Develop Spiritual Insight
Bible passage: 2 Kings 6:8-17
“8. Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place." 9. The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10. So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places."
The factors that enabled human history to develop so remarkably include humanity’s effort to see better. There is a book dealing with this subject called ‘Insight Over Ability’. The effort to see better - this has created so many things. For example, eyeglasses were invented to correct weak eyesight. Eyeglasses are truly one of the most essential tools. If one cannot see the Bible or read text, how can one prepare a sermon?
There are glasses used for reading books, and for preaching, one must use multifocal glasses. Since one must look at the sermon manuscript while also looking at the congregation, multifocal glasses are necessary. Likewise, humanity’s desire to see further led to the invention of the telescope. To observe even the tiniest details, the microscope was invented. To see what is inside the body, which cannot be seen externally, X-rays were developed.
Thanks to such human efforts, people have been able to locate distant lands during voyages, monitor enemy movements in wartime, observe celestial bodies to prove the Solar System model, engage in space exploration, discover microorganisms and bacteria, advance the medical field, and contribute to life extension. In today’s scripture passage, the prophet Elisha not only had the ability to see the visible world but also had the insight to perceive the unseen spiritual realm. With this insight, he was able to resolve problems and fulfill his mission of saving the people.
Through this devotional service, I earnestly hope that all the servants of the Lord, workers, and believers will cultivate discernment to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, reality and illusion - so that they may fulfill their mission of saving souls, reviving the church, and restoring the nation.
1. One must develop the insight to see things that are not yet revealed in reality.
Insight refers to the ability to perceive the essence of life. It is the ability to discern the quality, truth, or value of things. People may have the same physical eyes, but they do not all see the same things. Differences in insight create differences in thinking, which lead to differences in choices, ultimately determining excellence. Developing insight to discern truth, authenticity, and value is a crucial factor in living a successful life.
In verse 17 of today’s passage, the word “eyes” appears. In Hebrew, it is ayin, which not only refers to the physical eyes that see external objects but also signifies the ability to observe, understand, and discern situations. The Bible teaches us not to judge by outward appearances. John 7:24 says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” We should not make judgments based solely on what is visible; rather, we need the insight to see beyond what is visible. Even Joshua once made a grave mistake by relying only on what was visible. In Joshua Chapter 9, when Israel was conquering the land of Canaan, most of the Canaanite tribes prepared to fight against them.
However, the Gibeonites devised a scheme to deceive the Israelites into believing they had come from a distant land and requested a peace treaty. When Joshua became suspicious, the Gibeonites lied and convinced him that they had traveled from far away. Lacking the insight to see beyond appearances, Joshua believed their words and was deceived into making a peace treaty with them, sparing their lives. Joshua 9:12-13 says, “This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is.
And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.” The American psychologist and expert in creativity research, Joy Guilford, defined insight as “the ability to generate various ideas from a new perspective regarding given objects or phenomena and to grasp situations effectively.” In his book, he presents four types of insight. * Keen sight refers to the sharp and precise observation of daily life and surroundings. * Cross sight is the ability to combine different fields to discover unexpected new domains. * Foresight is the ability to predict and anticipate the distant future.
* Insight is the ability to deeply perceive the hidden aspects of the world. No matter how much money one has, without insight, one cannot buy good clothes. Some people wear extremely expensive clothes, yet it is immediately visible that they lack an eye for fashion. On the other hand, someone with a keen sense of fashion can purchase cheap clothing and still create a style or a look that is priceless. Choosing a spouse in marriage is also a matter of insight. Getting married at too young an age is quite risky because marrying without the ability to discern people can lead to many regrets later. Entrepreneurs often say that business is not just about having money; it requires insight to see the deeper, unseen aspects of the market. The same applies to ministry. Ministry does not succeed without insight.
Imagine if I were to preach a sermon where the listeners already know everything I say - how disrespectful would that be? Why do people gather for sermons? They come to hear something from Scripture that they could not see on their own. Preparing a sermon involves insight. This is why seeking insight from God is so important. Insight is the ability to see what is not yet revealed. A biblical figure who failed due to a lack of this insight was Lot, the nephew of Abraham. In Genesis Chapter 13, when Abraham and Lot parted ways, Abraham graciously allowed Lot to choose his land first. Given this freedom to choose, Lot unfortunately selected the land of Sodom, which appeared prosperous on the surface but was ultimately a disastrous choice.
Genesis 13:10 says, “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” Many young people today make similar mistakes in marriage - choosing partners based only on external appearances and later regretting it. This is why I don’t think getting married late is a bad thing. It’s better to develop insight first before making such a crucial decision. One should not rush into marriage without the ability to discern people. If one lacks insight, they should either wait until they gain it or seek help from those who have it. Asking spiritually discerning and insightful parents to help choose a spouse can also be a safe approach.
In 1867, when Russia offered to sell Alaska to the U.S. government, the thenSecretary of State, William Seward, led the purchase. The U.S. acquired Alaska for $7.2 million. That amounted to just 5 cents per hectare - practically a giveaway. However, at the time, many congressmen and journalists strongly opposed the deal, mocking it as a wasteful purchase of frozen, useless land. Despite the criticism, the purchase went through, and later, Alaska was found to be rich in gold, oil, coal, and other valuable natural resources, becoming one of America’s most profitable territories. Additionally, from a geopolitical perspective, during the Cold War when the U.S. was engaged in military competition with the former Soviet Union, Alaska played a crucial strategic role.
The ability to deploy missiles right at the enemy’s doorstep demonstrated its immense military significance. It is worth paying attention to the speech given by Secretary William Seward when he persuaded Congress to approve the purchase of Alaska. He said, “I am not looking at the snow-covered land of Alaska when I propose to buy it. I am looking at the limitless treasure hidden within it. I am not buying this land for our generation. I am buying it for the next generation.” This generation needs leaders with such great insight. Today, as the servants of the Lord and workers dedicate themselves in this service, I hope they will become leaders with spiritual discernment - able to see beyond what is visible. How can one develop such great insight?
By hearing and learning the Gospel of holiness, seeking wisdom from above, and praying fervently, one can acquire this insight. James 3:17-18 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” May all the servants of the Lord, workers entrusted with caring for many souls, those striving to bless others, those committed to church revival, those dedicated to African missions, as well as believers leading their families and managing their workplaces, cultivate strong spiritual insight.
2. To develop spiritual insight, one must effectively utilize the imagination of faith.
The main character in today’s passage, the prophet Elisha, had his spiritual insight opened and effectively utilized the imagination of faith. The background of this passage is a war between Northern Israel and Aram, where the king of Aram repeatedly attempted surprise attacks. A surprise attack is meant to strike when the enemy is off guard. However, every time the Arameans launched an attack, the Israelites already knew in advance and positioned themselves at key locations, causing the Aramean strategies to fail repeatedly. As the Aramean king continued to experience failed ambushes, he became desperate and sought to uncover the reason behind it. Verse 12 says, ““None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”” Here, the phrase “Only the prophet Elisha in Israel” is crucial.
It was not Israel’s military power or intelligence that was preventing Aram’s success. The key factor was a single man - