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# The Book of Joel and The Laodicean Seventh-day Adventist Church - Number Forty

Kitabu cha Yoeli na Kanisa la Waadventista Wasabato la Laodikia - Nambari Arobaini

Number Forty

Nambari Arobaini

Author

Jeff Pippenger

Published

February 3, 2026

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Peter was symbolically at Caesarea Philippi at the third hour, on his way to Caesarea Maritima and the ninth hour. According to Matthew and Mark, six days later, Peter, James and John were at the Mount of Transfiguration. Luke says eight days, between Panium and the Mount. From the gates of hell, at Caesarea Philippi to the death of the cross, with a stop along the way at the Mount of Transfiguration. Three steps from Panium to the Sunday law. Caesarea at the beginning, the Mount in the middle, and Caesarea at the end. Hell at the beginning, death at the end, with God’s glory in the middle. An alpha rebellion represented by the gates of hell and an omega rebellion represented by the death of the Son of God.

Petro alikuwa kiishara katika Kaisaria ya Filipo saa ya tatu, akiwa njiani kuelekea Kaisaria Maritima na saa ya tisa. Kulingana na Mathayo na Marko, baada ya siku sita, Petro, Yakobo na Yohana walikuwa katika Mlima wa Kubadilika Sura. Luka anasema siku nane, kati ya Panium na huo Mlima. Kuanzia milango ya Kuzimu, huko Kaisaria ya Filipo, hadi mauti ya msalaba, pamoja na kusimama njiani katika Mlima wa Kubadilika Sura. Hatua tatu kutoka Panium hadi sheria ya Jumapili. Kaisaria mwanzoni, Mlima katikati, na Kaisaria mwishoni. Kuzimu mwanzoni, mauti mwishoni, na utukufu wa Mungu katikati. Uasi wa alfa unaowakilishwa na milango ya Kuzimu, na uasi wa omega unaowakilishwa na mauti ya Mwana wa Mungu.

Caesarea Philippi is the foundation, for it was there that Christ identified the Rock on which He would build His church. The Mount of Transfiguration is the second step, where the temple is finished and the capstone is placed. The third step of judgment at the cross followed after.

Kaisaria Filipo ndio msingi, kwa kuwa huko ndiko Kristo alibainisha Mwamba ambao juu yake angejenga Kanisa lake. Mlima wa Kubadilika Sura ndio hatua ya pili, ambako hekalu linakamilishwa na jiwe la kilele linawekwa. Hatua ya tatu ya hukumu msalabani ilifuata baadaye.

> And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

> Akawaambia, Amini, nawaambia, wapo baadhi ya wasimamao hapa ambao hawataonja mauti, hata watakapouona ufalme wa Mungu umekuja kwa nguvu. Na baada ya siku sita Yesu akawachukua Petro, na Yakobo, na Yohana, akawapandisha juu ya mlima mrefu faraghani, peke yao; akageuzwa sura mbele yao. Na mavazi yake yakang’aa, meupe mno kama theluji, hata hakuna mwoshaji nguo duniani awezaye kuyafanya meupe namna hiyo. Nao Eliya pamoja na Musa wakaonekana kwao; wakawa wanazungumza na Yesu.

> And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

> Petro akajibu, akamwambia Yesu, Mwalimu, ni vema kwetu kuwapo hapa; na tufanye vibanda vitatu; kimoja chako, na kimoja cha Musa, na kimoja cha Eliya.

> For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. Mark 9:1–10.

> Kwa maana hakujua la kusema; kwa kuwa waliogopa mno. Kukawa na wingu lililowafunika; na sauti ikatoka katika lile wingu ikisema, Huyu ni Mwanangu mpendwa; msikieni. Na mara, walipotazama pande zote, hawakumwona mtu mwingine tena, ila Yesu peke yake pamoja nao. Na walipokuwa wakishuka mlimani, akawaagiza wasimwambie mtu yeyote yale waliyoyaona, hata Mwana wa Adamu atakapofufuka kutoka kwa wafu. Nao wakalishika neno hilo pamoja nao, wakihojiana wao kwa wao maana ya kufufuka kutoka kwa wafu ni nini. Marko 9:1-10.

At the mount, Peter proposes to erect a tabernacle for Moses, Christ and Elijah.

Mlimani, Petro anapendekeza kusimamisha hema moja kwa ajili ya Musa, Kristo na Eliya.

> “Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold the body, claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses and took him to heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing Him as unjust in permitting his prey to be taken from him; but Christ did not rebuke His adversary, though it was through his temptation that the servant of God had fallen. He meekly referred him to His Father, saying, ‘The Lord rebuke thee.’

> Musa alipitia mauti, lakini Mikaeli alishuka akampa uhai kabla mwili wake haujaona uharibifu. Shetani alijaribu kuushikilia mwili huo, akiudai kuwa ni wake; lakini Mikaeli akamfufua Musa, akamchukua mbinguni. Shetani alimkashifu Mungu kwa uchungu na ukali, akimshutumu kuwa si mwenye haki kwa kuruhusu mawindo yake kuchukuliwa kutoka kwake; lakini Kristo hakumkemea mpinzani wake, ijapokuwa ilikuwa kupitia majaribu yake ndipo mtumishi wa Mungu alianguka. Kwa unyenyekevu akamwelekeza kwa Baba Yake, akisema, 'Bwana na akukemee.'

> “Jesus had told His disciples that there were some standing with Him who should not taste of death till they should see the kingdom of God come with power. At the transfiguration this promise was fulfilled. The countenance of Jesus was there changed and shone like the sun. His raiment was white and glistening. Moses was present to represent those who will be raised from the dead at the second appearing of Jesus. And Elijah, who was translated without seeing death, represented those who will be changed to immortality at Christ’s second coming and will be translated to heaven without seeing death. The disciples beheld with astonishment and fear the excellent majesty of Jesus and the cloud that overshadowed them, and heard the voice of God in terrible majesty, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son; hear Him.’” Early Writings, 164.

> Yesu alikuwa amewaambia wanafunzi Wake kwamba wapo baadhi ya waliosimama pamoja Naye ambao hawataonja mauti hata watakapoona ufalme wa Mungu ukija kwa nguvu. Katika tukio la kubadilika sura, ahadi hii ilitimizwa. Uso wa Yesu ulibadilika na ukang'aa kama jua. Mavazi Yake yalikuwa meupe yakimetameta. Mose alikuwepo kuwakilisha wale watakaofufuliwa kutoka kwa wafu katika kuonekana kwa pili kwa Yesu. Naye Eliya, aliyepandishwa bila kuona mauti, aliwakilisha wale watakaobadilishwa na kuvaa kutokufa katika kuja kwa pili kwa Kristo, na watakaopandishwa mbinguni bila kuona mauti. Wanafunzi walitazama kwa mshangao na hofu ule utukufu mkuu wa Yesu, na lile wingu lililowafunika, nao wakaisikia sauti ya Mungu kwa adhama ya kutisha ikisema, ‘Huyu ni Mwanangu mpendwa; msikieni Yeye.’ Maandishi ya Mapema, 164.

The Mount of Transfiguration identifies three tabernacles. The tabernacle of Moses at the beginning of ancient Israel, the tabernacle of Christ as represented by His incarnation and the tabernacle that is the one hundred and forty-four thousand as represented by Elijah. The one hundred and forty-four thousand are those who do not taste of death, until they see the Second Coming of Christ. The Mount is identifying the point where the seal is impressed upon the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

Mlima wa Kubadilika Sura unabainisha hema tatu. Hema la Musa mwanzoni mwa Israeli ya kale; hema la Kristo, linavyowakilishwa na Umwilisho wake; na hema ambalo ni mia arobaini na nne elfu, linavyowakilishwa na Eliya. Mia arobaini na nne elfu ni wale wasioonja mauti, hata watakapoona Kurudi kwa Pili kwa Kristo. Mlima huo unabainisha wakati ambapo muhuri unatiwa juu ya mia arobaini na nne elfu.

The tabernacle of the one hundred and forty-four thousand is raised up in the antitypical feast of Tabernacles. The Mount identifies those who do not taste death, and sets forth three witnesses that when they see the glory of God in the mount, it is the antitypical feast of Tabernacles.

Hema la mia arobaini na nne elfu linainuliwa katika Sikukuu ya Vibanda ya mfano halisi. Mlima huwatambulisha wale wasioonja mauti, na huwasimamisha mashahidi watatu kwamba, wanapoona utukufu wa Mungu mlimani, hiyo ni Sikukuu ya Vibanda ya mfano halisi.

They are raised up as the tabernacle of Elijah, that began to be reared up in 2023, when both Moses and Elijah were resurrected. First the foundation was laid, that is the only foundation that can be laid, and that foundation is Christ, the corner and foundation stone. Then the capstone is placed, which represents the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand as represented at the Mount of Transfiguration. At the Mount Peter, James and John represent those who actually do not taste of death. Peter later recorded that the kingdom of priests is those who have tasted that the Lord is good, and who were a spiritual house. They tasted life, so they do not taste death.

Wanainuliwa kama hema la Eliya, lililoanza kusimikwa mwaka 2023, wakati Musa na Eliya wote wawili walipofufuliwa. Kwanza msingi uliwekwa, ambao ndiyo msingi wa pekee unaoweza kuwekwa, na msingi huo ni Kristo, jiwe la pembe na jiwe la msingi. Kisha jiwe la kilele linawekwa, linalowakilisha kutiwa muhuri kwa wale elfu mia arobaini na nne, kama ilivyowakilishwa katika Mlima wa Kubadilika Sura. Kwenye ule Mlima, Petro, Yakobo na Yohana wanawakilisha wale ambao kwa kweli hawaonji mauti. Petro baadaye aliandika kwamba ufalme wa makuhani ni wale waliyoonja ya kuwa Bwana ni mwema, na waliokuwa nyumba ya kiroho. Walionja uzima, kwa hiyo hawaonji mauti.

> If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 1 Peter 2:3–6.

> Kama kweli mmekwisha kuonja ya kuwa Bwana ni mwenye fadhili. Mkimuendea yeye kama jiwe lililo hai, lililokataliwa kweli na wanadamu, bali teuliwa na Mungu, tena la thamani, ninyi nanyi, kama mawe yaliyo hai, mnajengwa muwe nyumba ya kiroho, ukuhani mtakatifu, mpate kutoa dhabihu za kiroho, zinazokubalika kwa Mungu kwa njia ya Yesu Kristo. Kwa hiyo pia imeandikwa katika Maandiko: Tazama, naweka katika Sayuni jiwe kuu la pembeni, teule, la thamani; naye amwaminiye hatatahayarika. 1 Petro 2:3-6.

The word translated as “confounded” means “to be ashamed.” The remnant is represented by Peter, and their joy is contrasted with those who rejected the latter rain message. A key of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, for Peter was given the “keys” to the kingdom, is the “chief corner stone” that was laid in Sion. That stone is marvelous in the eyes of the righteous, and a stone of stumbling to the drunkards of Ephraim.

Neno linalotafsiriwa kama "confounded" linamaanisha "kuona aibu." Masalia yanawakilishwa na Petro, na furaha yao inapinganishwa na wale walioukataa ujumbe wa mvua ya mwisho. Ufunguo mmoja wa wale mia na arobaini na nne elfu, kwa kuwa Petro alipewa "funguo" za ufalme, ni "jiwe kuu la pembeni" lililowekwa Sioni. Jiwe hilo ni la ajabu machoni pa wenye haki, na ni jiwe la kujikwaa kwa walevi wa Efraimu.

> The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Psalms 118:22, 23.

> Lile jiwe walilolikataa waashi limekuwa jiwe kuu la pembe. Hili limetendwa na Bwana; nalo ni ajabu machoni petu. Zaburi 118:22, 23.

Jesus commented on these verses in the conclusion of the parable of the vineyard.

Yesu alitoa maoni juu ya aya hizi katika hitimisho la mfano wa shamba la mizabibu.

> Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet. Matthew 21:42–46.

> Yesu akawaambia, Je, hamkusoma katika Maandiko, Jiwe ambalo waashi walilikataa, hilo limekuwa jiwe kuu la pembeni; jambo hili limetoka kwa Bwana, nalo ni la ajabu machoni petu? Kwa hiyo nawaambia, Ufalme wa Mungu utaondolewa kwenu, na kupewa taifa linalozaa matunda yake. Na yeyote aangukaye juu ya jiwe hili atavunjika; bali yeyote ambaye litamwangukia, litamsaga-saga. Nao wakuu wa makuhani na Mafarisayo waliposikia mifano yake, walitambua ya kuwa alikuwa akisema habari zao. Lakini walipotaka kumkamata, waliwaogopa makutano, kwa sababu walimhesabu kuwa nabii. Mathayo 21:42-46.

Whoever accepts the foundational message, shall be broken, for the Rock is Christ, and the work of the gospel is to humble the human into the dust.

Yeyote atakayekubali ujumbe wa msingi atavunjwa, kwa maana Mwamba ni Kristo, na kazi ya Injili ni kumnyenyekeza mwanadamu hata mavumbini.

> “What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. When they begin to praise and exalt God all the day long, then by beholding they are becoming changed into the same image. What is regeneration? It is revealing to man what is his own real nature, that in himself he is worthless.” Manuscript Releases, volume 20, 117.

> Kuhesabiwa haki kwa imani ni nini? Ni kazi ya Mungu ya kuutia utukufu wa mwanadamu mavumbini, na kumfanyia mwanadamu kile ambacho hakimo katika uwezo wake yeye mwenyewe kukifanya. Wanadamu wanapoona ubatili wao wenyewe, huandaliwa kuvishwa haki ya Kristo. Wanapoanza kumsifu na kumtukuza Mungu mchana kutwa, ndipo, kwa kutazama, wanageuzwa kufanana na mfano huohuo. Kuzaliwa upya ni nini? Ni kumfunulia mwanadamu asili yake halisi, kwamba ndani yake mwenyewe ni bure. Manuscript Releases, juzuu ya 20, 117.

Whoever rejects the foundation stone is destroyed, as was the case with ancient Israel in fulfillment of Jesus’ application of the parable of the vineyard. The Jews rejected Christ, they also rejected Moses, for if they had believed Moses, they would have also believed Christ. They rejected God’s law, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. Christ, Moses and the Law are all symbols of foundations, and Christ is the only foundation that can be laid, but Christ as the foundation is represented with many symbols. Moses and the Law are both illustrations of this fact. Christ is the only foundation, but this only means that the other foundations in His prophetic Word are simply symbols of some aspect of His character.

Yeyote anayelikataa jiwe la msingi huangamizwa, kama ilivyokuwa kwa Israeli ya kale katika utimilifu wa jinsi Yesu alivyoutumia mfano wa shamba la mizabibu. Wayahudi walimkataa Kristo, wakamkataa pia Musa, kwa maana kama wangalimwamini Musa, wangalimwamini pia Kristo. Walikataa sheria ya Mungu, wakizifanya amri za wanadamu kuwa mafundisho. Kristo, Musa na Sheria vyote ni ishara za misingi, na Kristo ndiye msingi wa pekee unaoweza kuwekwa, lakini Kristo kama msingi anawakilishwa kwa ishara nyingi. Musa na Sheria vyote ni vielelezo vya ukweli huu. Kristo ndiye msingi wa pekee, lakini hili linamaanisha tu kwamba misingi mingine katika Neno lake la kinabii ni ishara tu za baadhi ya vipengele vya tabia yake.

> For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11.

> Maana hakuna mtu awezaye kuweka msingi mwingine isipokuwa ule uliokwisha kuwekwa, ambao ni Yesu Kristo. 1 Wakorintho 3:11.

Jesus is the Word, and as such the rules within His Word represent Himself. This is why Sister White records that the Ten Commandments are a transcript of Christ’s character. He is the First and the Last, and when represented in this fashion it identifies that Christ always illustrates the end of a thing, with the beginning of a thing. As the Word, He is also “Truth,” and truth is a prophetic framework. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah when He seals and unseals His Word. He is also the corner stone that becomes the cap stone. The corner stone is simply an illustration of Him as the foundation, or the first letter of the Hebrew word “truth.” The cap stone is the crowning work on the temple, and when aligned with the framework of truth, the cap stone is twenty-two times more powerful than the corner stone. What is marvelous in the eyes of those who have tasted that the Lord is good, is how the principles of the framework of truth aligned with the corner and cap stone identifies one of the prophetic keys that were given to Peter.

Yesu ni Neno, na kwa hiyo kanuni zilizomo ndani ya Neno Lake zinamwakilisha Yeye mwenyewe. Ndiyo sababu Dada White anaandika kwamba Amri Kumi ni nakala ya tabia ya Kristo. Yeye ni wa Kwanza na wa Mwisho, na anapowakilishwa kwa namna hii inaonyesha kwamba Kristo daima huwasilisha mwisho wa jambo pamoja na mwanzo wake. Akiwa Neno, Yeye pia ni “Kweli,” na kweli ni kiunzi cha kinabii. Yeye ni Simba wa kabila la Yuda anapoutia muhuri na kuufungua Neno Lake. Yeye pia ni jiwe la pembeni linalogeuka kuwa jiwe la kilele. Jiwe la pembeni ni taswira tu ya Yeye kama msingi, au herufi ya kwanza ya neno la Kiebrania “kweli.” Jiwe la kilele ndilo kazi ya kutia taji juu ya hekalu, na linapolingana na kiunzi cha kweli, jiwe hilo la kilele huwa na nguvu mara ishirini na mbili zaidi kuliko jiwe la pembeni. La ajabu machoni pa wale walioonja ya kuwa Bwana ni mwema, ni jinsi kanuni za kiunzi cha kweli, zilizoambatana na jiwe la pembeni na jiwe la kilele, zinavyotambulisha mojawapo ya funguo za kinabii alizopewa Petro.

The alpha first letter is one, but the omega last letter is twenty-two. Miller’s jewels shine as the sun, but when the dirt brush man assembled the jewels, they were ten times brighter. The recognition that the end of a prophetic line is the same, but more powerful than the beginning of a prophetic lines is “marvelous.” It is an element of Christ’s character; it is one of the keys given to Peter to bind the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

Alfa, herufi ya kwanza, ni moja; lakini Omega, herufi ya mwisho, ni ishirini na mbili. Vito vya Miller vinang'aa kama jua, lakini mtu mwenye brashi ya vumbi alipovikusanya pamoja, vikawa vinang'aa mara kumi zaidi. Utambuzi kwamba mwisho wa mstari wa kinabii ni sawa, lakini wenye nguvu zaidi kuliko mwanzo wa mistari ya kinabii, ni "ajabu." Ni kipengele cha tabia ya Kristo; ni mojawapo ya funguo alizopewa Petro za kufunga wale elfu mia arobaini na nne.

