tumia sana - kufikiri ku<strong>wa</strong> amri za<br />

kimsingi za Maandiko hazi<strong>wa</strong>husu <strong>wa</strong>o tena.<br />

Wanasahau k<strong>wa</strong>mba yote <strong>wa</strong>nayofanya hufanyika<br />

mbele za macho ya Mungu aliye mtakatifu (Walawi<br />

10:3).<br />

Sote tumesikia habari za <strong>wa</strong>naume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

ambao Mungu ame<strong>wa</strong>tumia sana nao <strong>wa</strong>meanguka<br />

katika kushind<strong>wa</strong> kimaadili, makosa kuhusu mali na<br />

fedha, na dhambi nyingine. Kuanguka k<strong>wa</strong>o k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ka<strong>wa</strong>ida hakutokei k<strong>wa</strong> dakika moja. Huanza k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kuridhiana na kutoa udhuru “kidogo”, njia<br />

inayo<strong>wa</strong>fikisha katika kutokutii Neno na hatimaye<br />

kuanguka kabisa (Yakobo 1:14-15).<br />

Lazima tusisahau k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu ni mtakatifu, na<br />

Yeye ametuita sisi pia tuwe <strong>wa</strong>takatifu (Walawi 11:44;<br />

1Petro 1:16). Neno la Mungu, amri Zake, kanuni Zake,<br />

ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini na mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo - hasa<br />

viongozi Wake <strong>wa</strong>lioit<strong>wa</strong> na kupe<strong>wa</strong> upako!<br />

c. Hesabu 11:16-30 – Wazee. Biblia inaelezea tukio<br />

moja <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kusafiri k<strong>wa</strong> Waisraeli ambapo Mungu<br />

ali<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>zee sabini <strong>Roho</strong> Wake nao <strong>wa</strong>litabiri (ms. 25).<br />

Walikuwepo <strong>wa</strong>naume wengine <strong>wa</strong>wili ambao<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>kuhudhuria pamoja na wenzao kwenye Hema ya<br />

Kukutania, bali <strong>wa</strong>libaki kambini. <strong>Roho</strong> ali<strong>wa</strong>jia <strong>wa</strong>o pia,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kaanza kutabiri (ms. 26).<br />

Joshua, ambaye k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati ule aliku<strong>wa</strong> msaidizi <strong>wa</strong><br />

Musa, aliomba <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>wili <strong>wa</strong>zuiliwe na kukataz<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>sitabiri (ms. 28). Lakini Musa alimkemea Yoshua, na<br />

kueleza hamu yake ya kinabii k<strong>wa</strong>mba B<strong>wa</strong>na ange<strong>wa</strong>tia<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu wote roho Yake (ms. 29; taz. pia Yoeli 2:28-29;<br />

Matendo 2:14-21).<br />

Huenda Yoshua aliku<strong>wa</strong> na nia njema, akiona mashaka<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>wili <strong>wa</strong>litabiri visivyofaa k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>kuhudhuria pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>zee wengine. Lakini alikosa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> kufikiri iliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>jibu <strong>wa</strong>ke kuamua Mungu atamke lini<br />

na k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya nani.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Viongozi <strong>wa</strong>napojaribu<br />

kuta<strong>wa</strong>la au kuzuia kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>nakosa.<br />

Mara nyingi, tuna hamu inayotokana na nia njema ya<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> “mambo yote yatendeke k<strong>wa</strong> uzuri na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

utaratibu” (1Wakorintho 14:40). Lakini njia zetu si njia za<br />

Mungu (Isaya 55:8-9). Vipimo vyetu au maoni yetu ya<br />

kibinadamu kuhusu mambo tunayofurahia huenda<br />

havihusiani kamwe na yale ambayo Mungu anataka<br />

kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati fulani maalum.<br />

Mungu anaweza kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> njia zisizo za<br />

ka<strong>wa</strong>ida, kutokana na vyanzo visivyotazami<strong>wa</strong>, na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

matendo yasiyo ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida pia. Fikiria punda <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

Balaamu (Hesabu 22:22-40), au Yesu akitumia udongo<br />

na mate alipomponya kipofu (Yohana 9:1-6).<br />

MATENDO • 25


Tunaishi katika siku za Mavuno makuu na<br />

kumimin<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Matukio ya ajabu,<br />

miujiza, matamko ya kinabii na mafunuo mengine ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu vinaongezeka kote duniani. Ni lazima<br />

tutumie karama ya kupambanua, naam, tusikubali na<br />

kuamini mambo yote yanayofanyika k<strong>wa</strong> jina la Mungu<br />

(Mathayo 7:21-23). Lakini ni lazima pia tujifunze<br />

kushirikiana na kutenda pamoja na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wowote maalum.<br />

Si juu yetu sisi kum<strong>wa</strong>mulia <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atende<br />

kazi lini, k<strong>wa</strong> njia gani na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong> nani. Chombo<br />

ambacho Mungu anakitumia k<strong>wa</strong> hakika kitaku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

upungufu na hitilafu. Hakuna yeyote kati yetu aliye<br />

mkamilifu, lakini Mungu ameamua kufanya kazi kupitia<br />

kwetu!<br />

Hata hivyo, inatubidi tuangalie ku<strong>wa</strong> Maandiko<br />

hueleza <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba tusishirikiane na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naoishi<br />

katika dhambi au kufundisha uwongo (1Timotheo<br />

6:3-5; 2Timotheo 3:1-5). Lazima pia tuwe <strong>wa</strong>angalifu<br />

katika kupima unabii k<strong>wa</strong> usahihi (1Wakorintho 14:29).<br />

Tena tusitumie vipimo vya nje vya dunia katika<br />

kutathmini au kutambua hali ya ndugu au dada katika<br />

Kristo (2Wakorintho 5:16-17).<br />

Kama <strong>wa</strong>chungaji, katika hamu yetu ya kuongoza,<br />

tunaweza kushawishika tujaribu kuta<strong>wa</strong>la. Hapo tumo<br />

katika hatari ya kuzuia, au kukataza, kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kati yetu (kama Yoshua alivyokaribia<br />

kufanya).<br />

Inatupasa tutumie muda <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>funza <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

tunao<strong>wa</strong>hudumia kuhusu lini na jinsi ya kutoa unabii.<br />

Lakini ni lazima baada ya haya tuwe tayari kumruhusu<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atende kazi kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>o<br />

<strong>wa</strong>napoendelea kujifunza na kukua.<br />

Kumbuka, nafasi yetu kama <strong>wa</strong>chungaji ni<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>ongoza <strong>wa</strong>tu ili <strong>wa</strong>kue kama <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi. Maana<br />

yake, pamoja na mengine, ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuna<strong>wa</strong>fundisha<br />

- na ku<strong>wa</strong>weka huru - <strong>wa</strong>pokee na kuitikia mwongozo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

d. Matendo 5:1-11; 8:9-24 - Anania na Safira; Simoni<br />

Mchawi. Kitabu cha Matendo kinasimulia majaribu mawili<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li ya kutumia vibaya uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

1) Jaribu la k<strong>wa</strong>nza liliku<strong>wa</strong> la Anania na Safira<br />

(Matendo 5:1-11). Walijaribu kudanganya uongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li kuhusu mauzo ya mali yao. Lakini Petro<br />

alipo<strong>wa</strong>kabili, aliita kosa lao ku<strong>wa</strong> “kum<strong>wa</strong>mbia uongo <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>” (ms. 3).<br />

Inaeleweka k<strong>wa</strong>mba hoja haiku<strong>wa</strong> kiasi cha fedha<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lichotoa. Bali <strong>wa</strong>lihukumi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya unafiki <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Mungu alikabili aina ya unafiki na roho ya kidini iliyoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

alama ya Waandishi na Mafarisayo (Mathayo 23:1-36; 6:1-6;<br />

Marko 12:38-40; n.k.).<br />

Watu <strong>wa</strong>naomfuata Kristo hupas<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>we na haki<br />

inayozidi ile ya Mafarisayo (Mathayo 5:20). Haki yao iwe<br />

haki ya moyo, si hali ya nje au sura inayoonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> ya<br />

haki. Ieleweke pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba iki<strong>wa</strong> mtu kweli anayo haki hii ya<br />

ndani, itajidhihirisha katika matendo ya nje ambayo pia ni ya<br />

haki kamili (Mathayo 23:25-26).<br />

Inaonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> Anania na Safira <strong>wa</strong>litumia kazi pekee na<br />

nzito ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kujifaidi wenyewe. Walijionesha kama <strong>wa</strong>meshiriki katika kazi,<br />

lakini ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> na nia ya kibinafsi iliyofich<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

26 • MATENDO<br />

Utiifu k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na: Kipaumbele<br />

chetu cha k<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

Matendo yao yanafunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba ha<strong>wa</strong>kuheshimu<br />

mamlaka ya mitume ambao Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> ame<strong>wa</strong>weka<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> viongozi - na hatimaye ha<strong>wa</strong>kumheshimu <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kumstahi <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ambaye aliku<strong>wa</strong> ame<strong>wa</strong>pa mitume<br />

mamlaka yao.<br />

Mungu aliona mioyo ya Anania na Safira, na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>hukumu k<strong>wa</strong> haraka na ukali (Matendo 5:5,9-10).<br />

Mungu anatamani Kanisa lililo safi na takatifu (Waefeso<br />

5:27). Ili lipate ku<strong>wa</strong> hivyo, B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa anafanya kazi<br />

isiyokoma ili abadilishe na kutakasa Bibi Arusi Wake<br />

(Waefeso 5:26-27). Anatupenda kiasi cha kutuadilisha na<br />

kutuadhibu (1Petro 4:17; Waebrania 12:3-11).<br />

2) Jaribu la pili la kutumia vibaya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li linaonekana katika Matendo<br />

8:9-24. Hapa tunamwona Simoni mchawi, aliyeku<strong>wa</strong><br />

ameongoka na ku<strong>wa</strong> Mkristo muda mfupi kabla ya hapo<br />

(ms. 13). Wakati Simoni alipoku<strong>wa</strong> akimfuata Filipo,<br />

alishangaz<strong>wa</strong> na matendo makuu na miujiza ambavyo<br />

alimwona <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akiyatenda!<br />

Simoni alipo<strong>wa</strong>ona mitume <strong>wa</strong>ki<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine<br />

katika uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, alitamani uwezo ule k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili yake binafsi. Katika ma<strong>wa</strong>zo yake machanga na bado ya<br />

kidunia, Simoni alitaka ku<strong>wa</strong>pa mitume fedha ili apate uweza<br />

ule (ms. 18-19).<br />

Petro, k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, alitambua nia za<br />

moyo <strong>wa</strong> Simoni:<br />

“K<strong>wa</strong> maana nakuona u katika uchungu kama nyongo,<br />

na tena u katika kifungo cha uovu” (ms. 23). Iliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba Simoni aliku<strong>wa</strong> na nia ya kibinafsi. Moyo <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> umefung<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi, naye hakutaka <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili amtukuze Mungu na ku<strong>wa</strong>tumikia wengine.<br />

“Uchungu” katika mstari huu ni kama wivu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kimashindano (Yakobo 3:14). Simoni alitaka awe mtu<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


muhimu aliye<strong>wa</strong>shangaza wengine, labda kama alivyoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> mchawi (Matendo 8:9-11). Alitaka uweza<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya faida yake binafsi.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Hata leo, tunakutana<br />

na viongozi wenye vipa<strong>wa</strong> na upako halisi ambao<br />

hutumi<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu. Lakini kinachosikitika ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naweza kuanza kujiona kuliko i<strong>wa</strong>pasavyo.<br />

Wanaanza kutenda kana k<strong>wa</strong>mba uwezo unatoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>o, na si kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu mwenye rehema<br />

(2Wakorintho 4:5-7). Wanatumia huduma ili <strong>wa</strong>fanye<br />

majina yao yasifiwe, <strong>wa</strong>pate utajiri, au <strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>vute<br />

wengine <strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>fuate.<br />

Viongozi wengi ha<strong>wa</strong>anzi hivi. Viongozi wema<br />

<strong>wa</strong>natamani kumwona Mungu akitenda kazi na<br />

kupokea utukufu <strong>wa</strong>kati maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

yanapobadilish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uweza Wake. Lakini tusipoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>angalifu na wenye juhudi ya kulinda mioyo yetu<br />

(Mithali 4:23), tunaweza kudangany<strong>wa</strong> na kupotea.<br />

Ibilisi hawezi kukana, kuzuia, kushambulia <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kushinda uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Yohana 1:5). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

badala yake, Shetani anajaribu kumdanganya kiongozi<br />

na kupotosha moyo <strong>wa</strong>ke (2Wakorintho 2:11;<br />

11:13-15), amfanye chombo kinachojitumikia<br />

mwenyewe, asimtumikie Mungu na makusudi Yake<br />

tena.<br />

Kushikilia K<strong>wa</strong> Uaminifu<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> upande <strong>wa</strong> Anania na Safira, na k<strong>wa</strong> Simoni pia,<br />

tunape<strong>wa</strong> mafunzo ya kutuangaliza na kutuonya. Lazima<br />

tukumbuke k<strong>wa</strong>mba Shetani ana nguvu ya kuvuta ma<strong>wa</strong>zo na<br />

matendo yetu tukimruhusu (Matendo 5:3). Lazima tusimpe<br />

nafasi (Waefeso 4:27).<br />

Lakini, <strong>wa</strong>kati viongozi <strong>wa</strong>napoanguka - <strong>wa</strong>kichagua<br />

dhambi badala ya haki - ni tatizo kub<strong>wa</strong> sana. K<strong>wa</strong>nza, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu Mungu wetu ni mtakatifu, dhambi inavunja uhusiano<br />

wetu na Mungu. Wafuasi wote <strong>wa</strong> Kristo <strong>wa</strong>meit<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kuamri<strong>wa</strong> utakatifu <strong>wa</strong> binafsi na usafi <strong>wa</strong> kimaadili (1Petro<br />

1:13-19).<br />

Pili, tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe viongozi wenye amana k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>tunza <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Sisi tunapokubali dhambi,<br />

tunavunja amana ile na ku<strong>wa</strong> mifano mibaya k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

tunao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza. Pia tuna<strong>wa</strong>acha kondoo <strong>wa</strong>shambuliwe na<br />

pepo <strong>wa</strong>chafu (1Petro 5:2-4; Matendo 20:28-30; Waebrania<br />

13:7,17; Yakobo 3:1). Kama Shetani anaweza<br />

kum<strong>wa</strong>ngamiza kiongozi, kondoo <strong>wa</strong>tata<strong>wa</strong>nyika na<br />

kukamat<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> urahisi (Marko 14:27).<br />

Kushind<strong>wa</strong> kwetu kuna<strong>wa</strong>udhi pia familia zetu na<br />

kuharibu sifa zetu. Tunaumiza jamii ya Mungu pia, na<br />

kuathiri sifa za viongozi wengine <strong>wa</strong> kanisa <strong>wa</strong>lio<br />

<strong>wa</strong>aminifu. K<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya kosa letu, <strong>wa</strong>tu hata <strong>wa</strong> viongozi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>aminifu <strong>wa</strong>ngeweza ku<strong>wa</strong>dharau viongozi <strong>wa</strong>o na<br />

kuto<strong>wa</strong>amini (tazama maagizo ya Paulo kuhusu uchaguzi <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>zee katika 1Timotheo 3:1-7). Shetani ana<strong>wa</strong>lenga<br />

viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa k<strong>wa</strong> kusudi katika hila zake za<br />

uangamizi. Lakini kumbuka, hawezi kukufanya utende<br />

dhambi usipochagua kufuata vishawishi vyake. Umpinge<br />

Shetani, naye atakukimbia (Yakobo 4:7).<br />

Nafasi yako kama kiongozi na upako <strong>wa</strong>ko ni heshima;<br />

pia ni jukumu zito na muhimu sana. Biblia inatuhimiza sana<br />

kuhusu kuendelea ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>aminifu na kumaliza mashindano<br />

(Mathayo 24:13; Wafilipi 3:17-18; 2Timotheo 4:6-8).<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Tushikamane na tumaini letu na imani yetu katika Kristo<br />

mpaka mwisho, tuki<strong>wa</strong> mifano ya uaminifu k<strong>wa</strong> kundi letu,<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Yesu na utukufu Wake (1Petro 5:2-3).<br />

D. UTANGULIZI WA UPAKO<br />

KATIKA AGANO LA KALE<br />

Tuki<strong>wa</strong> tunaendelea na mafunzo yetu, tuchunguze<br />

utangulizi fulani <strong>wa</strong> Agano la Kale <strong>wa</strong> upako. Kama<br />

ilivyotaj<strong>wa</strong> juu, Agano la Kale lilitole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

mafunzo na mifano kwetu (Warumi 15:4; 1Wakorintho<br />

10:11). Itatusaidia tupate picha kamili zaidi ya upako kama<br />

ahadi iliyotole<strong>wa</strong> ambayo ilitimiz<strong>wa</strong> mara ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>nzoni m<strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>mu ya Kanisa la Agano Jipya (taz.<br />

Matendo sura ya 2).<br />

1. Alama au Ishara za Kiutangulizi<br />

Zipo alama au ishara nyingi za kiutangulizi katika Agano<br />

la Kale za <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kazi Yake.<br />

a. Moto - Katika Hema ya Kukutania na kwenye<br />

madhabahu ya ubani, sadaka za kuteketez<strong>wa</strong> ziliku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

moto ulio<strong>wa</strong>ka daima ambao uli<strong>wa</strong>sh<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu (Walawi<br />

9:24; 2Nyakati 7:1-3). Moto huu ulitaki<strong>wa</strong> u<strong>wa</strong>ke hata milele<br />

(Walawi 6:13). Alama hii hii ya moto, inayoashiria uwepo hai<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, inaonekana pia katika Agano Jipya<br />

(Mathayo 3:11; Matendo 2:3).<br />

b. Maji - Maji ni alama inayotumi<strong>wa</strong> katika Agano la<br />

Kale kuashiria <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika kuleta burudisho na<br />

baraka ya kiroho kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Katika eneo la dunia<br />

ambapo maji yalipatikana k<strong>wa</strong> shida, matumizi ya maji kama<br />

alama ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu yalieleweka <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

(Zaburi 23:2; Isaya 35:6-7).<br />

Ezekieli alipe<strong>wa</strong> maono ya mto mkuu uliotoka katika<br />

makao ya Mungu ya hekalu Lake (Ezekieli 47:1-12). Haya<br />

yalifuatana na kutiririka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu juu ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

Wake pasipo kuzuili<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Yeremia anatumia “chemchemi ya maji ya uzima”<br />

(Yeremia 2:13; 17:13) kufunua uwepo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Wake. Yesu pia aliongea kuhusu maji yaliyo hai: “...mito ya<br />

maji yaliyo hai itatoka ndani yake. Na neno hilo alilisema<br />

katika habari ya <strong>Roho</strong>...” (Yohana 7:37-39). Wakati ule, Yesu<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> akitabiri rasmi kumimin<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

ambako kungetokea (Yohana 14:16-17; Matendo sura ya 2).<br />

c. Damu - Tunasoma katika Agano la Kale kuhusu upako<br />

maalum k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makuhani, uliohusiana na damu (Kutoka<br />

29:19-21).<br />

d. Mafuta - Matumizi ya mafuta yaliku<strong>wa</strong> ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida<br />

katika muda wote <strong>wa</strong> Agano la Kale. Kuanzia matumizi ya<br />

kila siku katika kupika, kwenye taa na kupaka mwilini,<br />

mpaka matumizi maalum katika matendo makuu ya hekaluni,<br />

mafuta yaliku<strong>wa</strong> na nafasi muhimu.<br />

Mafuta yaliku<strong>wa</strong> alama maalum ya uwepo na uweza <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> kuweka <strong>wa</strong>tu au vitu <strong>wa</strong>kfu. Tunaona<br />

haya kuhusu <strong>wa</strong>falme (1Samweli 10:1), makuhani (Kutoka<br />

29:1-9) na kutakas<strong>wa</strong> rasmi k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye ukoma (Walawi<br />

14:10-18).<br />

Pia mafuta yaliashiria furaha (Isaya 61:3), na<br />

kukosekana k<strong>wa</strong>ke kuliashiria huzuni au kutwez<strong>wa</strong> (Yoeli<br />

1:10). Mafuta yaliku<strong>wa</strong> alama ya ufanisi <strong>wa</strong> maisha<br />

(Kumbukumbu 33:24), faraja (Ayubu 29:6) na chakula cha<br />

kiroho (Zaburi 45:7).<br />

MATENDO • 27


Picha ya Kiishara Yenye Nguvu<br />

Kutokana na kuangalia Agano la Kale k<strong>wa</strong> kifupi tu,<br />

tumeona akiba tele ya ishara, picha na alama<br />

vinavyotufunulia mengi kuhusu upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na<br />

kazi Yake katika maisha yetu. Kiutangulizi, vina<strong>wa</strong>silisha<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kazi Yake ambavyo<br />

vinapatikana kwetu sisi leo! <strong>Upako</strong> huu ni ahadi iliyotimiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

ya Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni (Yoeli 2:28-32) kumimina <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Yake juu ya <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake (Matendo 2:33-39).<br />

Picha moja<strong>wa</strong>po yenye maana na nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong> kiishara<br />

ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni kutengenez<strong>wa</strong> na kutumi<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> mafuta takatifu ya upako.<br />

Tukisoma maelezo yafuatayo tutaona k<strong>wa</strong> ndani asili ya<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pamoja na utendaji <strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

“Kisha B<strong>wa</strong>na akasema na Musa, na kum<strong>wa</strong>mbia,<br />

Jit<strong>wa</strong>lie manukato yaliyo bora, manemane mbichi shekeli mia<br />

tano, na mdalasini wenye harufu nzuri nusu ya kiasi hicho,<br />

yaani, shekeli mia mbili na hamsini, na kane shekeli mia mbili<br />

na hamsini, na kida shekeli mia tano, k<strong>wa</strong> kuiandama shekeli<br />

ya mahali patakatifu, na mafuta ya zeituni kiasi cha vibaba<br />

vitano; nawe utayafanya mafuta ya kuti<strong>wa</strong> matakatifu,<br />

marhamu iliyochangany<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kazi ya ustadi ya mtengenezaji<br />

manukato; yataku<strong>wa</strong> ni mafuta matakatifu ya kuti<strong>wa</strong>. Nawe<br />

utaipaka hema ya kukutania k<strong>wa</strong> mafuta hayo, na hilo sanduku<br />

la ushuhuda, na hiyo meza, na vyombo vyake vyote, na kinara<br />

cha taa, na vyombo vyake, na madhabahu ya kufukizia<br />

uvumba, na madhabahu ya kuteketezea sadaka, pamoja na<br />

vyombo vyake vyote, na birika, na tako lake. Nawe utavitakasa<br />

vitu hivyo, ili viwe vitakatifu sana; tena kila kivigusacho<br />

vyombo vile kitaku<strong>wa</strong> kitakatifu. Nawe uta<strong>wa</strong>tia mafuta<br />

Haruni na <strong>wa</strong>nawe, na ku<strong>wa</strong>takasa, ili <strong>wa</strong>nitumikie katika kazi<br />

ya ukuhani. Nawe utanena na <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Israeli na ku<strong>wa</strong>ambia,<br />

Haya yataku<strong>wa</strong> ni mafuta matakatifu ya kuti<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yangu<br />

mimi katika vizazi vyenu vyote. Hayatamimin<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

kiwiliwili cha binadamu, <strong>wa</strong>la msifanye mengine mfano <strong>wa</strong><br />

haya kama yalivyoung<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> viungo vyake; ni matakatifu, na<br />

kwenu ninyi yataku<strong>wa</strong> matakatifu. Mtu a<strong>wa</strong>ye yote<br />

atakayechanganya mafuta mfano <strong>wa</strong> haya, au mtu a<strong>wa</strong>ye yote<br />

atakayetia mafuta haya juu ya mgeni, mtu huyo atakatili<strong>wa</strong><br />

mbali na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>ke” (Kutoka 30:22-33).<br />

Mafuta haya ya upako yaliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kfu na matakatifu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na. Waisraeli <strong>wa</strong>lipas<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>one mafuta ya upako<br />

katika hali hii. Mchanganyiko <strong>wa</strong>ke uliku<strong>wa</strong> tofauti na<br />

maalum k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matendo matakatifu tu (ms. 31-33).<br />

Mungu alitoa maagizo Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mchanganyiko<br />

<strong>wa</strong> mafuta hayo ya upako (ms. 22-25). Yalikatali<strong>wa</strong> matumizi<br />

mengine yoyote. Mtu yeyote <strong>wa</strong> nje ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Israeli <strong>wa</strong><br />

agano hakuruhusi<strong>wa</strong> kuyatumia (ms. 33).<br />

Uteuzi Wa Mungu<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu mafuta haya yaliku<strong>wa</strong> ishara ya kiutangulizi<br />

ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, masharti makali kuhusu<br />

mafuta hayo maalum yanatufunulia kanuni tatu zilizo<br />

muhimu sana.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, Mungu ana mapenzi makuu ya kifalme k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake. Kama vile alivyoagiza<br />

mchanganyiko <strong>wa</strong> mafuta ya upako (Kutoka 30:22-25),<br />

Mungu peke Yake anaongoza upako Wake (1Samweli 10:1)<br />

na pia jinsi upako huu utakavyotende<strong>wa</strong> kazi katika maisha<br />

ya mtu fulani (1Wakorintho 12:7,11).<br />

Pili, mafuta ya upako yalitaki<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makuhani<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liotumika ndani ya Hema ya Kukutania (Kutoka 30:30).<br />

Yasitumiwe k<strong>wa</strong> kumpaka mtu mwilini (30:32). Waamini<br />

wote <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo, kama “ukuhani mtakatifu”<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu, (1Petro 2:9-10; Ufunuo 1:6) <strong>wa</strong>na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (1Yohana 2:20-27).<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> huo haupo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya asiyeamini. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu anaishi ndani ya <strong>wa</strong>le tu <strong>wa</strong>liookole<strong>wa</strong> na ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>natembea katika kumtii Mungu (Yohana 3:5-6; Warumi<br />

8:14-16; 1Wakorintho 12:3).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Katika Agano la Kale,<br />

Kuhani Mkuu aliingia ndani ya mahali Patakatifu sana<br />

mara moja k<strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>ka afanye upatanisho k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu (taz. Walawi sura ya 16). Yeye peke yake aliweza<br />

kuingia mbele za Mungu kila m<strong>wa</strong>ka.<br />

Wakati <strong>wa</strong> kifo cha Kristo msalabani, pazia zito<br />

kama zulia lililofunika mahali patakatifu sana ndani ya<br />

hekalu lilipasuka vipande viwili toka juu hata chini<br />

(Marko 15:38; taz. pia Kutoka 26:31-33). Tukio hili<br />

pekee linafunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu sasa aliweza kuji<strong>wa</strong><br />

moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na <strong>wa</strong>tu wote. Kristo alipofuta deni la<br />

dhambi ya binadamu msalabani, wokovu kutokana na<br />

kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye ulipatikana k<strong>wa</strong> wote <strong>wa</strong>liokubali<br />

kumpokea (Warumi 10:9-10).<br />

Watu wote <strong>wa</strong>takaoliitia jina la B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>taokoka<br />

(Warumi 10:12-13). Nao wote <strong>wa</strong>liookole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> imani<br />

katika Yesu Kristo <strong>wa</strong>naweza kufika mbele ya “kiti cha<br />

neema” (Waefeso 3:12; Waebrania 4:16; 10:19), yaani<br />

mbele za Mungu Mwenyewe! Haleluya!<br />

Wakristo ha<strong>wa</strong>hitaji tena ku<strong>wa</strong>kilish<strong>wa</strong> na kuhani<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la mtu yeyote mwingine ambaye anamwendea<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> niaba yao. Kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini anaweza na<br />

anapas<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano <strong>wa</strong>ke binafsi na Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya sala, ibada na ushirikiano. Tunaweza<br />

kuongea na Yeye, kumwomba na kusikia kutoka<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Uwezekano huu <strong>wa</strong> kumfikia Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wote <strong>wa</strong>naom<strong>wa</strong>mini M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu<br />

ni sababu <strong>wa</strong>amini wote huit<strong>wa</strong> ukuhani mtakatifu.<br />

“Ninyi nanyi, kama mawe yaliyo hai, mmejeng<strong>wa</strong> mwe<br />

nyumba ya <strong>Roho</strong>, ukuhani mtakatifu, mtoe dhabihu za<br />

roho [yaani, ibada, sala, matendo ya huduma, zaka na<br />

sadaka] zinazokubali<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu, k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Yesu<br />

Kristo” (1Petro 2:5; taz. pia Ufunuo 1:6).<br />

“Dhabihu za roho” tunazoiti<strong>wa</strong> hazitufanyi<br />

tukubaliwe na Mungu. Tumekwisha kubali<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya dhabihu ya Yesu msalabani. Wokovu<br />

wetu unatokana na imani katika Yesu, si kutokana na<br />

matendo yetu yoyote (Waefeso 2:8-9).<br />

Ndiyo sababu lile pazia lililofunika mahali patakatifu<br />

sana hekaluni lilipasuka toka juu hata chini. Tukio hili<br />

lilithibitisha kiishara k<strong>wa</strong>mba wokovu wetu<br />

ulisababish<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu. Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Mungu alitufikia k<strong>wa</strong> neema tusiyoweza kustahili ya<br />

Kristo alipokufa msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu.<br />

Bidii zetu za ku<strong>wa</strong> na haki hazina mafanikio yoyote<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la haziwezi kutupatia wokovu (Warumi 3:9-20;<br />

Wagalatia 2:16). Lakini tunaishia na kutendea imani<br />

yetu katika dhabihu za kiroho tunapotembea k<strong>wa</strong> kumtii<br />

Mungu na kutumikia Mwili Wake na pia <strong>wa</strong>tu wote<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naoishi duniani (Yakobo 2:14-26).<br />

Mchungaji, ni lazima ufundishe kweli hizi za msingi<br />

kuhusu msalaba mara nyingi. Wale unao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza<br />

28 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


lazima <strong>wa</strong>fahamu wokovu ambao <strong>wa</strong>meupokea bure;<br />

na halafu <strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>weze kuu<strong>wa</strong>silisha k<strong>wa</strong> u<strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naojaribu k<strong>wa</strong> mahangaiko “kustahili” wokovu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o k<strong>wa</strong> njia yoyote badala ya ile iliyotole<strong>wa</strong> na Kristo<br />

(1Petro 3:15).<br />

Tatu, mafuta ya upako usitengenezwe k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kazi<br />

nyingine, <strong>wa</strong>la yasighushiwe (Kutoka 30:32-33).<br />

Kupak<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mafuta katika Agano la Kale ni ishara ya<br />

mtu au chombo fulani kuteuli<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu. Uteuzi huu<br />

uliweka mtu huyu au chombo hiki <strong>wa</strong>kfu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

mahali au kazi pekee katika makusudi ya Mungu. Pamoja<br />

na uteuzi huu <strong>wa</strong> kifalme kuliku<strong>wa</strong> na mamlaka na uwezo<br />

vilivyohitajika ili mtu binafsi aweze kutimiza yale Mungu<br />

aliyoagiza (1Samweli 16:13; Isaya 61:1). Kanuni hii<br />

inamhusu m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya pia, haidhuru nafasi ya<br />

huduma ambayo Mungu amempatia ndani au nje ya<br />

shughuli za ibada za Kanisa. Ni kweli pia k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

ambao Mungu ame<strong>wa</strong>ita hasa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wote (2Wakorintho 1:21; 1Wathesalonike 5:24).<br />

Mungu anatupatia yote tunayohitaji siyo tu ili tuwe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tumishi wenye kumzalia matunda, bali pia <strong>wa</strong>shindi<br />

katika maisha na huduma yetu!<br />

Tatizo La Kughushi<strong>wa</strong><br />

Kupatikana k<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu kwetu ni habari nzuri<br />

kabisa! Lakini ni lazima tusisahau maonyo katika Kutoka<br />

sura ya 30 kuhusu kughushi mafuta ya upako. Mungu aliona<br />

tendo hili ku<strong>wa</strong> kosa zito, hata la jinai (Kutoka 30:32-33).<br />

Mtu aliyetenda dhambi ya aina hii “aliteng<strong>wa</strong>” na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong><br />

Israeli. Wasomi <strong>wa</strong> Biblia <strong>wa</strong>meona mara nyingi ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

maana hasa ya neno hili ni kuua<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mfano huu <strong>wa</strong> kughushi una maana gani kwetu sisi kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tumishi <strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya? Tumekwisha chunguza dhambi<br />

ya kutumia upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya faida yetu (Wafilipi<br />

1:15-16). Kuna njia nyingine ambapo upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

unaghushi<strong>wa</strong> katika utumishi <strong>wa</strong> leo.<br />

Watu wengine katika utumishi <strong>wa</strong>nafikiri k<strong>wa</strong> makosa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba lengo la mahubiri yao ni ku<strong>wa</strong>fanya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>sisimke. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo <strong>wa</strong>naghushi upako katika mtindo <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kuhubiri au kufundisha k<strong>wa</strong> vituko. Mara nyingine<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nasema maneno ambayo <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>nataka kuyasikia, hata<br />

kama yanapinga Biblia; <strong>wa</strong>naweza kusimulia hadithi<br />

zilizoti<strong>wa</strong> chumvi; au <strong>wa</strong>natumia njia nyingine za kuvuta<br />

umati <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> hila.<br />

Wengine katika utumishi <strong>wa</strong>nataka kujulikana na<br />

kujipatia <strong>wa</strong>fuasi <strong>wa</strong>o binafsi. Wanaweza kughushi upako<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> kujifanya k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>mefahamu “siri za ndani” ambazo<br />

wengine ha<strong>wa</strong>zijui (2Wakorintho 11:3-4); <strong>wa</strong>nadai vyeo au<br />

nafasi ili <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong><strong>wa</strong>heshimu; au <strong>wa</strong>natumia vyeo au<br />

mamlaka katika ku<strong>wa</strong>himiza wengine <strong>wa</strong>tende mambo<br />

yasiyo ya haki au yanayomfaidi kiongozi mwenyewe.<br />

Zipo njia nyingine nyingi ambamo <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nashawishi<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>ghushi upako au kuutumia vibaya.<br />

Lakini hoja ni hii: Kughushi au kutumia vibaya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni dhambi kub<strong>wa</strong> mbele za Mungu. Pia ni aina ya<br />

udanganyifu ambayo, ikiendelez<strong>wa</strong>, itapatia ufalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

Shetani nafasi katika maisha ya kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa.<br />

Hatimaye hali hii italeta hukumu ya Mungu juu ya maisha ya<br />

mtu huyo pia.<br />

Kughushi upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kumesimuli<strong>wa</strong><br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

katika Agano Jipya. Mfano <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi hasa ni <strong>wa</strong> Paulo<br />

aki<strong>wa</strong>hukumu “mitume <strong>wa</strong> uongo”. Paulo ana<strong>wa</strong>fananisha na<br />

jaribu la Shetani la ku<strong>wa</strong>iga malaika <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ili<br />

a<strong>wa</strong>danganye <strong>wa</strong>amini (taz. 2Wakorintho sura ya 11).<br />

Wapo <strong>wa</strong>tu leo <strong>wa</strong>naoonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> ni <strong>wa</strong>jumbe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lioti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta na Mungu, lakini sivyo <strong>wa</strong>livyo. Agano<br />

Jipya limetoa maonyo mengi juu yao (Mathayo 7:15-20;<br />

Matendo 20:27-30; 2Wakorintho 11:1-15; Wagalatia 1:6-10;<br />

Wakolosai 2:18-23; 1Timotheo 4:1-3; 2Timotheo 3:1-9;<br />

2Petro 2:1-22; 1Yohana 4:1-6; Yuda 3-19).<br />

Baadaye katika toleo hili, tutajifunza tabia saba<br />

zinazopatikana katika <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>naotenda katika upako halisi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Orodha hii itasaidia katika kuchunguza<br />

utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko, pamoja na kutambua uwepo <strong>wa</strong> kweli <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika <strong>wa</strong>tumishi au viongozi wengine <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Si kosa kutaka ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na ufanisi katika utumishi na kutamani uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> wenye upako. Lakini ni kosa kujifanya<br />

tusivyo, pamoja na kujaribu kufanya kana k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

tumepokea upako.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> nini tujibidishe kujifanya ku<strong>wa</strong> na upako,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati ambapo tunaweza kupata upako halisi - kama<br />

tutaupokea k<strong>wa</strong> masharti ya Mungu na si yetu.<br />

Tunaweza kulinda maisha yetu na dhambi na<br />

udanganyifu kuhusu upako - na kuingia katika upako<br />

halisi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> unaoongezeka kila <strong>wa</strong>kati - k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

mbalimbali:<br />

• Ukubali karama na wito ambao Mungu amekupa<br />

wewe; na usi<strong>wa</strong>onee wivu <strong>wa</strong>la kukosoa yale <strong>wa</strong>liyo<br />

nayo wengine <strong>wa</strong>la kujaribu ku<strong>wa</strong>iga.<br />

• Uombe kila siku uweze kujua mapenzi ya Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako binafsi pamoja na utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

• Ukubali na kuridhika pale ulipoiti<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu,<br />

na yale ambayo Yeye amekuagiza uyatende.<br />

• Umwombe Mungu <strong>wa</strong>kati wote msaada na<br />

uwezo ili uweze kufanya mapenzi Yake.<br />

• Ujikumbushe kila siku k<strong>wa</strong>mba umo katika<br />

utumishi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutumikia Mungu na <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine, na si kujitumikia <strong>wa</strong>la kujiendeleza.<br />

Ukumbuke pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba hakuna mtindo maalum <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuhubiri au kuongoza ulio na “upako” kuliko mtindo<br />

mwingine. Nime<strong>wa</strong>ona viongozi wenye upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naoongea k<strong>wa</strong> upole na utulivu. Walipofundisha<br />

Neno la Mungu, <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lipony<strong>wa</strong> au kugus<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Viongozi wengine huenda <strong>wa</strong>nafanya<br />

matendo au kuongeza sauti zaidi <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapohudumu kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>o. Hakuna mtindo<br />

ufaao au usiofaa.<br />

Jambo muhimu ni kusitawisha usikivu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kila mara unapotoa huduma. Tulia, sikiliza, na<br />

kuitikia yale ambayo Yeye anasema na kutenda katika<br />

mkutano fulani. Ndipo wewe ulinganishe mtindo <strong>wa</strong>ko<br />

na yale ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anataka kuyatenda<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> dakika moja moja.<br />

Ukumbushwe k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu amekuita vile ulivyo.<br />

Amekupa vipa<strong>wa</strong> maalum k<strong>wa</strong> sababu maalum.<br />

Anataka kukutumia kama ulivyo pamoja na vipa<strong>wa</strong><br />

ulivyo navyo - ukishirikiana na kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> Wake<br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ya upako na mabadiliko - k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine.<br />

MATENDO • 29


2. Mafunzo Yanayotokana Na Mafuta Ya <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Sasa tuangalie k<strong>wa</strong> makini zaidi vitu vilivyotumika<br />

katika kutengeneza mafuta ya upako, na yale ambayo<br />

vinadhihirisha kuhusu upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Mchanganyiko <strong>wa</strong> mafuta ya upako, yaani manukato,<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> na vifuatavyo hasa: manemane, mdalasini, kane,<br />

kida na mafuta ya zeituni (Kutoka 30:23-24).<br />

a. Manemane. Manemane iliku<strong>wa</strong> aina ya da<strong>wa</strong> ya<br />

usingizi na kupunguza maumivu. Ikijulikana k<strong>wa</strong> harufu<br />

yake tamu, ilitumi<strong>wa</strong> pia katika kutengeneza marashi na<br />

vipodozi.<br />

Manemane ni kati ya tunu ambazo <strong>wa</strong>le mamajusi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>limletea Yesu (Mathayo 2:11). Pale msalabani, <strong>wa</strong>tu fulani<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lijaribu kumpa Yesu manemane k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupunguza<br />

maumivu Yake, lakini aliikataa (Marko 15:23). K<strong>wa</strong> kukataa<br />

da<strong>wa</strong> hii ya maumivu, Kristo Yesu alishikamana na utume<br />

Wake k<strong>wa</strong>mba “Aionje mauti k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila mtu”<br />

(Waebrania 2:9). K<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya harufu yake tamu,<br />

manemane ni kati ya viungo vya manukato ambavyo<br />

vilitumi<strong>wa</strong> katika kumzika Yesu (Yohana 19:39).<br />

Matumizi ya manemane k<strong>wa</strong> kupunguza maumivu yana<br />

maana maalum ya kinabii k<strong>wa</strong> upande wetu. Yesu Kristo,<br />

Masihi (aliyeti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta) alikuja ili achukue mizigo yetu<br />

pale msalabani. Pale mahali pa dhabihu Yesu alitimiza kusudi<br />

Lake la ku<strong>wa</strong> Mponyaji wetu (1Petro 2:24) na aliyetuweka<br />

huru na utum<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> dhambi na mauti (Waebrania 2:9; 14-18).<br />

Kama ishara ya kinabii katika manukato ya upako,<br />

manemane hutufunua jinsi <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anavyo<strong>wa</strong>leta<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu katika uponyaji na ukombozi kutoka kuvunjika k<strong>wa</strong>o,<br />

mafungo yao ya dhambi, na magonj<strong>wa</strong> yao. Nabii Isaya<br />

anatamka kinabii kuhusu uwezo <strong>wa</strong> upako: “...nayo nira<br />

itaharibi<strong>wa</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya kuti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta” (Isaya 10:27).<br />

