Swahili Learning
Proclaiming Christ in Simple Terms
We walk through many doorways in our lives. As you well know, doors open us to old and new things. In the picture you are seeing a doorway of where we live in Iringa, Tanzania. We walk through this door at least six times a day. Currently, it is being repaired. When it is done, it will likely receive many more people through it into the future.
One new doorway Shanna and I have been walking through recently is the language doorway. For many it can be an overwhelming door. It can be heavy and at times it may even seem locked. Right when you think you have it unlatched, it still doesn’t open. I hear people experience this with math also.
In order to make it a little less cumbersome for me into the future, one of my teachers is having me write simple devotions in Swahili and deliver them in front of the class. This daily devotional writing exercise is beginning to teach me some words from the Swahili Bible. It is also teaching some Lutheran phrases that the church uses throughout East Africa. Since I am already writing these devotions, I thought I’d share one of my latest devotions with you. May it edify your day.
A Devotion on John 10:7-9
Praise the Lord. Amen. or “Christ has Risen!”Amen.
Bwana Asifiwe. Amen. au “Kristo amefufuka!” Amen.
Today’s theme is “Jesus is the Door of the sheep.”
Mada ya leo hii ni “Yesu ni Mlango wa Kondoo.”
The Scripture reading is John 10:7-9
Somo la Maandiko ni Yohana mlango wa Kumi mstari wa saba hadi tisa
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep heard them not. 9. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and shall find pasture.
Basi Yesu aliwaambia tena, Amin, amin, nawaambieni, Mimi ndimi mlango wa kondoo. 8. Wote walionitangulia ni wevi na wanyang'anyi; lakini kondoo hawakuwasikia. 9. Mimi ndimi mlango; mtu akiingia kwa mimi, ataokoka; ataingia na kutoka, naye atapata malisho.
Jesus says, I am the door of the sheep. Jesus does not only show us a door. No, Jesus is the door.the way to God is Jesus alone.
Yesu alisema, "Mimi ni mlango wa kondoo." Yesu hatuonyeshi mlango tu. Hapana, Yesu ndiye mlango. Njia ya kwenda kwa Mungu ni Yesu peke yake.
This is good news for people who have sin. We cannot save ourselves by our good works. Our sin are many. But Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. Because of Jesus, the door is open.
Hii ni habari njema kwa watu wenye dhambi. Hatuwezi kujiokoa kwa matendo yetu mazuri. Dhambi zetu ni nyingi. Lakini Yesu alikufa msalabani kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu. Alifufuka kutoka kwa wafu. Kwa sababu ya Yesu, mlango uko wazi.
Jesus says, “by me if any man enter, he will be saved.” This is the promise of Jesus. Jesus gives you forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. God gives you these gifts through His Word and Sacrament.
Yesu anasema, "Mtu akiingia kwa mimi, ataokoka." Hii ni ahadi ya Yesu. Yesu anakupa msamaha wa dhambi, uzima, na wokovu. Mungu anakupa zawadi hizi kupitia Neno Lake na Sakramenti.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He takes care of His sheep. He gives us spiritual food through the Word of God. He gives us strength in Baptims and the Table of the Lord. He leads us every day.
Yesu ni Mchungaji Mwema. Anawatunza kondoo wake. Anatupa chakula cha kiroho kupitia Neno la Mungu. Anatupa nguvu katika Ubatizo na Meza ya Bwana. Yeye anatuongoza kila siku.
When you are sad or afraid, remember Jesus. Jesus is the door. Jesus has done all things for your salvation. Trust Jesus and receive peace.
Wakati una huzuni au unaogopa, mkumbuke Yesu. Yesu ndiye mlango. Yesu amefanya kila kitu kwa wokovu wako. Mwamini Yesu na upate amani.
Let us pray:
Tuomba:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the door of salvation. You died and rose again for us. Help us to trust in You every day. Feed us with Your Word and Your Sacraments. Amen.
Bwana Yesu, asante kwa kuwa mlango wa wokovu. Ulitufia na kufufuka kwa ajili yetu. Tusaidie kukuamini kila siku. Tulishe kwa Neno lako na Sakramenti zako. Amina.
In Christ Alone,