Peter’s “spiritual house” is the casket of William Miller’s dream and also Malachi’s storehouse of tithes and offerings. When the windows of heaven are opened; one class is cast out of the room, and the other class is cast into the casket and given the white linen uniforms of God’s triumphant church.

"Nyumba ya kiroho" ya Petro ni kibweta cha ndoto ya William Miller, na pia ni ghala la zaka na sadaka la Malaki. Wakati madirisha ya mbingu yanapofunguliwa, kundi moja hutupwa nje ya chumba, na kundi jingine hutupwa ndani ya kibweta na kupewa mavazi ya kitani meupe ya kanisa la Mungu lililoshinda.

> “Solemnly and publicly the people of Judah had pledged themselves to obey the law of God. But when the influence of Ezra and Nehemiah was for a time withdrawn, there were many who departed from the Lord. Nehemiah had returned to Persia. During his absence from Jerusalem, evils crept in that threatened to pervert the nation. Idolaters not only gained a foothold in the city, but contaminated by their presence the very precincts of the temple. Through intermarriage, a friendship had been brought about between Eliashib the high priest and Tobiah the Ammonite, Israel’s bitter enemy. As a result of this unhallowed alliance, Eliashib had permitted Tobiah to occupy an apartment connected with the temple, which heretofore had been used as a storeroom for tithes and offerings of the people.

> Kwa kiapo kikuu hadharani, watu wa Yuda walikuwa wameweka agano la kuitii sheria ya Mungu. Lakini athari ya Ezra na Nehemia ilipokosekana kwa muda, kulikuwa na wengi waliomwacha Bwana. Nehemia alikuwa amerudi Uajemi. Katika kipindi cha kukosekana kwake Yerusalemu, maovu yalijipenyeza yakitishia kupotosha taifa. Waabudu sanamu hawakupata tu nafasi ndani ya mji, bali kwa uwepo wao walitia unajisi hata nyua za hekalu lenyewe. Kupitia ndoa za mchanganyiko, urafiki ulianzishwa kati ya Eliasibu, kuhani mkuu, na Tobia Mwamoni, adui mkali wa Israeli. Kutokana na muungano huu usio mtakatifu, Eliasibu alimruhusu Tobia kukaa katika chumba kimoja katika vyumba vya hekalu, ambacho hapo awali kilitumika kama ghala la zaka na sadaka za watu.

> “Because of the cruelty and treachery of the Ammonites and Moabites toward Israel, God had declared through Moses that they should be forever shut out from the congregation of His people. See Deuteronomy 23:3–6. In defiance of this word, the high priest had cast out the offerings stored in the chamber of God’s house, to make a place for this representative of a proscribed race. Greater contempt for God could not have been shown than to confer such a favor on this enemy of God and His truth.

> Kwa sababu ya ukatili na usaliti wa Waamoni na Wamoabu dhidi ya Israeli, Mungu alikuwa ametangaza kupitia Musa kwamba wasikubaliwe kamwe kuingia katika kusanyiko la watu Wake. Tazama Kumbukumbu la Torati 23:3-6. Kwa kupuuza neno hili, kuhani mkuu alikuwa ametupilia nje sadaka zilizohifadhiwa katika chumba cha nyumba ya Mungu, ili kuandaa nafasi kwa mwakilishi huyu wa taifa lililokatazwa. Dharau kubwa zaidi kwa Mungu isingeweza kuonyeshwa kuliko kumpa adui huyu wa Mungu na kweli Yake fadhila kama hiyo.

> “On returning from Persia, Nehemiah learned of the bold profanation and took prompt measures to expel the intruder. ‘It grieved me sore,’ he declares; ‘therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.’

> Aliporudi kutoka Uajemi, Nehemia akapata habari za kunajisi kwa dharau kubwa na akachukua hatua za haraka kumfukuza huyo mwingiliaji. ‘Jambo hilo liliniumiza sana,’ akatangaza; ‘kwa hiyo nikatupa nje vitu vyote vya nyumbani vya Tobia kutoka katika chumba. Kisha nikaamuru, nao wakavitakasa vyumba; na huko nikaleta tena vyombo vya nyumba ya Mungu, pamoja na sadaka ya unga na uvumba.’

> “Not only had the temple been profaned, but the offerings had been misapplied. This had tended to discourage the liberalities of the people. They had lost their zeal and fervor, and were reluctant to pay their tithes. The treasuries of the Lord’s house were poorly supplied; many of the singers and others employed in the temple service, not receiving sufficient support, had left the work of God to labor elsewhere.

> Si tu kwamba hekalu lilikuwa limetiwa unajisi, bali pia sadaka zilitumiwa visivyo. Jambo hili liliwakatisha tamaa watu katika ukarimu wao wa kutoa. Walikuwa wamepoteza ari na shauku, na wakasita kulipa zaka zao. Vyumba vya hazina vya nyumba ya Bwana vilikuwa vimepungukiwa sana; waimbaji wengi na wengine waliowekwa katika utumishi wa hekalu, kwa kutopokea posho ya kutosha, waliuacha kazi ya Mungu wakaenda kufanya kazi kwingineko.

> “Nehemiah set to work to correct these abuses. He gathered together those who had left the service of the Lord’s house, ‘and set them in their place.’ This inspired the people with confidence, and all Judah brought ‘the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil.’ Men who ‘were counted faithful’ were made ‘treasurers over the treasuries,’ ‘and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.’” Prophets and Kings, 669, 670.

> Nehemia akaanza kazi ya kurekebisha maovu haya. Akawakusanya pamoja wale waliokuwa wameacha huduma ya nyumba ya Bwana, ‘akawaweka mahali pao.’ Hili liliwatia watu moyo, na watu wote wa Yuda wakaleta ‘zaka ya nafaka na divai mpya na mafuta.’ Watu ambao ‘walihesabiwa kuwa waaminifu’ wakafanywa ‘waweka hazina wa vyumba vya hazina,’ ‘na wajibu wao ulikuwa kuwagawia ndugu zao.’ Manabii na Wafalme, 669, 670.