Neno la Kiebrania lililotafsiri<strong>wa</strong> “kuharibi<strong>wa</strong>” ni zaidi ya<br />

kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> au kuharibika; maana yake ni kuangamiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

kabisa.<br />

Nguvu ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> inaweza ku<strong>wa</strong>weka <strong>wa</strong>tu huru<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>ponya kabisa. Mungu anatutakia tu<strong>wa</strong>hudumie<br />

wengine k<strong>wa</strong> njia hii k<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

b. Mdalasini. Wakati <strong>wa</strong> Biblia, mdalasini uliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

adimu, ghali na kuthamini<strong>wa</strong> sana (Wimbo ulio Bora 4:14).<br />

Mdalasini una harufu tamu, lakini hujulikana k<strong>wa</strong> ukali <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

katika vyakula fulani. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> kiungo hiki<br />

katika manukato ya upako kunatufunulia moto au juhudi<br />

inayofuatana na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Yohana Mbatizaji alimwelezea Yesu Masihi ku<strong>wa</strong> ndiye<br />

Yeye atakayetubatiza k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na moto (Mathayo<br />

3:11). Neno “moto” katika mstari huu hutafsiri<strong>wa</strong> na wengine<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utakaso katika moyo <strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>mini. Tafsiri<br />

hii ina ukweli kiasi, lakini maana yake ni zaidi. Moto hu<strong>wa</strong><br />

na u<strong>wa</strong>ko mkali na nguvu, tena unakula. Maandiko husimulia<br />

jinsi Yesu alivyoli<strong>wa</strong> na wivu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya nyumba ya Baba<br />

Yake (Yohana 2:13-17).<br />

Ujasiri Usio Wa Kimaumbile<br />

Kuna mfano <strong>wa</strong> ujasiri huu wenye moto <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika Agano Jipya. Kabla ya Siku ya Pentekoste,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nafunzi na <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>chache <strong>wa</strong>liobaki <strong>wa</strong>likuwemo<br />

pamoja katika chumba kimoja kule Yerusalemu (Matendo<br />

1:12-24). Waliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>mekwisha agiz<strong>wa</strong> na Yesu <strong>wa</strong>hubiri<br />

injili katika duniani kote (Matendo 1:8). Kazi hii kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

kabisa ingefany<strong>wa</strong>je na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>chache? Ha<strong>wa</strong>ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>hutubu, <strong>wa</strong>somi <strong>wa</strong>la hata wenye elimu ya juu. Waliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida, <strong>wa</strong>liozunguk<strong>wa</strong> na utamaduni<br />

ulio<strong>wa</strong>chukia ambao uliku<strong>wa</strong> umemsulibisha kiongozi <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Wanaume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke hao ha<strong>wa</strong>ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>oga, lakini<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lichanganyiki<strong>wa</strong>, ha<strong>wa</strong>ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhakika <strong>wa</strong>la mwelekeo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kutenda nini na k<strong>wa</strong> njia gani. Lakini <strong>wa</strong>lisubiri k<strong>wa</strong><br />

hekima, <strong>wa</strong>kiendelea na maombi na kutunza umoja na<br />

kuhamasishana. Inga<strong>wa</strong> ha<strong>wa</strong>kuiele<strong>wa</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>lishikamana na<br />

ahadi ambayo Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> ame<strong>wa</strong>pa, ya uwezo ujao kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 1:5,8). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lisubiri...<br />

“Kukaja ghafula toka mbinguni uvumi kama uvumi <strong>wa</strong><br />

upepo <strong>wa</strong> nguvu ukienda kasi, ukaijaza nyumba yote<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liyoku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>meketi. Kuka<strong>wa</strong>tokea ndimi<br />

zilizoga<strong>wa</strong>nyikana, kama ndimi za moto ulio<strong>wa</strong>kalia kila<br />

mmoja <strong>wa</strong>o. Wote <strong>wa</strong>kajaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>kaanza<br />

kusema k<strong>wa</strong> lugha nyingine, kama <strong>Roho</strong> alivyo<strong>wa</strong>jalia<br />

kutamka” (Matendo 2:2-4).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> dakika moja, maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>patao 120<br />

yalibadilish<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>lipojaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! Mara moja,<br />

tukio hili lilijulikana (Matendo 2:5-13). Petro, mvuvi <strong>wa</strong><br />

samaki asiye na elimu ambaye aliku<strong>wa</strong> amemkana Kristo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya woga, ghafula anasimama na kutoa mahubiri<br />

yake ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza chini ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(2:14-39). Matokeo yake, zaidi ya <strong>wa</strong>tu 3000 <strong>wa</strong>liung<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu siku ile ile (2:41).<br />

Wanafunzi <strong>wa</strong>litoka ku<strong>wa</strong> kondoo wenye hofu na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>si<strong>wa</strong>si, <strong>wa</strong>pate ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>chungaji wenye ujasiri, ushuhuda<br />

na utendaji <strong>wa</strong> miujiza! Walitangaza Injili pasipo aibu, hata<br />

kwenye mateso na kifo. Ndiyo juhudi yenye moto<br />

inayotokana na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo<br />

4:23-31).<br />

Juhudi hii si hisia ya kibinadamu inayopita na<br />

kutoweka. Ni nguvu na ujasiri inayo<strong>wa</strong>ka kama moto kutoka<br />

ndani yetu tunapoku<strong>wa</strong> na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ni<br />

imani yenye uhakika katika ukweli <strong>wa</strong> Neno la Mungu na<br />

Injili ya Yesu Kristo ambayo inatuhamasisha tutende,<br />

tuombe, tuhubiri, tuamini mwujiza - yote k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>!<br />

c. Kane (calamus). Huu ni mmea unaofanana na mu<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

ambao mzizi <strong>wa</strong>ke ulipend<strong>wa</strong> sana na <strong>wa</strong>tengeneza marashi.<br />

Harufu yake tamu ilitole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kuponda mzizi <strong>wa</strong> mmea.<br />

Vile vile, kuna aina ya kupond<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> maisha ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini ambayo ni ya lazima k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuachia harufu<br />

tamu ya kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndani yetu.<br />

Tafadhali angalia k<strong>wa</strong>mba aina hii ya kupond<strong>wa</strong> si sa<strong>wa</strong><br />

na aina ile ya kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> na kuharibi<strong>wa</strong> inayotokana na<br />

kufanya uchaguzi <strong>wa</strong> dhambi na uasi. Badala yake, aina hiyo<br />

ni kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> kutakatifu kunakotoka katika mkono <strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

peke yake.<br />

Huku kupond<strong>wa</strong> kiroho, inga<strong>wa</strong> mara nyingine<br />

kunaumiza, kunazalisha matunda mawili:<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, kunafisha mwili wetu - tamaa zetu za kibinafsi<br />

na kujitegemea kwetu (Luka 9:23-26; Warumi 12:1-2; 13:14;<br />

Wagalatia 5:16-26).<br />

Pili, huku “kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi” k<strong>wa</strong> maisha yetu<br />

kunaruhusu neema na uwezo zaidi ya Mungu kudhihirish<strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani yetu na kupitia kwetu. Paulo ameandika kuhusu hali hii<br />

katika barua yake k<strong>wa</strong> Wakorintho (2Wakorintho 12:7-10).<br />

30 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa, tunaona haja ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na nguvu, ujasiri na<br />

ustadi. Matokeo yake yanaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> hatum<strong>wa</strong>chii<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> nafasi ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na uweza kupitia kwetu.<br />

Kuna aina ya udhaifu inayofaa ambayo inatufanya<br />

tumwegemee <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> itupasavyo na<br />

kutegemea upako Wake katika maisha yetu. Ndipo<br />

huduma inatole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uweza Wake na si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu<br />

yetu.<br />

Kuna msingi <strong>wa</strong> ki-Maandiko k<strong>wa</strong> aina ya<br />

kupond<strong>wa</strong> inayofuatana na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Hatuwezi kuepuka kupond<strong>wa</strong> huku, tena haitupasi<br />

tukuepuke. Ni sehemu ya lazima ya kupevuka katika<br />

mfano <strong>wa</strong> Kristo - kukituongoza katika maisha ya<br />

kujitoa, kutegemea na kutii kuliko hali nyingine yoyote.<br />

Tafadhali tumia dakika chache katika kusoma<br />

mifano ifuatayo ya Maandiko, ukitafakari ukweli uliomo<br />

katika kila moja:<br />

• Yesu - Isaya 53:1-6; Matendo 3:18; Waebrania<br />

5:9; 12:2<br />

• Paulo (na wengine) - Matendo 9:15-16; Warumi<br />

8:18; 2Wakorintho 1:3-7; 4:7-18; 6:4-10; 11:22-30;<br />

12:7-10<br />

• Waamini wote - 1Wathesalonike 2:14-16;<br />

2Timotheo 3:12; 1Petro 4:1-19<br />

Kujikana Kunakoleta Uhai<br />

Kanuni iliyo na nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong> ya kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> na kupond<strong>wa</strong><br />

inaonekana katika ishara nyingine za ki-Maandiko pia. K<strong>wa</strong><br />

mfano, katika Ushirika <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kuvunj<strong>wa</strong> na kupond<strong>wa</strong><br />

ni lazima katika utengenezaji <strong>wa</strong> mkate na divai (Luka<br />

22:14-20; 1Wakorintho 11:23-26). Yesu alitumia mkate<br />

(ngano iliyovunj<strong>wa</strong> na kupond<strong>wa</strong>) na divai (zabibu<br />

zilizopond<strong>wa</strong>) kama ishara ya yale ambayo aliku<strong>wa</strong> atende<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote katika kusulibi<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Yesu Kristo alibeba hukumu ya Mungu juu Yake kama<br />

adhabu ya haki ya dhambi zetu zote. Kifo Chake kwenye<br />

msalaba kinafunua kupond<strong>wa</strong> kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> mara<br />

ya mwisho k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kufungua uzima (Matendo 2:23-24) -<br />

uzima <strong>wa</strong> milele <strong>wa</strong> wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu.<br />

Tumshukuru Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatulazimiki sisi tupitie mateso<br />

haya, inga<strong>wa</strong> ndiyo adhabu ya haki ya dhambi yetu na uasi<br />

wetu!<br />

Lakini kuna kufia ubinafsi wetu ambako ni lazima ili<br />

uzima na uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndani yetu ufunguliwe kupitia<br />

kwetu. Hii SI aina ya kujitoa mhanga au kujitesa ili<br />

“kuthibitisha” hali yetu ya juu ya kiroho. Lakini sharti la<br />

kutembea na Kristo na kumtumikia kikamilifu linadai uhiari<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kuishi maisha ya kujikana na kunyenyekea mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu hata kujitolea kama dhabihu (2Samweli 24:18-24;<br />

Luka 9:23-26).<br />

Kupata Ku<strong>wa</strong> Vyombo Vinavyoaminika<br />

Msimamo <strong>wa</strong> Yesu katikati ya mateso ni mfano wetu<br />

bora: “...ambaye k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya furaha iliyowek<strong>wa</strong> mbele yake<br />

aliustahimili msalaba na kuidharau aibu, naye ameketi<br />

mkono <strong>wa</strong> kuume <strong>wa</strong> kiti cha enzi cha Mungu” (Waebrania<br />

12:2). Yesu alikubali kikamilifu makusudi ya Mungu Baba<br />

katika mateso na dhabihu Yake.<br />

Bila shaka, Yesu hakufurahia mateso (Luka 22:42-44).<br />

Lakini alitambua ulazima <strong>wa</strong> msalaba (Luka 24:46-49).<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Uhiari <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> kuteseka na kufa k<strong>wa</strong> niaba yetu<br />

haukufungua tu wokovu wetu, bali pia uliku<strong>wa</strong> tendo la kutii<br />

ili atimize mapenzi ya Baba Yake (Mathayo 26:39,42,44).<br />

Mateso yetu na dhabihu zetu ni vidogo kulingana na yale<br />

ambayo Yesu alitoa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu, lakini hata hivyo ni<br />

vigumu. Lakini tunayo baraka ya ahadi ya ajabu ya Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba anatumia mateso yetu k<strong>wa</strong> utukufu Wake pamoja na<br />

ufanisi wetu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati mmoja (Yakobo 1:2-5,12). Mungu<br />

ameahidi kuchukua mateso na dhiki yetu katika maisha haya<br />

na kuvibadilisha viwe na hatima yenye baraka (Warumi<br />

5:1-5; 8:18; 2Wakorintho 4:17).<br />

Ahadi ya Baba yetu kwetu imetamk<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi: “Nasi<br />

t<strong>wa</strong>jua ya ku<strong>wa</strong> katika mambo yote Mungu hufanya kazi<br />

pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>mpendao katika ku<strong>wa</strong>patia mema, yaani,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>lioit<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kusudi lake” (Warumi 8:28). Na “kusudi”<br />

la Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>lioamini ni nini? Limetaj<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

kabisa katika mstari unaofuata: “...<strong>wa</strong>fananishwe na mfano<br />

<strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>ke, ili yeye awe mzali<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza miongoni<br />

m<strong>wa</strong> ndugu wengi” (Warumi 8:29).<br />

Mungu anataka kutumia mambo yote katika maisha yetu<br />

akitutengeneza katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, vyombo vinavyofaa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> matumizi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na (2Timotheo 2:19-21). Mara<br />

nyingine mateso yetu hutokana na kuharibika k<strong>wa</strong> dunia hii<br />

na asili ya dhambi ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liomo ndani yake. Wakati<br />

mwingine Mungu anaweza kutumia matukio ya maisha yetu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya matumizi na makusudi Yake. K<strong>wa</strong> pande zote,<br />

Mungu ameahidi kuyatumia k<strong>wa</strong> manufaa yetu.<br />

Mungu atatubadilisha k<strong>wa</strong> njia itakayotufanya tuwe<br />

vyombo safi na vinavyoaminika vya mapenzi na makusudi<br />

Yake, vikiruhusu upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> utiririke kupitia<br />

kwetu pasipo kuzuili<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini ni lazima tushirikiane na<br />

kutii kazi Yake katika maisha yetu!<br />

Harufu Tamu Ya Kristo<br />

Kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, na hasa kila kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

ameit<strong>wa</strong> “adhihirishe harufu ya kumjua yeye kila mahali k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kazi yetu. K<strong>wa</strong> maana sisi tu manukato ya Kristo, mbele za<br />

Mungu, katika <strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>naookole<strong>wa</strong>, na katika <strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>naopotea”<br />

(2Wakorintho 2:14-15). Nukato hii ya uhalisi <strong>wa</strong> kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu itatole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya maisha yetu tunapokubali<br />

“kupond<strong>wa</strong>” na Yeye katika kazi Yake ya kutubadilisha.<br />

Katika Maandiko yote, na hata leo, Mungu ame<strong>wa</strong>tumia<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida k<strong>wa</strong> njia za uwezo<br />

mkuu. Mara nyingi, <strong>wa</strong>navumilia kusong<strong>wa</strong> na kupond<strong>wa</strong><br />

katika maandalizi yao na <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> huduma yao. Lakini k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu yake, makusudi ya Mungu yanatimiz<strong>wa</strong> na harufu<br />

tamu ya Mungu inatole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya maisha yao. Ni vema<br />

kukumbush<strong>wa</strong> tena k<strong>wa</strong>mba hakuna <strong>wa</strong>naume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu - <strong>wa</strong>liopo tu ni <strong>wa</strong>naume na <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekevu (<strong>wa</strong>liovunjika, <strong>wa</strong>liojitoa) ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>natumi<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu katika mambo makuu!<br />

d. Kida. Kida ni ganda la mmea unaofanana na<br />

mdalasini. Kida ilitumi<strong>wa</strong> kama da<strong>wa</strong> ya kuharisha <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Biblia. Kama ishara katika mafuta matakatifu ya upako,<br />

kida hu<strong>wa</strong>kilisha kazi ya kutakasa katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unatupatia<br />

nguvu, karama na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu. Lakini pamoja na<br />

haya, kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni kubadilisha maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>le<br />

anao<strong>wa</strong>tia mafuta.<br />

MATENDO • 31


Tunaweza kujifunza mfano <strong>wa</strong>zi kabisa <strong>wa</strong> umuhimu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kazi hii katika maisha ya Mfalme Sauli. Samweli alimtia<br />

mafuta Sauli awe mfalme juu ya Israeli (1Samweli 10:1).<br />

Sauli aliteng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kusudi rasmi la Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

awe mfalme. <strong>Upako</strong> ulimpa Sauli mamlaka, karama na<br />

uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kutendea kazi yake aliyope<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu.<br />

Maandiko yanafunua mengi zaidi ambayo Sauli<br />

aliyapokea pamoja na upako <strong>wa</strong>ke: “Na roho ya B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

itakujilia k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu, nawe utatabiri pamoja nao, nawe<br />

utageuz<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> mtu mwingine” (1Samweli 10:6). Ndipo<br />

baadaye kidogo: “Ika<strong>wa</strong>, alipogeuka kum<strong>wa</strong>cha Samweli,<br />

Mungu akambadilisha moyo” (ms. 9).<br />

Tunaweza kuona k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako haukum<strong>wa</strong>ndaa tu<br />

Sauli na yale aliyohitaji, bali pia ulimbadilisha. Haya<br />

yalimfanya astahili na awe chombo kilichofaa zaidi sana<br />

mkononi m<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Hii ni picha nzuri ya kutia moyo ya<br />

yale ambayo upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unaweza kutupatia<br />

sisi pia kama vyombo au zana za Mungu.<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba Sauli (kama wengine) alivipa<br />

kisogo vile vyote ambavyo Mungu alimpatia, k<strong>wa</strong> kukataa<br />

Neno la Mungu na amri Zake na kufuata mapenzi yake<br />

binafsi (1Samweli 15:22-33). Ni huzuni kub<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

ufalme ulioanza k<strong>wa</strong> fahari juu ya Israeli uliishia katika aibu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mfalme Sauli na familia yake.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Mungu alimpa<br />

Mfalme Sauli vyote alivyohitaji ili atimize <strong>wa</strong>jibu <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

na awe mfalme mwenye ufanisi. Sauli alifanya hivyo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> muda, akafaniki<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

baadaye Sauli alichagua kufanya mapenzi yake binafsi<br />

badala ya kutii maagizo ya Mungu, na mwisho <strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> kushind<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mungu anapotuita, anatupatia vile tunavyohitaji ili<br />

tutimize mapenzi Yake. Lakini usisahau kamwe<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba yale ambayo Baba anatutengeneza tuwe ni<br />

muhimu kama yale anayotuita tutende. Mungu<br />

anataka tubadilishwe, tupate kufanana na Kristo katika<br />

tabia zetu na matendo yetu.<br />

Baba yetu anatutakia tutii Neno Lake na<br />

kum<strong>wa</strong>mini katika mambo yote. Hatutapevuka hadi<br />

mahali ambapo hatutahitaji tena kukua na kuitikia kazi<br />

ya kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> kwetu na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! Ni mfuatano<br />

<strong>wa</strong> maisha yetu yote.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atatusahihisha, kutuonya na<br />

kututhibitishia. Mungu hatuhukumu (Warumi 8:1) lakini<br />

anatudai k<strong>wa</strong>mba tumtii na kukubali kazi Yake ya<br />

kutubadilisha. Mara nyingine tunaweza kujik<strong>wa</strong>a au<br />

kuanguka; lakini ni lazima tutubu haraka na kurudi<br />

katika mfuatano wetu na kujitoa kwetu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na<br />

mapenzi Yake.<br />

Mungu anatenda kazi ya kutubadilisha:<br />

• K<strong>wa</strong> utukufu Wake;<br />

• K<strong>wa</strong> furaha, amani na baraka yetu; na<br />

• Kutufanya tuzae matunda na ku<strong>wa</strong> na ufanisi<br />

zaidi kama mabalozi na <strong>wa</strong>tumishi Wake k<strong>wa</strong> wengine<br />

katika huduma.<br />

Kuitikia Kazi Ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

Katika kuangalia kida, tumejifunza kuhusu kazi ya<br />

kimsingi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Anakuja kuondoa na kusafisha<br />

yale yasiyofuatana na maisha, tabia na Nafsi ya Kristo. Ishara<br />

hai ya mtu mwenye upako halisi ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba anazidi kufanana<br />

na Kristo katika tabia yake - si lazima aoneshe uwezo,<br />

karama <strong>wa</strong>la huduma maalum.<br />

Kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, ni lazima tumruhusu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aendelee <strong>wa</strong>kati wote kushughulikia madhaifu<br />

yetu ya kimwili, majaribu yetu na kushind<strong>wa</strong> kwetu. Lazima<br />

tusimhuzunishe <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kupinga kazi Yake ya<br />

kuleta mabadiliko ndani yetu (Waefeso 4:30).<br />

Tutavuna tulizopanda, kama ni mbegu za haki na baraka,<br />

au za uozi (Wagalatia 6:7-8). Mungu atatuwekea kipimo<br />

kikali zaidi kama viongozi (Yakobo 3:1). Usidanganyike;<br />

Mungu hadanganyiki. Ukiendelea katika dhambi, hatimaye<br />

itadhihirika <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong> wote (Hesabu 32:23).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo uchague haki! Uitikie kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>!<br />

Umtii na kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Mungu! Upokee upako Wake juu ya<br />

maisha yako na utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko! Uwe mfano k<strong>wa</strong> wengine <strong>wa</strong><br />

chombo chenye kuitikia, kufundishika na kujitolea k<strong>wa</strong> kazi<br />

ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Umruhusu Yeye atende kazi ndani yako,<br />

ili apate kutukuz<strong>wa</strong> hata zaidi kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ko! Amina!<br />

e. Mafuta Ya Mzeituni. Mafuta ni ishara inayotumika<br />

mara nyingi kabisa katika kum<strong>wa</strong>shiria <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

katika Agano la Kale na Agano Jipya. Mafuta ya mzeituni<br />

kama sehemu ya mafuta matakatifu ya upako yana maana<br />

mazito sana. Hu<strong>wa</strong> na sifa za sehemu zile nne zote nyingine,<br />

nao unaongeza sifa nyingine pekee.<br />

Katika <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Biblia, mafuta ya mzeituni:<br />

• yalitumi<strong>wa</strong> kama da<strong>wa</strong>, kuponya magonj<strong>wa</strong> na maumivu<br />

(kama manemane);<br />

• yalitumi<strong>wa</strong> katika taa, na kuhusiana na moto (kama<br />

mdalasini);<br />

• yalitengenez<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kupond<strong>wa</strong> na kusong<strong>wa</strong>, yakitoa<br />

harufu tamu (kama kane);<br />

• yalitumi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kusafisha na kutakasa k<strong>wa</strong> nje na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani (kama kida).<br />

Lakini mafuta ya mzeituni yana sifa maalum iliyo ya<br />

lazima katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Yanalainisha. Yanapowek<strong>wa</strong><br />

katikati ya vitu viwili, yanapunguza kusuguana na kuleta<br />

utelezi.<br />

Ishara hii inatufunulia ulazima <strong>wa</strong> umoja kati ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Maandiko yanatufunulia hoja hii ya kuhusisha<br />

upako na umoja k<strong>wa</strong> njia inayopendeza sana: “Tazama, jinsi<br />

ilivyo vema, na kupendeza, Ndugu <strong>wa</strong>kae pamoja, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

umoja. Ni kama mafuta mazuri kich<strong>wa</strong>ni, yashukayo ndevuni,<br />

ndevu za Haruni, yashukayo mpaka upindo <strong>wa</strong> mavazi yake.<br />

Kama umande <strong>wa</strong> Hermoni ushukao milimani pa Sayuni.<br />

Maana ndiko B<strong>wa</strong>na alikoamuru baraka, naam, uzima hata<br />

milele” (Zaburi 133).<br />

Umoja kati ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ni chanzo cha furaha na<br />

amani. Mungu anapendez<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake<br />

<strong>wa</strong>napotembea pamoja katika mahusiano sahihi. Baraka Yake<br />

inafunguli<strong>wa</strong> na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unatiririka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uhuru zaidi.<br />

Uhusiano Wa Wanamuziki<br />

Maana ya umoja katika Biblia hayaeleweki vizuri mara<br />

nyingi. Katika Maandiko, umoja ni tofauti na ufanani.<br />

Ufanani maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba vyote vifanane, kama<br />

vile nguo za sare, pasipo tofauti yoyote.<br />

Lakini maana ya umoja katika Maandiko ni kama kundi<br />

la <strong>wa</strong>namuziki <strong>wa</strong>naotumia vyombo mbalimbali k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ulinganifu. Kila chombo kina kazi yake tofauti. Lakini<br />

32 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Kanisa: umoja unaokubaliana kama k<strong>wa</strong>ya au kundi la <strong>wa</strong>namuziki...<br />

kila mtu na kila chombo ni muhimu<br />

vinapotumika pamoja chini ya kiongozi mkuu, vinafanya<br />

kazi moja. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo muziki inayotokea inapendeza sana.<br />

Ndiyo hali halisi pia katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Kuna<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong>, wito, mitindo, <strong>wa</strong>tu na uwezo tofauti. Lakini sisi sote<br />

tumeiti<strong>wa</strong> uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> ulinganifu (Yohana 17:20-21).<br />

Hakuna mtu yeyote anayefanana kikamilifu na mwingine;<br />

lakini kila mmoja ameit<strong>wa</strong> afanye kazi katika nafasi yake.<br />

Ndipo Mungu anaongoza <strong>wa</strong>shiriki wote katika muziki<br />

inayopendeza - katika Mwili Wake, <strong>wa</strong>kipendana kama<br />

ushuhuda k<strong>wa</strong> ulimwengu (Yohana 13:34-35).<br />

Paulo anaongea kuhusu haya anapoeleza kuhusu karama<br />

za mafunuo za <strong>Roho</strong> katika 1Wakorintho sura ya 12 (taz. pia<br />

1Wakorintho 14:26-40). Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li liliku<strong>wa</strong> mfano <strong>wa</strong><br />

umoja huu, uliositawish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

mwenye kuleta upako (Matendo 2:42,44-47).<br />

Hatari Za Ukosefu Wa Umoja<br />

Ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> umoja kati ya viungo vya Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

una madhara yake mapana sana. Paulo ali<strong>wa</strong>kemea<br />

Wakorintho kuhusu kuga<strong>wa</strong>nyika au kutengana k<strong>wa</strong>o<br />

(1Wakorintho 3:1-23). Ali<strong>wa</strong>ita <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> mwilini na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>siopevuka: “K<strong>wa</strong> maana hata sasa ninyi ni <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> tabia<br />

ya mwilini. Maana, iki<strong>wa</strong> kwenu kuna husuda na fitina, je! si<br />

Ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> umoja na<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyiko kati ya ndugu ni kosa<br />

zito. Siyo tu k<strong>wa</strong>mba huleta<br />

uharibifu; huzuia pia wepesi na<br />

ufanisi <strong>wa</strong> kazi ya Ufalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> tabia ya mwilini ninyi; tena mnaenenda k<strong>wa</strong> jinsi ya<br />

kibinadamu?” (ms. 3).<br />

Ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> umoja na mga<strong>wa</strong>nyiko kati ya ndugu ni kosa<br />

zito. Siyo tu k<strong>wa</strong>mba huleta uharibifu; huzuia pia wepesi na<br />

ufanisi <strong>wa</strong> kazi ya Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Maelezo ya Paulo<br />

kuhusu karama za mafunuo yaliyotaj<strong>wa</strong> hapo juu<br />

yalisababish<strong>wa</strong> na ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> utaratibu na hali ya<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyiko iliyosababish<strong>wa</strong> na kiburi na ubinafsi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu.<br />

Inayosikitisha zaidi ni ukweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>tu ambao ni<br />

viungo vya Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo <strong>wa</strong>sipopendana na kutumikia<br />

makusudi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> umoja, ushuhuda wetu mbele ya<br />

ulimwengu inazui<strong>wa</strong> sana. Biblia inatukumbusha k<strong>wa</strong> bidii<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ulimwengu utajua ku<strong>wa</strong> sisi ni Wakristo kutokana<br />

na upendo uliopo kati yetu (Yohana 13:35). Kama<br />

ulimwengu hauoni uwepo <strong>wa</strong> upendo kati yetu, ushuhuda<br />

wetu k<strong>wa</strong> ulimwengu hauna uhakika wowote.<br />

Tunaweza kufanya matendo makuu katika jina la Kristo;<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> mhubiri <strong>wa</strong> ajabu; kupanga mikutano ya hadharani; na<br />

mengi zaidi. Hata hivyo, kama sisi hatupendi ndugu zetu<br />

Wakristo, matendo hayo hayataleta tukio lililotaki<strong>wa</strong><br />

(1Wakorintho sura ya 13).<br />

Kuna hamasa nyingi katika Maandiko kuhusu hatari ya<br />

misimamo inayovunja au kuzuia umoja katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo. Tafadhali utumie dakika chache katika kusoma<br />

mistari ifuatayo:<br />

• Warumi 13:13-14<br />

• Wagalatia 5:13-23<br />

• Waefeso 4:20-29<br />

• 1Timotheo 6:3-5<br />

• Tito 3:9-11<br />

• Yakobo 3:14-16<br />

• 1Yohana 2:9-11; 3:10-18<br />

Mistari hiyo inaonesha <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba palipo na<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo, magomvi, chuki, uchungu, wivu, mashindano,<br />

MATENDO • 33


hasira, n.k., umoja unazui<strong>wa</strong> na hata kuvunj<strong>wa</strong>. Hali hii<br />

inamhuzunisha <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Waefeso 4:30) nayo<br />

inaweza kuzimisha uwepo Wake uletao upako<br />

(1Wathesalonike 5:19).<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba palipo na misimamo ya kimwili kama<br />

hii, ibilisi anafanya kazi yake ya siri alete mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo na<br />

kuzuia kazi ya Mungu (Yakobo 3:13-16). “Ga<strong>wa</strong>nya na<br />

kushinda” ni mkakati <strong>wa</strong> zamani kama ibilisi mwenyewe -<br />

mkakati ambao amejifunza kuutumia k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi katika<br />

kuzuia na kujaribu kuangamiza Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Lakini<br />

mikakati yake inafaniki<strong>wa</strong> iki<strong>wa</strong> tu sisi tunashirikiana nayo!<br />

Mahusiano: Yanathamini<strong>wa</strong> Na Mungu<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> utaleta uponyaji na<br />

upatanisho <strong>wa</strong> mahusiano ndani ya Mwili. Hali hii iwe ya<br />

kweli hasa kati ya viongozi. Mungu anatutazamia sisi tuishi<br />

katika uhusiano ufaao - k<strong>wa</strong>nza k<strong>wa</strong> Yeye, halafu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

wenzetu (Waefeso 2:14-17). Ni kiburi, wivu na ubinafsi<br />

wenye uchungu, vyote vya kibinadamu, ambavyo vinamzuia.<br />

Misimamo hii ndiyo ibilisi atakayoitumia akipanda<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo, chuki na kutosameheana katika Mwili.<br />

Ukiona ku<strong>wa</strong> ndugu yako ana neno juu yako, nenda<br />

ukajaribu kupatana naye (Mathayo 5:23-24). Uki<strong>wa</strong> na neno<br />

juu ya mtu mwingine, uwe mwepesi KUTUBU! (Mathayo<br />

5:21-22). Utubu kuchukiz<strong>wa</strong> na kuruhusu hasira, chuki na<br />

misimamo ya kuhukumu viweke mizizi moyoni m<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

U<strong>wa</strong>samehe wengine, ili hukumu ya Mungu isikuangukie<br />

wewe (Mathayo 6:14-15; taz. pia Mathayo 18:21-35).<br />

Mungu anatilia mkazo mkuu mahusiano - mpaka<br />

alimtuma M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake ateseke na kufa ili uhusiano wetu na<br />

Yeye uliovunj<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi yetu uweze kurejesh<strong>wa</strong>. K<strong>wa</strong><br />

njia hii hii, upendo na msamaha Wake kwetu unawezesha<br />

34 • MATENDO<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

atatuongoza<br />

katika mahusiano<br />

yanayofaa.<br />

mahusiano yafaayo kati yetu sisi k<strong>wa</strong> sisi.<br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba yale ambayo<br />

Mungu anayaamuru, <strong>wa</strong>kati wote<br />

anayawezesha pia. Naye ametuamuru tuwe<br />

na mahusiano yafaayo kati yetu (Yohana<br />

13:34-35).<br />

Lazima tuthamini na kuwekea<br />

dhamana uhusiano wetu na Mungu. Na ni<br />

lazima pia tufanye hivyo katika uhusiano<br />

wetu na ndugu na dada zetu katika Kristo.<br />

Utumishi wote <strong>wa</strong> kudumu na<br />

kubadilisha maisha hutokana na<br />

mahusiano yenye afya bora. Mfuatano<br />

huu unaanza na yale tunayopokea kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika uhusiano wetu na Yeye.<br />

Ndipo, kutokana na upendo na huruma na<br />

yale tuliyopokea kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu,<br />

tuna<strong>wa</strong>tolea na ku<strong>wa</strong>tumikia wengine.<br />

Ndio mtindo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

utumishi. Maisha ya Yesu hapa duniani ni<br />

mfano <strong>wa</strong> kudumu <strong>wa</strong> aina hii ya mtindo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> utumishi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu.<br />

Umoja, Tofauti, Upendo<br />

Kuna tofauti za kuelezana au<br />

ma<strong>wa</strong>siliano katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

Lakini si lazima tofauti hizi zilete vik<strong>wa</strong>zo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> umoja na uhusiano (Warumi 14:13).<br />

Kumbuka, umoja si ufanani. Umoja ni<br />

uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> ulinganifu tunapoitikia kazi ya ndani ya upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha yetu. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wote atatuthibitishia, kutusaidia na kutuongoza katika<br />

uhusiano unaofaa pamoja na wengine - kama tutamwitikia.<br />

Mwongozo rahisi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya umoja umeelez<strong>wa</strong> hivi:<br />

“Katika mambo ya lazima ya msingi - umoja; katika yasiyo<br />

ya lazima ya msingi - tofauti; katika yote - upendo.”<br />

Tunapokua na kuishi katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

tuwe na neema na upendo sisi k<strong>wa</strong> sisi. Tukifanya hivyo,<br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na ushuhuda <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

vitafunguli<strong>wa</strong> zaidi ndani yetu na kupitia kwetu!<br />

Kupata Ufahamu<br />

Mafunzo haya mafupi kuhusu mafuta matakatifu ya<br />

upako (Kutoka 30:22-33) yametufunulia k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu<br />

ametupatia picha na ishara ya ajabu ya utangulizi <strong>wa</strong> kazi ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> Wake <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. K<strong>wa</strong> hakika, masomo yetu ya<br />

Maandiko hutupatia ufahamu, hekima na tumaini (Warumi<br />

15:4).<br />

Katika mafunzo haya hadi hapa, huenda wewe una<br />

mas<strong>wa</strong>li, k<strong>wa</strong> mfano:<br />

• Je, ninaweza kukua katika upako? Kama ndiyo, k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

gani?<br />

• Je, kuna “upako <strong>wa</strong> uwongo”? Kama ndiyo, ninawezaje<br />

kutambua upako <strong>wa</strong> kweli?<br />

• Nini inaweza kudhuru au kuzimisha upako katika maisha<br />

yangu?<br />

• Je, ninaweza kuendelea <strong>wa</strong>kati wote kujaa upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>?<br />

Tutajadili mas<strong>wa</strong>li haya na mengine katika sehemu<br />

ifuatayo, “Kutembea Katika <strong>Upako</strong>”.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


SEHEMU YA III<br />

KUTEMBEA KATIKA APAKO<br />

Tunapoanza kujifunza kuishi siku k<strong>wa</strong> siku katika upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, turejee k<strong>wa</strong> kifupi kanuni za kimsingi<br />

zilizo muhimu sana.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> si “nishani ya kiroho” ya<br />

kujitafutia. Wala si uzoefu k<strong>wa</strong> maneno na matamshi ya<br />

kidini. Bali ni uhusiano na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> wenye uhai<br />

ambao unaendelea kukua.<br />

Kumbuka, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni Nafsi, kama vile Yesu na<br />

Baba ni Nafsi. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaweza - na inatubidi - tujifunze<br />

kutembea katika uhusiano ulio hai <strong>wa</strong> siku k<strong>wa</strong> siku pamoja<br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako si aina fulani ya nguvu ya<br />

kifumbo isiyoeleweka, ambayo tunape<strong>wa</strong> ili tuitumie k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya makusudi yetu binafsi. Bali upako ni uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

ki-Mungu, upaji unaohusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na Nafsi ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kuwepo K<strong>wa</strong>ke katika maisha yetu.<br />

Uwezo unaotokana na kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unapitia<br />

uhusiano wetu binafsi na Yeye.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> ni Nafsi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na kuwepo<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke, vikileta pamoja na kuwepo K<strong>wa</strong>ke uwezo,<br />

karama na mamlaka vyote vinavyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutimiza mapenzi ya Baba k<strong>wa</strong> muda fulani maalum ya<br />

utumishi au kazi.<br />

Wajibu Wetu Wa K<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Agano la Kale, <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu “ali<strong>wa</strong>jia” manabii, makuhani,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>amuzi na <strong>wa</strong>tumishi Wake wengine.<br />

Wakati <strong>wa</strong> Agano Jipya na baadaye - kipindi kiit<strong>wa</strong>cho<br />

pia Kipindi cha Kanisa - <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ameku<strong>wa</strong><br />

akimimin<strong>wa</strong> (Matendo sura ya 2). Mungu <strong>Roho</strong> anaishi<br />

ndani ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> kweli, amwongoze na kumfariji,<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ke (Yohana 7:37-39;<br />

14:16-17,26).<br />

Waamini wote <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo <strong>wa</strong>mepe<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kipimo fulani (1Yohana 2:20,27). Hali hii ni<br />

lazima k<strong>wa</strong> sababu kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini ameiti<strong>wa</strong> aina fulani ya<br />

huduma kama kiungo cha Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (Waefeso 4:12).<br />

Sisi sote tunahitaji msaada <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kila siku!<br />

Lakini k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naoiti<strong>wa</strong> utumishi maalum, kuna<br />

upako maalum na mzito unaopatikana. <strong>Upako</strong> huu unatole<strong>wa</strong><br />

na Mungu katika ufalme Wake. Mtu anaweza ama kuupokea<br />

na kukua ndani yake, ama aamue kuukataa au kutoujali.<br />

Aina hii ya upako (kuwezesh<strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>) inahusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyako na<br />

wito <strong>wa</strong>ko. K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, mtu aliyeit<strong>wa</strong> atumie kipa<strong>wa</strong> cha<br />

uinjilisti (Waefeso 4:11) huenda hana upako <strong>wa</strong> kipa<strong>wa</strong> cha<br />

kimtume. Atafanya vema na kuzaa matunda zaidi ndani ya<br />

uwezo, karama na mamlaka ambavyo amepe<strong>wa</strong> upako k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili yake - katika mfano huu, kama mwinjilisti.<br />

Lakini katika utendaji <strong>wa</strong> kila siku, inawezekana si rahisi<br />

namna hii. Inga<strong>wa</strong> mtu fulani ameiti<strong>wa</strong> na kupe<strong>wa</strong> upako<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kazi fulani ya utumishi, kila mmoja wetu bado<br />

ana wito <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida kama m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, <strong>wa</strong> kuishi na<br />

kufanya kazi kila siku kama mshirika <strong>wa</strong> Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, kufuatana na yale tunayoona katika<br />

Maandiko, Timotheo aliit<strong>wa</strong> afundishe na ku<strong>wa</strong> mchungaji<br />

katika kanisa. Lakini pia aliagiz<strong>wa</strong> na Paulo: “Fanya kazi ya<br />

mhubiri <strong>wa</strong> Injili” (2Timotheo 4:5) - si k<strong>wa</strong>mba awe<br />

mwinjilisti, ila mara nyingine afanye kazi iliyohitajika k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong>patia wengine habari njema ya Injili.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tunaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi kama <strong>wa</strong>tumishi <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo, tuna <strong>wa</strong>jibu <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida na kazi ambazo huenda<br />

hazihusiani na wito wetu pekee. Lakini hata hivyo ni za<br />

lazima na muhimu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ufanisi na afya katika Mwili<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

Wajibu wetu <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza na <strong>wa</strong> msingi kama <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu Kristo, na kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, ni utii k<strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

Lazima tumtii B<strong>wa</strong>na na kuishi kufuatana na kanuni ambazo<br />

Yeye ametupatia katika Neno la Mungu.<br />

MATENDO • 35


Katika Maandiko, tunaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>mepe<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>jibu nyingi: ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine, ku<strong>wa</strong>pa maskini<br />

chakula, kutunza yatima, ku<strong>wa</strong>andaa <strong>wa</strong>takatifu, ku<strong>wa</strong>fikia<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liopotea - orodha inaendelea. Kutaku<strong>wa</strong> na nyakati na<br />

misimu katika maisha yako pamoja na Kristo ambapo<br />

utahitaji kutumia <strong>wa</strong>kati na bidii katika aina hizi za huduma<br />

ya ku<strong>wa</strong>fikia <strong>wa</strong>tu, pamoja na wito <strong>wa</strong>ko au kazi yako pekee.<br />

Mwongozo mzuri <strong>wa</strong> kufuata katika kutambua yale<br />

ambayo wewe unapas<strong>wa</strong> uyafanye katika huduma ni huu:<br />

“Lo lote mkono <strong>wa</strong>ko utakalolipata kulifanya, ulifanye k<strong>wa</strong><br />

nguvu zako” (Mhubiri 9:10; taz. pia Wakolosai 3:23).<br />

Uombee kila nafasi inayotokea, na halafu uwe mwepesi<br />

kumtii B<strong>wa</strong>na anapokuita u<strong>wa</strong>hudumie wengine. Haidhuru<br />

kama kazi iliyo mbele yako ni kub<strong>wa</strong> au ndogo - iliyo<br />

muhimu ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba B<strong>wa</strong>na anapokuagiza ufanye kazi fulani,<br />

umtii Yeye!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Nafasi yangu ya<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza ya “kikazi” kama mtumishi aliyehitimu Shule ya<br />

Biblia na kupata leseni yangu, iliku<strong>wa</strong> kama mlinzi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa fulani kub<strong>wa</strong>. Nilikaa miaka miwili nikisafisha<br />

vyoo, kutupa takataka, kufagia vyumba vya mikutano,<br />

kuokota takataka kwenye bustani na kufanya kazi<br />

nyingine zisizochangamsha lakini zilizo za lazima.<br />

Sikufurahia kazi hii. Haiku<strong>wa</strong> rahisi. Tena iliaibisha.<br />

Lakini nilijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu aliniagiza nifanye kazi<br />

hiyo, nayo iliku<strong>wa</strong> maandalizi bora kabisa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutumikia Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. K<strong>wa</strong> hakika iliku<strong>wa</strong> mtihani<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> uaminifu <strong>wa</strong>ngu.<br />

Utiifu <strong>wa</strong>ngu k<strong>wa</strong> kazi hii na bidii yangu katika<br />

kuitekeleza vilinifungulia mlango <strong>wa</strong> kazi nyingine, na<br />

ndivyo nilivyoendelea katika kila kazi ya utumishi<br />

niliyofanya katika miaka yote. Nimeanzisha makanisa,<br />

kufundisha vijana, ku<strong>wa</strong> mchungaji <strong>wa</strong> usharika,<br />

kuhutubia mikutano, kuongoza timu za misioni, na<br />

mengine mengi. Na k<strong>wa</strong> neema ya Mungu, katika<br />

muda ule <strong>wa</strong> miaka 30, B<strong>wa</strong>na aliniandaa na<br />

kunifikisha hapo nilipo sasa katika nafasi ya kuongoza<br />

huduma ya ulimwengu mzima.<br />

Naamini kabisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba nisingeku<strong>wa</strong> nikiongoza<br />

<strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> leo kama nisingaliku<strong>wa</strong> tayari kumtii B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ngu wote katika njia ile yote - hatua k<strong>wa</strong><br />

hatua, nikitimiza kila kazi - haidhuru aliniomba nifanye<br />

nini katika jina Lake. Sikutii kikamilifu kila <strong>wa</strong>kati, pia<br />

nimefanya makosa mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara. Lakini k<strong>wa</strong> jumla,<br />

nilifanya nilivyoweza katika kufuata njia ya utiifu<br />

ambayo Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> ameweka mbele yangu.<br />

Mungu ana mpango k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yako. Yeye<br />

anajua njia bora ya kukuwezesha kutimiza mpango<br />

huu. Utiifu wetu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na Neno Lake si hiari yetu<br />

- ni ya lazima!<br />

Wito Wetu Wa K<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

Haidhuru cheo chetu cha uongozi au uta<strong>wa</strong>la, wito wetu<br />

<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza sikuzote ni k<strong>wa</strong> uhusiano wetu na Kristo.<br />

Uhusiano huu ni katika utiifu, uaminifu, huduma, utakaso<br />

binafsi, unyenyekevu, matunda yote ya <strong>Roho</strong> (Wagalatia<br />

5:22-23) na kuendelea kukua. Tabia hizi zinaweka msingi <strong>wa</strong><br />

uhusiano na Yesu Kristo ulio <strong>wa</strong> thamani na usitawi. Tokeo<br />

moja la msingi huu imara <strong>wa</strong> uhusiano binafsi ni<br />

kufunguli<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> huduma kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ko, na upako<br />

utakaohitaji ili utimize kazi zako za utumishi. Tukikumbuka<br />

marejeo haya ya msingi ya kanuni muhimu, tuangalie sasa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> makini zaidi maana ya Kutembea Katika <strong>Upako</strong>.<br />

A. KULINDA UPAKO<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapotutia mafuta k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma,<br />

ni heshima takatifu. Ni hali ambayo inatubidi tuikuze na<br />

kuilinda katika maisha yetu.<br />

Bila shaka, maana yangu si k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(anayetutia mafuta) anahitaji ulinzi wetu. Bali inatubidi<br />

tulinde moyo wetu na maisha yetu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya uchafu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kiroho na kimaadili <strong>wa</strong> dunia hii (2Petro 1:2-4; 1Yohana<br />

2:15-17).<br />

Sulemani, m<strong>wa</strong>ndishi <strong>wa</strong> Kitabu cha Mithali,<br />

anatuhimiza: “Linda moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko kuliko yote uyalindayo;<br />

maana ndiko zitokako chemchemi za uzima” (Mithali 4:23).<br />

Ni kupitia maisha yetu k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

utatiririka katika huduma k<strong>wa</strong> wengine. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo ni lazima<br />

maisha yetu, moyo wetu, vilindwe katika utakaso.<br />

1. Panya Katika Kisima<br />

Paulo alisema ku<strong>wa</strong> kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini <strong>wa</strong> Kristo ni “hekalu<br />

la <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>” (1Wakorintho 6:19-20). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo,<br />

tunahimiz<strong>wa</strong> tusiruhusu “hekalu” letu lichafuliwe k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kushiriki dhambi (taz. pia Warumi sura ya 6).<br />

Biblia ina hamasa nyingi kuhusu kuendelea katika usafi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> mwili, nafsi na roho (1Yohana 3:2-3). Maelezo haya ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini, na hasa viongozi katika Mwili<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Kristo!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> nini usafi (utakaso) wetu binafsi ni muhimu sana?<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anakaa ndani yetu - kila mmoja<br />

wetu aliyekombole<strong>wa</strong> “k<strong>wa</strong> damu ya thamani, kama ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>na-kondoo asiye na ila, asiye na <strong>wa</strong>a, yaani, ya Kristo“<br />

(1Petro 1:19), si k<strong>wa</strong> damu ya fahali na mbuzi (Waebrania<br />

9:13-14). Tunaposhiriki matendo au misimamo ya dhambi,<br />

mahali ambapo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anataka kukaa huchafuli<strong>wa</strong><br />

na kunajisi<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Kuhifadhi Usafi<br />

Tuseme kuna shamba au kijiji chenye kisima kimoja tu<br />

cha maji. Watu wote <strong>wa</strong>natumia kisima hiki na kutegemea<br />

maji yake. Maji hutumi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> kuoga, kupika, kufua na<br />

kuny<strong>wa</strong>. Je, unaweza kubuni hali ya kuhitaji kutumia maji<br />

haya, ukaona panya mfu <strong>wa</strong>lioelea juu yake?<br />

Huu ni mfano <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi jinsi uchaguzi wetu unavyoweza<br />

kugusa hekalu la <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ndani yetu. Yeye ni<br />

chemchemi yetu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mahitaji yote ya maisha ya kila<br />

siku. Lakini si maisha yetu tu. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndani yetu,<br />

kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, anatusaidia tuwe chemchemi ya<br />

ki-Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wengine.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hakika, katika utumishi tuna<strong>wa</strong>patia wengine<br />

kutokana na tulivyo wenyewe na yale tuliyopokea (Mathayo<br />

10:8; taz. pia mfano <strong>wa</strong> Bahari ya Galilaya na Bahari ya<br />

Chumvi katika Sehemu Ya II, C 2). Lakini itaku<strong>wa</strong>je kama<br />

tumeruhusu “panya” kuingia katika maisha yetu? K<strong>wa</strong><br />

hakika kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> tabia na misimamo ya dhambi kutatutia<br />

sumu na uchafu, kukigusa utumishi wetu, uhusiano wetu,<br />

familia yetu, kazi yetu na yote tunayogusa.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida “panya katika kisima” ni <strong>wa</strong> aina gani?<br />

Agano Jipya linatupatia aina mbalimbali, halafu<br />

linaorodhesha vilivyomo katika kila aina:<br />

36 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


• Matunda ya mwili (Wagalatia 5:19-21).<br />

• Matendo yasiyofaa yenye msingi katika udanganyifu <strong>wa</strong><br />

dhambi (Waefeso 4:17-32).<br />

• Kufuata sheria, au roho ya dini (Wagalatia 5:1-6;<br />

Wakolosai 2:11-23).<br />

• Kugombea nafasi, cheo, nguvu (Mathayo 6:1-2,5,16;<br />

23:2-12).<br />

• Kutumia huduma k<strong>wa</strong> kujipatia utajiri na mali (Mathayo<br />

6:19-21,24; 1Timotheo 6:3-10; 2Timotheo 4:10).<br />

• Kuhukumu, ku<strong>wa</strong> na uchungu, kutosamehe (Mathayo<br />

7:1-6; 18:21-35; Wakolosai 3:12-19; Waebrania 12:15;<br />

Yakobo 3:13-18).<br />

• Mafundisho ya uwongo, uzushi (Mathayo<br />

24:4-5,11,23-27; Wagalatia 1:8; 2Wakorintho 11:13-15;<br />

1Timotheo 4:1-5; 2Timotheo 2:14-18; 2Petro 2:1-22;<br />

Yuda 7-19).<br />

Haya ni maelezo mafupi tu ya “panya” <strong>wa</strong>naoweza<br />

kuharibu “kisima” binafsi cha moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko, na pia<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>chafua wengine <strong>wa</strong>naogus<strong>wa</strong> na maisha yako na<br />

utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

Kama kiongozi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, umeiti<strong>wa</strong><br />

maisha ya utakaso na utakatifu (Mathayo 5:8; 1Wakorintho<br />

9:24-27; Waebrania 12:14; 1Petro 1:13-19). <strong>Upako</strong> ambao<br />

Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>tumishi Wake <strong>wa</strong>lioit<strong>wa</strong> ni <strong>wa</strong> thamani<br />

na u<strong>wa</strong>kfu zaidi kabisa kuliko mafuta ya Hema ya Kukutania<br />

ya Agano la Kale - k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ni kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> Mwenyewe!<br />

Wito wetu <strong>wa</strong> juu kabisa ni <strong>wa</strong> kuishi katika uhusiano<br />

bora na Mungu. Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuishi maisha yenye<br />

utakaso, pasipo uchafu, kama “hekalu” linalomfaa<br />

(1Wakorintho 6:19-20), mahali pa kuishi pa <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Maisha ya utakaso humtukuza na kumpendeza Mungu Baba<br />

yetu, na kutufanya tuwe <strong>wa</strong>aminifu zaidi sana na wenye<br />

kuweza kutumi<strong>wa</strong> zaidi mikononi m<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na.<br />

Ni wewe peke yako unayeweza kuhifadhi usafi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kisima chako. Uamue sasa uwe chombo safi ambacho <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na Neno la Mungu lisiloghushi<strong>wa</strong> hutiririka<br />

kutoka ndani yake. Uwe zana ya utumishi iliyotakata, mtu<br />

ambaye Mungu anaweza kumtia mafuta katika kazi kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utukufu Wake na makusudi Yake (1Wakorintho<br />

10:31; 2Timotheo 2:19-21)!<br />

Kujifunza Kutokana Na Kushind<strong>wa</strong><br />

Sulemani aliku<strong>wa</strong> mfalme aliyeinuli<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu na<br />

kupe<strong>wa</strong> karama za pekee (1Wafalme 3:5-14; 4:29-34).<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na alimtembelea mara mbili kimwujiza (taz. 1Wafalme<br />

sura ya 3 na 9). Sulemani aliamri<strong>wa</strong> afuate njia zote za<br />

Mungu na kutii kanuni na amri Zake zote (3:14; 6:11-13;<br />

9:4-9). Na ndivyo alivyofanya - k<strong>wa</strong> muda.<br />

Lakini baadaye tunasoma k<strong>wa</strong>mba uta<strong>wa</strong>la <strong>wa</strong> Sulemani<br />

uliishia katika uharibifu k<strong>wa</strong>ke na k<strong>wa</strong> ufalme <strong>wa</strong>ke mzima<br />

(tazama 1Wafalme sura ya 11).<br />

Sulemani, kama viongozi wengi mno, alianza vizuri<br />

lakini aliishia vibaya. Iliku<strong>wa</strong>je? K<strong>wa</strong> kifupi jibu ni neno<br />

moja tu: kutokutii.<br />

Tukichunguza Kitabu cha 1Wafalme k<strong>wa</strong> makini zaidi,<br />

tunaona ku<strong>wa</strong> Sulemani aliku<strong>wa</strong> mtu maarufu sana, “aliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na hekima kuliko <strong>wa</strong>tu wote” (4:31). Alikusanya utajiri usio<br />

na kifani (10:11-29) na sifa na heshima ya <strong>wa</strong>tu (10:1-9).<br />

Lakini ndipo Sulemani alipoanza kuvunja amri za Mungu<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

zilizo <strong>wa</strong>zi (11:1-2). Na pole pole, k<strong>wa</strong> kuchagua na<br />

kuridhiana, alianza kujiangalia katika ubinafsi, pamoja na<br />

baraka na heshima zote alizokusanya kutokana na upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu na karama Zake. Njia hii iliishia katika kuangamia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> uta<strong>wa</strong>la <strong>wa</strong>ke Sulemani.<br />

Sisi basi, tunaweza kujifunza nini kutokana na maisha ya<br />

Sulemani na uta<strong>wa</strong>la <strong>wa</strong>ke?<br />

a. Vishawishi vinasababisha uzembe (ukosefu <strong>wa</strong><br />

nidhamu na bidii). Sulemani aliandikia k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni<br />

“mbweha <strong>wa</strong>dogo <strong>wa</strong>iharibuo mizabibu” (Wimbo Ulio Bora<br />

2:15). Jumba la Sulemani lilijaa utajiri na nafasi, na <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengi <strong>wa</strong>lioku<strong>wa</strong> tayari kufanya lolote ili <strong>wa</strong>kae karibu na<br />

yeye.<br />

Je, unafikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anafahamu uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

moyo <strong>wa</strong> binadamu kushawishika, hata na furaha<br />

zisizoonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> mbaya - na halafu kuingia katika<br />

ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> nidhamu na hatimaye kutotii? Nina hakika<br />

Mungu anaufahamu. Akijua haya, alim<strong>wa</strong>mbia Sulemani kila<br />

mara k<strong>wa</strong>mba atii amri Zake zote (1Wafalme 6:12; 9:4).<br />

Lakini Sulemani hakumsikiliza B<strong>wa</strong>na, hasa alipopata<br />

“ufanisi” mkuu.<br />

WITO<br />

WA<br />

MUNGU<br />

Vishawishi<br />

Kumbuka Sulemani: vishawishi....<br />

vilim<strong>wa</strong>ngamiza<br />

MATENDO • 37


Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

hata utumishi <strong>wa</strong>ko unaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> kishawishi ukipata<br />

kukuvuta kuliko mambo yote - ukikuondoa katika muda<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kukaa pamoja na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

shughuli nyingi mno, au msukumo <strong>wa</strong> mahitaji ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine. Yesu alipoku<strong>wa</strong> hapa duniani alitupa mfano<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya haja ya kutumia muda <strong>wa</strong> kumsikiliza Baba<br />

Yake na kuburudish<strong>wa</strong> kiroho (Marko 1:35-39; Luka<br />

5:16; 6:12).<br />

Lazima tusisahau kamwe k<strong>wa</strong>mba B<strong>wa</strong>na ndiye<br />

chanzo na chemchemi k<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake na<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ufahamu wetu <strong>wa</strong> Neno Lake (Yohana 1:33;<br />

6:63,68). Hutoka KWAKE! Utumishi wenye kuzaa<br />

matunda halisi ni matokeo ya yale tunayopokea<br />

miguuni pa Yesu katika kusali, kumsubiri na kusoma<br />

Neno Lake (Luka 10:41-42; Yohana 15:16). Wengi kati<br />

yetu tunatambua ukweli huu rahisi <strong>wa</strong> kimsingi. Shida<br />

inatokea tunaposhind<strong>wa</strong> kutekeleza kila siku kanuni hii<br />

ya msingi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yajaayo uwezo na<br />

huduma.<br />

Tujilinde na aina za vishawishi vinavyotuchosha,<br />

au kutuelekeza katika kuridhiana na kutenda dhambi.<br />

Moyo <strong>wa</strong> Sulemani ulivut<strong>wa</strong> mbali na Mungu na yale<br />

aliyoyaruhusu katika maisha yake (1Wafalme 11:1-4,9).<br />

Uaminifu na utiifu <strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu vilighushi<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

mambo ya dunia, hadi alipoangamia mwenyewe na<br />

kuleta uharibifu k<strong>wa</strong> vyote ambavyo Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

amempa avita<strong>wa</strong>le.<br />

Mas<strong>wa</strong>li mema ya kujiuliza kuhusu matendo<br />

YOYOTE katika maisha yako ni haya: “Je, tendo hili au<br />

msimamo huu hunileta karibu zaidi na Mungu na<br />

makusudi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> maisha yangu? Au je, hunipeleka<br />

mbali na Yeye?<br />

b. Sifa ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu ni mtego uletao mauti.<br />

Kufundisha au kuhubiri k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kusifi<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>wa</strong>nadamu<br />

ni mtego unaodanganya. Ni Mungu peke Yake awezaye<br />

kutenda mambo yenye thamani ya milele (Zekaria 4:6).<br />

Ndiyo, Mungu anataka kututumia kama vyombo<br />

anavyoweza kutendea kazi. Lakini uweza na utukufu ni <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu peke Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya lolote linalotendeka kupitia<br />

kwetu. Maana pasipo Yeye, sisi hatuwezi kufanya lolote<br />

(Yohana 15:5).<br />

Mungu amefunua katika Neno Lake k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatampa<br />

mwingine utukufu Wake (Isaya 42:8; 48:11). Ni lazima<br />

tusitafute utukufu au sifa kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kazi<br />

ya huduma (Yohana 7:18).<br />

Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>kosoa <strong>wa</strong>andishi na Mafarisayo k<strong>wa</strong> ukali<br />

kuliko wote. Ali<strong>wa</strong>kemea k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupenda sifa za<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu na <strong>wa</strong>lijaa kiburi (Mathayo 23:5-12; Yohana<br />

5:41-44). Inga<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>lifahamu Maandiko na kujua njia za<br />

Mungu, kiburi chao kili<strong>wa</strong>fanya <strong>wa</strong>katae kumkubali <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu kama Masihi <strong>wa</strong>o (Yohana 5:39-40).<br />

Kufuata Nyayo Zake<br />

Yesu alipe<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pasipo kipimo<br />

(Yohana 3:34-35). Yeye aliku<strong>wa</strong>, tena ndiye, Mfalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>falme wote, na B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> mab<strong>wa</strong>na wote. Lakini, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili yetu, alijifanya Mtumishi mnyenyekevu (Mathayo<br />

20:28; Wafilipi 2:3-11).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> kweli, sisi kama viongozi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo,<br />

tufanye kama Paulo asemavyo: “Iweni na nia iyo hiyo ndani<br />

yenu ambayo iliku<strong>wa</strong>mo pia ndani ya Kristo Yesu...”<br />

(Wafilipi 2:5). Sisi hatukupe<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pasipo<br />

kipimo kama Yesu alivyope<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini tunaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

msaada Wake wote tunapoishi katika uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> utiifu<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke na k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (2Petro 1:2-4).<br />

Bila shaka, hata tuki<strong>wa</strong> na karama hizi, sisi si <strong>wa</strong>kub<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>la wema kumzidi B<strong>wa</strong>na wetu. Badala yake, tunataki<strong>wa</strong><br />

tufanane na Yeye (Yohana 13:12-17), tukitumia yale<br />

ambayo Mungu anatupatia katika ku<strong>wa</strong>tumikia wengine.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tusijione au kujisifu <strong>wa</strong>kati Mungu anapotutumia<br />

katika huduma. Tujilinde na kiburi - dhambi ya ibilisi<br />

(1Timotheo 3:6).<br />

Dhambi Ya Hatari Kuliko Zote<br />

Kiburi ni dhambi iletayo kifo ambayo inaweza kumwua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> sumu hata kiongozi aliyejitoa kabisa, na kuziba<br />

mtiririko <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa<br />

anaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na ustadi, hekima au ujuzi mwingi. Lakini ni<br />

upumbavu kujisifu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mambo haya. K<strong>wa</strong>nza, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu vyote tulivyo navyo vimetoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Pili, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu hekima, ustadi na uwezo wetu wote si kitu kabisa<br />

kulingana na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na pia kulingana na<br />

yale ambayo Mungu anaweza kufanya Mwenyewe peke<br />

Yake (Mathayo 7:21-23; 1Wakorintho 3:18-21; 4:20;<br />

8:1-3)!<br />

Huenda kiburi ni dhambi ya hatari kuliko zote. Iliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

dhambi ya kimsingi ya Shetani (Isaya 14:12-14). Kiburi<br />

kinaweza kutufanya tufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunaweza kutenda<br />

mambo fulani vizuri kuliko Mungu anavyoweza, na hatimaye<br />

kitatuongoza mpaka tum<strong>wa</strong>si Mungu.<br />

Tunapoanza kufanya mipango yetu binafsi mbali na<br />

kumtii Mungu, tumekwisha kum<strong>wa</strong>si Yeye. Kama<br />

hatukujitoa K<strong>wa</strong>ke kikamilifu, tunateng<strong>wa</strong> na Yeye, maana<br />

“Mungu hu<strong>wa</strong>pinga <strong>wa</strong>jikuzao, bali hu<strong>wa</strong>pa neema<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekevu” (Yakobo 4:6).<br />

Kiburi kinatufanya tujione ku<strong>wa</strong> tunaweza kujitunza na<br />

kujitegemea. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, hatuamini tena k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunahitaji<br />

kufundish<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>la na Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la na m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu. Tunazuia<br />

hisia k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunahitaji lolote kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, na<br />

tunaacha kumwomba; k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaacha pia kupokea<br />

(Yakobo 4:1-2). Imani yenye unyenyekevu kama ya mtoto<br />

inahitajika ili kumwomba Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> Mbinguni au<br />

kujifunza kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke (Mathayo 18:3-4).<br />

Mungu ndiye anayetupatia mahitaji yetu yote. Lazima<br />

tutambue k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunamhitaji Yeye<br />

pamoja na vile alivyotupatia, la sivyo hatutapokea lolote.<br />

Kiburi kinatuzuia tusiwe na unyenyekevu kama huu, na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

hiyo inatunyang’anya baraka za Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu,<br />

ukiwemo upako.<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>mini B<strong>wa</strong>na Peke Yake<br />

Fikiria mara moja sarafu. Upande mmoja imepig<strong>wa</strong> neno<br />

“kiburi”. Upande <strong>wa</strong> pili imepig<strong>wa</strong> “kuogopa au hofu ya<br />

binadamu”. Dhambi hizi mbili za kimwili hudhihirish<strong>wa</strong><br />

pamoja mara nyingi katika maisha ya mtu.<br />

“Ku<strong>wa</strong>ogopa <strong>wa</strong>nadamu huleta mtego; Bali<br />

amtumainiye B<strong>wa</strong>na ataku<strong>wa</strong> salama” (Mithali 29:25).<br />

“Kuogopa <strong>wa</strong>nadamu” kuna sura nyingi. Njia za ka<strong>wa</strong>ida<br />

zinazo<strong>wa</strong>tega <strong>wa</strong>chungaji ni kama hizi:<br />

38 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


• Hofu ya ku<strong>wa</strong>chukiza au ku<strong>wa</strong>kasirisha <strong>wa</strong>tu katika<br />

kundi (mpaka kuachilia dhambi zao).<br />

• Ku<strong>wa</strong>pendekeza <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naotoa fedha au wenye uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kushawishi.<br />

• Kusema au kutenda mambo ili kupend<strong>wa</strong> na (au<br />

kuonekana mwema kuliko) <strong>wa</strong>chungaji wenzi au<br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini wengine.<br />

Zipo njia nyingine nyingi za kunas<strong>wa</strong> na hofu ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu. Lakini haidhuru ni k<strong>wa</strong> njia gani, unapokubali<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>ogopa <strong>wa</strong>tu unanas<strong>wa</strong> katika kufanya mapenzi ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine. Unanas<strong>wa</strong> na maoni na maamuzi yao. Unawezaje<br />

basi kumtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> moyo wote, uki<strong>wa</strong> unahangaika<br />

kutumikia maoni ya <strong>wa</strong>tu? Mtu yeyote hawezi kutumikia<br />

mab<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>wili (Mathayo 6:24), <strong>wa</strong>la hawezi kusimama<br />

hali moyo umega<strong>wa</strong>nyika (Zaburi 86:11; Marko 3:24-25).<br />

Yesu pia alikabili tatizo hili, kutokana na tamaa za<br />

kibinafsi za <strong>wa</strong>tu (Marko 1:35-39; Yohana 6:15,22-40);<br />

hukumu ya Mafarisayo (Mathayo 22:15-22; Luka 7:36-50);<br />

au hata matak<strong>wa</strong> ya familia Yake ya kibinadamu (Mathayo<br />

12:46-50; Yohana 7:1-9).<br />

Katika hoja hizi zote na nyingine, Yesu hakufuata maoni<br />

ya <strong>wa</strong>tu. Badala yake Yesu alilenga kufanya mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu kuliko yote, pasipo kujali kamwe gharama yake.<br />

Hata <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lipom<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu na kuonekana ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>limfuata, Yeye alijua kigeugeu cha mioyo ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu<br />

(Yohana 2:23-25). Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>onya <strong>wa</strong>fuasi Wake<br />

<strong>wa</strong>si<strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>la kutafuta sifa zao (Luka 6:26).<br />

Maana kama ni heshima ya <strong>wa</strong>tu tunayotafuta, mioyo yetu<br />

haitaelekea kumtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na peke Yake.<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na ana<strong>wa</strong>tafuta <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lio <strong>wa</strong>aminifu K<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

kabisa na pekee katika mioyo yao. Yeye atafanya mambo<br />

makuu kupitia <strong>wa</strong>tu kama hao (2Nyakati 16:9) na ndio<br />

ambao ata<strong>wa</strong>miminia upako Wake hasa!<br />

Angalia ni nini itakayotulinda na hofu ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu: ni<br />

kumtumaini B<strong>wa</strong>na (Mithali 29:25). Tunapomjua B<strong>wa</strong>na,<br />

tuki<strong>wa</strong> tumemtafuta k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mapenzi Yake, tunapotenda<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> kutii yale aliyosema k<strong>wa</strong> sababu tunam<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

kabisa - haidhuru <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>fikiri nini.<br />

c. Maridhiano makub<strong>wa</strong> huanza na “mbweha<br />

<strong>wa</strong>dogo” <strong>wa</strong> maridhiano madogo (Wimbo Ulio Bora<br />

2:15). Kuna tatizo la ka<strong>wa</strong>ida kati ya viongozi ambao Mungu<br />

ana<strong>wa</strong>tumia katika kazi ya maana. Huanza kujiona ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

muhimu mpaka <strong>wa</strong>sihitaji kutii amri na kanuni zote za<br />

Mungu. Huenda <strong>wa</strong>nazifahamu na kuweza kuzifundisha;<br />

lakini ha<strong>wa</strong>amini tena k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o binafsi <strong>wa</strong>nahitaji<br />

kuziishia k<strong>wa</strong> kuzitii.<br />

Hali hii nimeita “Kanuni ya Udhuru <strong>wa</strong> Kiongozi”.<br />

Yaani viongozi <strong>wa</strong>naona k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o ni muhimu sana<br />

mpaka <strong>wa</strong>sihitaji tena ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nyenyekevu, <strong>wa</strong>la kutumika,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la ku<strong>wa</strong>vumilia wengine, <strong>wa</strong>la kujitoa, n.k. Katika akili<br />

zao, <strong>wa</strong>o <strong>wa</strong>mepata ku<strong>wa</strong> na “udhuru” k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kanuni za<br />

Mungu; <strong>wa</strong>naona kufuata njia zao za ubinafsi na mwili ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na udhuru k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya “umuhimu” au “ufanisi” <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Wanakubaliana na njia ya ku<strong>wa</strong>za ya kidunia, k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

ufanisi <strong>wa</strong>o katika huduma umesababish<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo <strong>wa</strong>o na<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyao vikuu - nao <strong>wa</strong>naanza kuishi kana k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

ni <strong>wa</strong>sanii <strong>wa</strong>kuu!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu ni m<strong>wa</strong>minifu katika kuendelea<br />

kuhudumia wengine kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>o (Warumi 11:29), viongozi<br />

hao <strong>wa</strong>naanza kufanyia fidhuli wema <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Polepole<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Hata <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lipom<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu<br />

na kuonekana ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>limfuata, Yeye alijua<br />

kigeugeu cha mioyo ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu (Yohana 2:23-25).<br />

Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>onya <strong>wa</strong>fuasi Wake<br />

<strong>wa</strong>si<strong>wa</strong>amini <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kutafuta sifa zao (Luka 6:26).<br />

Maana kama ni heshima ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu tunayotafuta, mioyo yetu<br />

haitaelekea kumtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

peke Yake.<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naanza ku<strong>wa</strong> na misimamo na mienendo ambayo<br />

hatimaye ita<strong>wa</strong>ingiza katika dhambi halisi. Hali hii<br />

itasababisha kuanguka k<strong>wa</strong>o katika huduma, mpaka hata<br />

kuangamiza imani yao (1Timotheo 1:19) au kuchoma<br />

dhamiri zao (1Timotheo 4:2).<br />

Hali hiyo itasababisha pia kumhuzunisha (Waefeso 4:30)<br />

na kumzimisha (1Wathesalonike 5:19) <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu. Na hatimaye itafunga kabisa mtiririko <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu.<br />

Sisi kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe mfano <strong>wa</strong><br />

tabia ya Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Lazima tufahamu Neno<br />

la Mungu na kuliishia, k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo wetu wote. Kama<br />

tutashind<strong>wa</strong>, lazima tuwe wepesi <strong>wa</strong> kutubu (2Wakorintho<br />

7:10; Ufunuo 3:19).<br />

Kila mmoja wetu atie maanani maonyo ya Maandiko:<br />

“dhambi yenu ita<strong>wa</strong>pata hapana budi” (Hesabu 32:23; taz.<br />

pia Wagalatia 6:7-8; 1Timotheo 5:24-25).<br />

Kulinda Moyo Wako<br />

Biblia inahimiza: “Linda moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko kuliko yote<br />

uyalindayo; maana ndiko zitokako chemchemi za uzima”<br />

(Mithali 4:23). Sulemani aliandika mstari huu, pengine baada<br />

ya kuharibu uhusiano <strong>wa</strong>ke na Mungu na kuangamiza ufalme<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke. Hatujui k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika. Lakini ukweli <strong>wa</strong> yale ambayo<br />

Sulemani aliandika k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu bado unasema <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

na sisi leo.<br />

Ibilisi ana “panya” wengi ambao anapenda kutumia<br />

katika kutujaribu. Mwili wetu pia una tamaa nyingi za<br />

dhambi na zisizofaa. Lakini mambo haya yanaweza kuingia<br />

na kuchafua kisima cha maisha yetu iki<strong>wa</strong> tu tutayafungulia<br />

mlango. Yanaweza kuozesha nyumba ya moyo wetu - makao<br />

ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> - iki<strong>wa</strong> tu tutayaingiza na kupatia dhambi<br />

nafasi.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaweza kufanya nini ili tulinde “kisima”<br />

chetu katika usafi? K<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> sisi ni hekalu ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (1Wakorintho 6:19-20) kuna hatua za kiutendaji<br />

ambazo tunaweza kuzichukua. Tuziangalie sasa.<br />

MATENDO • 39


2. Njia Ya Utakaso<br />

a. Kuishi k<strong>wa</strong> kanuni za Neno la Mungu. Mtunga<br />

Zaburi aliuliza s<strong>wa</strong>li la maana sana, na kulijibu. “Jinsi gani<br />

kijana aisafishe njia yake? K<strong>wa</strong> kutii, akilifuata neno lako”<br />

(Zaburi 119:9).<br />

Katika barua za Paulo k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo na Tito, <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ametoa maagizo ya <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>chungaji wote.<br />

Barua hizi tatu “za Kiuchungaji” (1 & 2Timotheo na Tito)<br />

ziliandik<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>chungaji (Timotheo na Tito) kuhusu<br />

mambo ya kiuchungaji.<br />

Ni katika barua k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunasoma ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

Neno la Mungu - na si maoni ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu - ni mwongozo<br />

wetu k<strong>wa</strong> yote tunayofanya, kusema, ku<strong>wa</strong> na kufanyia<br />

huduma (1Timotheo 4:12-16; 2Timotheo 2:15-18; 3:16-17).<br />

Yesu anaongea k<strong>wa</strong>mba Neno la Mungu ni kipimo chetu<br />

cha maisha. Anasema ku<strong>wa</strong> kutokutenda yote yaliyomo<br />

katika Neno la Mungu ni kushind<strong>wa</strong> kunakoleta hukumu<br />

(Mathayo 5:17-20). Neno la Mungu lina upuzio <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (2Timotheo 3:16; 2Petro 1:19-21) nalo<br />

limethibitish<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Yohana 14:26;<br />

Waebrania 4:12-13).<br />

Maoni na ma<strong>wa</strong>zo ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu, hata kama yana<br />

makusudi mema na yanapendeza, si mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> maisha<br />

yetu. Pia si ambayo tunapas<strong>wa</strong> kufundisha <strong>wa</strong>sharika wetu<br />

kuhusu maisha katika Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Lazima tuwe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>angalifu sana kuhusu maoni ya <strong>wa</strong>tu (1Wakorintho<br />

2:1-16) - hata kama tunakubaliana nayo. K<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu, hata <strong>wa</strong>le tunao<strong>wa</strong>heshimu na ku<strong>wa</strong>amini,<br />

ndivyo <strong>wa</strong>livyo: <strong>wa</strong>nadamu tu.<br />

Ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>tu fulani <strong>wa</strong>naweza kutusaidia.<br />

Wanaweza kutufundisha yale <strong>wa</strong>liyojifunza. Ujuzi <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

katika Neno la Mungu na ustadi <strong>wa</strong>o huweza kutufaidi.<br />

Lakini ni sehemu, inayosaidia pale tu inapokubaliana na<br />

Neno la Mungu!<br />

Haiwezekani maisha yetu kutakas<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> maoni ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong> mbinu mpya ya utumishi. Tunaweza kutembea k<strong>wa</strong><br />

haki mbele za B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>kati ule tu ambapo tunamfuata Yeye<br />

na kutii Neno Lake.<br />

Kuna <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> mmoja na chanzo kimoja tu cha<br />

Neno la Mungu la milele - yaani Biblia! K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo usome<br />

Biblia, kutafakari, kujifunza, kukariri, kutii, kuishia, kuhubiri<br />

na kufundisha Biblia! Amina!<br />

b. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anatenda kazi katika sala na<br />

maombi. “Pumzi [roho] ya m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu ni taa ya B<strong>wa</strong>na;<br />

hupeleleza yote yaliyomo ndani yake” (Mithali 20:27).<br />

Nyakati zetu za kusali ni chanzo cha baraka na mafunzo,<br />

na mahali pa ma<strong>wa</strong>siliano na Mungu. Pia sala inaweza<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> silaha yenye nguvu inapoongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba katika shughuli nyingi za maisha ya<br />

kila siku, viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa kama wewe na mimi mara<br />

nyingi tunaacha nafasi zetu muhimu kabisa za kukaa na<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na. Lakini ni pale tu ambapo tunatoa nafasi ya kutulia na<br />

kusikiliza ndipo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anapoweza kweli kufanya<br />

kazi ndani ya mioyo yetu.<br />

Kila mmoja wetu anahitaji “kupim<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> moyo” k<strong>wa</strong><br />

utaratibu na uangalifu kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Yeye<br />

aweza kufunua nia na makusudi ya siri, sehemu zenye uchafu<br />

au udhaifu. Katika upendo Wake kwetu na k<strong>wa</strong> Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo, <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anataka pia kututhibitishia na<br />

kututengeneza, ili sisi tutunze k<strong>wa</strong> uangalifu mambo yale<br />

ambayo vinginevyo yatazuia au hata kuharibu maisha na<br />

huduma yetu.<br />

Ulinzi Dhidi Ya Kujidanganya<br />

Ukweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunafanya bidii katika huduma,<br />

kufahamu Biblia na kuweza ku<strong>wa</strong>fundisha wengine,<br />

haumaanishi k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi tumekamilika. Kinyume chake,<br />

mambo haya yangetufanya tutambue zaidi uwezo <strong>wa</strong> moyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> binadamu kudangany<strong>wa</strong> na kutoa udhuru k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

dhambi!<br />

Tafadhali tumia muda hata sasa <strong>wa</strong> kusoma mistari<br />

ifuatayo:<br />

• Mithali 16:2,25; 28:26<br />

• Yeremia 17:9-10<br />

• 1Wakorintho 10:12-13<br />

Kuna mistari mingine mingi inayofunua <strong>wa</strong>zi haja yetu<br />

ya kufungua mioyo yetu mbele za <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

amekwisha jua maeneo yetu ya mapambano, hatuwezi<br />

kuyaficha K<strong>wa</strong>ke. Lakini tunaweza kujidanganya wenyewe<br />

na kuruhusu dhambi, tamaa za mwili au kuvunjika kutokana<br />

na mwenendo <strong>wa</strong> dhambi viendelee mpaka vizae matunda ya<br />

udhalimu katika maisha yetu.<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na anatafuta mioyo inayosafishi<strong>wa</strong> dhambi. Anataka<br />

lisiwepo lolote la kuzuia upako Wake, <strong>wa</strong>la ufanisi <strong>wa</strong><br />

maisha yetu na huduma zetu. Unapoonekana ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

m<strong>wa</strong>minifu katika kulinda moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko na dhambi na<br />

kumruhusu <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akusafishe k<strong>wa</strong> ndani, upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu unaweza kumimin<strong>wa</strong> pasipo kizuio.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Zaidi tunapotembea pamoja na<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, ndivyo inavyoku<strong>wa</strong> rahisi zaidi kutokutambua haja ya kazi<br />

ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ya kutengeneza maisha yetu.<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba k<strong>wa</strong> upande <strong>wa</strong> viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa hali<br />

hii ni kweli hasa. Tulivyo na shughuli nyingi za kujifunza na<br />

kufundisha Neno la Mungu, tunaanza kufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunalitendea<br />

kazi pia katika maisha yetu ya kila siku. Tunavyokazana katika<br />

kuombea huduma yetu pamoja na wengine, hatutoi nafasi ya<br />

kutosha katika kukaa tu na B<strong>wa</strong>na ili tusikie kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

yetu sisi wenyewe. Tunajifunza kuendelea kuchekelea na kutenda<br />

kana k<strong>wa</strong>mba yote ni sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong>, hata kama tunapambana na<br />

dhambi na kuvunjika k<strong>wa</strong> ndani. Je, unaweza kukiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba hii ni<br />

hali yako mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara?<br />

Yesu alitamka k<strong>wa</strong>mba haki yetu lazima iwe haki ya moyo.<br />

Lazima izidi haki ya Mafarisayo iliyo ya nje na yenye mipaka<br />

(Mathayo 5:20).<br />

Tafadhali kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu hakufia <strong>wa</strong>nadamu ili<br />

aanzishe dini mpya. Alitoa uhai Wake ili sisi tuweze kurudish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu, na halafu kuendelea kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> zaidi na zaidi katika<br />

mfano ambao binadamu aliumb<strong>wa</strong> nao m<strong>wa</strong>nzoni kabla dhambi<br />

haijatuharibu (Mathayo 15:10-20; 23:23-28; Warumi 12:1-2;<br />

2Wakorintho 3:18; 1Yohana 3:1-3). Tumekwisha jifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

mabadiliko haya yanaendelea katika maisha yetu yote, hata kwetu<br />

sisi viongozi.<br />

Tukizembea hali ya ndani ya moyo wetu, hu<strong>wa</strong> rahisi mno<br />

kunas<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi. Matatizo yanaweza kuanza yaki<strong>wa</strong> madogo,<br />

lakini maridhiano madogo sikuzote huendea yaliyo makub<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

yenye kuangamiza. Ndiyo sababu ni muhimu kabisa tumruhusu<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> afanye kazi ndani ya mioyo yetu kila siku,<br />

akituthibitishia na kushinda matatizo kabla hayajatuingiza katika<br />

dhambi.<br />

40 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


“Ee Mungu, Unichunguze!”<br />

Tunamhitaji sana <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> awe taa inayomulika<br />

ndani ya nafsi na roho zetu. Tunamhitaji afunue hali halisi ya<br />

mioyo yetu, ili tutakaswe, kuhuish<strong>wa</strong> na kubadilish<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Ndiyo mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yetu (Wafilipi<br />

