Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
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