When Nehemiah “cast out Tobiah,” he was prefiguring Christ casting the money-changers out of the very same temple. It wasn’t simply the temple, but the very room in the temple where the tithes were stored. When Eliakim the Philadelphian replaced Shebna the Laodicean, Shebna was the treasurer that was cast into a far field.

Nehemia alipomfukuza Tobia, alikuwa akitoa mfano wa awali wa Kristo kuwafukuza wabadili wa fedha kutoka katika Hekalu hilo hilo. Haikuwa tu Hekalu, bali chumba chenyewe ndani ya Hekalu ambamo zaka ziliwekwa. Eliakimu wa Filadelfia alipomrithi Shebna wa Laodikia, Shebna alikuwa mweka hazina aliayetupwa katika uwanda wa mbali.

> Thus saith the Lord God of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say, What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? Behold, the Lord will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord’s house. And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

> Hivyo asema Bwana, Mungu wa majeshi, Nenda, umwendee huyu mtunza hazina, naam, Shebna, aliye juu ya nyumba, umwambie, Una nini hapa? Na una nani hapa, hata ukajichongea hapa kaburi, kama ajichongeaye kaburi juu, na ajichongee makao yake ndani ya mwamba? Tazama, Bwana atakuondosha kwa utekwa wa nguvu kuu, naye kwa yakini atakufunika. Kwa yakini atakuviringisha na kukutupa kwa nguvu kama mpira hata katika nchi pana; huko utakufa, na huko magari ya fahari yako yatakuwa aibu ya nyumba ya bwana wako. Nami nitakufukuza katika nafasi yako, na kutoka katika cheo chako atakushusha.

> And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

> Na itakuwa siku ile, nitamwita mtumishi wangu Eliakimu mwana wa Hilkia; nami nitamvika vazi lako, na nitamtia nguvu kwa mshipi wako, nami nitamkabidhi utawala wako mkononi mwake; naye atakuwa baba kwa wenyeji wa Yerusalemu, na kwa nyumba ya Yuda. Na ufunguo wa nyumba ya Daudi nitauweka begani mwake; naye atafungua, wala hapana atakayefunga; naye atafunga, wala hapana atakayefungua.

> And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 22:15–22.

> Na nitamtia kama msumari mahali palipo imara; naye atakuwa kiti cha enzi cha utukufu kwa nyumba ya baba yake. Nao wataning’iniza juu yake utukufu wote wa nyumba ya baba yake, wazao na watokao kwake, vyombo vyote vya kiasi kidogo, kuanzia vikombe hata vyombo vyote vya viriba. Siku ile, asema Bwana wa majeshi, msumari uliotiwa mahali palipo imara utaondolewa, utakatwa, na utaanguka; na mzigo uliokuwa juu yake utakatwa mbali; kwa kuwa Bwana amenena. Isaya 22:15-22.

In the day that Shebna the foolish Laodicean is cast out, Eliakim is given the government of the church triumphant. When Christ cleanses the temple of the one hundred and forty-four thousand, from the rubbish that has covered up the precious jewels, He identifies that He would “cover” those represented by Shebna. Before the windows of heaven were opened the jewels were covered with rubbish, and when the rubbish is cast out, the rubbish is then covered with shame. William Miller’s dream is identifying the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

Siku ile ambayo Shebna, yule Mlaodikia mpumbavu, atakapotupwa nje, Eliakimu atapewa utawala wa kanisa lililoshinda. Kristo anaposafisha hekalu la wale elfu mia arobaini na nne kutokana na takataka zilizokuwa zimefunika vito vya thamani, anaonyesha kwamba ange "kuwafunika" wale wanaowakilishwa na Shebna. Kabla madirisha ya mbinguni kufunguliwa, vito vilikuwa vimefunikwa na takataka, na takataka zinapotupwa nje, kisha hufunikwa kwa aibu. Ndoto ya William Miller inabainisha kutiwa muhuri kwa wale elfu mia arobaini na nne.

The casket, is Malachi’s storehouse, Peter’s spiritual house and the tabernacle of Elijah that Peter wished to build. The dirt brush man illustrates the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand when He casts the jewels into the box. Malachi identifies the test that proves that God’s people have truly returned unto Him.

Kasha hilo ndilo ghala la Malaki, nyumba ya kiroho ya Petro, na hema la Eliya ambalo Petro alitamani kujenga. Yule mtu mwenye brashi ya vumbi anadhihirisha kutiwa muhuri kwa wale mia na arobaini na nne elfu anapotupa vito ndani ya kasha. Malaki anabainisha mtihani unaothibitisha kwamba watu wa Mungu kwa kweli wamemrudia Yeye.

> Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:16–18.

> Ndipo wale waliomcha Bwana walinena mara kwa mara, kila mmoja na mwenzake; Bwana akategea sikio, akasikia, na kitabu cha ukumbusho kikaandikwa mbele zake kwa ajili ya wale waliomcha Bwana na waliolitafakari jina lake. Nao watakuwa wangu, asema Bwana wa majeshi, katika siku ile nitakapokusanya vito vyangu vya thamani; nami nitawahurumia, kama vile mtu amhurumiavyo mwanawe amtumikaye. Ndipo mtarudi, na kutambua tofauti kati ya mwenye haki na mwovu, kati ya yule amtumikaye Mungu na yule asiyemtumikia. Malaki 3:16-18.

Return is a key word in the passage, for God calls on His people to return unto Him, but He also challenges those people to test Him, by returning tithes and offerings, and there is also a time when the righteous will “return,” and in so doing, they will “discern” between the wise and the foolish. Those who feared the Lord, and who thought upon His name are those that are to be the ensign of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

Neno "kurudi" ni neno kuu katika kifungu hiki, maana Mungu anawaita watu Wake wamrudie Yeye; lakini pia anawapa changamoto hao watu wajaribu Yeye kwa kurudisha zaka na sadaka; tena kuna wakati ambapo wenye haki "watarudi," na kwa kufanya hivyo, "watatambua" tofauti kati ya wenye hekima na wapumbavu. Wale waliomcha Bwana, na waliolitafakari jina Lake, ndio watakaokuwa ishara ya laki moja na arobaini na nne elfu.

The fear of the Lord is the first test, so when verse sixteen says, “then” they that feared the Lord, it is pointing back into the prophetic narrative.