1:6; 2Wakorintho 3:18; Warumi 8:29)!<br />

Tunaposhiriki katika kazi hii ya <strong>Roho</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> sala,<br />

tutakuz<strong>wa</strong> tuwe “vyombo vya heshima” (2Timotheo<br />

2:20-21). Ndipo Mungu anapoweza kumimina upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> Wake <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> wingi na uhuru, akiachia zaidi<br />

Yake ndani yetu na kupitia kwetu k<strong>wa</strong> wengine katika<br />

huduma.<br />

Sala yetu ya kila siku iwe ile ya Daudi: “Ee Mungu,<br />

unichunguze, uujue moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu, Unijaribu, uyajue ma<strong>wa</strong>zo<br />

yangu; Uone kama iko njia iletayo majuto ndani yangu,<br />

Ukaniongoze katika njia ya milele” (Zaburi 139:23-24).<br />

c. Tembea katika kutii. “Na sisi tu mashahidi <strong>wa</strong><br />

mambo haya, pamoja na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ambaye Mungu<br />

ame<strong>wa</strong>pa wote <strong>wa</strong>mtiio” (Matendo 5:32).<br />

Tumekwisha zungumzia nafasi ya Neno la Mungu na<br />

kazi inayobadilisha ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha binafsi<br />

ya mchungaji. Hizi ni funguo za lazima k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuishi<br />

maisha ya utakaso.<br />

Lakini, zinaweza kutokufanya kazi katika maisha yetu -<br />

kama tunakataa kutii.<br />

Hatutii tunapokataa amri za Mungu au kutojali kufuata<br />

yale ambayo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ameyafunua mioyoni mwetu<br />

(Yakobo 1:21-25). Sauli ni mfano dhahiri <strong>wa</strong> kuanguka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

namna hii (taz. 1Samweli 15:1-35). Daudi alijifunza vema<br />

kutokana na kushind<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Sauli, akaandika kuhusu kanuni<br />

hii iliyo muhimu sana (taz. Zaburi 40:6-8).<br />

Mara nyingi viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa <strong>wa</strong>po tayari kutumika<br />

na hata kujitoa kama dhabihu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma. Hali hii si<br />

mbaya. Lakini Mungu anataka zaidi ya dhabihu; anadai kutii<br />

kwetu k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na hiari (1Samweli 15:22-23).<br />

Tumekwisha jifunza umuhimu <strong>wa</strong> utiifu k<strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na na<br />

Neno Lake katika mambo ya nia zetu za ndani, misimamo na<br />

mienendo yetu ya kila siku. Lakini kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> inahitaji pia<br />

utiifu wetu katika mambo ya kazi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na - katika yale<br />

tunayotenda, na katika jinsi tunavyoyatenda.<br />

Kuwek<strong>wa</strong> Sa<strong>wa</strong> Katika Kutii<br />

Musa alijifunza jambo gumu kabisa kuhusu kutii<br />

mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Hesabu 20:7-13). Musa aliamri<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Mungu “Ukauambie m<strong>wa</strong>mba mbele ya macho yao utoe maji<br />

yake” (ms. 8). Lakini badala yake, Musa alipiga m<strong>wa</strong>mba ule<br />

(ms. 11). Matokeo yake yaliku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba Musa<br />

hakuruhusi<strong>wa</strong> kuingia katika Nchi ya Ahadi (ms. 12; taz. pia<br />

Kumbukumbu 31:1-2; 32:48-52). K<strong>wa</strong> nini Musa asitii amri<br />

hii ya <strong>wa</strong>zi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na? Wana <strong>wa</strong> Israeli <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> tayari<br />

<strong>wa</strong>mekabiliana na ukame na kiu jang<strong>wa</strong>ni mara mbili kabla<br />

ya hapo (Kutoka 15:22-26; 17:1-7). Mara ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza, Mungu<br />

alimwongoza Musa atupe mti fulani katika maji yaliyoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

machungu hadi yasinyweke, na maji yale yalipata ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

matamu. Mara ya pili, Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amem<strong>wa</strong>mbia Musa<br />

apige m<strong>wa</strong>mba fulani, na maji matamu yalitoka.<br />

Lakini mara hii ya tatu, Mungu alim<strong>wa</strong>mbia Musa<br />

afanye tendo jingine. Alim<strong>wa</strong>mbia aambie m<strong>wa</strong>mba. Lakini<br />

badala yake, Musa alirudia mtindo <strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li, akaupiga<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mba. Labda Musa haku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong> njia hii mpya<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

mbayo Mungu alitaka kutendea kazi. Labda Musa aliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

ame<strong>wa</strong>kasirikia <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Israeli wenye kunung’unika.<br />

Hatujui k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika. Lakini tunayojua ni hii: Kule kutotii<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Musa kulimwudhi B<strong>wa</strong>na (Hesabu 20:12).<br />

Jambo muhimu la kujifunza hapa ni hili: tokeo katika<br />

hali ile haliku<strong>wa</strong> muhimu kama mtindo! Wana <strong>wa</strong> Israeli<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lipata maji <strong>wa</strong>liyotamani. Lakini kipimo cha Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya utiifu hakiku<strong>wa</strong> katika tokeo; kiliku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

mtumishi <strong>wa</strong>ke atii na kufuata kikamilifu njia ya Mungu<br />

ya kutimiza kusudi Lake. Ndiyo maana hasa ya utiifu!<br />

Tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tufuate Neno la Mungu na mwongozo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, hata kama hatuoni sababu k<strong>wa</strong> akili zetu<br />

zenye mipaka (taz. Isaya 55:8-9; 1Wakorintho 1:18-25).<br />

Mungu ametupa <strong>Roho</strong> Wake <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atuongoze. Sisi kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>toto <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tum<strong>wa</strong>mini na kumtii (Warumi<br />

8:14).<br />

Tafadhali ufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba kutii si jambo la kustahili<br />

baraka ya Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la upako Wake. Lakini tunapotembea<br />

katika kutii, tunajiweka sa<strong>wa</strong> na B<strong>wa</strong>na na kanuni za Neno<br />

Lake. Tunapofanya hivyo, tuko tayari kupokea zaidi katika<br />

uwezo <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Paulo alifafanua kanuni hii: “Bali nautesa mwili <strong>wa</strong>ngu<br />

na kuutumikisha; isiwe, nikiisha ku<strong>wa</strong>hubiri wengine<br />

mwenyewe niwe mtu <strong>wa</strong> kukatali<strong>wa</strong>” (1Wakorintho 9:27).<br />

Paulo alitambua kabisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba mwenendo <strong>wa</strong>ke binafsi<br />

ulihusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na huduma ambayo Mungu<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> amempatia.<br />

Vipimo Vya Agano Jipya<br />

Kila mchungaji ana sehemu mbili katika maisha yake:<br />

maisha yake binafsi na maisha yake ya huduma mbele ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu. Matazamio ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utiifu yanahusiana<br />

na sehemu zote mbili. Ni lazima maisha binafsi na maisha ya<br />

kazi ya mchungaji yawe chini ya marudi na maendeleo ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na Neno la Mungu.<br />

Kama kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa amejitoa k<strong>wa</strong> utiifu katika<br />

maeneo yote ya maisha yake, upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

utatiririka katika maeneo yote pia.<br />

Ni kosa kuamini k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya huduma<br />

yetu mbele ya <strong>wa</strong>tu tu. B<strong>wa</strong>na anajali ufanisi <strong>wa</strong>ko vile vile<br />

katika maisha ya familia yako na nafsi yako, pamoja na jinsi<br />

anavyoweza pengine akutumie katika kazi ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida au<br />

nafasi yoyote nyingine.<br />

Masharti ya Agano Jipya k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa<br />

(soma 1Timotheo 3:1-7) ni vipimo vyetu pia kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>chungaji. Wazee <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa la a<strong>wa</strong>li ndio <strong>wa</strong>lioku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>chungaji <strong>wa</strong> makanisa ya kila mahali. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo,<br />

mwongozo na vipimo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yao binafsi na<br />

katika huduma ndivyo vinavyofaa <strong>wa</strong>chungaji leo.<br />

Utaratibu Wa Ki-Biblia<br />

Wachungaji wengi mno ha<strong>wa</strong>jali vipimo hivi, hasa jinsi<br />

vinavyohusiana na mahitaji ya <strong>wa</strong>ke na <strong>wa</strong>toto <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Wanafikiri ni aina ya utau<strong>wa</strong> kuto<strong>wa</strong>jali familia zao ili<br />

<strong>wa</strong>jitoe katika huduma <strong>wa</strong>kati wote. Neno la Mungu<br />

limethibitisha <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba SIVYO Mungu alivyo<strong>wa</strong>agiza<br />

<strong>wa</strong>chungaji!<br />

Mume (akiwemo mchungaji) ameagiz<strong>wa</strong> ampende mke<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke kama Kristo anavyopenda Kanisa, k<strong>wa</strong> ukarimu na<br />

utoaji kifedha. Mchungaji na mke <strong>wa</strong>ke hupas<strong>wa</strong><br />

MATENDO • 41


kuheshimiana na kupendana, <strong>wa</strong>kiombeana na kuhudumiana.<br />

Watoto <strong>wa</strong>sidekezwe, <strong>wa</strong>la kutende<strong>wa</strong> kama <strong>wa</strong>tumishi. Bali<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lelewe, kuthamini<strong>wa</strong>, kuelimish<strong>wa</strong> katika utaratibu <strong>wa</strong><br />

ki-Mungu na <strong>wa</strong> upendo. Sisi tuwe mifano k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>toto wetu<br />

ya tabia ya Kristo na ya Baba yao <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni<br />

anaye<strong>wa</strong>penda. (Taz. Waefeso 5:22-33; 6:1-4; Wakolosai<br />

3:18-21; 1Petro 3:7.)<br />

Familia zetu zipewe kipaumbele, na ku<strong>wa</strong>tunza ni<br />

<strong>wa</strong>jibu ambao hatuwezi kuacha: “Lakini mtu ye yote<br />

asiye<strong>wa</strong>tunza <strong>wa</strong>lio <strong>wa</strong>ke, yaani, <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong> nyumbani m<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

hasa, ameikana Imani, tena ni mbaya kuliko mtu asiyeamini”<br />

(1Timotheo 5:8). Utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> ki-Biblia ni: k<strong>wa</strong>nza -<br />

uhusiano wetu na Mungu; pili - familia yetu; tatu - huduma<br />

na <strong>wa</strong>jibu nyingine baada ya hayo mawili ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza.<br />

U<strong>wa</strong>kili <strong>wa</strong> mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> upande <strong>wa</strong> fedha pia<br />

uongozwe na kanuni za Neno la Mungu na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Malipo ambayo mchungaji anapokea binafsi yatumiwe katika:<br />

• kumbariki B<strong>wa</strong>na katika zaka na sadaka;<br />

• kubariki familia yetu k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>tunza;<br />

• ku<strong>wa</strong>bariki wengine tunapo<strong>wa</strong>gawia katika yale ambayo<br />

Mungu ametupatia.<br />

Msaada Wote Tunaohitaji<br />

Huduma ya mchungaji itekelezwe pia katika kutii Neno<br />

la Mungu na kufuata mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atatusaidia na mara nyingi kutuongoza kuhusu yale<br />

ambayo Yeye anapenda tufanye katika hali halisi za huduma<br />

yetu.<br />

Tunapojitoa na kujiadilisha, kusikiliza ushauri <strong>wa</strong><br />

ki-Mungu, kujifunza Neno la Mungu, kusali kila mara<br />

pamoja na kufuata mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, tutakua<br />

na kupevuka kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> ki-Kristo. Tunapofanya<br />

hivyo, tunaweza kutazamia ongezeko la kutiririka k<strong>wa</strong> upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu juu ya maisha yetu na kupitia huduma yetu<br />

(tazama hamasa za Paulo k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo: 1Timotheo 4:12-16;<br />

6:11-12,20; 2Timotheo 1:6-7,13-14; 2:1,15-16,22-25; 4:1-5).<br />

Ndiyo hamu ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu! Anatupatia msaada<br />

wote tunaohitaji ili tumtumikie k<strong>wa</strong> uaminifu, na kuishi<br />

kufuatana na njia Zake. Lakini ni lazima tuchague kutii!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kama mchungaji au<br />

kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa anavunja au kuendelea kudharau<br />

kanuni hizi za msingi kuhusu maisha yake binafsi na ya<br />

huduma, upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu utazimish<strong>wa</strong>. Kutaku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> matunda nyumbani m<strong>wa</strong>ke na katika<br />

huduma yake.<br />

Pasipo toba halisi na kujitoa k<strong>wa</strong> upya na kweli k<strong>wa</strong><br />

makusudi ya Mungu, kiongozi yumo katika hatari ya<br />

kuangamia binafsi na katika huduma. Uangamizi huu<br />

unaweza kutumia muda, lakini tuwe na hakika k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

sisi sote tunavuna yale tuliyopanda (Wagalatia 6:7-8).<br />

Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>po viongozi katika Kanisa<br />

leo wenye karama na upako wenye nguvu, ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naanza kuishi maisha ya unafiki. K<strong>wa</strong> maneno<br />

mengine, <strong>wa</strong>nafundisha jambo fulani, lakini <strong>wa</strong>meanza<br />

kuishia njia nyingine.<br />

Sisi sote tutashind<strong>wa</strong> mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara, na hakuna<br />

hata mmoja wetu aliye mkamilifu pasipo dhambi. Lakini<br />

siongei kuhusu kuanguka k<strong>wa</strong> mara moja, na baada<br />

yake kutubu haraka. Bali ninaongea kuhusu kuvunja<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo na makusudi kanuni za Neno la Mungu<br />

katika maisha binafsi ya kiongozi.<br />

Mungu Baba yetu na jina la Yesu Kristo<br />

hutahayarish<strong>wa</strong> katika haya. Unafiki huu una<strong>wa</strong>fukuza<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> dunia mbali na wokovu katika Kristo. Walio<br />

ndani ya Kanisa pamoja na familia zetu pia huchukiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

na mambo ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya ukosefu huu <strong>wa</strong><br />

unyofu katika maisha binafsi ya viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa.<br />

Hali hii ni uovu, na iki<strong>wa</strong> mwenendo <strong>wa</strong>ko<br />

unamsababishia mwingine ajik<strong>wa</strong>e, Yesu ameonya<br />

kuhusu hukumu ya hakika (Luka 17:1-2). Hukumu ya<br />

Mungu juu ya kazi zetu ni ya uhakika (1Wakorintho<br />

3:11-15).<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na Wa Maisha Yetu Yote<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anakaa ndani yetu sisi kama <strong>wa</strong>amini;<br />

anatutia mafuta ya upako ili makusudi ya Mungu yatendeke.<br />

Yeye anataka kujaza maisha yetu kikamilifu, si k<strong>wa</strong> upande<br />

<strong>wa</strong> huduma tu. Yesu awe B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> maisha yetu yote - <strong>wa</strong><br />

moyo wetu wote, si sehemu tu (1Petro 3:15). Lazima tumtii<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na na Neno Lake katika maeneo yote ya maisha yetu, ili<br />

Yeye apokee utukufu nasi tuwe zana zenye ufanisi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

ya makusudi Yake!<br />

d. Tunahitaji mahusiano ya kimwenzi. Wachungaji na<br />

viongozi mara nyingi ha<strong>wa</strong>taki kufunua mambo ya ndani ya<br />

maisha yao. Hofu yao inaweza kuamsha wivu au mashindano<br />

kati yao. Shetani anatumia madhaifu haya katika kuga<strong>wa</strong>nya<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, na hasa ku<strong>wa</strong>fanya viongozi <strong>wa</strong>tengane na<br />

kuogopana.<br />

Sehemu kub<strong>wa</strong> ya ufanisi wetu kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa<br />

itapotea pasipoku<strong>wa</strong> na mahusiano yenye afya kati yetu na<br />

viongozi wengine. Tunategemeana, huenda zaidi kuliko<br />

tunavyotambua au kutaka kukiri. Waamini, <strong>wa</strong>kiwemo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>chungaji, ni familia (ndugu na dada). Uhusiano huu ni<br />

muhimu zaidi kabisa kuliko vyeo, nafasi, uanachama katika<br />

dhehebu au ukub<strong>wa</strong>/udogo <strong>wa</strong> kanisa lako.<br />

Karama na nafasi mbalimbali katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

hutole<strong>wa</strong> ili tufanye kazi pamoja k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi (Warumi 12:3-8;<br />

1Wakorintho sura ya 12). Hakuna yeyote kati yetu aliye na yote<br />

yanayohitajika ili awe na ufanisi katika huduma pasipo<br />

ushirikiano pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>amini na viongozi wengine. Lakini aina<br />

hii ya umoja inahitaji upevu, upendo, utumishi na unyenyekevu.<br />

Kuegemezana<br />

Wachungaji hasa <strong>wa</strong>nahitaji kuegemezana. Lazima tutoe<br />

nafasi ya mahusiano na kuyasitawisha pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>chungaji<br />

na viongozi wengine <strong>wa</strong>chaji. Kusudi la msingi la kufanya<br />

hivyo ni kudirikiana. Lazima tufanye hivyo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kulinda afya yetu ya kiroho tusipate kushind<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mahusiano kama haya yawe na u<strong>wa</strong>zi halisi, nafasi ya<br />

kushirikishana hamasa zetu, matatizo yetu na ushindi wetu<br />

katika maisha na huduma. Katika kundi hili la urafiki na<br />

uhusiano, sisi tunaweza kuhudumi<strong>wa</strong> wenyewe, tukiombe<strong>wa</strong><br />

na kupokea ushauri <strong>wa</strong> ki-Biblia.<br />

Mungu anakusudia aina hii ya uhusiano k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kukua na kupevuka kwetu: “Chuma hunoa chuma; ndivyo<br />

mtu aunoavyo uso <strong>wa</strong> rafiki yake” (Mithali 27:17).<br />

Mahusiano haya ya kuaminiana yanatupatia nafasi yenye<br />

usalama pa kushirikishana hofu zetu, mahangaiko yetu, na<br />

majaribu na vishawishi vyetu. Tunaweza kuungama makosa<br />

yetu na dhambi zetu (Yakobo 5:16) na kupokea huduma<br />

pamoja na kuti<strong>wa</strong> moyo.<br />

42 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Kila mtu katika utumishi anahitaji kuti<strong>wa</strong> moyo. Ibilisi<br />

anakazana ku<strong>wa</strong>shawishi viongozi <strong>wa</strong>anguke katika<br />

kushind<strong>wa</strong> binafsi au kuacha utumishi. Mara nyingine <strong>wa</strong>tu -<br />

hata katika sharika zetu - <strong>wa</strong>natufahamu vibaya, kutupinga,<br />

au hata kutudhulumu. Tunahitaji kuegemez<strong>wa</strong> na marafiki<br />

<strong>wa</strong>aminifu wenye nguvu ya kiroho <strong>wa</strong>tusaidie kupitia nyakati<br />

kama hizi, ili tutoke kama <strong>wa</strong>shindi katika Kristo!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Usiamini uwongo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni “kiroho” zaidi kutohitaji <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine katika<br />

maisha yako. Bali, zaidi tunavyopevuka ndivyo<br />

tutakavyotambua zaidi haja yetu ya mahusiano<br />

matakatifu katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Paulo anatuambia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi k<strong>wa</strong> pamoja ndio hekalu la Mungu, na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anakaa ndani yetu (1Wakorintho<br />

3:16-17).<br />

Vikundi hivi vya urafiki vya kushirikiana viteuliwe<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> maombi na k<strong>wa</strong> uangalifu. Si kila mtu<br />

unayemfahamu atakayefaa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kushirikiana<br />

katika maombi, tena si kila mtu atakayeku<strong>wa</strong> na upevu<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kutosha ili aaminike. Utafute <strong>wa</strong>le unao<strong>wa</strong>heshimu<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>amini - wenye upevu, hekima na u<strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>weze kutamka ukweli k<strong>wa</strong> unyofu<br />

na upendo.<br />

Lengo kuu la muda <strong>wa</strong> kukutana liwe maombi. Pia<br />

vikundi hivi viwe na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> jinsia moja - <strong>wa</strong>naume<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>naume, <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Mahusiano haya “yatatunoa” na kutuimarisha<br />

katika kukua, kutakas<strong>wa</strong> na kupokea upako mwingi<br />

zaidi!<br />

3. Alama Saba Za <strong>Upako</strong> Halisi<br />

Mara nyingi <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>nachangany<strong>wa</strong> kuhusu asili ya<br />

upako na kusudi lake kutokana na kukutana nao mara moja<br />

au k<strong>wa</strong> muda mfupi katika tukio fulani. Huenda ni mahubiri<br />

yenye nguvu, sala yenye msisimko, au kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> ishara na<br />

miujiza katika mkutano.<br />

Maoni ya muda mfupi kama haya yanaweza kusababisha<br />

kutoele<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia mbili. K<strong>wa</strong>nza, ni rahisi kuele<strong>wa</strong> upako<br />

vibaya kama msisimko, kipa<strong>wa</strong>, karama, mtindo au mbinu<br />

katika utumishi. Pili, tunaweza kufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba dakika ya<br />

kilele ya mafunuo yasiyo ya kiasili ndilo kusudi lenyewe la<br />

upako.<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> matukio haya ya kimwujiza au msisimko<br />

yanaweza kweli ku<strong>wa</strong> matokeo ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

lazima tukumbuke ku<strong>wa</strong> upako ni zaidi ya hayo.<br />

Ni muhimu tuendeleze maoni ya muda mrefu juu ya<br />

upako. Huu ni ufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako halisi utasababisha<br />

maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu yaliyogeuz<strong>wa</strong> (Warumi 12:1-2).<br />

Maana yangu ya maisha yaliyogeuz<strong>wa</strong> ni maisha yenye<br />

msingi imara katika Neno la Mungu na sala. Watu <strong>wa</strong>naoishi<br />

maisha yaliyogeuz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nafikia ulimwengu ulio<strong>wa</strong>zunguka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ushuhuda na huduma ya upendo. Wanapinga dhambi na<br />

matendo ya mwili, <strong>wa</strong>kitembea k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na toba.<br />

Wana utendaji katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo; baada ya kutambua<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyao vya kiroho, <strong>wa</strong>navitumia katika huduma.<br />

Wanazidi kufanana na Kristo <strong>wa</strong>kati wote!<br />

Mambo haya yawe ya kweli katika kiongozi aliyegeuz<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>le ambao kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa aliye na upako<br />

ana<strong>wa</strong>hudumia.<br />

Huduma yenye upako <strong>wa</strong> kweli itaku<strong>wa</strong> na matunda, na<br />

matokeo yake yataendelea katika maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liookole<strong>wa</strong> na kufunz<strong>wa</strong> ili <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>fuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo.<br />

Huduma yenye upako si njia ya kupata heshima, utajiri<br />

au starehe. Mtume Paulo aliku<strong>wa</strong> na upako <strong>wa</strong> hali ya juu<br />

kabisa, na kutumi<strong>wa</strong> sana na Mungu. Lakini alites<strong>wa</strong> kupita<br />

kiasi, aliku<strong>wa</strong> maskini, kufukuz<strong>wa</strong>, kuti<strong>wa</strong> gerezani mara<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> mara, na hata kudharauli<strong>wa</strong> na kanisa ambalo alijaribu<br />

kulitumikia (2Wakorintho 4:8-15; 7:2-6; 11:23-33). Mwisho<br />

<strong>wa</strong> maisha ya Paulo uliku<strong>wa</strong> kukat<strong>wa</strong> kich<strong>wa</strong> na shoka ya<br />

mwuaji <strong>wa</strong> serikali pale Roma.<br />

Lakini muda mfupi kabla ya kifo chake, Paulo alitamka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba tha<strong>wa</strong>bu yake yote iliku<strong>wa</strong> “taji ya haki, ambayo<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, mhukumu mwenye haki, atanipa siku ile; <strong>wa</strong>la si<br />

mimi tu, bali na <strong>wa</strong>tu wote pia <strong>wa</strong>liopenda kufunuli<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ke” (2Timotheo 4:8).<br />

Maisha ya Paulo haiku<strong>wa</strong> ya maana kufuatana na vipimo<br />

vya dunia vya “ufanisi”. Pengine hata Wakristo fulani leo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>singeona ku<strong>wa</strong> Paulo aliku<strong>wa</strong> mtume mwenye ufanisi.<br />

Lakini sifa ya Paulo iliku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba alitangaza Injili ya<br />

Yesu Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> ujasiri (Matendo 17:1-6). Alijulikana ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mtu mwenye mamlaka na uwezo, hata katika ufalme <strong>wa</strong><br />

mapepo (Matendo 19:15). Ali<strong>wa</strong>fundisha na ku<strong>wa</strong>funza <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine, na kuanzisha makanisa. Paulo aki<strong>wa</strong> na upuzio <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> aliandika sehemu ya theluthi moja ya Agano<br />

Jipya letu (hasa <strong>wa</strong>kati alipoku<strong>wa</strong> gerezani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya imani<br />

yake). Na mtume Paulo aliku<strong>wa</strong> mtendaji mkuu <strong>wa</strong> kueneza<br />

Injili katika ulimwengu wote uliojulikana <strong>wa</strong>kati ule. Paulo<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> kweli amepokea upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, akijaa uweza <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Wakolosai 1:24-29)!<br />

Ni lazima tuelewe kikamilifu kusudi la upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu. Hatupewi upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya manufaa<br />

yetu <strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>pendeza <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine. Ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutimiza makusudi ya Mungu! Ni ya kutoa huduma k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

inayogeuza maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> Neno na uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu!<br />

Kujipima<br />

Ni lazima tutumie upambanuzi siku hizi, ili tutambue<br />

nini ni ya Mungu na nini ni ya binadamu. Lazima<br />

tupambanue yaliyotoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, na yaliotoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> roho mwingine (2Wakorintho 11:4). Biblia hutuambia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba, <strong>wa</strong>kati unapoendelea, ufalme <strong>wa</strong> mapepo utazidi<br />

kujaribu ku<strong>wa</strong>potosha <strong>wa</strong>tu. Hata Wakristo <strong>wa</strong>tadanganyika<br />

na kupotosh<strong>wa</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>kikataa mambo ya kweli yaliyotoka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu (2Timotheo 3:1-9; 4:3-4).<br />

Ni lazima “kujaribu roho” (1Yohana 4:1-6), k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

ibilisi hufanya kazi k<strong>wa</strong> bidii akijaribu ku<strong>wa</strong>danganya <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

na ku<strong>wa</strong>angamiza (2Wakorintho 2:11; 10:1-5; 11:14; 1Petro<br />

5:8). Pia, <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>ovu <strong>wa</strong>tajaribu kumtumia Mungu na<br />

mambo ya kiroho k<strong>wa</strong> kujifanikisha wenyewe (2Wakorintho<br />

11:13-15; Wafilipi 1:15-16; 2Petro sura ya 2).<br />

Tunawezaje basi kufahamu upako halisi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>?<br />

Na tunaweza kutumia vipimo gani katika kujipima<br />

wenyewe ili kuhakikisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunatembea k<strong>wa</strong> uaminifu<br />

na utii k<strong>wa</strong> Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya upako?<br />

Hizi ni alama saba zitakazodhihirika kuhusu upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> halisi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>:<br />

1) utamtukuza Yesu Kristo <strong>wa</strong>kati wote (Yohana 16:14),<br />

si hasa ku<strong>wa</strong>tukuza <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>la hata huduma yenyewe;<br />

2) utafuatana na kulingana na mashauri yote ya msingi<br />

MATENDO • 43


ya Neno la Mungu (Yohana 14:26), k<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kamwe hatakwenda kinyume cha Neno la Mungu<br />

lililoandik<strong>wa</strong>;<br />

3) utasababisha uhai <strong>wa</strong> kiroho katika <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>naokutana<br />

na huduma au kuipokea (Yohana 6:63) - <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>tajitoa k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu, Neno Lake na njia Zake k<strong>wa</strong> ukamilifu zaidi;<br />

4) uta<strong>wa</strong>elekeza <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu na wokovu Wake, si k<strong>wa</strong><br />

mtu mwingine <strong>wa</strong>la k<strong>wa</strong> ishara na maajabu tu (Yohana<br />

15:26);<br />

5) utajaribu kuendeleza amani na umoja katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo (1Wakorintho 12:1-14) kati ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naompenda<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na na Kanisa Lake kuliko msimamo <strong>wa</strong>o;<br />

6) utaku<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo unaogeuza maisha (1Wakorintho<br />

2:4-5; 4:20; 1Wathesalonike 1:5), ambao ni matunda ya<br />

huduma yenye upako;<br />

7) utazalisha tabia ya Kristo ndani ya <strong>wa</strong>tu (Wagalatia<br />

5:16-24; 2Wakorintho 3:18) - ndiyo mapenzi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya kila mfuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo!<br />

Kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> alama hizi saba za upako halisi kutaku<strong>wa</strong><br />

uthibitisho <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naotoa huduma katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Alama hizi pia zinatusaidia tuone haja ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

maono ya muda mrefu ya upako.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> mara moja unaweza uwepo k<strong>wa</strong> dakika fulani<br />

ya huduma. Lakini sisi kama <strong>wa</strong>chungaji <strong>wa</strong> Mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo, tumepe<strong>wa</strong> upako ili tufanye <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>we <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>andaa <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu - kazi ya muda mrefu – si tu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dakika za huduma yenye msisimko za mara k<strong>wa</strong><br />

mara.<br />

Utumie orodha ya hapo juu katika kuchunguza huduma<br />

yako. Kama kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, una wito wenye thamani na<br />

umuhimu <strong>wa</strong> kuchunga <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Kristo ndiye<br />

Mchungaji wetu Mkuu. Yeye amekuita uwe mchungaji<br />

msaidizi. Uta<strong>wa</strong>jibika kumtolea Yeye ripoti ya jinsi<br />

ulivyotimiza agizo Lake la ku<strong>wa</strong>chunga kondoo Zake (1Petro<br />

5:1-4).<br />

Je, Tunaweza Kupokea Zaidi?<br />

Nafasi yetu ni ya kumfuata Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> bidii na uaminifu.<br />

Lazima tutumie vipimo na kanuni ya Neno la Mungu katika<br />

maisha yetu, na kukua kila <strong>wa</strong>kati katika uwezo wetu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Wito <strong>wa</strong> huduma uliope<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu si huduma yako.<br />

Ni huduma YAKE ambayo Yeye anataka kutenda kupitia<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko! Huduma inayotendeka k<strong>wa</strong> kufuata njia ya Mungu<br />

itazaa matunda mengi (Yohana 15:14-16) nao utafuatana na<br />

upako Wake.<br />

Tumethibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

umeandali<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu aliye mfalme. Hufuatana na wito<br />

wetu na vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyetu. <strong>Upako</strong> huu hautii mapenzi ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu, isipoku<strong>wa</strong> tu k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunaweza kuupokea au<br />

kuukataa.<br />

Kama wewe unafanana na mimi, unataka zaidi ya upako<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika maisha na huduma yako. Kilio cha moyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ko ni ku<strong>wa</strong> chombo kifaacho k<strong>wa</strong> kutimiza makusudi ya<br />

Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo je, inawezekana siyo tu kupokea upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu, bali pia kukua katika upako ambao Mungu<br />

anatupatia?<br />

Je, tunaweza kupokea zaidi kuliko tunaopokea sasa?<br />

Tuangalie mas<strong>wa</strong>li haya k<strong>wa</strong> kifupi.<br />

44 • MATENDO<br />

Hakuna njia za mkato za kukua<br />

katika upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Wala<br />

upako si wetu <strong>wa</strong> kukamata na<br />

kutumia ili tuwe na nguvu katika<br />

huduma k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi wetu.<br />

Kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba uweza <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu hautengani na nafsi Yake.<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> ndio uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> nao daima utaku<strong>wa</strong><br />

chini ya mapenzi na makusudi ya<br />

Mungu, si yetu.<br />

B. KUKUA KATIKA UPAKO<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na anataka upokee upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Anataka pia ukue katika uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong> kuishi na kutoa<br />

huduma katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Hakuna njia za mkato za kukua katika upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Wala upako si wetu <strong>wa</strong> kukamata na kutumia ili tuwe na<br />

nguvu katika huduma k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi wetu. Kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu hautengani na nafsi Yake. <strong>Upako</strong> ndio<br />

uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> - nao daima utaku<strong>wa</strong> chini ya<br />

mapenzi na makusudi ya Mungu, si yetu.<br />

1. Tabia Na <strong>Upako</strong><br />

Ni muhimu kutambua k<strong>wa</strong>mba jinsi unavyokua katika<br />

tabia ya Kristo, ndivyo utakavyokua katika upako. Tabia yetu<br />

ama italingana na upako na kuufungua, ama itaziba na kuzuia<br />

kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kupitia kwetu (taz. Waefeso 4:30;<br />

1Wathesalonike 5:19).<br />

Kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi k<strong>wa</strong>nza na hasa ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu <strong>wa</strong> kiume na kike. Kazi ya dhabihu ya Kristo<br />

ilituwezesha turejeshwe katika uhusiano pamoja na Baba<br />

yetu <strong>wa</strong> Mbinguni.<br />

Yesu Kristo, kama Kich<strong>wa</strong> cha Kanisa (Wakolosai 1:18;<br />

2:19) ametuita na kutupatia karama za kiroho - ili sisi, kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, tuweze kutumikia Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

(Waefeso 4:11-16; 2Timotheo 1:9). Karama na wito hizi za<br />

kiroho zitafanya kazi kikamilifu na k<strong>wa</strong> usahihi pale tu<br />

ambapo zimeti<strong>wa</strong> nguvu na kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(1Wakorintho 12:7 - karama zote zinafanya kazi kufuatana na<br />

kanuni hii).<br />

Ndiyo sababu tunaweza kusema k<strong>wa</strong>mba huduma yote<br />

yenye upako <strong>wa</strong> kweli inatokana na uhusiano. Uhusiano wetu<br />

na Kristo <strong>wa</strong> kujitolea na kukua ndio msingi ambamo<br />

huduma inayogeuza maisha hutenda kazi.<br />

Haidhuru ki<strong>wa</strong>ngo chako cha upevu au ujuzi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, hali hii ni ya kweli. Usisahau kamwe k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

huduma yenye ufanisi hutokana na kuendeleza uhusiano hai<br />

unaozidi ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> ndani pamoja na Yesu Kristo!<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Ni rahisi mno katika<br />

huduma kuzembea uhusiano wetu na B<strong>wa</strong>na. Huenda<br />

tunaanza kufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba “mana” ya jana kutoka<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke inatosha k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya leo. Haitoshi!<br />

Yesu ametoa maonyo makali yanayodhihirisha<br />

tatizo hili. Soma Mathayo 7:21-23. Watu <strong>wa</strong>naoelez<strong>wa</strong><br />

hapa ni <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lio ndani ya Kanisa - <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye<br />

huduma za unabii, <strong>wa</strong>naotoa mapepo, <strong>wa</strong>naotoa<br />

huduma katika ishara na maajabu, n.k.<br />

Lakini viongozi hao k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati fulani njiani,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>meacha “upendo <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza” (Ufunuo 2:1-5).<br />

Wamedanganyika, <strong>wa</strong>kifikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba kuendeleza sura<br />

ya ufanisi katika huduma (kuonekana k<strong>wa</strong> nje)<br />

kunatosha. Huenda <strong>wa</strong>naweza kukariri mistari ya<br />

Maandiko na kutumia mamlaka ya jina la Yesu. Lakini<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>tembei katika uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> ukweli, utiifu na uhai<br />

pamoja na B<strong>wa</strong>na. Ha<strong>wa</strong>mjui, <strong>wa</strong>la Yeye ha<strong>wa</strong>jui <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Hatima yao ni ya kutisha (Mathayo 7:23).<br />

Mkakati Wa Shetani<br />

Kama tulivyojifunza, kazi moja ya <strong>Roho</strong> katika maisha<br />

yetu baada ya kuokole<strong>wa</strong> ni kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> kwetu binafsi<br />

(Warumi 8:29; 2Wakorintho 3:18). Ni kushirikiana kwetu<br />

katika maisha yetu yote - pamoja na kutii kwetu kila siku k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Neno la Mungu, na ku<strong>wa</strong> na muda <strong>wa</strong> kukaa pamoja na Yeye<br />

- kunakositawisha tabia ya uchaji ndani yetu.<br />

Shetani anapinga k<strong>wa</strong> bidii kukua k<strong>wa</strong> tabia ya uchaji<br />

katika viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa. Ibilisi hawezi kupotosha au<br />

kutuibia upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>la karama Zake.<br />

Ukweli ni kinyume chake: “K<strong>wa</strong> kusudi hili M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu alidhihirish<strong>wa</strong>, ili azivunje kazi za Ibilisi” (1Yohana<br />

3:8), taz. pia Luka 10:17-20; Warumi 8:37-39; 2Wakorintho<br />

10:3-5; Wakolosai 2:14-15; Waebrania 2:14).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu ibilisi hana uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kudhuru <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kupotosha upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na karama Zake, lengo<br />

lake kuu ni wewe! Shetani anajaribu k<strong>wa</strong> bidii<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>nyang’anya, ku<strong>wa</strong>ua na ku<strong>wa</strong>angamiza <strong>wa</strong>takatifu<br />

(Yohana 10:10). Njia yake moja ya kufanya hivyo ni kujaribu<br />

kubomoa tabia ya uchaji, hasa katika viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa.<br />

Shetani:<br />

Mpelelezi <strong>wa</strong><br />

tabia za binadamu<br />

tangu a<strong>wa</strong>li<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Ibilisi anajaribu kupotosha viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa <strong>wa</strong>sifae<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya makusudi ya Mungu (1Wakorintho 9:24-27;<br />

2Timotheo 2:19-22). Anafanya hivyo k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya vishawishi,<br />

kudanganya, kutisha, kuogofya, kuga<strong>wa</strong>nya, kiburi, ubinafsi<br />

- dhambi yoyote ile, Shetani ataku<strong>wa</strong> chanzo chake!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida majaribu ya Shetani huanza katika mambo<br />

madogo. Anaanza kuvuta tamaa zetu za kimwili na asili yetu<br />

ya ubinafsi. Ibilisi ameku<strong>wa</strong> na karne nyingi za kuchunguza<br />

mienendo ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu, na kutengeneza njia za kujaribu<br />

kutuangusha. Hatuhitaji kumwogopa - lakini k<strong>wa</strong> hakika<br />

tunahitaji ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>angalifu na kujilinda <strong>wa</strong>kati wote (1Petro<br />

5:8-9)!<br />

Uangalie k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunaku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> hila za<br />

ibilisi tunapozembea uhusiano wetu unaoendelea na kukua<br />

pamoja na Yesu Kristo (1Timotheo 4:1-2; 2Timotheo 1:1-9;<br />

Waebrania 2:1-3). Pasipo ukaribu na Kristo, tutajaribi<strong>wa</strong><br />

zaidi sana kujipatia udhuru, kusingizia maanguko ya<br />

mwenendo, kukubali ma<strong>wa</strong>zo ya tamaa - mambo ambayo<br />

yatatuongoza katika dhambi, udanganyifu na kushind<strong>wa</strong><br />

(Yakobo 1:13-15).<br />

Mungu anataka upako Wake upenyee tabia yetu. Tabia<br />

ya uchaji (au ukosefu <strong>wa</strong>ke) huhusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na<br />

uzalishaji na ufanisi wetu katika huduma. Mungu anataka<br />

upako Wake utiririke na kutokea ndani ya maisha yetu,<br />

pasipo kizuizi cha ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> uchaji. Si ‘kutia chumvi’<br />

kusema k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako unahusiana na tabia (yetu) sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong><br />

na uweza (<strong>wa</strong> Mungu).<br />

Tutumie muda kidogo sasa kujifunza kutoka katika mtu<br />

aliyeku<strong>wa</strong> na upako kuliko mwingine yeyote aliye<strong>wa</strong>hi<br />

kuishi.<br />

2. Nyayo Za B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> kweli Yesu Kristo aliku<strong>wa</strong> mtu aliyeku<strong>wa</strong> na upako<br />

kuliko mwingine yeyote aliyetembea hapa duniani. Yeye<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pasipo kipimo (Yohana 3:33-35).<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> Wake usio na kifani ulitabiri<strong>wa</strong> karne nyingi kabla ya<br />

kuzali<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong>ke (Isaya 61:1-3). Yesu alithibitisha unabii huu<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>nzoni m<strong>wa</strong> huduma Yake (Luka 4:17-20).<br />

Huduma ya Yesu duniani ilithibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> kweli Mwenye <strong>Upako</strong> HASA. Tukiangalia Injili ya<br />

Luka sura ya 4 na 5, tunaona mara moja uweza Wake mkuu<br />

tangu m<strong>wa</strong>nzo <strong>wa</strong> huduma Yake. Yesu aliti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta ili:<br />

• Atoe mapepo (4:33-37,41);<br />

• Afundishe k<strong>wa</strong> mamlaka (4:22,32);<br />

• Aponye <strong>wa</strong>gonj<strong>wa</strong> (4:38-40; 5:15);<br />

• A<strong>wa</strong>ite <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>tubu (5:17-26,31-32);<br />

• Atende ishara na maajabu (5:4-9);<br />

• A<strong>wa</strong>ite <strong>wa</strong>tu katika huduma kinabii (5:10,27);<br />