Kumcha Bwana ndilo kipimo cha kwanza, hivyo aya ya kumi na sita inapotamka, “ndipo wale waliomcha Bwana,” inarejea nyuma katika simulizi la kinabii.

> Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Malachi 3:13–15.

> Maneno yenu yamekuwa magumu juu yangu, asema Bwana. Nanyi mnasema, Tumesema nini kinyume chako? Mmesema, Kumtumikia Mungu ni ubatili; na faida gani kuishika agizo lake, na kutembea kwa huzuni mbele za Bwana wa majeshi? Na sasa tunawaita wenye kiburi heri; naam, watenda uovu hujengwa; naam, hata wamjaribu Mungu huokolewa. Malaki 3:13-15.

Malachi says, “and now we call the proud happy.” The drunkards of Ephraim are called the “crown of pride” and they are happy when they think Moses and Elijah, the two prophets that tormented them were dead. They were so happy, that they sent gifts to one another.

Malaki asema, “na sasa twawaita wenye kiburi heri.” Walevi wa Efraimu huitwa “taji ya kiburi,” nao hufurahi wanapodhani kwamba Musa na Eliya, wale manabii wawili waliowatesa, wamekufa. Walifurahi mno, hata wakapeana zawadi wao kwa wao.

> And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. Revelation 11:8–10.

> Na miili yao iliyokufa italala katika mtaa wa mji ule mkuu, ambao kiroho unaitwa Sodoma na Misri, mahali ambapo pia Bwana wetu alisulubishwa. Na watu na koo na lugha na mataifa wataona miili yao iliyokufa siku tatu na nusu, wala hawataruhusu miili yao kuwekwa makaburini. Nao wakaao juu ya nchi watafurahia juu yao, na kufanya sherehe, na kutumiana zawadi wao kwa wao; kwa sababu manabii hawa wawili waliwatesa wale waliokaa juu ya nchi. Ufunuo 11:8-10.

The proud are happy from July 18, 2020 on through 2023. On July 18, 2020 the message was “stout” against the “Lord.” On July 18, 2020 we did not recognize how terribly we had spoken against God and His Word. Disappointed we entered the tarrying time as represented by the lament of “It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” This is parallel to Jeremiah’s lament, when he illustrates the first disappointment.

Kuanzia tarehe 18 Julai 2020 na kuendelea hadi 2023, wenye kiburi wanaitwa heri. Tarehe 18 Julai 2020 ujumbe ulikuwa “mgumu” dhidi ya “Bwana.” Tarehe 18 Julai 2020 hatukutambua jinsi ya kutisha tulivyokuwa tumenena vibaya dhidi ya Mungu na Neno lake. Tukiwa tumekatishwa tamaa, tukaingia katika kipindi cha kusubiri, kama kinavyoakisiwa na ombolezo: “Imekuwa bure kumtumikia Mungu; na faida gani kwamba tumeishika agizo lake, nasi tumetembea kwa huzuni mbele za Bwana wa majeshi?” Hili ni sambamba na Maombolezo ya Yeremia, anapoonyesha kukatishwa tamaa ya kwanza.

> I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? Jeremiah 15:17, 18.

> Sikuketi katika kikao cha wenye dhihaka, wala sikufurahi; nilikaa peke yangu kwa sababu ya mkono wako; maana umenijaza ghadhabu. Mbona uchungu wangu ni wa daima, na jeraha langu haliponyeki, linalokataa kuponywa? Je, utakuwa kwangu kabisa kama mwongo, na kama maji yanayokauka? Yeremia 15:17, 18.

Our words were stout with the prediction of July 18, 2020, and we did not then know how badly we had rebelled. At the disappointment the tarrying time was underway, while one class mourned and the other class rejoiced. In that context Malachi states:

Maneno yetu yalikuwa thabiti kuhusiana na utabiri wa tarehe 18 Julai 2020, nasi wakati huo hatukutambua kwamba uasi wetu ulikuwa mbaya kiasi gani. Katika kuvunjika kwa matumaini, wakati wa kukawia ulikuwa unaendelea, wakati kundi moja likiomboleza na kundi jingine likifurahi. Katika muktadha huo Malaki asema:

> Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

> Ndipo wale wamchao Bwana wakazungumza mara kwa mara, kila mmoja na mwenzake; naye Bwana akatega sikio, akasikia; na kitabu cha ukumbusho kikaandikwa mbele zake kwa ajili ya wale wamchao Bwana na wanaolitafakari jina lake. Nao watakuwa wangu, asema Bwana wa majeshi, siku ile nitakapokusanya vito vyangu vya thamani; nami nitawahurumia, kama vile mtu amhurumiavyo mwana wake mwenye kumtumikia.

> Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:16–18.

> Ndipo mtarudi, nanyi mtapambanua kati ya mwenye haki na mwovu, kati ya yule amtumikaye Mungu na yule asiyemtumikia Mungu. Malaki 3:16-18.

In 2024, the foundational test represented as the fear of the Lord arrived. Two classes were manifested in that test, and the group that made up the two classes had been often talking to one another on regular zoom meetings, throughout the three and a half days. The Lord listened to their discussions. The class who feared the Lord thought upon His name; Palmoni, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Alpha and Omega, the Truth, the Word, the Wonderful Linguist, the corner and cap stone, the Lamb, the Heavenly High Priest, the Temple, the Rock. Those who made it into that book are to be jewels upon the crown representing the ensign of the kingdom of glory. When He makes up those jewels, then they return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked. When He casts the jewels into the casket, it is then discerned who is foolish and who is wise.

Mwaka 2024, jaribio la msingi lililowakilishwa kama kumcha Bwana lilifika. Madaraja mawili yalidhihirishwa katika jaribio hilo, na kundi lililounda yale madaraja mawili lilikuwa likizungumza mara kwa mara wao kwa wao kupitia mikutano ya kawaida ya Zoom, kwa muda wote wa siku tatu na nusu. Bwana alisikiliza mijadala yao. Daraja lililomcha Bwana lilitafakari juu ya Jina lake: Palmoni, Simba wa kabila la Yuda, Alfa na Omega, Kweli, Neno, Mwanalugha wa Ajabu, Jiwe la Pembe na Jiwe la Kilele, Mwanakondoo, Kuhani Mkuu wa Mbinguni, Hekalu, Mwamba. Walioandikwa katika kitabu hicho watakuwa vito juu ya taji vinavyowakilisha ishara ya ufalme wa utukufu. Anapoviandaa vito hivyo, ndipo watarudi, na kutambua baina ya wenye haki na waovu. Anapoviingiza vito hivyo katika kisanduku cha vito, ndipo hubainika ni nani mpumbavu na ni nani mwenye hekima.