• Aanzishe kundi la uongozi (5:11);<br />

• Amponye mtu mwenye ukoma, tendo la ajabu <strong>wa</strong>kati ule<br />

(5:12-15).<br />

Hii ni mifano tu kati ya mengine, jinsi Yesu alivyoanza<br />

huduma Yake hapa duniani. Alifanya zaidi nyingi sana<br />

kuliko haya. Kuna M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu mmoja tu aliyekuja<br />

duniani, aliyekufa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yetu, na halafu aliyefufuka ili<br />

athibitishe k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye aliku<strong>wa</strong> Mungu <strong>wa</strong> kweli!<br />

Yesu Ndiye aliyetuita (1Wakorintho 1:26-31). Yeye<br />

ametupa karama zote tunazohitaji (Waefeso 4:11-16) na<br />

uwezo (Yohana 16:7) ili tutimize mapenzi Yake (Yohana<br />

15:16).<br />

MATENDO • 45


Kristo alituma Kanisa Lake liendeleze kazi Yake<br />

(Matendo 1:4-8). Ni k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> peke<br />

Yake k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi tunaweza kufanya hivyo kikamilifu. <strong>Roho</strong><br />

yule yule aliyemtia Yesu mafuta sasa amemimin<strong>wa</strong> hapa<br />

duniani, akipatikana k<strong>wa</strong>o wote <strong>wa</strong>naom<strong>wa</strong>mini Yesu Kristo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya wokovu (Warumi 8:14-17). Haleluya!<br />

Kufuata Nyayo Za Yesu<br />

Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>tafuta <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lio <strong>wa</strong>aminifu K<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

(2Nyakati 16:9). Yesu alijithibitisha ku<strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>minifu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu na kumpendeza (Mathayo 3:17). Yesu alitii mapenzi<br />

ya Baba katika mambo yote (Waebrania 10:5-7). Inga<strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> kutenda dhambi, hakutenda<br />

dhambi hata mara moja (Waebrania 4:15).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> Yeye ni mfano wetu katika mambo yote,<br />

tunaweza kujifunza nini kutoka katika maisha ya Yesu Kristo<br />

kuhusu kukua katika upako? Tufuate nyayo Zake mara moja<br />

tupate mafunzo yatakayotukuza katika tabia zetu na katika<br />

mambo ya kiroho.<br />

a. Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> chini ya mamlaka. Yesu alichagua<br />

kutii mamlaka iliyoku<strong>wa</strong> juu yake. Hata kama kijana, alitii<br />

46 • MATENDO<br />

Uruhusu mfano <strong>wa</strong> Yesu<br />

uongoze kukua k<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

<strong>wa</strong>zazi Wake na mamlaka nyingine katika jamii Yake (Luka<br />

2:41-51). Na <strong>wa</strong>kati wote <strong>wa</strong> huduma yake ya duniani, Yesu<br />

aliendelea kumtii Baba Yake <strong>wa</strong> Mbinguni.<br />

Biblia inatufundisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi kama viongozi<br />

tumewek<strong>wa</strong> chini ya taratibu za mamlaka katika maisha yetu.<br />

Kuna serikali, madhehebu, makanisa (sharika), kazi - hivi<br />

vyote vina taratibu za uta<strong>wa</strong>la au mamlaka.<br />

Tunaweza kuona usalama na faraja k<strong>wa</strong>mba mamlaka<br />

hizi zipo juu yetu. Lakini mara nyingine, tunaweza<br />

tusikubaliane nazo. Pengine tutajikuta chini ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>sio<br />

<strong>wa</strong>chaji, wenye ubinafsi au ukatili.<br />

Inawezekana kabisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba katika maisha yetu<br />

tutatumika chini ya mamlaka yenye ufanisi kwetu na<br />

mamlaka inayoonekana haina maana. Lakini haidhuru hali ya<br />

mamlaka hizo, Neno la Mungu limetuagiza kuhusu umuhimu<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kutii kama mfano <strong>wa</strong> maisha. Haya ni pamoja na kutii:<br />

• Mungu (Yakobo 4:7);<br />

• Mamlaka za serikali (Warumi 13:1-7; 1Petro 2:13-17;<br />

taz. pia angalizo hapo chini);<br />

• Uongozi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (1Wakorintho<br />

16:15-16; 1Wathesalonike 5:12-13; Waebrania 13:7,17);<br />

• Kunyenyekeana sisi k<strong>wa</strong> sisi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

(Waefeso 5:21; 1Petro 5:5);<br />

• Waume, na <strong>wa</strong>ke zao (Waefeso 5:22; Wakolosai 3:18);<br />

• Wazazi, na <strong>wa</strong>toto <strong>wa</strong>o (Waefeso 6:1-3; Wakolosai<br />

3:20);<br />

• Waajiri, na <strong>wa</strong>ajiri<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>o (Waefeso 6:5-9; Wakolosai<br />

3:22 - 4:1; 1Petro 2:18-21).<br />

ANGALIZO: Sisi kama Wakristo, tunapas<strong>wa</strong> kuvumilia<br />

serikali yetu kila iwezekanapo. Yesu hakutafuta njia ya<br />

kupindua serikali ya Rumi, inga<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati ule ili<strong>wa</strong>tesa<br />

Waisraeli vibaya sana. Lakini kama serikali au kiongozi<br />

ana<strong>wa</strong>kataza <strong>wa</strong>tu uhuru <strong>wa</strong> kum<strong>wa</strong>budu Mungu na kumtii,<br />

ni lazima tuendelee kumtumikia Mungu - hata kama tutapata<br />

mateso (1Petro 4:12-19).<br />

Wakati pekee ambapo unaweza kufikiria kukataa kutii<br />

mamlaka iliyo juu yako ni kama <strong>wa</strong>mekuamuru uvunje amri<br />

ya Maandiko, au kanuni ya kimaadili (yaani, k<strong>wa</strong> kusema<br />

uwongo, kuiba, kufanya zinaa, n.k.).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, kama mamlaka ya serikali inakuamuru<br />

uache kuhubiri Injili au kutamka k<strong>wa</strong> jina la Yesu, amri kuu<br />

ya Kristo inakulazimisha uendelee kutamka. Mitume<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liendelea kuhubiri namna hii (Matendo 4:1-31; 5:17-42;<br />

8:1-4). Ukikabili<strong>wa</strong> na hali kama hii, utahitaji uangalifu,<br />

hekima na ujasiri k<strong>wa</strong> wingi. Uongozwe na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

na Mungu atatukuz<strong>wa</strong> (Marko 13:9-13)!<br />

Kanuni Ya Kunyenyekea<br />

Kunyenyekea ni kanuni ya kimsingi katika maisha ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini, na hasa maisha ya kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa. K<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

ni lazima kabisa tumnyenyekee Mungu katika mambo yote.<br />

Halafu inatubidi tuchague ku<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekea <strong>wa</strong>lio na<br />

mamlaka juu yetu - katika jamii, dhehebu, kazi au hali<br />

yoyote nyingine.<br />

Hata kama hatukubaliani nao, ku<strong>wa</strong>penda <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>heshimu, bado inatubidi tuendelee ku<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekea<br />

katika mwelekeo wetu na matendo yetu.<br />

Sababu pekee kabisa ya kinyume ni iki<strong>wa</strong>, katika nafasi<br />

yao ya mamlaka, <strong>wa</strong>mekuamuru uvunje Neno la Mungu au<br />

kama <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>ongoza wengine <strong>wa</strong>fanye hivyo.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kuna <strong>wa</strong>kati ambapo<br />

tunaweza kupata shida na mtu mwenye mamlaka.<br />

Huenda tunaona ku<strong>wa</strong> tunanyanyas<strong>wa</strong> au hatupewi<br />

heshima inayotuhusu.<br />

Mfano <strong>wa</strong> Yesu kwetu katika hali hizi ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Yeye “alijifanya ku<strong>wa</strong> hana utukufu, akat<strong>wa</strong>a namna ya<br />

mtum<strong>wa</strong>” (Wafilipi 2:7). Kristo hakutafuta kibali cha<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>la sifa yao, k<strong>wa</strong> upande mmoja k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

alijua havina maana yoyote; <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>nabadilisha maoni<br />

yao haraka sana (Yohana 2:23-25; 6:15,26,60-66).<br />

Badala yake, Yesu Kristo alitafuta furaha ya Baba<br />

Yake <strong>wa</strong> Mbinguni. Pia alichagua nafasi ya mtumishi<br />

(Mathayo 20:28). Kutoka katika moyo Wake <strong>wa</strong><br />

kunyenyekea na kutumika kulikuja wokovu kwetu na<br />

utukufu mkuu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Wafilipi 2:7-11).<br />

Sisi kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, tutawek<strong>wa</strong> katika<br />

nafasi za mamlaka mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara. Ili tuongoze k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ufanisi tukitumia mamlaka, inatubidi k<strong>wa</strong>nza tujifunze<br />

kuishi na kutembea chini ya mamlaka! Maana yake ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatuna budi tufahamu jinsi ya kuishi kufuatana<br />

na kanuni ya kunyenyekea.<br />

Iki<strong>wa</strong> wewe unapata shida na kiongozi fulani<br />

mwenye mamlaka, kuna njia za kiutendaji za kufuata.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, umwombee mhusika kila siku. Kufanya<br />

hivyo kutakusaidia kumwona k<strong>wa</strong> upande <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Halafu, umtafute B<strong>wa</strong>na kuhusu ufumbuzi Wake <strong>wa</strong><br />

shida yako. Uchunguze Maandiko, na kumsubiri B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

akupe jibu Lake.<br />

Huenda itakubidi umwendee huyu mtu na<br />

kumshirikisha shida yako k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu (Mathayo<br />

5:23-24). Unaweza pia kutafuta ushauri <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye<br />

hekima na <strong>wa</strong>siopendelea upande wowote, ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>takusaidia kutatua tatizo na siyo tu kushikamana na<br />

wewe.<br />

Mwisho ulinde moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko mwenyewe (pamoja na<br />

kutokulalamika <strong>wa</strong>la kusengenya) na kum<strong>wa</strong>mini<br />

Mungu akutetee (Zaburi 5:1; 7:10; 31:2; 59:16-17; n.k.).<br />

Mfano mkuu unapatikana katika maisha ya Daudi,<br />

aliyechagua kumheshimu Mungu na kusubiri <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

Wake inga<strong>wa</strong> matendo ya Sauli yaliku<strong>wa</strong> magumu na<br />

mara nyingine pasipo uchaji (soma 1Samweli sura<br />

ya 16 mpaka 24).<br />

Huenda Mungu si chanzo cha jaribu au tatizo fulani<br />

katika maisha yetu. Lakini ameahidi kutumia kila hali katika<br />

maisha yetu k<strong>wa</strong> wema; “wema” huu ni kututengeneza sisi<br />

katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (Warumi 8:28-29).<br />

Mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara Mungu atatumia mambo magumu<br />

yanayotukabili katika kupima mioyo yetu (Kutoka 20:20;<br />

1Nyakati 29:17). Wakati mwingine, uhusiano fulani wenye<br />

magumu utatulazimisha tupevuke. Kuchagua miitikio ya<br />

kiuchaji katikati ya matatizo <strong>wa</strong>kati wote kutatukuza katika<br />

tabia.<br />

Tukichagua ku<strong>wa</strong> na msimamo <strong>wa</strong> Kristo na moyo Wake<br />

katikati ya majaribu, mara nyingi matokeo yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Mungu atatukabidhi zaidi ya mamlaka Yake, na uwezo na<br />

upako Wake.<br />

b. Yesu alikua katika kupevuka. Yesu alijitoa katika<br />

utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> kukua wenye uimara na uwiano (Luka 2:52).<br />

Inga<strong>wa</strong> mstari huu unaelekea kuhusiana na ujana <strong>wa</strong> Yesu,<br />

bado ni mfano kwetu <strong>wa</strong> utaratibu wenye afya <strong>wa</strong> kukua na<br />

kupevuka kwetu binafsi.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

1) “kuendelea katika hekima” - chanzo kikuu cha hekima<br />

ni Neno la Mungu. Unapolisoma na kulijifunza, umwombe<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> akufungulie ufahamu <strong>wa</strong>ko na kusema nawe<br />

kuhusu ukweli (2Timotheo 2:15).<br />

Yesu alisema ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> “ata<strong>wa</strong>fundisha<br />

yote, na ku<strong>wa</strong>kumbusha yote niliyo<strong>wa</strong>ambia” (Yohana<br />

14:26). <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu atahuisha (kufanya hai na yenye<br />

kuhusika) maneno ya Yesu.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atatoa katika Neno la Mungu ambalo<br />

sisi tumeweka kama akiba ya maisha yetu. Tunaweka akiba<br />

hii tunaposoma Biblia, pamoja na kusikiliza au kujifunza<br />

mafundisho na mahubiri imara ya ki-Biblia.<br />

Kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, inatubidi tujitoe kikamilifu<br />

katika kujifunza, kukariri na kutendea kazi Maandiko ili<br />

tukue katika hekima. Lakini huku kusoma na kujifunza si<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutunga mahubiri! Ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kukua kwetu<br />

binafsi. Ndipo, kutoka katika kisima hiki kinachoongeza<br />

urefu kila <strong>wa</strong>kati, tunaweza kuchota kweli zile ambazo<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na anazihuisha mioyoni mwetu <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia<br />

wengine. Hali hii itatupa sisi baraka kub<strong>wa</strong> sana, pamoja na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>le tunao<strong>wa</strong>hudumia (1Timotheo 4:12-16).<br />

2) “kuendelea... na kimo” - Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba miili<br />

yetu ni hekalu la <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (1Wakorintho 6:12-20;<br />

1Wathesalonike 4:1-8). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tuwe <strong>wa</strong>kili<br />

wema <strong>wa</strong> miili ambayo Mungu ametupatia. Afya yetu ya<br />

kimwili inahusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja na uwezo wetu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutumi<strong>wa</strong> na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi katika huduma.<br />

Sote tunafahamu matumizi mabaya ya mwili wetu<br />

ambayo ni ya kuepuka: ulevi au matumizi ya mada<strong>wa</strong><br />

(Waefeso 5:18); zinaa na uasherati (1Wathesalonike 4:3-5);<br />

ulafi (1Wakorintho 6:12-13; 9:24-27). Badala ya haya,<br />

tutumie miili yetu katika kumtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na!<br />

Biblia inatuambia ku<strong>wa</strong> mazoezi ya mwili yana thamani<br />

ndogo kuliko uchaji (1Timotheo 4:8); lakini mazoezi yana<br />

thamani fulani. Hata hivyo, tuweke vipaumbele vyetu,<br />

tusihangaikie zaidi hali yetu ya kimwili kuliko hali yetu ya<br />

kiroho.<br />

Mazoezi kiasi ya mwili ya kila siku ni mazuri k<strong>wa</strong> afya<br />

yetu. Ni muhimu pia kujaribu kula vyakula vinavyofaa k<strong>wa</strong><br />

afya. Tuangalie ratiba zetu kuhakikisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunapata<br />

usingizi <strong>wa</strong> kutosha. Mambo haya yanaweza kuongeza muda<br />

wetu <strong>wa</strong> kuishi na ufanisi wetu <strong>wa</strong> kazi, k<strong>wa</strong> kuongeza idadi<br />

ya miaka ambapo Mungu anaweza kututumia na kupokea<br />

utukufu kutokana na huduma yetu K<strong>wa</strong>ke!<br />

3) “akimpendeza Mungu” - Yesu alitembea katika kutii<br />

mapenzi ya Baba. Huduma Yake yote iliku<strong>wa</strong> kutenda<br />

mapenzi ya Baba K<strong>wa</strong>ke (Yohana 5:19,30). Yesu alitamka<br />

yale ambayo Baba aliku<strong>wa</strong> akiyasema (Yohana 8:26,28) na<br />

kufanya matendo ya Mungu (Yohana 5:17; 9:4; 14:10).<br />

Yesu alitii mapenzi ya Baba kikamilifu, hadi aweze<br />

kusema, “[Baba] hakuniacha peke yangu; k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

nafanya sikuzote yale yampendezayo” (Yohana 8:29; taz. pia<br />

Yohana 4:34; 6:38).<br />

Lakini zaidi ya utiifu, Yesu pia alitembea katika<br />

uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu na <strong>wa</strong> ushirikiano na Baba k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong>.<br />

Mara nyingi Yesu alikwenda kusali peke Yake (Luka 5:16).<br />

Neno la Kiyunani lilitafsiri<strong>wa</strong> hapa “aliku<strong>wa</strong> akijiepua”<br />

linaonesha ku<strong>wa</strong> kwenda kusali peke Yake kuliku<strong>wa</strong> mazoea<br />

ya ka<strong>wa</strong>ida k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu.<br />

Utiifu <strong>wa</strong> Yesu haukumfanya astahili upendo na baraka<br />

MATENDO • 47


ya Mungu. Lakini ulihakikisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>wa</strong>la dhambi <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kuridhiana yoyote havikuweza kuvunja uhusiano Wake na<br />

Baba. Hali hii ni muhimu sana kwetu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yesu<br />

ametupatia sisi ahadi hiyo hiyo ya uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu na<br />

Yeye!<br />

Yesu ameahidi “kujidhihirisha” kwetu tunapotembea<br />

katika kutii amri Zake (Yohana 14:21-24). Utiifu wetu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo na Neno Lake, katika mambo makub<strong>wa</strong> na madogo,<br />

utatusaidia kuwepo panapofaa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutembea k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ukaribu zaidi pamoja na B<strong>wa</strong>na wetu. Utiifu wetu haustahili<br />

upendo <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na. Lakini unasaidia kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> uhusiano<br />

na ushirika <strong>wa</strong> ndani zaidi pamoja na Baba, M<strong>wa</strong>na na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Na kutoka mahali hapo pa uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> karibu<br />

sana, upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> utatiririka ndani yetu na<br />

kupitia kwetu zaidi na zaidi.<br />

4) “akimpendeza... na <strong>wa</strong>nadamu” - Maana yake si<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu alitafuta sifa ya <strong>wa</strong>nadamu <strong>wa</strong>la kupata kibali<br />

chao. Lakini Yesu alichagua kutokutenda k<strong>wa</strong> kiburi, inga<strong>wa</strong><br />

kweli Yeye aliku<strong>wa</strong> mkuu kuliko <strong>wa</strong>tu wote! Badala yake,<br />

Yesu alisema na kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> upendo.<br />

Neema Na Ukweli<br />

Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> mfano kwetu <strong>wa</strong> uwiano kamili <strong>wa</strong> tabia<br />

ya Mungu: “Naye Neno alifanyika mwili, akakaa kwetu; nasi<br />

tukauona utukufu <strong>wa</strong>ke, utukufu kama <strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na pekee<br />

atokaye k<strong>wa</strong> Baba; amejaa neema na kweli” (Yohana 1:14);<br />

“K<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> torati ilitole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mkono <strong>wa</strong> Musa; neema na<br />

kweli zilikuja k<strong>wa</strong> mkono <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo” (ms. 17).<br />

Yesu alikaa pamoja na wenye dhambi (Mathayo 9:9-13)<br />

na pamoja na <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> dini (Luka 7:36-50). Aliongea kuhusu<br />

upendo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na makusudi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> wote <strong>wa</strong>liokubali<br />

kusikiliza. Yesu hakutafuta kibali cha <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>la sifa yao, bali<br />

alitafuta njia ya kufunua moyo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu Baba na Neno<br />

Lake katika kila hali.<br />

Yesu alifundisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anatutazamia tutunze<br />

mahusiano kati yetu yaliyo safi na pasipo unajisi. Biblia<br />

inafunua <strong>wa</strong>zi matendo mengi sana ya kimwili na dhambi<br />

ambayo hayakubaliki k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika mahusiano yetu,<br />

yakiwemo: kutosamehe, uchungu, hasira, wivu, kuonea,<br />

ugomvi, masengenyo, kuhukumu, n.k. (Mathayo<br />

5:21-24,43-48; 6:12,14-15; 7:1-6; 18:21-35; Warumi<br />

12:9-21; Wagalatia 5:13-15,19-21; 1Yohana 2:9-10; 3:10-18<br />

- hii ni mistari kadhaa tu kati ya mingi inayoonesha mkazo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na mahusiano yafaayo kati<br />

yetu).<br />

Hatuwezi kuta<strong>wa</strong>la misimamo na mienendo ya wengine;<br />

lakini tunaweza kuamua juu ya misimamo na mienendo yetu<br />

binafsi. Na mara nyingi, msimamo wetu <strong>wa</strong> “neema na<br />

ukweli” utafungua njia k<strong>wa</strong> upatanisho na amani pamoja na<br />

wengine.<br />

Tunapofanya kazi ya kuleta mahusiano mema, yajaayo<br />

“neema na ukweli” ya Mungu, tunasitawisha umoja. Umoja<br />

mkub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi katika Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo ni kufungulia uwepo<br />

wenye upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha yetu,<br />

makanisa yetu na jamii zetu. Pia ni ushuhuda k<strong>wa</strong> dunia <strong>wa</strong><br />

ukweli halisi <strong>wa</strong> Injili (Yohana 17:20-21).<br />

c. Yesu alitembea k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu. K<strong>wa</strong> hakika,<br />

Mungu M<strong>wa</strong>na aliku<strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu mnyenyekevu kuliko<br />

wote. Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> Mungu hasa, lakini alit<strong>wa</strong>a namna ya<br />

mtum<strong>wa</strong> na mfano <strong>wa</strong> m<strong>wa</strong>nadamu, ili atoe uhai Wake k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili yetu sisi sote (Wafilipi 2:7-8). Kama sisi tutafuata nyayo<br />

Zake, lazima tutembee k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu.<br />

Yesu alianza huduma Yake k<strong>wa</strong> kujinyenyekeza, hata<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati ambapo haikuonekana ku<strong>wa</strong> ni lazima afanye hivyo.<br />

Tunaona hali hii Yesu alipofika k<strong>wa</strong> Yohana Mbatizaji <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

alipoku<strong>wa</strong> aki<strong>wa</strong>batiza <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kutubu dhambi<br />

(Mathayo 3:13-17).<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu hakuhitaji kutubu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

Yeye haku<strong>wa</strong> na dhambi (Waebrania 4:15). Hata Yohana<br />

alijaribu kumzuia Yesu, akijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu haku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

dhambi tena aliku<strong>wa</strong> mkuu kuliko yeye (Mathayo 3:14).<br />

Lakini Yesu bado aliomba abatizwe na Yohana: “Kubali hivi<br />

sasa; k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> ndivyo itupasavyo kuitimiza haki yote”<br />

(ms. 15).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> nini Yesu alitaka abatizwe? Tukio hili lilianzisha<br />

huduma ya Yesu. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, Yesu alichagua tendo hili la<br />

kujinyenyekeza katika ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> maji ili afungamane na<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu wenye dhambi - <strong>wa</strong>tu kama wewe na mimi.<br />

Yesu, M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu asiye na dhambi yoyote,<br />

alichagua kujiweka sa<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wenye dhambi katika<br />

utume Wake <strong>wa</strong> kuleta tumaini la wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nadamu<br />

wote. Ili “kuitimiza haki yote” Yesu alikiri mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye achukue mzigo <strong>wa</strong> dhambi zote za<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu, awe Mkombozi na Mwokozi <strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Mtumishi Wa Watumishi<br />

Yesu alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba utume Wake kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

uliku<strong>wa</strong> kama mtumishi mnyenyekevu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote<br />

(Mathayo 20:28). Alitambua hali hii alipoku<strong>wa</strong> na miaka<br />

kumi na miwili tu (Luka 2:41-50). Ilithibitish<strong>wa</strong> tena na yale<br />

yaliyotokea mara baada ya kubatiz<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> maji.<br />

“Naye Yesu alipokwisha kubatiz<strong>wa</strong> mara akapanda<br />

kutoka majini; na tazama, mbingu zikamfunukia, akamwona<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu akishuka kama hua, akija juu yake; na<br />

tazama, sauti kutoka mbinguni ikisema, Huyu ni M<strong>wa</strong>nangu,<br />

mpend<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>ngu, ninayependez<strong>wa</strong> naye” (Mathayo 3:16-17).<br />

Mambo matatu yalimtukia Yesu alipotii mapenzi ya<br />

Baba Yake k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu katika ubatizo:<br />

1) “mbingu zikamfunukia” (ms. 16b) - Hii ni alama ya<br />

Mungu akijifunua pamoja na makusudi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> njia mpya<br />

yenye nguvu kupitia k<strong>wa</strong> M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake. Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Ndiye Mungu (Wakolosai 1:15-16,19; Waebrania 1:3).<br />

Kumwona, kumsikia na kumjua Yeye ni kumjua Mungu<br />

kikamilifu. Katika Yesu, Mungu aliku<strong>wa</strong> amejidhihirisha<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> binadamu mwenye dhambi k<strong>wa</strong> u<strong>wa</strong>zi zaidi kuliko<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wowote uliotangulia.<br />

2) “<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu akishuka” (ms. 16c) - Yesu alipokea<br />

upako wenye uweza usio na kipimo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Huu<br />

ulimwezesha kutimiza makusudi na mapenzi ya Mungu,<br />

akifunua moyo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ukamilifu zaidi na kufungua<br />

njia ya wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wote. Katika kupokea upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, Yesu amepata ku<strong>wa</strong> Yeye anayembatiza<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>mini na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Luka 3:16).<br />

3) “M<strong>wa</strong>nangu, mpend<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>ngu, ninayependez<strong>wa</strong><br />

naye” (ms. 17). K<strong>wa</strong> hakika, Mungu alitamka k<strong>wa</strong> ufunuo <strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani sana katika kuthibitisha asili ya Kristo. Lakini tamko<br />

hili lina maana yenye uzito hata zaidi.<br />

Kuna sehemu mbili za tamko hilo zinazotokana na<br />

maneno ya unabii ya Agano la Kale kuhusu Masihi. “Huyu ni<br />

M<strong>wa</strong>nangu, mpend<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>ngu” hutoka Zaburi 2:7. Wayahudi<br />

48 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


<strong>wa</strong>likubali Zaburi hii nzima kama maelezo ya kinabii kuhusu<br />

Masihi ajaye.<br />

Sehemu ya pili, “ninayependez<strong>wa</strong> naye” hutoka Isaya<br />

42:1. Sura hii nzima ya Isaya, pamoja na sura ya 43, ni unabii<br />

kuhusu Masihi kama Mtumishi anayetes<strong>wa</strong>, Mkombozi<br />

atakayeleta haki, rehema na wokovu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote.<br />

Mungu alipotamka maneno haya, alithibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

Yesu kweli ndiye Masihi aliyesubiri<strong>wa</strong> na kutabiri<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

muda mrefu. Yeye ni Mteuli<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu awe Mwokozi,<br />

Mfalme <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>falme wote na B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> mab<strong>wa</strong>na wote.<br />

Alithibitisha pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba njia ya kufikia taji ya milele ya<br />

ki-Mungu ni kupitia msalabani. Mfalme <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>falme<br />

alipas<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza awe Mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> wote (Wafilipi 2:5-11).<br />

Njia yake ya kufikia kiti cha enzi iliku<strong>wa</strong> utiifu k<strong>wa</strong> Baba<br />

(Waebrania 5:8). Yesu angetimiza utume uliohamasish<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

upendo (Yohana 3:16).<br />

Yesu Alilenga Ku<strong>wa</strong>fikia Wote<br />

Kutokana na matukio haya katika ubatizo <strong>wa</strong> Yesu,<br />

tunaweza kujifunza mambo muhimu kuhusu upako.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>nza, utiifu <strong>wa</strong> hiari <strong>wa</strong> Yesu katika kujinyenyekeza,<br />

hata <strong>wa</strong>kati pasipoku<strong>wa</strong> lazima, ulifungua zaidi ya yale<br />

ambayo Mungu alikusudia k<strong>wa</strong> ajili Yake na kupitia K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>fikia wote, pasipo ku<strong>wa</strong>hukumu, aka<strong>wa</strong>patia<br />

upendo, msamaha na wokovu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Yohana 8:1-11).<br />

Aliongoza k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> mfano katika unyenyekevu (Yohana<br />

13:1-17), akifunua kikamilifu kabisa moyo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu <strong>wa</strong><br />

upendo pale msalabani (1Yohana 4:9-10).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

sisi pia lazima tutembee katika kumtii Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

unyenyekevu. Lazima tu<strong>wa</strong>pelekee wote Injili k<strong>wa</strong><br />

unyenyekevu. Huenda kweli hizi zinaeleweka <strong>wa</strong>zi.<br />

Lakini haina maana ku<strong>wa</strong> tunazitendea kazi! Mara<br />

nyingi kujinyenyekeza ni hamasa kub<strong>wa</strong> sana.<br />

Unyenyekevu unahusiana na tabia yetu moja k<strong>wa</strong><br />

moja. Na tabia yetu ni muhimu kabisa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kukua<br />

na kuzaa matunda k<strong>wa</strong> kutenda kazi katika upako <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>pinga wenye kiburi; lakini ana<strong>wa</strong>pa<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nyenyekevu neema. Nani kati yetu hahitaji zaidi ya<br />

neema ya Mungu katika maisha yake? Inatole<strong>wa</strong> kwetu<br />

kupitia unyenyekevu wetu.<br />

Unyenyekevu huu si kujidhili au kujichukia<br />

kunavyokusudia ku<strong>wa</strong>onesha wengine jinsi sisi tulivyo<br />

“<strong>wa</strong> kiroho”. Mtu mwenye unyenyekevu <strong>wa</strong> kweli hana<br />

haja ya kuuonesha k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu. Mtu anapojifanya ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mnyenyekevu, matokeo yanachukiza sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

maonesho ya kiburi. Unyenyekevu <strong>wa</strong> kweli ni <strong>wa</strong><br />

moyoni. Ni mwelekeo <strong>wa</strong> kujali wengine bila ubinafsi.<br />

Ni kutoku<strong>wa</strong> na kujiona <strong>wa</strong>la kujivuna kabisa.<br />

Nikupendekezee mielekeo na matendo ambayo<br />

huweza kutusaidia tutembee katika unyenyekevu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutii. Ni busara ku<strong>wa</strong> na mazoea haya kila siku:<br />

• Tu<strong>wa</strong>ombe <strong>wa</strong>le tulio<strong>wa</strong>umiza au ku<strong>wa</strong>udhi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tusamehe.<br />

• Tutoe msamaha kutoka moyoni, hata kama<br />

haujaomb<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

• Tumpende mtu anayeonekana k<strong>wa</strong>mba hapendeki<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la kustahili.<br />

• Tuombe msaada, na kuupokea.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

• Tukatae cheo, nafasi na heshima ambavyo faida<br />

yake ni kutuweka “juu ya” wengine tu.<br />

• Tuchague aina ya kazi isiyoonekana, kusifi<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

kuheshimi<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>la kuleta faida au tha<strong>wa</strong>bu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati huu.<br />

• Tu<strong>wa</strong>achie wengine <strong>wa</strong>pokee sifa ambayo huenda<br />

ingaliku<strong>wa</strong> yetu k<strong>wa</strong> haki.<br />

Yesu alifundisha mara nyingi kuhusu unyenyekevu,<br />

akifahamu mwelekeo wetu <strong>wa</strong> kibinadamu <strong>wa</strong> kiburi<br />

(Mathayo 6:1-15; 18:1-4; 20:20-28). Kama tunataka kupokea<br />

upako halisi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> - ambayo huleta maisha<br />

yaliyobadilish<strong>wa</strong> na kuzaa matunda - ni lazima tutembee<br />

kama Yesu alivyotembea.<br />

Ni njia ya kutii k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na uaminifu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

mapenzi ya Mungu yaliyofunuli<strong>wa</strong> katika Neno Lake; ni<br />

kutembea kufuatana na mwongozo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kila<br />

siku (Mika 6:8).<br />

d. Yesu alifahamu majaribu. Mara baada ya kubatiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke, Yesu “akaongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong>” kwenda nyikani<br />

afunge, kusali na kupambana na Shetani (Luka 4:1-12).<br />

Tungeweza kutazamia k<strong>wa</strong>mba baada ya tukio kuu la<br />

kubatiz<strong>wa</strong> na kuti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

Yesu angalitum<strong>wa</strong> moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja katika huduma ya <strong>wa</strong>zi<br />

yenye nguvu.<br />

Lakini hekima ya Mungu imezidi yetu kabisa (Isaya<br />

55:8-9) na makusudi Yake yameandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> upeo <strong>wa</strong><br />

umilele. Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong>mba kujaribi<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu kulifuatana<br />

na mpango <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (Mathayo 4:1; Marko 1:12-13; Luka<br />

4:1).<br />

Tunaweza kujifunza mengi kutokana na mielekeo ya<br />

Yesu katika muda Wake <strong>wa</strong> kujaribi<strong>wa</strong> na kupim<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Hakulalamika <strong>wa</strong>la kunung’unika. Hakushind<strong>wa</strong> na hofu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la mashaka. Kupitia majaribu yote na katika ushindi <strong>wa</strong><br />

mwisho, Yesu alimtegemea kabisa Mungu Baba Yake.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa, tunakabili<strong>wa</strong> na majaribu, mateso na vishawishi<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> wingi. Ku<strong>wa</strong> kiongozi katika Kanisa kunaweza<br />

kututoa katika kilele cha furaha kuu mpaka kwenye<br />

bonde la ubatilisho na kukatish<strong>wa</strong> tamaa - na mara<br />

nyingi, kati ya Jumapili moja na nyingine!<br />

Mchungaji mwenzangu, kama kiongozi katika<br />

kanisa, wewe ni shabaha ya mashambulizi ya ibilisi.<br />

Unaweza kujisikia ku<strong>wa</strong> peke yako katika mapambano<br />

yako, ukifikiri hakuna mtu anayefahamu. Kuna jaribu la<br />

kufikiri k<strong>wa</strong>mba kama ungeku<strong>wa</strong> na upevu au tabia ya<br />

kiroho zaidi, usingepitia vipindi vigumu hivi. Huenda<br />

utashawishi<strong>wa</strong> ukate tamaa na kuacha utumishi.<br />

Uwongo huu <strong>wa</strong> ibilisi unalenga kukuvunja moyo -<br />

usiuamini!<br />

Ukweli ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba yeyote anayejaribu kumtumikia<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na atakabili<strong>wa</strong> na mateso, majaribu na vishawishi<br />

(2Timotheo 3:12) - hata Yesu. Maisha Yake ni mfano<br />

kwetu jinsi tunavyoweza kukabili na kuvumilia majaribu<br />

tuki<strong>wa</strong> na uhakika <strong>wa</strong> ushindi na tukim<strong>wa</strong>mini Mungu.<br />

Yesu alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu asingem<strong>wa</strong>cha <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kumsahau. Alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu ni m<strong>wa</strong>minifu na<br />

ahadi Zake ni za kweli. Alijua ku<strong>wa</strong> angeweza kutimiza<br />

mapenzi ya Baba yake, k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

na msaada <strong>wa</strong> Mungu: “Yeye ni m<strong>wa</strong>minifu ambaye<br />

a<strong>wa</strong>ita, naye atafanya” (1Wathesalonike 5:24).<br />

MATENDO • 49


Nakushauri ukariri mstari huu <strong>wa</strong> Maandiko, na<br />

kuutafakari unapokabili<strong>wa</strong> na hamasa au jambo gumu.<br />

Pia uchukue muda <strong>wa</strong> kusoma maoni na kanuni<br />

kutokana na maisha ya Yesu (Sehemu Ya III, B.2); hivi<br />

pia vitakusaidia katika vipindi vya mambo magumu.<br />

Yesu hakuuliza k<strong>wa</strong> nini haya yalimtokea. Bali<br />

alistahimili majaribu, akiamini ku<strong>wa</strong> sehemu ya makusudi ya<br />

Mungu ilitendeka kupitia katika maisha Yake na ndani yake<br />

pia. Yesu alipata amani na uwezo katika kumnyenyekea<br />

Mungu, na katika imani Yake k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo usiobadilika <strong>wa</strong><br />

Neno la Mungu.<br />

Mavazi Ya Vita Yafaayo<br />

Wakati ambapo Mungu anatufikisha katika eneo jipya la<br />

<strong>wa</strong>jibu au kufungua upako mpya katika maisha yetu, mara<br />

nyingi anaruhusu kipindi cha kujaribi<strong>wa</strong> kifuate. Tuangalie<br />

sababu kadhaa za kipindi hiki ku<strong>wa</strong> muhimu sana:<br />

Tunahitaji “kukua katika” upako tunaope<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Mungu. Mungu atatunyosha kiroho k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ufanisi wetu.<br />

Lakini kukua kunaweza kuumiza; huenda tutataka kuchukia<br />

au kuzuia kukua kwetu. Lakini k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu anajua<br />

yaliyo mbele yetu, anataka kutuandaa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kushinda<br />

na si kushind<strong>wa</strong>. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tuwe na nguvu na<br />

upevu, na pia tukubali yanayotendeka.<br />

Tunaweza kuona mfano <strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li <strong>wa</strong> kanuni hii katika<br />

Agano la Kale (1Samweli 17:38-39). Daudi anakwenda<br />

kumkabili jitu Goliathi. Sauli anamtakia Daudi avae mavazi<br />

yake ya vita. Lakini Daudi anakataa mavazi ya Sauli,<br />

akisema, “Siwezi kwenda na vitu hivi, maana sikuvijaribu”<br />

(ms. 39).<br />

Daudi hakuweza kutumia k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi mavazi<br />

yasiyolingana na mwili <strong>wa</strong>ke na ambayo aliku<strong>wa</strong> hajazoea<br />

kuyavaa. Inga<strong>wa</strong> mavazi haya yalimfaa Sauli, yaliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mageni na yasiyoaminika k<strong>wa</strong> Daudi.<br />

Vile vile, upako na karama ambavyo sisi tunataki<strong>wa</strong><br />

tutembee navyo viwe vyetu - si <strong>wa</strong> mtu mwingine. Ni rahisi<br />

mno kutegemea na kuamini karama na upako vya mtu<br />

mwingine. Huenda tunajaribu hata kumwiga, tukihubiri<br />

mahubiri yake au kuiga mtindo <strong>wa</strong>ke. Tunajaribu kutembea<br />

katika “mavazi” yasiyo yetu!<br />

Kule kujaribu kutembea katika upako <strong>wa</strong> mtu mwingine<br />

ni tatizo, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu amekuita wewe. Anataka<br />

akutumie wewe. <strong>Upako</strong> aliokupatia umetole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili<br />

yako. Wewe ni chombo pekee ambacho Mungu anataka<br />

kutumia k<strong>wa</strong> njia maalum. Kazi anayotoa ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako,<br />

na upako atakaokupa utalingana kikamilifu na kazi<br />

unayotaki<strong>wa</strong> ufanye.<br />

Lakini mara nyingi inachukua muda mpaka ufahamu na<br />

“kukua katika” wito <strong>wa</strong>ko, kazi yako na upako <strong>wa</strong>ko. Mara<br />

nyingine, Mungu atatumia kipindi cha kujaribi<strong>wa</strong> au<br />

kutes<strong>wa</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong> kukusaidia ukue ili upate ku<strong>wa</strong> na nguvu na<br />

kuweza kufanya katika “mavazi” yako mwenyewe - upako<br />

ambao amekupa wewe - uwe na ushindi na kuzaa matunda<br />

katika wito Wake.<br />

Ni lazima tujifunze kutumia yale ambayo Yeye<br />

ametupatia. Mara nyingi majaribu yatafunua upungufu<br />

wetu. Katika vipindi vigumu, tunatambua hata zaidi jinsi<br />

tunavyomhitaji B<strong>wa</strong>na na yale ambayo Yeye peke Yake<br />

anaweza kutupatia.<br />

Tumekwisha jifunza umuhimu <strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> na aina ya<br />

udhaifu <strong>wa</strong> kiuchaji, unaotuongezea kumtegemea Mungu<br />

(2Wakorintho 12:7-10). Aina hii ya udhaifu inatuwezesha<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> vyombo ambavyo upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unaweza<br />

kutiririka kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Haja Yetu Ya Mungu Isiyokwisha<br />

Tunapojaz<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, na kutenda k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika<br />

na imani (vinavyotegemea utii), bado kuna hatari ambayo<br />

inatubidi tuitambue. Hatari hii ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba, polepole,<br />

tunaanza kujitegemea wenyewe pamoja na ujuzi na ustadi<br />

wetu tuliojiongezea. Hapo tunapunguza kumtegemea B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

na uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Si k<strong>wa</strong>mba hali hii haina budi<br />

itokee; lakini inaweza kutokea tusipoku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>angalifu.<br />

Yesu alisema, “Mimi ni mzabibu; ninyi ni matawi;<br />

akaaye [kubaki, kuishi] ndani yangu nami ndani yake, huyo<br />

huzaa sana; maana pasipo mimi ninyi hamwezi kufanya neno<br />

lo lote” (Yohana 15:5).<br />

Nikaze hapa k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

unamhusu Yesu tu. Hauhusu karama, uwezo <strong>wa</strong>la utumishi.<br />

Hauhusu hata <strong>wa</strong>le tunao<strong>wa</strong>hudumia - unamhusu Yesu! Tabia<br />

saba za upako halisi [zilizoorodhesh<strong>wa</strong> katika Sehemu Ya III,<br />

A.3] zilifanana katika jambo moja: ZOTE zilim<strong>wa</strong>shiria Yesu.<br />

Ni katika Yeye tu, k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi<br />

“tunaishi, tunakwenda, na ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhai wetu” (Matendo<br />