Malachi records:

Malaki anaandika:

> Return unto me, and I will return unto you,

> Nirudieni, nami nitawarudia,

> But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

> Lakini ninyi mkasema, Tutarejeaje?

> Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

> Leteni zaka zote ghalani, ili kuwemo chakula katika nyumba yangu; nanyi mkanijaribu sasa kwa haya, asema Bwana wa majeshi, mjue kama sitawafungulia madirisha ya mbinguni, na kuwamwagia baraka hata pasiwepo nafasi ya kutosha ya kuipokea.

The storehouse is the casket and the tithes are the wise virgins. The storehouse is God’s Word placed into a new framework of truth. The jewels that get cast into that casket are the truths associated with the message of the Midnight Cry. The tithes were kept in a specific room in the temple, as identified in Nehemiah’s cleansing. The casket and the storehouse, or Peter spiritual house represents God’s temple and the jewels represent human temples who are joined with Divinity in the secret place of the Most High. The human messengers cannot be separated from the Divine message. The jewels are both God’s messengers and they are also the message they proclaim. Inspiration often identifies the message and the messenger combined.

Nyumba ya akiba ni kisanduku, na zaka ni wanawali wenye busara. Nyumba ya akiba ni Neno la Mungu lililowekwa katika muundo mpya wa kweli. Vito vinavyotupwa ndani ya kisanduku hicho ni kweli zinazohusishwa na ujumbe wa Kilio cha Usiku wa Manane. Zaka ziliwekwa katika chumba maalum hekaluni, kama ilivyoainishwa katika utakaso wa Nehemia. Kisanduku na nyumba ya akiba—yaani nyumba ya kiroho ya Petro—vinawakilisha hekalu la Mungu, na vito vinawakilisha mahekalu ya kibinadamu ambayo yameunganishwa na Uungu katika mahali pa siri pa Aliye Juu Sana. Wajumbe wa kibinadamu hawawezi kutenganishwa na ujumbe wa Kimungu. Vito hivyo ni, kwa wakati mmoja, wajumbe wa Mungu, na pia ni ule ujumbe wanaoutangaza. Uvuvio wa Kimungu mara nyingi hutambua ujumbe na mjumbe kuwa kitu kimoja.

> “God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: ‘Behold the worth of the soul: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers.” Testimonies, volume 5, 455.

> "Mungu ameliita kanisa Lake katika siku hizi, kama Alivyoita Israeli ya kale, lisimame kama nuru duniani. Kwa shoka kuu la ukweli, ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza, wa pili, na wa tatu, amewatenga kutoka kwa makanisa na kutoka kwa dunia ili kuwakaribisha katika ukaribu mtakatifu kwake Mwenyewe. Amewafanya kuwa wahifadhi wa sheria Yake na amewakabidhi kweli kuu za unabii za wakati huu. Kama vile maneno matakatifu yalivyokabidhiwa Israeli ya kale, haya ni amana takatifu ya kuwasilishwa kwa dunia. Malaika watatu wa Ufunuo 14 wanawakilisha watu wanaokubali nuru ya ujumbe wa Mungu na kwenda kama mawakala Wake kupiga mbiu ya onyo kote kwa urefu na upana wa dunia. Kristo awaambia wafuasi Wake: 'Ninyi ni nuru ya ulimwengu.' Kwa kila nafsi inayompokea Yesu, msalaba wa Kalvari hunena: 'Tazama thamani ya nafsi: "Enendeni ulimwenguni mwote, mkaihubiri Injili kwa kila kiumbe."'" Hakuna chochote kinachopaswa kuruhusiwa kuzuia kazi hii. Hii ndiyo kazi iliyo ya umuhimu mkuu kwa wakati huu; ni ya kufikia mbali kama umilele. Upendo ambao Yesu aliuonyesha kwa roho za wanadamu katika dhabihu aliyotoa kwa ajili ya ukombozi wao, utawasukuma wafuasi Wake wote." Ushuhuda, juzuu ya 5, 455.

We will begin to draw together these concepts in the next article.

Tutaanza kuunganisha dhana hizi katika makala ifuatayo.

> “During the last fifty years of my life, I have had precious opportunities to obtain an experience. I have had an experience in the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning, and having a direct bearing upon the people living in the last days of this earth’s history. No one hears the voice of these angels, for they are a symbol to represent the people of God who are working in harmony with the universe of heaven. Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order.

> Katika miaka hamsini iliyopita ya maisha yangu, nimepata fursa za thamani za kupata uzoefu. Nimepata uzoefu katika ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza, wa pili, na wa tatu. Malaika wanaonyeshwa wakiruka katikati ya mbingu, wakilitangazia ulimwengu ujumbe wa onyo, ujumbe ambao una uhusiano wa moja kwa moja na watu wanaoishi katika siku za mwisho za historia ya dunia hii. Hakuna anayesikia sauti ya malaika hawa, kwa kuwa wao ni ishara inayowakilisha watu wa Mungu wanaofanya kazi kwa uwiano na ulimwengu wa mbinguni. Wanaume na wanawake, waliotiwa nuru na Roho wa Mungu na kutakaswa kwa njia ya ukweli, hutangaza jumbe hizo tatu kwa mpangilio wao.

> “I have acted a part in this solemn work. Nearly all my Christian experience is interwoven with it. There are those now living who have an experience similar to my own. They have recognized the truth unfolding for this time; they have kept in step with the great Leader, the Captain of the Lord’s host.

> Nimechukua sehemu katika kazi hii takatifu na ya adhimu. Karibu uzoefu wangu wote wa Kikristo umeungamana nayo. Wako walioko hai sasa wenye uzoefu unaofanana na wangu. Wametambua ile kweli inayodhihirishwa kwa wakati huu; wamekwenda sambamba na Kiongozi Mkuu, Jemadari wa jeshi la Bwana.