17:28). Haidhuru Mungu anatutumia kiasi gani, <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

tunapata ujuzi kiasi gani, inatubidi daima tutunze imani<br />

yenye unyofu kama ya mtoto. Imani ya aina hii inahitaji<br />

kumtumaini B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na kuongeza undani<br />

wetu <strong>wa</strong> kumtegemea Yeye.<br />

Asili yetu ya kibinadamu inaweza kutuelekeza katika<br />

ubinafsi na hisia ya kujitegemea mbali na Mungu. Lakini<br />

majaribu na mateso yatatukumbusha jinsi tunavyomhitaji<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wote, pamoja na neema Yake na uwepo Wake katika<br />

maisha yetu.<br />

Tunahitaji kutakas<strong>wa</strong> ili tuwekwe huru k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kupokea upako Wake zaidi. Yesu alisema, “<strong>Roho</strong> ndiyo<br />

itiayo uzima, mwili haufai kitu; maneno hayo niliyo<strong>wa</strong>ambia<br />

ni roho, tena ni uzima” (Yohana 6:63).<br />

Uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika maisha yetu utafanya<br />

asili yetu ya dhambi kutokuona raha - ndiyo hali<br />

inayotaki<strong>wa</strong>! K<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>Roho</strong> na mwili (asili ya dhambi)<br />

hupigana, au “kushindana” (Wagalatia 5:16-17; taz. pia<br />

Yakobo 4:1-10; 1Petro 2:11).<br />

Mungu anayajua yaliyo ndani ya mioyo, akili na nafsi<br />

zetu ambayo yatazuia au kuziba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> Wake<br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Majaribu na mateso mara nyingi hutusafisha,<br />

yakisogeza madhaifu nje yaonekane na kushughuliki<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Kusafish<strong>wa</strong> Na Uchafu<br />

Watu kama sonara <strong>wa</strong>naofua madini ya fedha na<br />

dhahabu <strong>wa</strong>takuambia ku<strong>wa</strong> mawe yanapochimb<strong>wa</strong> hujaa<br />

uchafu. Inabidi kuyachemsha mpaka yayeyuke ili uchafu<br />

uelee juu.<br />

Ndipo uchafu (uit<strong>wa</strong>o mavi ya madini) unaenguli<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ustadi juu ya madini yaliyoyeyuka (Mithali 25:4). Utaratibu<br />

huu unarudi<strong>wa</strong> mara nyingi mpaka madini yawe safi kabisa<br />

na kufaa kutumi<strong>wa</strong>. Watu <strong>wa</strong>naotia moto katika mawe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>najua dakika halisi ya kuondoa madini kwenye moto ili<br />

yasiungue.<br />

50 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


K<strong>wa</strong> njia kama hii, Mungu atatumia majaribu<br />

yanayoweza kuingia katika maisha yetu kufanya uchafu<br />

uliopo katika maisha yetu “uelee juu” na kuonekana. Ndipo<br />

unaweza kutambuli<strong>wa</strong> - na kuondole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya toba,<br />

uponyaji na ukombozi, viletavyo uhuru kutoka katika<br />

vifungo vya asili yetu ya dhambi.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa,<br />

nini inaelea juu katika maisha yako <strong>wa</strong>kati mazingira<br />

“inachemka” (inazidi) au unapojisikia kuzidi<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

shughuli? Unaitikiaje, unatafuta msaada <strong>wa</strong>pi? Je,<br />

yanayojitokeza yanafunua mwelekeo au mwenendo<br />

ambao Mungu anataka kusafisha, kuponya au kuondoa<br />

maishani m<strong>wa</strong>ko? Je, kuna jambo fulani ambalo Yeye<br />

anataka kukufundisha katika jaribu au tatizo lako?<br />

Vipindi hivi vya kukabili<strong>wa</strong> na madhaifu yetu na<br />

uchafu wetu si vya kuogopa. Mungu, katika upendo<br />

Wake, atatumia majaribu, mateso na dhiki katika<br />

kututakasa na kututengeneza. Pia atatupa mafunuo,<br />

ufahamu, kutugusa na upendo Wake na kutufunulia<br />

yaliyomo ndani ya Neno Lake. Anatumia nafasi hizi<br />

kupanua imani yetu na kubadili tabia yetu ili tuwe<br />

vyombo vyenye kufaa na kutumika zaidi.<br />

Hekima Katika Majaribu<br />

Mungu anatumia majaribu kututakasa na kutuongezea<br />

nguvu. Mungu hatujaribu ili atufanye tujisikie tumeshind<strong>wa</strong><br />

au k<strong>wa</strong> sababu sisi “hatuna wema <strong>wa</strong> kutosha”. Hasha!<br />

Mungu anaruhusu majaribu na mateso katika maisha yetu ili<br />

atuongezee nguvu; k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye hataki sisi tuwe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>dhaifu <strong>wa</strong>kati tunapohitaji ku<strong>wa</strong> na nguvu (Mithali 24:10;<br />

Yeremia 12:5). Mungu anatumia majaribu kutuandaa ili<br />

tuweze kupokea, na kutumia k<strong>wa</strong> uaminifu, zaidi ya upako<br />

Wake!<br />

Ndiyo sababu Yakobo anatuhimiza: “Hesabuni ya ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

ni furaha tupu, mkiangukia katika majaribu mbalimbali”<br />

(Yakobo 1:2). Maandiko yanaendelea kututia moyo tuvumilie<br />

majaribu (ms. 3 na 4), tukijua na kuamini k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu<br />

wetu m<strong>wa</strong>minifu atayatumia k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi wetu na utukufu<br />

Wake. Ndiyo ahadi Yake kwetu (Warumi 8:28-29).<br />

Yakobo anaendelea kutushauri tuombe pia hekima<br />

(Yakobo 1:5-8) - na, k<strong>wa</strong> imani, kutazamia kusikia kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. K<strong>wa</strong> nini tunahitaji hekima hii? K<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutoroka majaribu tu? Sivyo, ila ni kutuwezesha<br />

kupambanua na kufahamu ili tujue tufanye nini <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

Mungu anapotenda kazi ndani yetu - haidhuru chanzo cha<br />

jaribu ni nini.<br />

Hitaji La Historia Iliyothibitika<br />

Mungu anataka kutupa zaidi ya <strong>Roho</strong> Wake. Lakini mara<br />

nyingi maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuwe na nguvu ya kitabia na<br />

upevu ili tusipoteze au kuchezea karama Zake. Usingempa<br />

mtoto <strong>wa</strong> miaka mitano gari, hata kama yeye ameona yu<br />

tayari kuliendesha, sivyo? Asingeku<strong>wa</strong> na upevu <strong>wa</strong> kutosha<br />

ili a<strong>wa</strong>jibike juu yake. Anahitaji k<strong>wa</strong>nza kukua kimwili,<br />

kiakili na kihisia.<br />

Kanuni hii ni kweli pia katika Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Angalia maagizo ya Paulo k<strong>wa</strong> Timotheo kuhusu ku<strong>wa</strong>teua<br />

<strong>wa</strong>zee (maaskofu) na mashemasi (1Timotheo 3:1-13). Ni<br />

vema mtu akipenda ku<strong>wa</strong> kiongozi, maana atamani kazi<br />

njema. Lakini lazima awe na historia iliyothibitika ya<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

mwenendo na tabia ya uchaji, na upevu katika maisha. Paulo<br />

alim<strong>wa</strong>giza Timotheo hasa k<strong>wa</strong>mba mtu aliyeongoka karibu<br />

asiteuliwe kama mzee <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>wa</strong>ongofu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>pya bado ha<strong>wa</strong>ja<strong>wa</strong> na historia kama hii.<br />

Kusimama Wima Wakati Wa Majaribu<br />

Mungu wetu ni mkamilifu katika utakatifu. Yeye<br />

hatatenda uovu kamwe, <strong>wa</strong>la Mungu hatatujaribu sisi -<br />

ambao Yeye anatupenda - tufanye uovu au dhambi (Ayubu<br />

34:10-12; Yakobo 1:13-18).<br />

Ni Shetani aliye m<strong>wa</strong>nzilishi <strong>wa</strong> uovu wote, anayetafuta<br />

kuiba, kuua na kuangamiza (Yohana 10:10). Ibilisi hawezi<br />

kuharibu au kuzuia karama zetu au upako wetu moja k<strong>wa</strong><br />

moja. Hivi vipo chini ya mamlaka ya Mungu peke Yake.<br />

Lakini Shetani atajaribu kutushawishi katika eneo la tabia<br />

yetu. Atajaribu kutushambulia, kutudanganya, kutuchafua au<br />

kutuondolea haki kama vyombo vya Mungu. Akiweza<br />

kutushawishi tuchague mwenendo au msimamo <strong>wa</strong> dhambi,<br />

kazi ya Mungu kupitia maisha yetu inaweza kuzui<strong>wa</strong> au<br />

kuharibi<strong>wa</strong> kutokana na kushind<strong>wa</strong> kwetu binafsi.<br />

Tufanyeje basi k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> “mshtaki [wetu] ibilisi, kama<br />

simba angurumaye, huzunguka-zunguka, akitafuta mtu<br />

ammeze” (1Petro 5:8)?<br />

Tupambane na majaribu kama Yesu alivyofanya pale<br />

nyikani (Luka 4:3-12). Njia za kupinga kazi za ibilisi<br />

zimeorodhesh<strong>wa</strong> pia katika Yakobo 4:7-10. Usome sehemu<br />

hii ya Maandiko, na tuiangalie hapa sasa.<br />

“Mtiini Mungu” - tumtii na kumtegemea Mungu. Kutii<br />

Neno Lake kutatuweka mbali na mahali na nafasi za<br />

vishawishi. Pia, umkimbilie Yeye k<strong>wa</strong>nza katika sala<br />

unapopata majaribu au vishawishi; usijaribu kupinga<br />

majaribu pasipo msaada <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

“Mpingeni Shetani” - tumia Neno la Mungu na lugha<br />

yako ya kiroho ya kusali (1Wakorintho sura ya 12 na 14);<br />

uungane na mtu unayem<strong>wa</strong>mini katika sala.<br />

“Mkaribieni Mungu” - umletee Mungu hali yako kamili<br />

katika sala ukimruhusu aangaze ndani ya moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko k<strong>wa</strong><br />

nuru ya <strong>Roho</strong> Yake na Neno Lake. Uwe mvumilivu na<br />

kumsubiri atende yale ambayo Yeye peke Yake anaweza<br />

kuyatenda. Upinge jaribu la kushughulika mwenyewe na<br />

kujaribu kubadili au kutengeneza hali wewe mwenyewe.<br />

“Itakaseni mikono yenu”, “na kuisafisha mioyo yenu”,<br />

“Jidhilini mbele za B<strong>wa</strong>na” - <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

anapofunua au kukuthibitishia maeneo ya utum<strong>wa</strong>, dhambi<br />

na udhaifu katika maisha yako, uyalete k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika<br />

sala k<strong>wa</strong> moyo <strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na toba; ungama makosa<br />

yako na haja yako ya kazi ya utakaso ya Mungu, msamaha,<br />

uponyaji na ukombozi Wake.<br />

Neema Ya Ku<strong>wa</strong> Washindi<br />

Zaidi yake, kuna orodha nyingine ya maagizo yenye<br />

nguvu ya kutusaidia kupambana katika vita vya kiroho. Soma<br />

Waefeso 6:10-18. Mistari hii inatuagiza tuvae silaha, kushika<br />

upanga <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> (Neno la Mungu) na “kulowesh<strong>wa</strong>” sala.<br />

Ndipo baada ya kufanya yote uwezayo, simama imara katika<br />

imani, tumaini na utiifu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Unaweza kumpinga<br />

ibilisi na kazi zake, naye lazima akimbie! Mungu atakupa<br />

ushindi leo!<br />

Adui hakati tamaa. Atajaribu tena, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu lengo<br />

lake ni kukuangamiza. Hali hii iliku<strong>wa</strong> ya kweli hata k<strong>wa</strong><br />

MATENDO • 51


Yesu. Inga<strong>wa</strong> alikabili jaribu kuu nyikani - na kupata ushindi<br />

mkuu - haiku<strong>wa</strong> mara Yake ya mwisho ya kukutana na adui<br />

(tazama Luka 4:13; taz. pia Mathayo 16:23; Luka 22:1-6).<br />

Lakini katika kila jaribu, Yesu hakukubali dhambi.<br />

Kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu yu upande <strong>wa</strong>ko kabisa<br />

(Warumi 8:31). Ameahidi k<strong>wa</strong>mba hataruhusu ujaribiwe<br />

kuzidi uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ko; daima Yeye atakupatia mlango <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutoka (1Wakorintho 10:13; 2Petro 2:9).<br />

Tushangilie, basi, k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi tunaye Mfalme anayejua<br />

na kufahamu mapambano yetu k<strong>wa</strong> ndani. Mwokozi huyu<br />

mwenye haki na upendo ametukaribisha k<strong>wa</strong> hiari kupokea<br />

uwezo, nguvu na neema Yake ili tuwe <strong>wa</strong>shindi kama Yeye<br />

(Waebrania 4:14-16).<br />

Lazima tufuate utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> maisha yote <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutegemea uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Yesu aliporudi kutoka siku zile arobaini nyikani, Biblia<br />

inasema hivi: “Yesu akarudi k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu za <strong>Roho</strong>, akaenda<br />

Galilaya; habari zake zikaenea katika nchi zote za<br />

kandokando” (Luka 4:14).<br />

Yesu aliendea mji <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> nyumbani, Nazareti. Ndipo<br />

alipokulia na alipokwenda katika sinagogi siku ya Sabato<br />

(Luka 4:16-30). Ndipo aliposimama asome, akichagua<br />

kutoka katika Maandiko mistari hii kutoka Isaya 61:1-2:<br />

“<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na yu juu yangu, k<strong>wa</strong> maana amenitia mafuta<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>hubiri maskini habari njema. Amenituma ku<strong>wa</strong>tangazia<br />

<strong>wa</strong>fung<strong>wa</strong> kufunguli<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>o, na vipofu kuona tena,<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>acha huru <strong>wa</strong>lioset<strong>wa</strong>, na kutangaza m<strong>wa</strong>ka <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

uliokubali<strong>wa</strong>” (Luka 4:18-19).<br />

Yesu alitangaza k<strong>wa</strong>mba kazi Yake ya Masihi<br />

ingefany<strong>wa</strong> na “<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na”. Yesu aliti<strong>wa</strong> mafuta na<br />

kupe<strong>wa</strong> uwezo na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Iliku<strong>wa</strong> kutokana na<br />

upako huu tu k<strong>wa</strong>mba aliweza kufanya yote aliyotangaza<br />

kinabii kuhusu huduma Yake.<br />

Kumtegemea B<strong>wa</strong>na Kikamilifu<br />

Katika mistari hii, Yesu ameweka utaratibu kamili jinsi<br />

tunavyoweza kufanya mapenzi ya Baba. Kama tunavyojua,<br />

Yesu alikuja ili afanye mapenzi ya Baba, si ya K<strong>wa</strong>ke. Vile<br />

vile, wewe na mimi tumeit<strong>wa</strong> tufanye mapenzi ya Baba na si<br />

yetu. Hatujait<strong>wa</strong> tufuate “mpango wetu” hata kama tunauona<br />

ni mzuri kabisa. Bali tumeit<strong>wa</strong>, kupe<strong>wa</strong> mamlaka na<br />

kuwezesh<strong>wa</strong> tufanye mapenzi ya Mtu Mmoja - Mungu. Na ili<br />

tufanye mapenzi ya Mungu, tunahitaji uwezo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu!<br />

Kama tulivyojifunza, hamasa yetu kuu tunapopevuka<br />

katika mambo ya Mungu ni jinsi ya kutegemea Mungu na<br />

uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> zaidi na zaidi. Ni rahisi mno<br />

kuanza kutegemea karama na nguvu zetu zinazoongezeka.<br />

Tumepata ufanisi kiasi, k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunapunguza kusali k<strong>wa</strong><br />

bidii na kujifunza Biblia. Njaa yetu ya kiroho, au hamu yetu<br />

ya kumwona Mungu akifanya kazi katika maisha ya <strong>wa</strong>tu au<br />

katika jamii yetu, vinapungua. Ndipo tunapoanza kutegemea<br />

zaidi ujuzi na ustadi wetu <strong>wa</strong> muda mrefu, kuliko uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Katika hali kama hizi, matatizo na majaribu yanaweza<br />

kuturudisha kwenye kupiga magoti na kusali, penye nafasi<br />

yetu ya kumtegemea B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya yote tunayohitaji<br />

katika maisha na huduma.<br />

Tunaweza kuona, katika maisha ya Yesu, vipindi vya<br />

miujiza mikuu na huduma kub<strong>wa</strong>, na vipindi vya majaribu<br />

makuu na upinzani mkub<strong>wa</strong>. Lakini k<strong>wa</strong> pande zote, M<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

52 • MATENDO<br />

HASIRA<br />

HOFU<br />

KIBURI<br />

Majaribu si tishio.<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu asiye na dhambi alitegemea kabisa uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Yesu alichagua kupokea vizuizi au mipaka ya mwili <strong>wa</strong><br />

kibinadamu na kujifanya ku<strong>wa</strong> hana utukufu (Wafilipi 2:7).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya hali hii, Yesu alijiachia ategemee kabisa<br />

mapenzi ya Baba na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ndivyo<br />

vilivyompitisha katika maisha ya hapa duniani, huduma<br />

Yake, na hata kupitia kifo Chake na kufufuka K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong><br />

utukufu kulikofuata!<br />

Kama Yesu, M<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, alihitaji nguvu ya upako<br />

ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili atimize mapenzi ya Baba - je, si zaidi<br />

sana basi kwetu wewe na mimi?<br />

Majaribu: Silaha Za Mungu Za Kututengeneza<br />

Mungu atatumia majaribu katika maisha yetu. Si<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba anatuadhibu katika vipindi hivi. Ukweli ni kinyume.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu anatupenda, anaturudi (Waebrania<br />

12:3-11). K<strong>wa</strong> sababu sisi kweli ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> kiume na<br />

kike (Warumi 8:14-16), Yeye anafanya yote yaliyo lazima<br />

kututengeneza na kutuwezesha kukua katika mfano Wake<br />

(2Wakorintho 3:18). K<strong>wa</strong> sababu sisi ni <strong>wa</strong>rithi pamoja na<br />

Kristo (Warumi 8:17), na hatima yetu ni kuta<strong>wa</strong>la pamoja na<br />

Yeye (2Timotheo 2:12; Ufunuo 5:10), tutapitia majaribu ya<br />

kutuandaa k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya mambo yajayo (Warumi 8:18;<br />

2Wakorintho 4:17).<br />

Tusiogope <strong>wa</strong>la kutoroka majaribu na matatizo<br />

yatakayotujia sisi sote. Lakini badala yake, kama Yakobo<br />

anavyoandika, “hesabuni ku<strong>wa</strong> ni furaha tupu, mkiangukia<br />

katika majaribu mbalimbali” (Yakobo 1:2). Maana ndiyo<br />

silaha hasa ambazo Mungu atazitumia katika kutuumba,<br />

kutugeuza na kutuandaa k<strong>wa</strong> matumizi Yake na utukufu<br />

Wake!<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


3. Kufuata Nafsi Ya Mungu<br />

Kama tulivyoona, kuna kanuni nyingi na masomo mengi<br />

ya kujifunza katika maisha na huduma ya Yesu. K<strong>wa</strong> hakika,<br />

hakuna mtu aliyefundisha kama Yeye (Luka 4:32). Yesu<br />

alifanya ishara, maajabu na miujiza katika muda wote <strong>wa</strong><br />

huduma Yake - kiasi ambacho mtume Yohana alisema<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni vingi mno kabisa visiweze kuandik<strong>wa</strong> (Yohana<br />

21:25)!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo ni Yeye yule jana, leo na hata<br />

milele (Waebrania 13:8), mambo aliyofanya <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong><br />

huduma Yake hapa duniani yanaendelea kufanyika hata<br />

leo. Matendo makuu na miujiza bado hufany<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya viungo vya Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Maana<br />

yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba huduma ambayo Yesu alianzisha alipoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

duniani, ame<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>fuasi Wake sasa <strong>wa</strong>iendeleze (Matendo<br />

1:1-8).<br />

Bila shaka sisi hatukupe<strong>wa</strong> utume Wake <strong>wa</strong> kufa<br />

msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi za binadamu. Ule uliku<strong>wa</strong><br />

utume <strong>wa</strong> Kristo peke Yake. Wokovu <strong>wa</strong> milele unatokana na<br />

dhabihu Yake tu (Matendo 4:12). Hakuna tunachoweza<br />

kuongeza katika kazi ile kuu iliyokwisha timizi<strong>wa</strong> kabisa.<br />

Sisi tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tuipokee tu!<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Tafadhali ufahamu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba huduma ya Yesu haikukatish<strong>wa</strong> kutokana na<br />

kusulibi<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong>ke. Lengo kuu la utume <strong>wa</strong> Yesu hapa<br />

duniani liliku<strong>wa</strong> kifo Chake msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

wokovu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nadamu wote. Wokovu huu ulitimiz<strong>wa</strong><br />

k<strong>wa</strong> utukufu katika kifo Chake na kufufuka K<strong>wa</strong>ke<br />

kulikofuata (Yohana 19:30; Waefeso 1:17-23; Wafilipi<br />

2:5-11; Waebrania 9:11-15).<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaweza kusema k<strong>wa</strong> uhakika k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

hakuna mtu aliyemwua Yesu kinyume cha mapenzi<br />

Yake. Bali, kifo cha Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zetu<br />

kiliku<strong>wa</strong> sehemu ya makusudi ya Mungu<br />

yaliyoandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili Yake (Yohana 1:29; 12:27;<br />

19:5-11; Matendo 2:22-24,33). Yesu alikubali na<br />

kutimiza kabisa utume huu.<br />

Kazi Kub<strong>wa</strong> Zaidi<br />

Sisi tuliopokea wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo tumepe<strong>wa</strong><br />

huduma ya Yesu tuiendeleze, hata “mpaka mwisho <strong>wa</strong> nchi”<br />

(Matendo 1:8). Tumepe<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atuwezeshe<br />

tutimize amri hii yenye baraka.<br />

Yesu alisema pia, “Amin, amin, na<strong>wa</strong>ambieni, Yeye<br />

aniaminiye mimi, kazi nizifanyazo mimi, yeye naye<br />

atazifanya; naam, na kub<strong>wa</strong> kuliko hizo atafanya, k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

mimi naenda k<strong>wa</strong> Baba” (Yohana 14:12). Katika mstari huu,<br />

tunaona <strong>wa</strong>zi kabisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yesu ametuita tuendeleze kazi<br />

Zake.<br />

Lakini ni lazima tufahamu k<strong>wa</strong>mba maana yake si<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba kazi zetu k<strong>wa</strong> aina fulani zitaku<strong>wa</strong> kuu kuliko kazi ya<br />

Kristo. Wala hatuwezi kamwe kupata ku<strong>wa</strong> sa<strong>wa</strong>sa<strong>wa</strong> na Kristo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> njia yoyote (Mathayo 10:24-25; Yohana 13:16). Maana<br />

Yesu peke Yake aliku<strong>wa</strong> na ndiye Mungu; na Yesu ni Mmoja<br />

pamoja na Mungu Baba na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Yohana 10:30).<br />

Yesu aliposema “kazi kub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi” alimaanisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

sisi tutafanya kazi yenye upana zaidi au matendo mengi zaidi.<br />

Muda <strong>wa</strong> huduma ya Yesu uliku<strong>wa</strong> kama miaka mitatu na<br />

nusu. Huduma yetu inaweza kuendelea katika maisha yetu<br />

yote.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Huduma ya Yesu duniani ilifungi<strong>wa</strong> katika eneo dogo na<br />

kati ya <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>chache. Ni ndogo kulingana na mamilioni ya<br />

<strong>wa</strong>fuasi <strong>wa</strong> Kristo tulioit<strong>wa</strong> tuende “mpaka mwisho <strong>wa</strong> nchi”<br />

(Matendo 1:8). Tumeagiz<strong>wa</strong> “kuihubiri injili k<strong>wa</strong> kila<br />

kiumbe” (Marko 16:15) na “ku<strong>wa</strong>fanya mataifa yote ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>nafunzi” (Mathayo 28:19). Ndizo “kazi kub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi”<br />

ambazo tutazifanya!<br />

Habari Njema K<strong>wa</strong> Wote<br />

Imeku<strong>wa</strong> mpango <strong>wa</strong> moyo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu Baba kufikisha<br />

wokovu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wote. K<strong>wa</strong> njia ya kufa na kufufuka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Yesu, mpango huu sasa unawezekana. Lakini hii Habari<br />

Njema ya ajabu lazima itangazwe k<strong>wa</strong> mataifa yote<br />

(Mathayo 24:14; Yohana 4:35). Watajuaje pasipo mtu <strong>wa</strong><br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>ambia (Warumi 10:14-15)?<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>jibu <strong>wa</strong> kila m<strong>wa</strong>mini kutangaza Habari Njema ya<br />

wokovu katika Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wote. Lakini ili tufanye<br />

hivyo, tunahitaji nguvu na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, “Atauhakikisha<br />

ulimwengu k<strong>wa</strong> habari ya dhambi, na haki, na hukumu”<br />

(Yohana 16:8, usome ms. 7-11). Ni k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> pia k<strong>wa</strong>mba ishara na miujiza vilifany<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

mitume <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza (Matendo 2:43; 5:12; n.k.) Ishara hizi<br />

hizi na miujiza hiyo hiyo vimeendelea kupitia kipindi kizima<br />

cha Kanisa, navyo hupatikana kwetu leo (1Wakorintho<br />

12:9-10).<br />

Wachungaji na viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa <strong>wa</strong>lio wengi leo <strong>wa</strong>na<br />

njaa ya kuona zaidi ya nguvu ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi katika<br />

huduma zao. Tunatamani ku<strong>wa</strong>ona <strong>wa</strong>gonj<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kipony<strong>wa</strong>,<br />

mapepo yakiondole<strong>wa</strong>, <strong>wa</strong>fu <strong>wa</strong>kifufuli<strong>wa</strong> - na zaidi - yote<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> utukufu <strong>wa</strong> Yesu!<br />

Matendo haya k<strong>wa</strong> hakika yanapatikana kwetu sisi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Yesu alifanya matendo hayo<br />

katika huduma Yake k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 2:22).<br />

Naye ameahidi k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi pia tutazifanya (Yohana 14:12)<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yule yule (1Wakorintho 12:11).<br />

Tunaweza na tunapas<strong>wa</strong> kutazamia - na kuaminia k<strong>wa</strong><br />

imani - k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu atathibitisha mahubiri ya Injili k<strong>wa</strong><br />

nguvu ya kimwujiza katika huduma zetu (Marko 16:19-20).<br />

Ndivyo atakavyofanya k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

kufuatana na mapenzi Yake. Haleluya!<br />

Ishara Zinam<strong>wa</strong>shiria Mungu<br />

Hapa inatubidi tuweke utaratibu wenye uwiano na<br />

uangalifu. Lengo au shabaha ya huduma yetu isiwe kamwe<br />

miujiza, ishara na maajabu. Na mambo hayo yasije yawe<br />

tamaa ya moyo wetu.<br />

Ni kweli k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu anafanya mambo mengi na<br />

miujiza ya ajabu hapa duniani leo. Lakini je, kusudi la ishara<br />

hizi, maajabu na miujiza vyote hivi vikuu?<br />

“Ishara” au “ajabu” ni tukio lisilo la ka<strong>wa</strong>ida (tafadhali<br />

soma zaidi kuhusu ishara na maajabu katika sehemu maalum<br />

hapa chini). Mungu anatoa ishara k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuvuta akili<br />

zetu. K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, kijiti kinacho<strong>wa</strong>ka moto nyikani huenda si<br />

jambo la ajabu sana. Lakini kijiti kinapoendelea ku<strong>wa</strong>ka<br />

moto k<strong>wa</strong> muda mrefu pasipo kuteketea, bila shaka kinavuta<br />

macho na akili yetu (taz. Kutoka 3:1-3)!<br />

Lakini ishara ni zaidi ya tukio lisilo la ka<strong>wa</strong>ida. Kusudi<br />

hasa la ishara na maajabu ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba zinaashiria jambo<br />

MATENDO • 53


fulani. Lile lililoashiri<strong>wa</strong> na ishara au ajabu ndilo<br />

linalothibitisha uhalisi <strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Ishara na maajabu yote yanayofany<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> daima na kila mara zita<strong>wa</strong>elekeza <strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu Baba au Mungu M<strong>wa</strong>na - Yesu. Ishara yenyewe si<br />

“hatima” au lengo. Badala yake, ishara inataki<strong>wa</strong> imwongoze<br />

mtu afikie hatima.<br />

Mungu alivuta akili ya Musa k<strong>wa</strong> kutumia kijiti<br />

kisichoteketea. Lakini alipoku<strong>wa</strong> amekwisha kuvuta akili<br />

yake, Mungu alianza kujidhihirisha (Kutoka 3:4-6) pamoja<br />

na kusudi Lake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>tu Wake (Kutoka 3:7 - 4:17).<br />

Je, lipi liliku<strong>wa</strong> muhimu zaidi? K<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu alifanya<br />

kijiti kisiteketee, au yale aliyofunua juu Yake Mwenyewe<br />

pamoja na kusudi Lake?<br />

Je, Injili Inahubiri<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong> Udhahiri?<br />

Msingi <strong>wa</strong> kupima ishara na maajabu, maneno ya<br />

kinabii, maono, na matukio mengine ya kiroho kama haya, si<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni tofauti, isiyo ka<strong>wa</strong>ida au nje ya utaratibu <strong>wa</strong><br />

ISHARA, MAAJABU NA<br />

MIUJIZA KUTOKA KWA MUNGU<br />

NI VIZURI, NA TUTAZAMIE<br />

KUVIONA LEO. Havikukoma <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

<strong>wa</strong> kifo cha mitume <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza (kama<br />

100 b.K. hivi). Wala havikukoma<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati Maandiko ya Agano Jipya<br />

yalipothibitish<strong>wa</strong> (kutambuli<strong>wa</strong> rasmi<br />

na uongozi <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni<br />

maandiko ya mitume yaliyo na upuzio<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Mungu kama 300 b.K.).<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> bado anatenda leo<br />

kazi ambazo Yesu alianza kufanya<br />

karibu miaka 2,000 iliyopita! “Yesu<br />

Kristo ni yeye yule, jana na leo na hata<br />

milele” (Waebrania 13:8). Naye ndiye<br />

aliyetuita sisi tuendeleze kazi Zake<br />

(Yohana 14:12), k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Lakini, pamoja na k<strong>wa</strong>mba ishara,<br />

maajabu na miujiza ni mambo ya<br />

kusisimua sana, kuna mipaka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

utendaji <strong>wa</strong>ke. Tumekwisha ona<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba ishara zipo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kuvuta<br />

akili za <strong>wa</strong>tu. Nazo daima zi<strong>wa</strong>elekeze<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu k<strong>wa</strong> Yesu.<br />

Hoja hii ni muhimu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

ishara na maajabu havisababishi “imani<br />

iokoayo” ikue katika moyo <strong>wa</strong> mtu.<br />

Imani inayotegemea ishara au mwujiza<br />

tu itaku<strong>wa</strong> hafifu na haitadumu. (K<strong>wa</strong><br />

kuona mfano <strong>wa</strong>ke, soma Yohana sura<br />

ya 6, hasa mistari 14-15,26-35,60-64).<br />

Hatimaye, ili aingie katika<br />

wokovu, inambidi mtu achague<br />

kuitikia ukweli <strong>wa</strong> Yesu Kristo<br />

54 • MATENDO<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye ni nani, na jinsi<br />

alivyotenda msalabani k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yake.<br />

Lazima am<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye, azitubu<br />

dhambi zake binafsi, na ampokee Yesu<br />

kama B<strong>wa</strong>na na Mwokozi <strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Nafasi Ya K<strong>wa</strong>nza Ni Ya Yesu<br />

Yesu, mapema katika huduma<br />

Yake, alifahamu asili ya uovu na<br />

uhafifu katika moyo <strong>wa</strong> binadamu<br />

(Yeremia 17:9). Yesu hakujiachia au<br />

"kujitoa" k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liomfuata<br />

(Yohana 2:23-25). Alitambua k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> na imani hafifu ya juujuu tu<br />

iliyotokea “<strong>wa</strong>lipoziona ishara zake<br />

alizozifanya” (ms. 23).<br />

Miujiza, ishara na maajabu<br />

zinazofany<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni sahihi na zinakubalika.<br />

Mungu anazitumia kuvuta akili za<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu. Lakini imani ya kudumu lazima<br />

iwekwe juu ya msingi imara zaidi na<br />

<strong>wa</strong> milele: Yesu Kristo!<br />

Imani ambayo mtu ameweka juu<br />

ya Yesu Kristo na dhabihu Yake k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya dhambi zake ni imani iliyo<br />

imara, ya kudumu na ya kuokoa. Ndiyo<br />

aina ya imani inayobadilisha maisha<br />

ambayo itaendelea ku<strong>wa</strong> na nguvu na<br />

kukua, ijapoku<strong>wa</strong> mapambano na<br />

majaribu. Ndiyo aina ya imani<br />

inayodumu katika maisha yote na<br />

mpaka milele!<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anatumia ishara,<br />

maajabu na miujiza ili avute akili za<br />

<strong>wa</strong>tu. Lakini anafanya hivyo ili<br />

kimaumbile. Hata ibilisi anaweza kutumia hila afanye ishara<br />

na maajabu yasiyo ya kimaumbile kiasi fulani (2Wakorintho<br />

11:14). Kazi za Shetani za aina hii zitaongezeka tunapoingia<br />

zaidi katika nyakati za mwisho (Mathayo 24:23-25;<br />

2Wathesalonike 2:8-10; Ufunuo 13:13-14; 16:14; 19:20).<br />

Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> mapepo utajaribu kufanya miujiza ya<br />

uwongo ili ku<strong>wa</strong>danganya <strong>wa</strong>tu, iki<strong>wa</strong>vuta mbali na ukweli<br />

<strong>wa</strong> Injili na Yesu aki<strong>wa</strong> njia pekee ya wokovu. Lakini hata<br />

mfano huu <strong>wa</strong> kikano unaonesha k<strong>wa</strong>mba ishara na maajabu<br />

huweza kuvuta akili za <strong>wa</strong>tu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, msingi <strong>wa</strong> kupima ishara na maajabu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni hii: Je, tukio hili linamtukuza Yesu? Je,<br />

lina<strong>wa</strong>elekeza <strong>wa</strong>tu K<strong>wa</strong>ke? Je, lina<strong>wa</strong>ongoza <strong>wa</strong>mwitikie<br />

Yeye - kumpenda, kum<strong>wa</strong>budu, kumtii na kumfuata Yesu<br />

Kristo? Je, Injili inahubiri<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> u<strong>wa</strong>zi, ili <strong>wa</strong>siookole<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>pate nafasi ya kutubu? Je, jina la Yesu linainuli<strong>wa</strong> kuliko<br />

majina mengine yote? Ndiyo mas<strong>wa</strong>li tunayopas<strong>wa</strong> tuulize<br />

tunapotafuta kupambanua na kufahamu hoja hii ya ishara na<br />

maajabu.<br />

KUTAZAMA KWA KIFUPI ISHARA NA MAAJABU<br />

a<strong>wa</strong>fikishe kwenye nafasi ya kuchagua<br />

kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Kristo k<strong>wa</strong> wokovu.<br />

Tuangalie mifano miwili ya hali hii.<br />

Katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza (Yohana<br />

9:1-41) Yesu alimponya mtu<br />

aliyezali<strong>wa</strong> kipofu. Mtu huyu<br />

alipony<strong>wa</strong>, lakini ndipo Yesu<br />

alipompatia nafasi ya kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

(9:35-38).<br />

Katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> pili (Matendo<br />

13:4-12) Paulo alimkabili mchawi<br />

mwovu. Chini ya upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, Paulo alitamka hukumu ya<br />

kinabii juu ya mchawi huyu (ms. 9-11).<br />

Li<strong>wa</strong>li (mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> juu katika<br />

serikali) aliona tendo lile la uweza na<br />

kuamini k<strong>wa</strong>mba yale ambayo Paulo<br />

alimfundisha kuhusu Kristo ni kweli<br />

(ms. 12).<br />

Utaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba katika mifano<br />

yote miwili, imani katika Kristo<br />

haikutegemea ishara yenyewe. Msingi<br />

<strong>wa</strong> imani uliku<strong>wa</strong> kama <strong>wa</strong>lim<strong>wa</strong>mini<br />

Yesu Kristo ama sivyo (Yohana 9:35-38;<br />

Matendo 13:12). Ishara zilisaidia tu<br />

katika kuthibitisha ukweli na uwezo <strong>wa</strong><br />

Injili ya Yesu Kristo.<br />

Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, ishara na<br />

maajabu ziwe na nafasi katika huduma<br />

yako. Lakini nafasi ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza katika<br />

mambo yote ni ya Yesu; mengine yote<br />

ya<strong>wa</strong>elekeze <strong>wa</strong>tu K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> urahisi<br />

na u<strong>wa</strong>zi mkub<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Yesu ndiye Mwokozi <strong>wa</strong>o! Yesu ni<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong>o! Sifa na utukufu yote yawe<br />

K<strong>wa</strong>ke!<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Hakuna Miungu Mingine<br />

Hapa tumefikia kanuni ya msingi moja<strong>wa</strong>po k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kutembea, kutoa huduma, na kukua katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>:<br />

Je, tunamtafuta Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya yale<br />

atakayotutendea? Au je, tunamtafuta k<strong>wa</strong> ajili Yake<br />

Mwenyewe, na k<strong>wa</strong> hamu yetu ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano na<br />

Yeye - tukitaka tu kumjua na kumtambulisha k<strong>wa</strong><br />

wengine?<br />

Tumethibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba uweza <strong>wa</strong> Mungu hautengani na<br />

nafsi ya Mungu. <strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ndiye <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

akifanya kazi ndani ya, na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>, chombo cha<br />

kibinadamu kilichojitoa K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Lakini inatokeaje <strong>wa</strong>kati mtu fulani anapopoteza lengo<br />

lake k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu, au kugeuza hamu yake ya mambo ya<br />

kiroho mbali na Yeye? Tunaweza kuona matokeo yake kati ya<br />

viongozi <strong>wa</strong> Wayahudi <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> Yesu.<br />

Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>kabili viongozi hao <strong>wa</strong>liotaka kumwua<br />

(Yohana 5:16-18). Waliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye elimu ya hali ya<br />

juu, lakini <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>mepoteza njia yao ijapoku<strong>wa</strong> ujuzi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>kemea k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupoteza lengo lenyewe la<br />

masomo yao yote: “M<strong>wa</strong>yachunguza maandiko, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

mnadhani k<strong>wa</strong>mba ninyi mna uzima <strong>wa</strong> milele ndani yake; na<br />

hayo ndiyo yanayonishuhudia. Wala hamtaki kuja k<strong>wa</strong>ngu<br />

mpate ku<strong>wa</strong> na uzima” (Yohana 5:39-40).<br />

Viongozi hao <strong>wa</strong> Wayahudi <strong>wa</strong>lijua Maandiko. Lakini<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>mepoteza Neno Lililo Hai - Yesu, aliyeku<strong>wa</strong><br />

amesimama pale pale mbele yao (Yohana 1:1-5,14)!<br />

Baadaye, Yesu ali<strong>wa</strong>kemea tena viongozi <strong>wa</strong> dini k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya kutafuta ishara kila <strong>wa</strong>kati, inga<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>mekwisha ona ishara nyingi (Mathayo 12:38-39). Na Yesu<br />

ali<strong>wa</strong>kemea mara ya tatu alipolenga upofu <strong>wa</strong> Mafarisayo,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>andishi na <strong>wa</strong>nasheria <strong>wa</strong>lioku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kidai hata ishara<br />

nyingine (Mathayo 16:1-4).<br />

Ndipo karibu na mwisho <strong>wa</strong> huduma ya Yesu, upofu <strong>wa</strong><br />

makusudi <strong>wa</strong> Mafarisayo ulioku<strong>wa</strong>po haujabadilika, Yesu<br />

alitamka hukumu juu yao (Mathayo 23:37-39).<br />

Hoja ya Yesu hapa iliku<strong>wa</strong> nini? Kuna mambo mengi<br />

tunayoweza kujifunza kutokana na makabiliano kati ya Yesu<br />

na viongozi <strong>wa</strong> dini <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati Wake. Lakini hasa, Yesu<br />

aliku<strong>wa</strong> akifunua k<strong>wa</strong>mba Wayahudi <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kitafuta<br />

yale ambayo <strong>wa</strong>limtaka Mungu a<strong>wa</strong>tendee - lakini<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kimtafuta Mungu Mwenyewe!<br />

Ndiyo sababu yao moja ya kumkataa Yesu kama Masihi.<br />

Haku<strong>wa</strong>pa lile <strong>wa</strong>lilolitaka, yaani k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye aanzishe<br />

Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> duniani <strong>wa</strong>kati ule ule ambamo Mafarisayo,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>andishi na <strong>wa</strong>nasheria <strong>wa</strong>ngekuwemo kati ya viongozi<br />

wenye heshima. Walitamani nguvu, uta<strong>wa</strong>la na utajiri.<br />

Waliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>meridhia nafasi zao, vyeo vya heshima na<br />

daraja ya juu katika jamii (Mathayo 6:2,5-6,16-18; 23:2-7;<br />

Yohana 12:42-43; n.k.). Waliku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>mepoteza lengo kabisa,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kijifikiria wenyewe tu. Yesu, bila shaka, alihukumu<br />

msimamo huu <strong>wa</strong> kujiendeleza na kiburi cha kidini.<br />

Viongozi <strong>wa</strong> dini <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>mesahau ukweli <strong>wa</strong><br />

kimsingi kuhusu Mungu ambaye <strong>wa</strong>lidai <strong>wa</strong>limtumikia.<br />

“Usiwe na miungu mingine ila mimi... k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> mimi,<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na, Mungu <strong>wa</strong>ko , ni Mungu mwenye wivu” (Kutoka<br />

20:3,5).<br />

Mungu ana wivu <strong>wa</strong> haki k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya upendo na uchaji<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

wetu. K<strong>wa</strong>nza, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye peke Yake katika maumbile<br />

yote anastahili upendo wetu na ibada yetu. Pili, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

Mungu ni mwumbaji wetu na kuwepo kwetu kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>nadamu hutokana na Yeye (M<strong>wa</strong>nzo 1:26-28; 2:18-25;<br />

Yohana 1:3). Tatu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu alimtoa M<strong>wa</strong>na Wake<br />

atukomboe - sisi ambao Yeye alitupenda k<strong>wa</strong> ukamilifu wote<br />

- kutoka katika dhambi na mauti (Wakolosai 2:11-15;<br />

1Yohana 4:9-10).<br />

Ukweli huu umethibitish<strong>wa</strong> tena katika Agano Jipya:<br />

“Huyo <strong>Roho</strong> akaaye ndani yetu hututamani kiasi cha kuona<br />

wivu” (Yakobo 4:5). Neno hili limetamk<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Wakristo <strong>wa</strong><br />

a<strong>wa</strong>li <strong>wa</strong>liojaribu kumtumia Mungu atimize tamaa zao<br />

binafsi (Yakobo 4:1-4).<br />

Hao <strong>wa</strong>meit<strong>wa</strong> “<strong>wa</strong>zinzi... adui <strong>wa</strong> Mungu” (ms. 4) k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kiasi uhusiano <strong>wa</strong>o takatifu <strong>wa</strong> kujitoa<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mwokozi <strong>wa</strong>o ili <strong>wa</strong>fuate starehe za mwili zinazopita<br />

haraka za dunia.<br />

Lakini hata hapo Mungu haku<strong>wa</strong>tupa. Bali ali<strong>wa</strong>tamani<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> wivu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye peke Yake ali<strong>wa</strong>penda katika<br />

ukweli. Mungu atampokea tena mzinzi anayetubu k<strong>wa</strong> kweli<br />

(Yakobo 4:6-10).<br />

Ni <strong>wa</strong>zi, basi, k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni lazima tusivunje upendo wetu<br />

na huduma yetu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> kupendez<strong>wa</strong> na mambo<br />

yoyote mengine.<br />

Ujiepushe Na Mivuto<br />

Katika nafasi yetu kama <strong>wa</strong>chungaji na viongozi katika<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo, awepo Mmoja tu anayepokea uaminifu,<br />

utiifu, hamu na tumaini kutoka kwetu - Yesu!<br />

• Si ishara, maajabu <strong>wa</strong>la miujiza<br />

• Si huduma kub<strong>wa</strong>, au <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>lio nayo<br />

• Si karama, wito, ujuzi, nafasi au cheo<br />

• Si hata baraka Zake<br />

Imesem<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba mara nyingi vizuizi vikuu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>amini ni baraka ambazo Mungu ana<strong>wa</strong>patia <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> nini iwe hivyo? K<strong>wa</strong> sababu usikivu wetu na hamu zetu<br />

zinaweza kusogez<strong>wa</strong> mbali na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> urahisi, na<br />

kulenga baraka Zake badala ya Yeye Mwenyewe. Mioyo yetu<br />

ina ubinafsi <strong>wa</strong> kudanganya (Yeremia 17:9). Hata kama<br />

tumeokole<strong>wa</strong>, bado tuna mwelekeo kuendea dhambi<br />

(1Yohana 1:8).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Rafiki na kiongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa, tafadhali uelewe k<strong>wa</strong>mba si kosa kutaka uwepo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> umiminwe juu yako na juu<br />

ya huduma yako. Ni hamu kuu ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba uwe<br />

nao!<br />

Lakini tusipoku<strong>wa</strong> na hekima na uangalifu, mioyo<br />

yetu inaweza kupotosh<strong>wa</strong>. Katika hamu yetu ya<br />

ufanisi katika huduma, tunaweza kuanza kulenga yale<br />

ambayo Mungu anaweza kututendea, badala ya<br />

upendo wetu K<strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong> ajili Yake Mwenyewe.<br />

Polepole na k<strong>wa</strong> ndani, tunaweza kuvut<strong>wa</strong> mbali,<br />

na badala ya kutafuta uwepo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu kuliko sahihi,<br />

kuonea njaa yale anayoweza kututendea. Ndivyo<br />

ilivyoku<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mafarisayo. Walishikilia ujuzi <strong>wa</strong>o<br />

kuhusu Mungu badala ya ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano halisi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutii pamoja na Mungu. Walijua mengi kuhusu<br />

Maandiko na mambo ya dini, lakini ha<strong>wa</strong>kumjua Yeye.<br />

Ha<strong>wa</strong>kumtamani Mungu Mwenyewe, bali <strong>wa</strong>litafuta<br />

yale aliyoweza ku<strong>wa</strong>tendea.<br />

MATENDO • 55


Viongozi fulani leo, badala ya kuvut<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu,<br />

<strong>wa</strong>navut<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> matukio yasiyo ya kimaumbile ambayo<br />

mara nyingi hufuatana na kazi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Hao<br />

ni kama mtu anayetaka kuoa (au kuole<strong>wa</strong> na) mtu tajiri<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> sababu ya utajiri <strong>wa</strong>ke. Wanatamani utajiri <strong>wa</strong><br />

huyu mtu na mambo ambayo uta<strong>wa</strong>tendea kuliko<br />

kumtamani yule mtu. Huu ni mwelekeo <strong>wa</strong> kutisha <strong>wa</strong><br />

ubinafsi mtupu!<br />

Tunapotamani maajabu, upendo wetu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu<br />

Mwenyewe unaweza kunajisi<strong>wa</strong> - na hata kupoa kama<br />

barafu (Mathayo 24:12). Hali hii inafanana na<br />

msimamo <strong>wa</strong> yule Simoni mchawi, aliyetafuta uwezo<br />

<strong>wa</strong> miujiza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> faida yake binafsi<br />

(Matendo 8:9-24).<br />

Mungu wetu anatuonea wivu sisi. Anatamani<br />

uaminifu, upendo na uchaji wetu k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye<br />

anatupenda k<strong>wa</strong> upendo <strong>wa</strong> milele (Warumi 5:5;<br />

1Yohana 3:1). Yeye ana<strong>wa</strong>tafuta <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>liotoa moyo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o wote K<strong>wa</strong>ke Yeye B<strong>wa</strong>na. Ni k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong>pitia <strong>wa</strong>toto<br />

Wake <strong>wa</strong>naompenda k<strong>wa</strong>mba anaweza kujidhihirisha<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> njia za nguvu (Danieli 11:32).<br />

Wito Wetu Wa K<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

Mara nyingi katika Maandiko, tunahimiz<strong>wa</strong> tutafute<br />

“uso” <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na (2Nyakati 7:14; Hosea 5:15; Zaburi 27:8;<br />

n.k.). Uso <strong>wa</strong> Mungu unavyotaj<strong>wa</strong> katika Maandiko<br />

humaanisha Nafsi ya Mungu, moyo Wake, uwepo Wake.<br />

Lakini hakuna popote katika Maandiko ambapo<br />

tunahimiz<strong>wa</strong> tutafute “mkono” <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. “Mkono” <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu, au “Mkono <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na”, humaanisha kazi Zake,<br />

matendo Yake, baraka Zake. Tunaona matokeo ya kazi ya<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na (mkono Wake) katika mambo anayotenda. Na si kosa<br />

kutaka kuona matokeo haya katika huduma yetu na kuipitia.<br />

Lakini tafadhali ufahamu:<br />

Tunapotafuta uso <strong>wa</strong> Mungu (moyo Wake, Yeye<br />

Mwenyewe) ndipo tunapotambua mapenzi ya Mungu na yale<br />

anayotaka kufanya.<br />

Tunapofuata na kutii mapenzi Yake, ndipo tutaona<br />

mkono mkuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> atendaye kazi!<br />

Kumtafuta Mungu, na uhusiano wetu na Yeye, lazima kuwe<br />

kipaumbele chetu cha k<strong>wa</strong>nza. Kutoka hapa ndipo mambo<br />

yote ya thamani yatakapotokea.<br />

Wana Wa Kweli, Watumishi Wa Kweli<br />

Yesu alisema, “Mtu akinitumikia, na anifuate; nami<br />

nilipo, ndipo na mtumishi <strong>wa</strong>ngu atakapoku<strong>wa</strong>po. Tena mtu<br />

akinitumikia, Baba atamheshimu” (Yohana 12:26).<br />

Angalia k<strong>wa</strong>mba katika mstari huu, Yesu ana nafasi ya<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza. Yesu ndiye B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Kanisa (Waefeso 1:22); sisi<br />

tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tumfuate Yeye. Si k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye anatufuata katika<br />

huduma abariki yale tunayomwomba ayabariki.<br />

Wito wetu <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa ni<br />

uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> kila siku <strong>wa</strong> kumtafuta B<strong>wa</strong>na - kumjua,<br />

kumpenda, kum<strong>wa</strong>budu, kuongea na Yeye (Zaburi 63:1-8).<br />

Ni kutoka mahali hapo ndipo tutakapotambua mapenzi Yake<br />

ya kweli na mipango Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yetu, huduma<br />

zetu na mambo mengine yote.<br />

Mungu anataka kumimina baraka Yake, upako Wake,<br />

ishara na maajabu Zake juu ya Kanisa Lake, na juu yako<br />

wewe kama kiongozi Wake uliyeit<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Lakini je, anaweza kukuamini na haya? Je, una upevu,<br />

uthabiti <strong>wa</strong> tabia na hekima, uwe m<strong>wa</strong>minifu k<strong>wa</strong> Yeye peke<br />

Yake?<br />

Mungu ameahidi kutoa zaidi ya “mkono Wake” kama<br />

mioyo yetu ni mali Yake peke Yake. “K<strong>wa</strong> maana macho ya<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na hukimbia-kimbia duniani mwote, ili ajionyeshe<br />

mwenye nguvu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya hao, <strong>wa</strong>liokamilika moyo<br />

kuelekea k<strong>wa</strong>ke” (2Nyakati 16:9).<br />

Yeye anataka mioyo yetu k<strong>wa</strong> wivu <strong>wa</strong> haki, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu<br />

anatupenda k<strong>wa</strong> upendo Wake <strong>wa</strong> milele (Warumi 8:31-39).<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Mungu anakupenda<br />

kabisa na pasipo masharti yoyote! Haidhuru upungufu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ko, anakupenda k<strong>wa</strong> ndani, katika nafsi yako na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

milele. Wewe hukuumb<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utumishi na<br />

huduma tu.<br />

Kama Mungu angalitaka <strong>wa</strong>tumishi wengi zaidi,<br />

angaliumba malaika wengi zaidi. Lakini alikuumba<br />

wewe k<strong>wa</strong> sababu alitaka <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> kiume na <strong>wa</strong> kike<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naotembea katika uhusiano na Yeye. Malaika<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>wezi ku<strong>wa</strong> na uhusiano huu pamoja na Mwumbaji<br />

<strong>wa</strong>o - sisi <strong>wa</strong>nadamu peke yetu tunaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

uhusiano huu (Waebrania 2:14-18; 1Petro 1:12).<br />

Kristo hakutoa uhai Wake ili uwe katika huduma.<br />

Alikufa awe dhabihu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya dhambi zako, ili uweze<br />

kurejesh<strong>wa</strong> katika uhusiano na Mungu.<br />

Sisi si <strong>wa</strong>tumishi tu <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na. Sisi ni rafiki <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo (Yohana 15:15) na <strong>wa</strong>rithi pamoja na Yeye<br />

(Warumi 8:17). Sisi ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu aliye Hai<br />

(Warumi 8:15-16). Tuna heshima na nafasi ya<br />

kumtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na na Mwili Wake kutokana na upendo<br />

wetu na shukrani yetu K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Mbele Zake Kila Siku<br />

<strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unahusiana moja k<strong>wa</strong> moja<br />

na kipaumbele chetu cha kutafuta Uwepo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu kila<br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati. Mfalme Daudi ambaye B<strong>wa</strong>na alimtaja ku<strong>wa</strong> “mtu<br />

anayeupendeza moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu” (Matendo 13:22), anatupatia<br />

maelekezo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya uhusiano wetu na Mungu:<br />

“Uliposema, Nitafuteni uso <strong>wa</strong>ngu, Moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu<br />

umekuambia, B<strong>wa</strong>na, uso <strong>wa</strong>ko nitautafuta” (Zaburi 27:8).<br />

Maana ya “kutafuta” ni kufanya bidii pasipo kuchoka <strong>wa</strong>la<br />

kuachia mpaka tuone lile tunalotafuta. Yesu aliongea kuhusu<br />

kanuni hii pia (Mathayo 6:33; 13:44-46; Luka 11:9-13).<br />

Kumtafuta Mungu kunahitaji muda na bidii. Huenda<br />

itatupasa tuache starehe, heshima au shughuli fulani. Lakini<br />

ni k<strong>wa</strong> kumtafuta Mungu k<strong>wa</strong>mba tunapata kumfahamu.<br />

Kutokana na uhusiano huu <strong>wa</strong> karibu na Yeye, tunaanza<br />

kutambua mapenzi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha yetu na huduma<br />

zetu. Tunapotembea katika kutii mapenzi Yake, anafungua<br />

upako Wake juu yetu na kupitia kwetu.<br />

Tuweke kipaumbele chetu cha k<strong>wa</strong>nza kabisa katika<br />

nafasi ya kila siku ya kukaa mbele za B<strong>wa</strong>na. Ndipo<br />

tunapopokea yale yaliyo ya milele hasa, ambayo<br />

hayatapungua <strong>wa</strong>la kuchakaa (Luka 10:38-42). Uamue leo,<br />

na kila siku: “Uso <strong>wa</strong>ko, B<strong>wa</strong>na, nitautafuta.”<br />

Marejeo<br />

Tukimaliza sehemu hii, “Kukua Katika <strong>Upako</strong>”,<br />

tafadhali kumbuka k<strong>wa</strong>mba kila mmoja wetu anaweza na<br />

anapas<strong>wa</strong> akue katika uwezo <strong>wa</strong> upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

Waliomo ni pamoja na wewe (kama mchungaji na kiongozi)<br />

- na <strong>wa</strong>tu unao<strong>wa</strong>ongoza!<br />

56 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


Wewe una <strong>wa</strong>jibu kama mchungaji msaidizi (1Petro<br />

5:2-4) <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Hizi ni pamoja na kuhakikisha<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba kila mtu unayemwongoza anakua katika ufahamu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong> Neno la Mungu na kukua pia katika uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>wa</strong><br />

kutoa huduma katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ndio<br />

utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> ki-Maandiko k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kukua k<strong>wa</strong> afya katika<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo (taz. Waefeso 4:11-16, hasa ms. 12).<br />

Njia ya kukua katika upako huenda ni tofauti na<br />

ulivyotazamia. Turudie kanuni za msingi zilizo lazima k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya kukua katika upako:<br />

• Utakaso<br />

• Udhaifu <strong>wa</strong> ki-Mungu<br />

• Unyenyekevu<br />

• Utiifu k<strong>wa</strong> mamlaka<br />

• Miitikio sahihi k<strong>wa</strong> majaribu<br />

• Moyo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Mungu peke Yake<br />

• Kutembea na kukua katika uhusiano wetu na Mungu kila<br />

siku<br />

Yesu aliku<strong>wa</strong> mfano wetu <strong>wa</strong> tabia au kanuni hizi zote.<br />

Yeye aliku<strong>wa</strong> Mtu mwenye upako zaidi ya wote wengine<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liotembea duniani. Anatukaribisha tufuate nyayo zake<br />

kwenye njia ya upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Tunapofanya hivyo,<br />

tutapokea fungu litoshalo kabisa la vyote tunavyohitaji ili<br />

tutimize wito mkuu <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na kwetu!<br />

C. KUPOKEA UPAKO WAKE<br />

Niliku<strong>wa</strong> mmoja <strong>wa</strong> timu ya viongozi <strong>wa</strong>hudumu katika<br />

Mkutano <strong>wa</strong> Wachungaji nchini Cuba. Karibu na mwisho <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mkutano, nafasi ilitole<strong>wa</strong> ya kusikia shuhuda za <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liohudhuria. B<strong>wa</strong>na mmoja mzee, mdhaifu na kipofu,<br />

alisaidi<strong>wa</strong> alipokuja polepole mpaka kwenye juk<strong>wa</strong>a.<br />

Ndugu huyu mzee alianza kutoa ushuhuda <strong>wa</strong>ke k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kueleza k<strong>wa</strong>mba aliku<strong>wa</strong> amemtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> maisha<br />

yake yote; ndugu zake pia <strong>wa</strong>liku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kimtumikia B<strong>wa</strong>na.<br />

Aliambia umati <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>tu kuhusu makanisa mengi aliyoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

ameanzisha katika maisha yake, yakiwemo makanisa sita<br />

mapya aliyoanzisha katika m<strong>wa</strong>ka ule!<br />

Aliongea kuhusu ku<strong>wa</strong> kipofu na jinsi ilivyoku<strong>wa</strong><br />

vigumu, hasa alipomhitaji mtu mwingine amsomee Biblia<br />

kila siku.<br />

Ndipo alitulia k<strong>wa</strong> dakika moja na kuinamisha kich<strong>wa</strong><br />

chake. Kundi la <strong>wa</strong>chungaji zaidi ya 1,000 lilinyamaza.<br />

Ghafla, yule mzee aliinua mikono yake katika ishara ya<br />

ushindi na kupaza sauti yake: “Nimepoteza macho yangu,<br />

lakini sijapoteza moto!” Kundi lile zima lilishangilia na<br />

kumtukuza Mungu.<br />

Je, nini ingemwezesha mzee <strong>wa</strong> miaka 76 aendelee ku<strong>wa</strong><br />

na “moto” - aendelee kuhubiri, kufundisha, kufanya uinjilisti<br />

na kuanzisha makanisa? <strong>Upako</strong> <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> tu,<br />

pamoja na kujitoa k<strong>wa</strong> yule mzee atumiwe na Mungu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya makusudi Yake na utukufu Wake!<br />

Hazina Katika Chombo Cha Udongo<br />

Ni tumaini langu k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu atanitumia k<strong>wa</strong> ufanisi<br />

kila siku mpaka atakaponichukua katika nyumba ya<br />

mbinguni. Lakini hatuhitaji muda mrefu katika huduma<br />

kutambua k<strong>wa</strong>mba kule kutumika kunaweza kuchosha na<br />

kutaabisha katika maeneo yote - kimwili, kiakili, kihisia na<br />

kiroho.<br />

Hali hii si ubaya mtupu, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tusiwe<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

na ubinafsi katika karama, nguvu na upako <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tutoe <strong>wa</strong>kati wote yale ambayo Mungu<br />

ametupatia. Tena tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tusiwe <strong>wa</strong>vivu au <strong>wa</strong>zembe<br />

katika huduma (Luka 9:62; Mhubiri 9:10; Wakolosai 3:23),<br />

bali tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tufanye bidii zote k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Kristo.<br />

Lakini tukichoka kupita kiasi, “kuungua” au kutaabika<br />

mno, matatizo makub<strong>wa</strong> yaweza kutokea. Mungu anajua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba sisi tuna mipaka k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu yetu. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo anataka<br />

kutupa nguvu, hekima, neema, vipa<strong>wa</strong> na uwezo ili tuweze<br />

kufanya mapenzi Yake - nasi tunahitaji sana hivi vyote.<br />

Maana pasipo Yeye hatuwezi kufanya lolote (Yohana 15:5).<br />

Paulo alifahamu haja hii alipoandika: “Lakini tuna<br />

hazina hii katika vyombo vya udongo, ili adhama kuu ya<br />

uwezo iwe ya Mungu, <strong>wa</strong>la si kutoka kwetu” (2Wakorintho<br />

4:7). Aki<strong>wa</strong> mtume mwenye mazoea mengi na ujuzi mwingi,<br />

Paulo alijua ku<strong>wa</strong> nguvu na bidii ya kufanya mapenzi ya<br />

Mungu havimo katika maumbile ya binadamu. Bali “hazina<br />

hii” ndani ya “vyombo vya udongo” vya maisha yetu -<br />

ambayo inatupa mahitaji yetu yote - ni upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! (Soma 2Wakorintho 3:1-4:18.)<br />

Yeye Anatujazia Kila Tunachohitaji<br />

Madai ya huduma (au hata kuishi tu kama Wakristo<br />

katika dunia ya leo) yanaweza kutuondolea uwezo na nguvu<br />

ya Mungu. Yesu Mwenyewe alihitaji kuburudish<strong>wa</strong> kiroho,<br />

akihudumi<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Tukisoma Injili k<strong>wa</strong> makini tutaona mara nyingi ambapo<br />

Yesu aliondoka akaenda kusali katika mahali peke Yake (k<strong>wa</strong><br />

mfano, Luka 4:42; 5:16; 6:12). Baada ya vipindi hivi vya<br />

sala, Yesu alifanya kazi k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu, kufikia maamuzi<br />

muhimu katika huduma Yake, kuandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

kustahimili majaribu, n.k.<br />

Tunafunuli<strong>wa</strong> nini katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> Yesu? Ili tujibu<br />

s<strong>wa</strong>li hili, tuangalie sehemu mbili za Maandiko.<br />

1. Mjazwe!<br />

“Tena msilewe k<strong>wa</strong> mvinyo, ambamo mna ufisadi; bali<br />

mjazwe <strong>Roho</strong>” (Waefeso 5:18).<br />

Kuna hoja tatu muhimu zinazotokana na lugha ya asili ya<br />

Kiyunani katika maneno haya “Mjazwe <strong>Roho</strong>”.<br />

a. Neno lipo katika <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> sasa. Maana yake ni<br />

tendo linalofanyika sasa na kuendelea kufanyika. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

maana ya “Mjazwe <strong>Roho</strong>” ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuendelee kujaz<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati wote na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Hii ni habari njema kweli!<br />

Kuendelea kujaz<strong>wa</strong> ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatujazwi mara moja tu, bali<br />

tena na tena!<br />

Tunampokea <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> tunapookole<strong>wa</strong> (Warumi<br />

8:15-16; Waefeso 1:13-15). Huu ni upako <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida<br />

unaotole<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>amini wote (1Yohana 2:20,27).<br />

Tunapoit<strong>wa</strong> kifalme k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kazi za huduma, Mungu<br />

anatuongezea upako <strong>wa</strong> mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara utakaotusaidia<br />

kufaniki<strong>wa</strong> katika kazi ile.<br />

Mungu anatupatia katika Nafsi Yake, uweza Wake na<br />

karama Zake. Lakini tunavyovitoa hivi katika huduma,<br />

tunaweza kufikia utupu au upungufu <strong>wa</strong> kiroho. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo<br />

Mungu amewezesha kujaz<strong>wa</strong> kwetu na <strong>Roho</strong> Wake<br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> tena na tena, kila mara tunapohitaji!<br />

Kujaz<strong>wa</strong> tena na tena kunaonekana <strong>wa</strong>zi katika huduma<br />

ya <strong>wa</strong>tu Kanisani k<strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li. Kitabu cha Matendo ni<br />

kumbukumbu za matokeo yale:<br />

MATENDO • 57


• Petro alijaz<strong>wa</strong> ahubiri Injili na kutetea imani (Matendo<br />

4:8).<br />

• Wanafunzi <strong>wa</strong>lipokea ujasiri na nguvu kuhubiri Injili,<br />

inga<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>lites<strong>wa</strong> (Matendo 4:31).<br />

• Paulo alijaz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> mara ya k<strong>wa</strong>nza<br />

(Matendo 9:17) na kujaz<strong>wa</strong> tena alipoku<strong>wa</strong> akabiliane na<br />

nguvu za mapepo (Matendo 13:9).<br />

• Baada ya kupambana na viongozi <strong>wa</strong> dini, <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi<br />

<strong>wa</strong>lijaz<strong>wa</strong> tena na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 13:42-52).<br />

• Stefano alijaz<strong>wa</strong>, na kujaz<strong>wa</strong> tena (Matendo 6:5; 7:55).<br />

• Barnaba pia alijaz<strong>wa</strong> mara ya pili (Matendo 13:52).<br />

Kurudia kujaz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kulileta nguvu<br />

kub<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> mahubiri na mafundisho ya <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi hao.<br />

Kutangaza Injili k<strong>wa</strong>o k<strong>wa</strong> ujasiri kulifuatana na ishara na<br />

maajabu (Matendo 5:12).<br />

Huenda <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine <strong>wa</strong>naamini k<strong>wa</strong>mba miujiza hii<br />

ilitokea kupitia k<strong>wa</strong> mitume <strong>wa</strong> a<strong>wa</strong>li tu. Lakini Kitabu cha<br />

Matendo kinatufunulia k<strong>wa</strong>mba ishara na maajabu za <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> zilitole<strong>wa</strong> kupitia mtu yeyote aliyechaguli<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

Yeye.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> mfano, Stefano, aliyepe<strong>wa</strong> kazi ya kuhudumu<br />

mezani (Matendo 6:8) na “ndugu” (Matendo 14:1-7) <strong>wa</strong>liona<br />

miujiza katika huduma zao. Paulo anaandika k<strong>wa</strong>mba <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kufanya kazi kupitia yeyote ambaye Yeye<br />

amemteua ili ampe uwezo na kumwongoza (taz.<br />

1Wakorintho 12:1-11).<br />

Kuongeze<strong>wa</strong> K<strong>wa</strong> Kutoa<br />

Kuna baraka ya nyongeza ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> kila <strong>wa</strong>kati na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Tunavyopata bure, tunatoa bure (Mathayo<br />

10:8) na uwezo wetu <strong>wa</strong> kupokea upako Wake k<strong>wa</strong> wingi<br />

zaidi unaongez<strong>wa</strong>! Kanuni hii ya Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ni ya<br />

kweli katika mambo ya fedha, muda, huduma na maeneo<br />

mengine - zaidi tunayotoa, ndivyo tunavyope<strong>wa</strong> zaidi.<br />

Tunakua kila mara tunapotoa huduma, tuki<strong>wa</strong>tolea<br />

wengine uhai na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ndipo sisi<br />

tunaweza kupokea zaidi, na ku<strong>wa</strong> na zaidi tena ya kutoa.<br />

Mtindo huu uliobariki<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong> kupokea na kutoa,<br />

kupokea na kutoa tena, ni baraka k<strong>wa</strong> wote <strong>wa</strong>naohusika.<br />

Mungu anabariki<strong>wa</strong> na kutukuz<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> sababu mapenzi<br />

Yake yanatimiz<strong>wa</strong>. Viungo vya Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo<br />

hubariki<strong>wa</strong>, na kukua katika ku<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi wenye nguvu<br />

(Waefeso 6:12-16). Wewe, kama mhudumu, unabariki<strong>wa</strong> -<br />

uki<strong>wa</strong> mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> B<strong>wa</strong>na uliye na nguvu na uaminifu,<br />

ukitimiza wito Wake na kukua katika uwezo <strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong> kutoa<br />

katika huduma na kupokea zaidi kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>!<br />

Haya yote yanategemea kujaz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> -<br />

mfululizo. Utaratibu huu ni tofauti na ule <strong>wa</strong> kupokea karama<br />

ya kifalme ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kuokole<strong>wa</strong>, au<br />

baadaye kubatiz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 8:14-17;<br />

19:1-7). Tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tuishi katika hali ya kuendelea kujaz<strong>wa</strong><br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, tena na tena!<br />

b. Maneno yale “Mjazwe <strong>Roho</strong>” (Waefeso 5:18) ni ya<br />

kiamri. Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba ni amri, si pendekezo!<br />

Mungu anajua vizuri zaidi sana kuliko sisi jinsi tunavyohitaji<br />

nguvu na uwezo Wake. K<strong>wa</strong> hakika tunamhitaji <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili tuishi kama <strong>wa</strong>shindi katika maisha ya kila siku.<br />

Lakini hata zaidi, tunahitaji uwepo unaofurika <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ili tuzae matunda na kufaniki<strong>wa</strong> katika huduma.<br />

Mungu anapotoa amri, daima ni:<br />

• ya haki na maana;<br />

• k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utukufu Wake;<br />

• k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ufanisi wetu;<br />

• yenye kuwezekana k<strong>wa</strong> utoaji Wake!<br />

Mungu, k<strong>wa</strong> mapenzi Yake ya kifalme, ametuwezesha<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> na ukarimu <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> usio na kipimo. Naye<br />

ameamuru k<strong>wa</strong>mba tuendelee kujaz<strong>wa</strong> na utoaji Wake <strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Haleluya!<br />

Hii ni amri ambayo tunapas<strong>wa</strong> kukimbilia kuitii kila<br />

siku, na katika kila dakika ya haja.<br />

c. Maneno haya pia ni katika hali ya kutende<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba kule kujaz<strong>wa</strong> kila <strong>wa</strong>kati k<strong>wa</strong> upya<br />

na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> si tendo tunalofanya sisi. Hatuwezi<br />

kustahili <strong>wa</strong>la kufanya kazi ili tujazwe. Ni karama ya Mungu<br />

kwetu. Sisi tunaweza kufungua mioyo yetu tu na kupokea<br />

yote anayotaka kutukirimia.<br />

Hata hivyo, inatubidi tuwe katika nafasi ya kupokea!<br />

Huu ni ufunguo <strong>wa</strong> msingi <strong>wa</strong> kuishi maisha ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>Roho</strong> na ku<strong>wa</strong> na huduma ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong>.<br />

Je, ume<strong>wa</strong>hi kujiuliza k<strong>wa</strong> nini <strong>wa</strong>tu fulani <strong>wa</strong>naonekana<br />

kujaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong>kati wote, <strong>wa</strong>kitumia karama,<br />

hekima, uwezo, n.k. - <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine ha<strong>wa</strong>fanyi<br />

hivyo?<br />

Njia ya kujiweka katika nafasi ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu ni kujisalimisha. Maana yake ni<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba mambo yote katika maisha yako yametole<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kusalimish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu - mapenzi yako, mipango yako,<br />

madhaifu yako na hasa, nguvu zako. Ukifanya hivyo,<br />

umejitoa kikamilifu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> na mapenzi Yake<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako.<br />

Kusalimisha maisha yetu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

kunatuweka katika nafasi ya kiroho ya kupokea k<strong>wa</strong> uhiari na<br />

uhuru zaidi yale anayotaka kutupatia.<br />

Lakini tafadhali ieleweke k<strong>wa</strong>mba kusalimisha maisha<br />

yetu k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> si sa<strong>wa</strong> na kupaga<strong>wa</strong>. Ni mapepo<br />

na mashetani tu <strong>wa</strong>naojaribu kuta<strong>wa</strong>la mapenzi na nafsi ya<br />

mtu katika kumpagaa (Luka 8:29-38a). Viongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

madhehebu ya dini za uwongo huenda pia <strong>wa</strong>najaribu<br />

kuta<strong>wa</strong>la au kutiisha <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu <strong>wa</strong>natenda<br />

katika udanganyifu <strong>wa</strong> kishetani.<br />

Sisi hatukuit<strong>wa</strong> tuwe “<strong>wa</strong>nasesere” <strong>wa</strong>naoongoz<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kamba pasipo akili <strong>wa</strong>la uwezo wowote <strong>wa</strong> kuchagua. Bali<br />

sisi tumeiti<strong>wa</strong> uhusiano <strong>wa</strong> upendo, kuaminiana na<br />

kushirikiana na uwepo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ndani yetu. Yeye<br />

amekuja afanye kazi ndani yetu, kutubadilisha na kututakasa;<br />

na kufanya kazi kupitia kwetu kama vyombo vya huduma<br />

vya B<strong>wa</strong>na Mungu. Tunapotoa maisha yetu k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na<br />

kazi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> njia hii, tutakaa katika nafasi ya kupokea<br />

ujazo mpya <strong>wa</strong> kufululiza <strong>wa</strong> upako.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Sisi kama <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong><br />

Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni, tuongozwe na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

(Warumi 8:14). Neno “kuongoz<strong>wa</strong>” katika mstari huu ni<br />

la <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> sasa <strong>wa</strong> kuendelea. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunapas<strong>wa</strong><br />

tuongozwe mfululizo.<br />

Huku kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> ni<br />

pamoja na kufahamu kimasomo amri na kanuni za<br />

Maandiko - na utiifu wetu k<strong>wa</strong>zo - inga<strong>wa</strong> si hivi tu. Hii<br />

ni njia ya msingi ya kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> Mungu amekwisha kutufunulia katika Neno Lake<br />

58 • MATENDO Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


jinsi tunavyopas<strong>wa</strong> kuishi siku k<strong>wa</strong> siku.<br />

Lakini kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

humaanisha pia kusitawisha usikivu wetu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

maelekezo Yake, yanayoweza kutujia saa yoyote.<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> anaweza kukuelekeza kuhusu huduma<br />

yako, maisha yako binafsi, hitaji fulani la mtu mwingine,<br />

au mambo mengine mengi. Yeye yupo <strong>wa</strong>kati wote<br />

pamoja nawe ili akuongoze katika maisha haya. <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atakusaidia pia ujue jinsi ya kushirikiana na<br />

Yeye katika kuhudumia mahitaji ya <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine.<br />

Iki<strong>wa</strong> elekezo fulani limetoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

litakuongoza daima kutii amri na kanuni za maadili za<br />

Neno la Mungu lililoandik<strong>wa</strong>. Ukijisikia kuongoz<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kufanya badiliko kub<strong>wa</strong> au kufanya<br />

tendo lisilo la ka<strong>wa</strong>ida k<strong>wa</strong>ko; ni bora kufuata maagizo<br />

ya Maandiko na ku<strong>wa</strong>tafuta <strong>wa</strong>shauri <strong>wa</strong> kiroho<br />

<strong>wa</strong>liopevuka (Mithali 11:14; 24:6). Wao <strong>wa</strong>naweza<br />

kusaidia kuthibitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba lile unalosikia kweli<br />

limetoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> - au kushauri k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

sivyo. Kufanya hivyo kutakusaidia kujilinda na kupotoka<br />

au kudanganyika.<br />

Muhtasari<br />

Tumejifunza kanuni tatu muhimu kuhusu maneno ya<br />

Biblia: “Mjazwe <strong>Roho</strong>” (Waefeso 5:18).<br />

• Tunaweza kujaz<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo, zaidi ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> mara ya<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>nza.<br />

• Inatubidi tujazwe, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Mungu ametuamuru<br />

hivyo.<br />

• Tunaweza kupokea ujazo na upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

kupitia K<strong>wa</strong>ke tu - ni karama kutoka K<strong>wa</strong>ke ambayo<br />

tunajiweka katika nafasi ya kuipokea k<strong>wa</strong> kusalimisha<br />

maisha yetu K<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

2. Umtafute Mungu!<br />

Huenda unajiuliza sasa, “Nifanyeje ili nipokee ujazo huu<br />

mpya (upako) <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> <strong>wa</strong> Mungu? Niende mahali<br />

fulani maalum? Niseme maneno maalum? Nimtafute mtu <strong>wa</strong><br />

kuniombea? Je, inanibidi nihudhurie mikutano maalum?”<br />

Mistari ifuatayo ya Maandiko inatuonesha jinsi na lini<br />

tunaweza kupokea upako zaidi <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Yesu<br />

alisema hivi: “Nami na<strong>wa</strong>ambia, Ombeni, nanyi mtape<strong>wa</strong>;<br />

tafuteni, nanyi mtaona; bisheni, nanyi mtafunguli<strong>wa</strong>. K<strong>wa</strong><br />

ku<strong>wa</strong> kila aombaye hupokea; naye atafutaye huona; naye<br />

abishaye atafunguli<strong>wa</strong>. Maana ni yupi kwenu aliye baba,<br />

ambaye m<strong>wa</strong>nawe akimwomba mkate, atampa jiwe au<br />

samaki, badala ya samaki atampa nyoka? Au akimwomba<br />

yai, atampa nge? Basi, iki<strong>wa</strong> ninyi mlio <strong>wa</strong>ovu mnajua<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>wa</strong>toto wenu vipa<strong>wa</strong> vyema, je! Baba aliye mbinguni<br />

hatazidi sana ku<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> hao <strong>wa</strong>mwombao?”<br />

(Luka 11:9-13).<br />

Katika mistari hii, Yesu ametupatia maelekezo rahisi<br />

sana jinsi tunavyoweza kujaz<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> upya, tena na tena, na<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

a. Tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tuombe, tutafute na tubishe. Mungu<br />

ndiye Mtoaji <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (ms. 13). Agizo katika<br />

mstari huu la kumfuata B<strong>wa</strong>na - kuomba, kutafuta, kubisha -<br />

limeandik<strong>wa</strong> katika <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> sasa katika lugha ya<br />

Kiyunani.<br />

Maneno haya maana yake ni kuendelea kufanya hivyo,<br />

hata sasa. Tunataki<strong>wa</strong> tuendelee kuomba, tuendelee kutafuta,<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

tuendelee kubisha - mpaka tunapopokea jibu kutoka k<strong>wa</strong><br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na anayetupenda.<br />

Tumeahidi<strong>wa</strong>, “Kila aombaye hupokea; naye atafutaye<br />

huona; naye abishaye atafunguli<strong>wa</strong>” (ms. 10). Haleluya!<br />

Mungu anafurahia kumimina <strong>Roho</strong> Wake juu yetu; kwetu si<br />

zaidi ya kumwomba Yeye.<br />

Yesu alitoa mifano mitatu ya kumfuata <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> -<br />

kuomba, kutafuta, kubisha. Siyo k<strong>wa</strong>mba anatufunulia njia<br />

au mitindo mitatu tofauti. Bali anatuhimiza tumfuate Mungu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> bidii na k<strong>wa</strong> unyofu.<br />

Unaona k<strong>wa</strong>mba hakuna kuombaomba <strong>wa</strong>la kujaribu<br />

kuthibitisha ustahili <strong>wa</strong>ko <strong>wa</strong> kupokea. Bidii hizi hazihitajiki;<br />

tena ni mielekeo inayoweza kuziba njia yetu ya kupokea k<strong>wa</strong><br />

imani kama <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu <strong>wa</strong>pend<strong>wa</strong>o.<br />

b. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> yupo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya <strong>wa</strong>na (<strong>wa</strong> kiume<br />

na <strong>wa</strong> kike). Watu ambao ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, <strong>wa</strong>liofany<strong>wa</strong><br />

hivyo k<strong>wa</strong> kuzali<strong>wa</strong> upya (Yohana 1:12-13; 3:5-8)<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>lazimiki kuombaomba k<strong>wa</strong> Baba yao <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni<br />

anaye<strong>wa</strong>penda, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya baraka Zake alizo<strong>wa</strong>ahidi.<br />

Yesu amefunua ukweli huu mkuu katika mfano <strong>wa</strong> jinsi<br />

sisi kama <strong>wa</strong>zazi tungeitikia <strong>wa</strong>toto wetu (ms. 11 na 12).<br />

Ndipo Yesu anaendelea kulinganisha nafasi yetu kama<br />

<strong>wa</strong>zazi na nafasi ya Mungu kama Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni<br />

(ms. 13).<br />

Halafu Yesu anatofautisha asili yetu yenye dhambi na<br />

mipaka, na ukamilifu na upendo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu usio na mipaka.<br />

Iki<strong>wa</strong> sisi tulio <strong>wa</strong>zazi “<strong>wa</strong>ovu” (wenye dhambi)<br />

tusinge<strong>wa</strong>nyima <strong>wa</strong>toto wetu vipa<strong>wa</strong> vizuri, k<strong>wa</strong> nini tu<strong>wa</strong>ze<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba Baba yetu <strong>wa</strong> mbinguni aliye mkamilifu na<br />

mtakatifu ange<strong>wa</strong>tendea <strong>wa</strong>toto Wake namna hii? (K<strong>wa</strong> zaidi<br />

kuhusu moyo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu kwetu, soma Warumi 5:6-10;<br />

8:31-39; 1Yohana 3:1; 4:10,12-19.)<br />

Sisi si <strong>wa</strong>ombaomba <strong>wa</strong>naolazimika kumsihi na<br />

kumbembeleza Mungu asiyetaka kusikia. Sisi ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu Aliye Juu, naye anafurahia kutujaza <strong>Roho</strong> Wake<br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong>.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> kweli inatupasa tuombe k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu na k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kutoa maisha yetu kabisa. Lakini sisi, kama <strong>wa</strong>toto Wake,<br />

tunaweza “kukaribia kiti cha neema k<strong>wa</strong> ujasiri, ili tupewe<br />

rehema, na kupata neema ya kutusaidia <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> mahitaji”<br />

(Waebrania 4:16; taz. pia Waefeso 3:12; Waebrania<br />

10:19-22).<br />

c. Kuna nini inayoweza kutuzuia tusipokee? Yapo<br />

matatizo yanayoweza kutuzuia tusijazwe <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

mfululizo.<br />

1) Kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> dhambi au kuridhiana katika maisha<br />

yetu (Warumi 6:12-14; 1Wakorintho 5:6-7). Biblia<br />

inafundisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba hatutaku<strong>wa</strong> huru kabisa na dhambi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

<strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> maisha haya (1Yohana 1:8). Sisi sote tutaku<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

vipindi vya kushind<strong>wa</strong>, ambavyo inatubidi tuvitubu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

haraka na kupokea msamaha <strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Lakini ni lazima tusijiruhusu kuridhiana mfululizo na<br />

dunia, mwili, na ibilisi. Biblia hu<strong>wa</strong>ita <strong>wa</strong>tu wenye<br />

mwenendo huu “<strong>wa</strong>tendao” dhambi kama ka<strong>wa</strong>ida au <strong>wa</strong>kati<br />

wote (Wagalatia 5:21). Maana yake ni kufanya dhambi kama<br />

mazoea au k<strong>wa</strong> kurudiarudia.<br />

Dhambi ya kufululiza kama hii itatufanya tusifae kama<br />

vyombo vya matumizi ya B<strong>wa</strong>na (1Wakorintho 9:24-27;<br />

2Timotheo 2:19-21). Mungu wetu ni Mungu <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

anayetuita sisi pia tuwe <strong>wa</strong>takatifu, k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

MATENDO • 59


Wake na neema Yake vikifanya kazi ndani yetu (1Petro<br />

1:13-19).<br />

<strong>Roho</strong>, ambaye ni mtakatifu (Warumi 1:4), hutaka<br />

kutumia vyombo vitakatifu k<strong>wa</strong> kazi Yake.<br />

2) Kuwepo k<strong>wa</strong> nia au motisha za kujitumikia, kama<br />

ubinafsi au kiburi (Mathayo 7:21-23; Wafilipi 2:3-4;<br />

1Timotheo 6:3-5). Tumekwisha jifunza kuhusu dhambi ya<br />

kiburi na hatari zake. Kama viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa, tunapas<strong>wa</strong><br />

tufanane na Yesu, aliye “mpole” na “mnyenyekevu”<br />

(Mathayo 11:29).<br />

Mungu hata<strong>wa</strong>tia upako <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>naotoa huduma k<strong>wa</strong><br />

motisha au nia zisizo halali (Yakobo 4:6). Lazima turuhusu<br />

mioyo yetu ichunguzwe na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Mithali 16:2) na<br />

kusafishi<strong>wa</strong> tamaa yetu ya kutukuz<strong>wa</strong> wenyewe. Ifuatayo ni<br />

mistari fulani ya Biblia ambayo usome na kutafakari:<br />

2Nyakati 16:9; Mithali 13:10; 16:5,18; Mathayo 23:8-14;<br />

Wagalatia 5:20; Wafilipi 1:15-16; 1Timotheo 3:6; Yakobo<br />

3:14 - 4:4.<br />

3) Kutokusalimisha maisha yako yote (Warumi<br />

12:1-2; Wagalatia 2:20). Nimekwisha andika kuhusu<br />

umuhimu <strong>wa</strong> kusalimisha maisha yako yote k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu.<br />

Lakini nitilie mkazo k<strong>wa</strong>mba upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

unatole<strong>wa</strong> ili mtumishi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu aliyejisalimisha awe na<br />

uwezo katika utumishi na k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utumishi. Kama<br />

tunatamani uwezo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> sababu yoyote nyingine<br />

ila tu kumtumikia Yeye na <strong>wa</strong>tu, hatuwezi kutazamia upako<br />

Wake katika maisha yetu.<br />

Utumishi wetu uliosalimish<strong>wa</strong> uongozwe na Mungu,<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> sababu Yeye anajua jinsi ya kututumia k<strong>wa</strong> ubora katika<br />

Mwili <strong>wa</strong> Kristo. Huenda sisi hatutape<strong>wa</strong> nafasi ya kuchagua<br />

yale tutakayomfanyia Mungu kazi. Mioyo yetu hupas<strong>wa</strong><br />

itamani kutenda lolote ambalo Yeye atatuagiza.<br />

Nafasi yetu ya kujisalimisha kikamilifu ni ya lazima ili<br />

tupokee uwezo kutoka k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu na pia tufahamu mapenzi<br />

Yake. Ndipo inapotubidi tuchague kumtii Yeye. Ndivyo<br />

tunavyoweza kuzaa matunda halisi katika utumishi.<br />

4) Imani dhaifu au inayokosekana (Waebrania 11:6;<br />

Yakobo 1:6). “Imani, chanzo chake ni kusikia; na kusikia<br />

huja k<strong>wa</strong> neno la Kristo” (Warumi 10:17). Lazima tujifunze<br />

kutoka Maandiko yale ambayo Mungu ametuandalia, ama<br />

sivyo imani yetu itaku<strong>wa</strong> dhaifu.<br />

Ulipofuata masomo haya ya ki-Biblia ya upako,<br />

umejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> unapatikana<br />

leo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yako. Wala si kidogo tu, kama tone la maji<br />

jang<strong>wa</strong>ni. <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> atatiririka kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ko kama<br />

MITO (Yohana 7:37-39)!<br />

Mungu ni Baba mwenye upendo, anayefurahi ku<strong>wa</strong>pa<br />

<strong>wa</strong>toto Wake uzima na uwezo. Lakini inatubidi tuombe k<strong>wa</strong><br />

imani, tukimtegemea aitikie kilio cha mioyo yetu (Zaburi<br />

138:3).<br />

Kama una mashaka k<strong>wa</strong>mba imani yako ni dhaifu au<br />

ndogo, kumbuka Yesu alivyosema kuhusu imani: “...Mki<strong>wa</strong><br />

na imani kiasi cha punje ya haradali mtauambia mlima huu,<br />

Ondoka hapa uende kule; nao utaondoka; <strong>wa</strong>la halitaku<strong>wa</strong>ko<br />

neno lisilowezekana kwenu” (Mathayo 17:20b).<br />

Yesu alieleza k<strong>wa</strong>mba imani yetu inaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> ndogo,<br />

lakini bado ina ufanisi - KAMA imeelekez<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu!<br />

Inatubidi tusijiamini wenyewe, <strong>wa</strong>la kutegemea kiasi cha<br />

imani tulicho nacho. Tunapas<strong>wa</strong> kuweka imani yetu katika<br />

Mungu na Neno Lake. Maana Yeye anayoahidi, atatenda!<br />

60 • MATENDO<br />

UKAMILIFU<br />

WA MUNGU<br />

DHAMBI<br />

Kizuizi<br />

Kinachoua<br />

Tunaweza kutegemea k<strong>wa</strong>mba Yeye atatimiza Neno Lake, na<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tunaweza kumwekea kikamilifu imani yetu.<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo, uimarishe imani yako katika Neno la Mungu.<br />

Uamini yale yaliyofunuli<strong>wa</strong> katika Neno kuhusu Yeye aliye<br />

Mwumbaji, Mwokozi na Mfalme <strong>wa</strong>ko! Umwendee mara<br />

nyingi, tafuta uso Wake - naye atakuitikia (Yeremia<br />

29:11-13).<br />

5) Ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> njaa ya kiroho (Zaburi 63:1-2; 84:1-2;<br />

Mathayo 5:6; Yohana 6:35,48; 7:37-39). Mungu daima<br />

anaitikia njaa ya kiroho ya kupata zaidi ya Yeye.<br />

Ukosefu <strong>wa</strong> njaa ya kiroho unaweza kusababish<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

mambo mengi, k<strong>wa</strong> mfano:<br />

• Msiba, huzuni au mauti (kama ya ndugu <strong>wa</strong> karibu)<br />

inayosababisha uzito <strong>wa</strong> kihisia au kiroho<br />

• Kuvunjika moyo, kushind<strong>wa</strong> au kuchoka,<br />

kunavyokufanya ukate tamaa au kupoteza motisha ya<br />

kumtafuta B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

• Hasira, uchungu au kutokusamehe wengine - akiwemo<br />

Mungu na hata wewe mwenyewe - vinavyozimisha<br />

hamu yako ya Mungu<br />

• Raha na starehe za dunia hii, au uvivu na kinaya,<br />

vinavyoziba au hata kuangamiza njaa yenye haki k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya kupata zaidi ya Mungu<br />

Maisha ya hapa duniani huweza ku<strong>wa</strong> na ugumu na<br />

hamasa nyingi za kushinda. Lakini tunaweza kuti<strong>wa</strong> moyo<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba Mungu ameandaa njia za kuvuka huzuni, maumivu<br />

moyoni, kushind<strong>wa</strong> au vingine vyovyote ambavyo<br />

tumeviona. Uponyaji na ukombozi <strong>wa</strong> Mungu, upendo na<br />

msamaha Wake, rehema na neema Yake - na upako Wake -<br />

vyote ni vyetu kama tutamjia Yeye Mwenyewe tu.<br />

Mtume Paulo ametufunulia jinsi yeye alivyovuka<br />

mambo ya dunia ambayo vingaliweza kumzuia asimtafute<br />

Mungu <strong>wa</strong>la kumwonea njaa ya kiroho. Ali<strong>wa</strong>andikia<br />

Wafilipi (3:12-14): “Si k<strong>wa</strong>mba nimekwisha kufika, au<br />

nimekwisha ku<strong>wa</strong> mkamilifu...” (ms. 12a). Paulo alitambua<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> unyenyekevu udhaifu <strong>wa</strong>ke na kushind<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ke.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


“...la! bali nakaza mwendo ili nipate kulishika lile<br />

ambalo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yake nimeshik<strong>wa</strong> na Yesu Kristo...”<br />

(ms. 12b). Paulo alijua k<strong>wa</strong>mba iliku<strong>wa</strong> lazima asikate<br />

tamaa; ilimbidi aendelee, k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Injili.<br />

“Ndugu, sijidhanii k<strong>wa</strong>mba nimekwisha kushika...”<br />

(ms. 13a). Paulo hakufahamu mambo yote, yakiwemo yote<br />

yaliyoku<strong>wa</strong> yamemtokea yeye.<br />

“...ila natenda neno moja tu; nikiyasahau yaliyo<br />

nyuma...” (ms. 13b). Paulo alifanya uamuzi <strong>wa</strong> kuachia<br />

maumivu au maudhi, kushinda au kushind<strong>wa</strong> - yote<br />

yaliyoku<strong>wa</strong> yamekwisha pita.<br />

“...nikiyachuchumilia yaliyo mbele...” (ms. 13c). Paulo<br />

alichagua kuachia mambo ya zamani, na badala yale<br />

kuchuchumilia makusudi ya Mungu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili yake.<br />

“Nakaza mwendo, niifikilie mede ya tha<strong>wa</strong>bu ya mwito<br />

mkuu <strong>wa</strong> Mungu katika Kristo Yesu” (ms. 14). Paulo aliamua<br />

kuendelea kumtafuta Mungu, na mapenzi Yake, haidhuru nini<br />

ingemtokea.<br />

Kupitia kila aina ya upinzani na mateso, kila furaha na<br />

ushindi, Paulo alimfuata B<strong>wa</strong>na k<strong>wa</strong> moyo <strong>wa</strong>ke wote.<br />

Kuchimba udongo usiozaa <strong>wa</strong> mioyo yetu (Hosea 10:12) si<br />

kazi fupi au rahisi. Lakini kama tutajitoa k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi k<strong>wa</strong><br />

Mungu - Yeye aliyetuumba, aliyetuokoa, na anayetupenda -<br />

tunaweza kupokea moyo mpya na njaa mpya k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na (Ezekieli 36:26-27).<br />

d. Lazima tumngojee B<strong>wa</strong>na. Maandiko yanatuhimiza<br />

mara nyingi “kumngoj(e)a B<strong>wa</strong>na” (Zaburi 25:5; 27:14;<br />

37:7,9,34; Isaya 30:18; 40:31; Maombolezo 3:25-26; n.k.).<br />

Hii ni kanuni muhimu k<strong>wa</strong> maisha ya Kikristo. Kuna baraka<br />

daima zinazotokana na kumngoja B<strong>wa</strong>na.<br />

Lakini mara nyingi si asili yetu kungoja. Tunahamaki,<br />

kuogopa au kusahau. Maisha yetu ya shughuli nyingi, kazi ya<br />

huduma, mkazo tunaotili<strong>wa</strong> kufikia uamuzi - mambo mengi<br />

yanatukandamiza na kuchukua nafasi yetu.<br />

Lakini kuna ukweli <strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>zi, inga<strong>wa</strong> unaumiza, katika<br />

maisha yetu: utayapatia yale yaliyo muhimu k<strong>wa</strong>ko nafasi<br />

sikuzote. Inasikitisha k<strong>wa</strong>mba mara nyingine hatutambui nini<br />

ni muhimu hasa mpaka tumekwisha chele<strong>wa</strong>.<br />

Mchungaji k<strong>wa</strong> Mchungaji: Ni muhimu kuchukua<br />

muda mara k<strong>wa</strong> mara kutathmini vipaumbele vyetu,<br />

kuchunguza maisha yetu na kutafakari shughuli zetu<br />

zote. Halafu tuviweke hivi vyote mbele za B<strong>wa</strong>na,<br />

kutafakari Neno Lake, na kuamua kama vipaumbele<br />

vyetu vinalingana na Vyake.<br />

Iki<strong>wa</strong> hamasa ya Maandiko ya kuchukua muda <strong>wa</strong><br />

“kumngojea B<strong>wa</strong>na” haina nafasi ya juu katika orodha<br />

yetu, inabidi ipatiwe nafasi hii. Maana mara nyingi<br />

ndiyo njia pekee ambayo k<strong>wa</strong>yo tutamsikia Yeye<br />

akisema nasi.<br />

Kumkaribia Mungu<br />

Ili tupokee zaidi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika maisha yetu,<br />

lazima tuiombe. Na halafu lazima tumngojee B<strong>wa</strong>na.<br />

Wakati tunapongoja, ni rahisi zaidi sana kusikia “sauti<br />

ndogo, ya utulivu” (1Wafalme 19:12). Kungoja kunampatia<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> nafasi ya kushughulikia mioyo na maisha<br />

yetu, akituandaa ili tupokee zaidi ya uwepo na uwezo Wake.<br />

Huenda atafunua kizuizi au kipingamizi cha kupokea kwetu;<br />

anaweza atuthibitishie (dhambi); anaweza kutufundisha au<br />

kutuelekeza; na zaidi.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

Mara nyingi <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kusubiri k<strong>wa</strong> uvumilivu ndipo<br />

kazi ya kubadilish<strong>wa</strong> inapotendeka katika maisha yetu.<br />

Tunavyobadilish<strong>wa</strong>, tutapokea; tunavyopokea zaidi ya<br />

<strong>Roho</strong> Wake, bila shaka tutazaa matunda zaidi katika<br />

huduma yetu.<br />

Faida nyingine kub<strong>wa</strong> ya kumngojea B<strong>wa</strong>na ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

vipindi vya kukaa pamoja na Yeye vinatufikisha karibu na<br />

Yeye Mwenyewe zaidi na zaidi. Tunapata kumfahamu k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ndani zaidi na kinafsi zaidi sana.<br />

Unapomngojea B<strong>wa</strong>na, huenda utataka kunyamaza<br />

(Zaburi 46:10). Au unaweza kusali k<strong>wa</strong> utulivu katika lugha<br />

yako ya kiroho, au kuabudu k<strong>wa</strong> sauti ndogo (1Wakorintho<br />

14:2,15). Lakini kumbuka, kusudi kuu la kungoja ni<br />

kusikiliza na kupokea. Mara nyingi njia bora ya kufanya<br />

hivyo ni katika hali ya utulivu na ukimya.<br />

Katika njaa yako ya zaidi ya Mungu, huenda sala zako<br />

zitaongeza sauti. Si lazima hali hii ni mbaya. Lakini<br />

ukumbuke k<strong>wa</strong>mba huna haja ya kuthibitisha hamu yako<br />

<strong>wa</strong>la ustahili <strong>wa</strong>ko k<strong>wa</strong> sauti kub<strong>wa</strong> ya sala zako; <strong>wa</strong>la huna<br />

haja ya kumpigia Mungu kelele ili aweze kukusikia na<br />

kukujibu.<br />

Badala yake, uamini ahadi Yake: “Je! Baba aliye<br />

mbinguni hatazidi sana ku<strong>wa</strong>pa <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> hao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>mwombao” (Luka 11:13).<br />

Usiogope<br />

Wengine huenda <strong>wa</strong>taogopa k<strong>wa</strong>mba kumngoja B<strong>wa</strong>na<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupokea zaidi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> kungeleta pepo<br />

mchafu badala ya Yeye. Hii haiwezekani! K<strong>wa</strong>nza, mapepo<br />

<strong>wa</strong>naweza kuingia mahali <strong>wa</strong>lipokaribish<strong>wa</strong> tu, au k<strong>wa</strong><br />

sababu ya mtu kushiriki mambo ya ushirikina au uchawi.<br />

Kama unamwomba B<strong>wa</strong>na na hamu yako ni k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

Yeye peke Yake, hakuna pepo mchafu anayeweza “kupenya”<br />

ndani yako. Usiogope hili kamwe!<br />

Ufalme <strong>wa</strong> mapepo unatambua k<strong>wa</strong>mba jinsi<br />

unavyopokea zaidi ya <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, ndivyo utakavyozidi<br />

kutembea katika uwezo <strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Maana yake ni k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

ujasiri <strong>wa</strong>ko na mamlaka yako katika mambo ya kiroho<br />

vitaongezeka kama mfuatano. K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo ibilisi huenda<br />

atakazana kukujaribu au kukugeuza mbali na nafasi ya<br />

kumtafuta B<strong>wa</strong>na.<br />

Lakini ukumbuke: Wewe ni mtakatifu uliyenunuli<strong>wa</strong> na<br />

kutakas<strong>wa</strong> na damu ya Yesu Kristo. Shetani na mapepo yake<br />

ha<strong>wa</strong>na nguvu juu yako ambayo wewe huku<strong>wa</strong>patia<br />

mwenyewe. Ibilisi alishind<strong>wa</strong> msalabani (Wakolosai<br />

2:14-15). K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo chukua silaha zako na upanga <strong>wa</strong>ko<br />

(Waefeso 6:10-18) na kusimama imara katika <strong>Roho</strong><br />

unapomkaribia Mungu (Yakobo 4:7-8).<br />

e. Upokee upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> imani. Sisi<br />

ni <strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na <strong>wa</strong>rithi <strong>wa</strong> ahadi Zake (Warumi 8:17;<br />

2Wakorintho 1:20; Wagalatia 3:26). Hii ni pamoja na ahadi<br />

ya kuja k<strong>wa</strong>ke <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> (Matendo 2:38-39).<br />

Tumejifunza k<strong>wa</strong>mba si hoja ya kujaz<strong>wa</strong> mara moja tu, bali<br />

ni kujaz<strong>wa</strong> mfululizo na uwepo na uwezo Wake katika<br />

maisha yetu (Waefeso 5:18). Yale ambayo Mungu ameahidi,<br />

atatimiza - k<strong>wa</strong> hiyo wewe umwombe tu!<br />

K<strong>wa</strong> hiyo tuombe - na kuendelea kuomba, kutafuta na<br />

kubisha mpaka tuwe tumekwisha pokea (Luka 11:9-10).<br />

Mungu anakutakia uwe na <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ukamilifu<br />

(Luka 11:13). Ufungue moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko na kum<strong>wa</strong>mini Yeye<br />

MATENDO • 61


Kuna njia moja pekee ya kutimiza<br />

wito <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na mapenzi Yake k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya maisha na huduma yako - k<strong>wa</strong><br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! Ni k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba<br />

utapokea mabadiliko, karama na<br />

vipa<strong>wa</strong> vilivyo lazima ili uwe na<br />

utende yote ambayo Mungu anatamani<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko. Na haya yote ni yako k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kuyaomba tu! Mungu atakupa <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Wake k<strong>wa</strong> wingi kabisa; uamini hili,<br />

upokee upako Wake, utembee na<br />

kutoa huduma ndani yake. Unapotoa<br />

uhai na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong><br />

katika ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine, Yeye<br />

ataku<strong>wa</strong> na zaidi ya kumimina ndani<br />

yako na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

pamoja na hamu Yake ya kukujaza - <strong>wa</strong>kati unapomngojea<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> subira (Waebrania 11:6).<br />

Kuomba tujazwe k<strong>wa</strong> upya kunaweza kufanyika kila<br />

siku, k<strong>wa</strong> sababu tunapas<strong>wa</strong> tujazwe mfululizo! Tunahitaji<br />

uwezo na uwepo Wake, dakika k<strong>wa</strong> dakika, katika mambo<br />

yote tunayofanya.<br />

Pokea Tu<br />

Tunapokea k<strong>wa</strong> imani, si k<strong>wa</strong> hisia. Tunatafuta<br />

mga<strong>wa</strong>nyo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>, si tukio la kihisia.<br />

Unapoomba, unaweza kukalisha mwili katika hali yoyote<br />

inayokusaidia kutulia - kuketi, kusimama, au kulala chini.<br />

Unaweza ku<strong>wa</strong> ndani ya mahali pako pa kusali, au jikoni,<br />

katika chumba cha kulala, kanisani au nje. Hali ya mwili na<br />

mahali ulipo si muhimu kama u<strong>wa</strong>zi <strong>wa</strong> moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko na hamu<br />

yako ya kupokea.<br />

Unapoomba kujaz<strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> upya, utumie<br />

maneno yaliyo moyoni m<strong>wa</strong>ko. Hakuna njia ifaayo au<br />

isiyofaa ya kumwomba Mungu. Anataka kusikia kutoka<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>ko, hivi ulivyo.<br />

Huenda ungeomba namna hii: “Njoo <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>,<br />

ninafungua moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu nipokee zaidi ya Wewe.<br />

Ninasalimisha moyo <strong>wa</strong>ngu na maisha yangu K<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

Nakuomba unijaze k<strong>wa</strong> upya. Jaza maisha yangu na uwepo<br />

Wako. Jaza kiny<strong>wa</strong> changu na sifa k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Jaza huduma<br />

yangu na uwezo Wako, ili niwe chombo kinachomfaa<br />

Mungu....” Tumia maneno yako na kufungua moyo <strong>wa</strong>ko<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu. Omba upokee! Ujazwe, katika Jina la Yesu!<br />

Haleluya!<br />

62 • MATENDO<br />

Mwisho<br />

Ndugu na dada zangu, <strong>wa</strong>tenda kazi wenzangu katika<br />

mashamba ya Mungu, na <strong>wa</strong>shiriki wenzangu katika huduma<br />

ya kiutumishi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya Injili - sisi tuna wito <strong>wa</strong> hali ya juu<br />

kabisa! Tunayo heshima ya kutumikia Mwili mpend<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong><br />

Kristo (Kanisa Lake), sisi ambao Petro atuambia<br />

“mlikombole<strong>wa</strong> si k<strong>wa</strong> vitu viharibikavyo, k<strong>wa</strong> fedha au<br />

dhahabu... bali k<strong>wa</strong> damu ya thamani, kama ya<br />

m<strong>wa</strong>na-kondoo asiye na ila, asiye na <strong>wa</strong>a” (1Petro 1:18-19).<br />

Huu ni wito ambao hatuwezi kujaribu kutimiza k<strong>wa</strong><br />

uwezo wetu binafsi, tena ni lazima tusijaribu kufanya hivyo.<br />

Tumshukuru Mungu, Yeye ametupatia yote tunayohitaji ili<br />

tuzae matunda kamili, tuwe na ufanisi kamili, na tumtukuze<br />

Yeye kikamilifu!<br />

Tulianza masomo haya k<strong>wa</strong> Neno la Mungu:<br />

“Si k<strong>wa</strong> uwezo, <strong>wa</strong>la si k<strong>wa</strong> nguvu,<br />

bali ni k<strong>wa</strong> roho yangu, asema B<strong>wa</strong>na <strong>wa</strong> majeshi”<br />

(Zekaria 4:6)<br />

Mungu, katika karne zote, amekwisha tenda mambo<br />

makuu ya ajabu sana. Lakini bado kuna mengi zaidi kabisa<br />

ambayo ameahidi kutenda, yatakayotendeka!<br />

Kuna “kazi kub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi” za kufany<strong>wa</strong> - miujiza, ishara<br />

na maajabu k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utukufu <strong>wa</strong> Yesu (Yohana 14:12). Na<br />

Mungu anataka kuyafanya kupitia K<strong>wa</strong>ko! B<strong>wa</strong>na anataka<br />

utangazaji <strong>wa</strong> ujasiri <strong>wa</strong> Injili, kuongoka k<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>liopotea<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Kristo na kujeng<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> Kanisa Lake. Anatamani haya<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kanisa LAKO, jiji LAKO, taifa LAKO! Utukufu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> Mungu!<br />

Mungu daima ana<strong>wa</strong>tafuta <strong>wa</strong>takaosalimisha maisha yao<br />

yote k<strong>wa</strong> mapenzi Yake. Ana<strong>wa</strong>tafuta ambao mioyo yao ina<br />

uaminifu K<strong>wa</strong>ke, ambao anaweza kuonesha nguvu Yake<br />

kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>o. Ana<strong>wa</strong>itikia <strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>naomtamani kuliko yote<br />

mengine, na ambao <strong>wa</strong>naruhusu njaa yao K<strong>wa</strong>ke iongezeke -<br />

<strong>wa</strong>le <strong>wa</strong>takaosema k<strong>wa</strong> ujasiri “Mimi hapa! Nitume mimi”<br />

(Isaya 6:8)!<br />

Kuna njia moja pekee ya kutimiza wito <strong>wa</strong> Mungu na<br />

mapenzi Yake k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya maisha na huduma yako - k<strong>wa</strong><br />

upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>! Ni k<strong>wa</strong> uweza <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

<strong>Mtakatifu</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>mba utapokea mabadiliko, karama na vipa<strong>wa</strong><br />

vilivyo lazima ili uwe na utende yote ambayo Mungu<br />

anatamani k<strong>wa</strong>ko. Na haya yote ni yako k<strong>wa</strong> kuyaomba tu!<br />

Mungu atakupa <strong>Roho</strong> Wake k<strong>wa</strong> wingi kabisa; uamini<br />

hili, upokee upako Wake, utembee na kutoa huduma ndani<br />

yake. Unapotoa uhai na uwezo <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> <strong>Mtakatifu</strong> katika<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia wengine, Yeye ataku<strong>wa</strong> na zaidi ya kumimina<br />

ndani yako na kupitia k<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

B<strong>wa</strong>na akubariki na kukufungulia macho yako ya kiroho<br />

ufahamu ukweli Wake. Upokee neema Yake na msaada Wake<br />

ili umtii katika mambo yote. Akutie mafuta ya upako Wake<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> wingi mwenyewe na katika huduma yako, ili maisha ya<br />

wengine yabadilishwe na ku<strong>wa</strong> utukufu K<strong>wa</strong>ke Yeye<br />

aliyekufa ili a<strong>wa</strong>okoe. Na Mungu apokee sifa yote, utukufu<br />

wote, heshima yote anayostahili kutokana na maisha na<br />

huduma yako unapotembea na kukua katika upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong><br />

Wake <strong>Mtakatifu</strong>. Ninaomba haya mbele za Baba, katika jina<br />

lenye nguvu na uweza la Yesu Kristo Mwokozi wetu. Amina!<br />

Angalizo la Mhariri: Tafadhali angalia ukurasa ufuatao k<strong>wa</strong><br />

ajili ya maelezo jinsi unavyoweza kupata toleo lijalo ya Gazeti<br />

la MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> haraka zaidi katika mtandao <strong>wa</strong> Internet,<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> an<strong>wa</strong>ni ya www.world-map.com.<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1


1. Je, <strong>wa</strong>kati umefika k<strong>wa</strong>mba unapas<strong>wa</strong> kujiandikisha upya? Angalia tarehe kwenye kibandiko chako cha an<strong>wa</strong>ni<br />

ambayo ni tarehe ya mwisho <strong>wa</strong> kuandikish<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>ko.<br />

2. Kama tarehe hii ni CHINI YA MIEZI SITA kutoka sasa huu ni <strong>wa</strong>kati <strong>wa</strong> kujiandikisha k<strong>wa</strong> upya!<br />

3. HUTAKIWI kujiandikisha baada ya kupokea kila toleo la MATENDO: unapas<strong>wa</strong> kujiandikisha k<strong>wa</strong> upya iki<strong>wa</strong> TU muda<br />

<strong>wa</strong> miaka mitatu umekwisha pita au muda huu utakwisha katika miezi sita ijayo.<br />

UNAWEZA KUJIANDIKISHA UPYA KWA "INTERNET ONLINE" AU KWA KUTUMA BARUA YA POSTA YA KAWAIDA.<br />

• K<strong>wa</strong> kujiandikisha upya online, utume email k<strong>wa</strong>: wmap@world-map.com na kufuata maelekezo haya:<br />

1. Kuharakisha kazi, andika "Ufanye upya kibali changu cha MATENDO" kwenye “Subject Line” ya barua pepe yako.<br />

2. Utume jina lako la k<strong>wa</strong>nza na jina la mwisho, na utume pia namba yako ya kutumi<strong>wa</strong> MATENDO kutoka kwenye<br />

kibandiko chako cha an<strong>wa</strong>ni yako. Ukifanya hivyo utaharakisha sana utekelezaji <strong>wa</strong> kukuandikisha upya. Kuna <strong>wa</strong>tu<br />

wengine ambao majina yao yanafanana. Ukitupatia namba yako ya kibandiko, tutaweza kuona na kushughulikia habari<br />

zako k<strong>wa</strong> haraka na usahihi.<br />

3. Kama unabadilisha an<strong>wa</strong>ni yako, ututumie jina lako, namba ya kibandiko, an<strong>wa</strong>ni YA ZAMANI na an<strong>wa</strong>ni MPYA.<br />

Ukiandika an<strong>wa</strong>ni mpya utumie utaratibu <strong>wa</strong> ka<strong>wa</strong>ida <strong>wa</strong> nchi yako, kama vile sanduku la posta, mji, mkoa, na nchi.<br />

4. Ingiza maelezo mengine yanayotaki<strong>wa</strong> kwenye fomu hapa chini. Tafadhali ujibu mas<strong>wa</strong>li yote. (Tafadhali usitume<br />

"Attachment" yoyote. Hatufungui “Attachments”.)<br />

5. Ili upewe kiungo cha barua pepe cha kuweza kupokea MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Internet, utupatie pia an<strong>wa</strong>ni yako ya<br />

barua pepe. Hakikisha imeandik<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> usahihi. (Hata hivyo utapokea nakala yako ya MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya Posta<br />

pia, baadaye.)<br />

• K<strong>wa</strong> kujiandikisha k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya posta, kata fomu hapa chini au inakilishe kwenye karatasi nyingine.<br />

1. Fuata maagizo YOTE kwenye fomu hii (chora mviringo k<strong>wa</strong> Ndiyo au k<strong>wa</strong> Hapana).<br />

2. Ujibu KILA s<strong>wa</strong>li kwenye fomu hii tumia herufi kub<strong>wa</strong> zinazosomeka vizuri.<br />

3. Ili upewe kiungo cha barua pepe cha kuweza kupokea MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya internet, andika an<strong>wa</strong>ni yako ya barua<br />

pepe k<strong>wa</strong> usahihi ukitumia HERUFI KUBWA.<br />

4. Tuma fomu hii k<strong>wa</strong>: WORLD <strong>MAP</strong> ACTS INDIA, P.O. Box 1037 Kilpauk Chennai, 600010 T.N. India; au <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong>,<br />

P.O. Box 721, Arusha, Tanzania; au k<strong>wa</strong> makao makuu ya Marekani; au k<strong>wa</strong> tawi lililo karibu na wewe (tazama orodha<br />

ya an<strong>wa</strong>ni hapo chini).<br />

ANGALIZO: Gazeti la Matendo linatole<strong>wa</strong> pasipo malipo k<strong>wa</strong> viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa katika Asia, Afrika na<br />

Marekani Kusini (ambao <strong>wa</strong>na<strong>wa</strong>fundisha au ku<strong>wa</strong>hubiria <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>siopungua 20 kila juma) ambao<br />

<strong>wa</strong>meomba <strong>wa</strong>lipokee. Kiongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa angalia: Utapokea MATENDO k<strong>wa</strong> miaka mitatu; ndipo utahitaji<br />

kujiandikisha upya ili ulipokee tena k<strong>wa</strong> miaka mitatu mingine. Gazeti la MATENDO si “Masomo k<strong>wa</strong> njia<br />

ya posta”. Hutapokea “cheti” au “diploma” baada ya kusoma MATENDO. Ni tumaini letu na sala yetu<br />

k<strong>wa</strong>mba utapokea kilicho na thamani kub<strong>wa</strong> zaidi sana: Mafundisho yenye msingi katika Biblia na<br />

mafunzo k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya utendaji <strong>wa</strong> huduma yako! Hivyo vitakuandaa uwe na ufanisi mwingi zaidi katika<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>fundisha, ku<strong>wa</strong>hudumia na ku<strong>wa</strong>shuhudia <strong>wa</strong>tu wengine.<br />

* * TUMIA HERUFI KUBWA ZINAZOSOMEKA VIZURI * *<br />

MUHIMU • UJIANDIKISHE KWA UPYA KWA NJIA YA MTANDAO NA BARUA PEPE! • MUHIMU<br />

Uwe kati ya viongozi <strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong>nza <strong>wa</strong>takaopokea toleo lijalo la MATENDO - online!<br />

Fuata maelekezo hapa chini k<strong>wa</strong> "kujiandikisha" ili uweze kupokea Gazeti la Matendo k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya "internet".<br />

KUJIANDIKISHA UPYA / KUOMBA KITABU CHA FIMBO YA MCHUNGAJI (Viringisha Ndiyo au Hapana kwenye mas<strong>wa</strong>li hapo chini)<br />

1. K<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> muda <strong>wa</strong>ngu <strong>wa</strong> kupokea Gazeti la MATENDO utakwisha katika miezi sita ijayo, ninahitaji<br />

kujiandikisha upya. NDIYO HAPANA<br />

2. Namba yangu ya kibandiko cha MATENDO ni ___________ Tarehe ya mwisho <strong>wa</strong>ke ni ______ / ______<br />

3. Mimi ni mtenda kazi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa katika Asia, Afrika au Marekani Kusini, na ninahubiri au kufundisha <strong>wa</strong>tu <strong>wa</strong>siopungua<br />

20 kutoka katika Biblia kila juma (Ni LAZIMA hoja hii iwe ya kweli ili uweze kupokea maandiko<br />

yetu.) NDIYO HAPANA<br />

4. Je, unayo nakala ya kitabu cha Fimbo ya Mchungaji? NDIYO HAPANA<br />

5. Je, unaomba nakala ya kitabu cha Fimbo ya Mchungaji sasa? NDIYO HAPANA<br />

6. Je, unataka kupe<strong>wa</strong> kiungo cha barua pepe cha kupokea toleo lijalo la MATENDO litakapoku<strong>wa</strong> tayari?<br />

NDIYO HAPANA<br />

7. TAFADHALI ANDIKA MAJINA YAKO YOTE KWA HERUFI KUBWA PAMOJA NA ANWANI YAKO HAPO<br />

CHINI. JE, ANWANI HII NI MPYA? NDIYO HAPANA<br />

Jina langu la Ukoo (la mwisho): ___________________ Jina la ubatizo (la k<strong>wa</strong>nza):____________________<br />

An<strong>wa</strong>ni yangu ya posta: ___________________________________________________________________<br />

Mji/Jiji _______________________________________ Mkoa (kama inahitajika)______________________<br />

Nchi yangu ___________________________________ (Namba ya jiji kama ipo)_______________________<br />

Nafasi, madaraka au cheo changu katika kanisa ________________________________________________<br />

Sahihi yangu _____________________ An<strong>wa</strong>ni yangu ya barua pepe: ____________________________<br />

8. Je, mafunzo ya toleo hili la MATENDO yameku<strong>wa</strong>: _______ rahisi kuele<strong>wa</strong> _____magumu kuele<strong>wa</strong><br />

_______ yamenisaidia _____hayakunisaidia<br />

Ukitumia karatasi nyingine au k<strong>wa</strong> barua pepe k<strong>wa</strong> wmap@world-map.com, unaweza kutushirikisha ushuhuda <strong>wa</strong>ko au maoni yako<br />

kuhusu jinsi mafundisho ya MATENDO au Fimbo Ya Mchungaji yanavyokusaidia.<br />

UTUME FOMU HII KWA:<br />

WORLD <strong>MAP</strong> ACTS INDIA, P.O. Box 1037 Kilpauk Chennai, 600010 T.N. India;<br />

POST BOX 721 ARUSHA, TANZANIA (au k<strong>wa</strong> an<strong>wa</strong>ni nyingine hapa chini kama ni karibu zaidi na k<strong>wa</strong>ko):<br />

au <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> Head Office, at <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong>, 1419 N. San Fernando Boulevard, Burbank CA 91504 USA<br />

Nakala 16 / Nambari 1<br />

SW 0108<br />

MATENDO • 63


ANGALIZO KWA VIONGOZI WA KANISA:<br />

Je, unachimba ndani zaidi katika Maandiko k<strong>wa</strong><br />

kutumia Fimbo Ya Mchungaji, zana ya <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong><br />

ya kufanya <strong>wa</strong>nafunzi iliyo na nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong>?<br />

Tafadhali uombe<br />

kitabu cha Fimbo<br />

Ya Mchungaji<br />

kama tu<br />

hujakipokea.<br />

Biblia<br />

Fimbo Ya<br />

Mchungaji<br />

Fimbo Ya Mchungaji hujulikana k<strong>wa</strong><br />

wengine kama "Shule ya Biblia katika<br />

Kitabu" iliyo kamili kabisa. Kina kurasa 1000<br />

na kimeandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya ku<strong>wa</strong>funza na<br />

ku<strong>wa</strong>andaa viongozi <strong>wa</strong> kanisa. Ndani yake<br />

kuna maandiko yenye upako <strong>wa</strong> <strong>Roho</strong> na<br />

msingi <strong>wa</strong> ki Biblia, ya <strong>wa</strong>andishi wengi.<br />

Kitabu hiki kiliandali<strong>wa</strong> k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya<br />

mahitaji maalum ya viongozi <strong>wa</strong><br />

kanisa <strong>wa</strong>naofanya kazi katika<br />

Asia, Afrika na Marekani Kusini.<br />

Kama wewe ni msomaji mpya<br />

<strong>wa</strong> MATENDO na hujapokea nakala ya<br />

Fimbo Ya Mchungaji, uombe nakala<br />

yako sasa.<br />

Yaliyomo ndani ya “Fimbo Ya Mchungaji”:<br />

[1] Kitabu Kidogo cha Malezi ya Waamini Wapya chenye masomo yote unayohitaji ili u<strong>wa</strong>fundishe<br />

<strong>wa</strong>ongofu <strong>wa</strong>pya.<br />

[2] M<strong>wa</strong>ndani Wa Biblia yenye orodha ya maelfu ya mistari ya Biblia inayohusiana na hoja 200<br />

kub<strong>wa</strong> za Biblia.<br />

[3] Mwongozo Wa Kufunza Viongozi wenye masomo bora yote yaliyokusany<strong>wa</strong> na <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> k<strong>wa</strong><br />

muda <strong>wa</strong> miaka thelathini iliyopita.<br />

Yote haya na mengine yamo katika kitabu kimoja kiit<strong>wa</strong>cho Fimbo Ya Mchungaji.<br />

Ili upokee nakala yako ya kitabu hiki chenye nguvu kub<strong>wa</strong>, Fimbo Ya Mchungaji, unahitaji kuiomba<br />

k<strong>wa</strong> njia ya INTERNET k<strong>wa</strong> kutumia an<strong>wa</strong>ni www.world-map.com au ujaze k<strong>wa</strong> makini fomu ya<br />

maombi nyuma ya ukurasa huu (au unaweza kuandika maelezo yote k<strong>wa</strong> HERUFI KUBWA kwenye<br />

karatasi nyingine kama hutaki kukata gazeti lako). Uki<strong>wa</strong> umejibu mas<strong>wa</strong>li yote na kuandika maelezo<br />

yako k<strong>wa</strong> usahihi, utume fomu k<strong>wa</strong> Ofisi ya <strong>World</strong> <strong>MAP</strong> iliyo karibu na wewe. (An<strong>wa</strong>ni zipo chini ya<br />

fomu yenyewe.) Kama unaweza kutumia INTERNET, hutahitaji kununua stempu! Utapokea nakala<br />

yako ya Fimbo Ya Mchungaji mapema iwezekanavyo (lakini k<strong>wa</strong> ku<strong>wa</strong> vifurushi na barua za posta<br />

huchukua muda mrefu mara nyingi, tafadhali uache miezi sita au hata zaidi k<strong>wa</strong> ajili ya kupokea nakala<br />

yako ya Fimbo Ya Mchungaji). Asante.<br />

For private circulation • K<strong>wa</strong> <strong>wa</strong>husika binafsi tu

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