> “In the proclamation of the messages, every specification of prophecy has been fulfilled. Those who were privileged to act a part in proclaiming these messages have gained an experience which is of the highest value to them; and now when we are amid the perils of these last days, when voices will be heard on every side saying, ‘Here is Christ,’ ‘Here is truth’; while the burden of many is to unsettle the foundation of our faith which has led us from the churches and from the world to stand as a peculiar people in the world, like John our testimony will be borne:

> Katika kutangazwa kwa ujumbe, kila kipengele cha unabii kimetimizwa. Wale waliojaliwa fursa ya kushiriki katika kutangaza ujumbe huo wamepata uzoefu wenye thamani ya juu kabisa kwao; na sasa tunapokuwa katikati ya hatari za siku hizi za mwisho, wakati sauti zitasikika pande zote zikisema, ‘Hapa yupo Kristo,’ ‘Hapa ipo kweli’; ilhali mzigo wa wengi ni kutikisa msingi wa imani yetu uliotuongoza kutoka katika makanisa na kutoka katika ulimwengu ili tusimame kama watu wa pekee ulimwenguni, kama Yohana ushuhuda wetu utatolewa:

> “‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;… that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.’

> 'Lile lililokuwapo tangu mwanzo, tulilosikia, tuliloliona kwa macho yetu, tulilolitazama, na mikono yetu ikaligusa, kuhusu Neno la uzima;... lile tuliloliona na kulisikia, twalitangaza kwenu, ili nanyi mpate kuwa na ushirika pamoja nasi.'

> “I testify the things which I have seen, the things which I have heard, the things which my hands have handled of the Word of life. And this testimony I know to be of the Father and the Son. We have seen and do testify that the power of the Holy Ghost has accompanied the presentation of the truth, warning with pen and voice, and giving the messages in their order. To deny this work would be to deny the Holy Ghost, and would place us in that company who have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits.

> Nashuhudia mambo niliyoyaona, mambo niliyoyasikia, na mambo ambayo mikono yangu imeyashika kuhusu Neno la uzima. Na najua ushuhuda huu kuwa ni wa Baba na wa Mwana. Tumeona na tunashuhudia kwamba nguvu ya Roho Mtakatifu imeandamana na uwasilishaji wa kweli, ikionya kwa kalamu na kwa sauti, na ikitoa ujumbe katika mpangilio wao. Kulikana kazi hii kungekuwa ni kumkataa Roho Mtakatifu, na kungetuweka miongoni mwa wale walioiacha imani, wakizisikiliza roho zidanganyazo.

> “The enemy will set everything in operation to uproot the confidence of the believers in the pillars of our faith in the messages of the past, which have placed us upon the elevated platform of eternal truth, and which have established and given character to the work. The Lord God of Israel has led out His people, unfolding to them truth of heavenly origin. His voice has been heard, and is still heard, saying, Go forward from strength to strength, from grace to grace, from glory to glory. The work is strengthening and broadening, for the Lord God of Israel is the defense of His people.

> Adui atafanya kila juhudi kuang’oa uhakika wa waamini juu ya nguzo za imani yetu zilizofunuliwa katika ujumbe wa zamani, zilizotuweka juu ya jukwaa lililokwezwa la kweli ya milele, na ambazo zimeuthibitisha na kuupa kazi tabia. Bwana Mungu wa Israeli amewaongoza watu wake, akiwafunulia kweli yenye chimbuko la mbinguni. Sauti yake imesikiwa, na bado inasikiwa, ikisema, Nendeni mbele kutoka nguvu hadi nguvu, kutoka neema hadi neema, kutoka utukufu hadi utukufu. Kazi inaimarika na kupanuka, kwa kuwa Bwana Mungu wa Israeli ni ulinzi wa watu wake.

> “Those who have a hold of the truth theoretically, with their fingertips as it were, who have not brought its principles into the inner sanctuary of the soul, but have kept the vital truth in the outer court, will see nothing sacred in the past history of this people which has made them what they are, and has established them as earnest, determined, missionary workers in the world.

> Wale wanaoshikilia ukweli kinadharia, kana kwamba kwa ncha za vidole vyao, ambao hawajaingiza kanuni zake katika patakatifu la ndani la nafsi, bali wameuweka ukweli ulio hai katika ua wa nje, hawataona chochote kitakatifu katika historia iliyopita ya watu hawa, ambayo imewafanya kuwa walivyo, na ambayo imewaweka kuwa watenda kazi wa kimisioni walio wa dhati na waliodhamiria ulimwenguni.

> “The truth for this time is precious, but those whose hearts have not been broken by falling on the rock Christ Jesus, will not see and understand what is truth. They will accept that which pleases their ideas, and will begin to manufacture another foundation than that which is laid. They will flatter their own vanity and esteem, thinking that they are capable of removing the pillars of our faith, and replacing them with pillars they have devised.

> Ukweli wa wakati huu ni wa thamani, lakini wale ambao mioyo yao haijavunjwa kwa kuanguka juu ya Mwamba, Kristo Yesu, hawataona wala kufahamu kile kilicho kweli. Watakubali kile kinachopendeza mawazo yao, nao wataanza kubuni msingi mwingine badala ya ule uliowekwa. Watasifia ubatili wao na kujipa heshima, wakidhani kwamba wana uwezo wa kuondoa nguzo za imani yetu, na kuzibadilisha kwa nguzo walizobuni wao wenyewe.

> “This will continue to be as long as time shall last. Anyone who has been a close student of the Bible will see and understand the solemn position of those who are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. They will feel their own inefficiency and weakness, and will make it their first business to have not merely a form of godliness, but a vital connection with God. They will not dare to rest until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. Self will die; pride will be expelled from the soul, and they will have the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” Notebook Leaflets, 60, 61.

> Hili litaendelea kuwa hivyo maadamu wakati utadumu. Kila mtu ambaye amekuwa msomaji makini wa Biblia ataona na kuelewa uzito wa msimamo wa wale wanaoishi katika matukio ya mwisho ya historia ya dunia hii. Watajionea kutoweza kwao na udhaifu wao, nao watalifanya kuwa shughuli yao ya kwanza kuwa si wenye tu mfano wa utauwa, bali kuwa na muungano ulio hai na Mungu. Hawatathubutu kupumzika hata Kristo aumbike ndani yao, tumaini la utukufu. Ubinafsi utakufa; kiburi kitafukuzwa kutoka katika nafsi zao, nao watakuwa na unyenyekevu na upole wa Kristo. Notebook Leaflets, 60, 61.

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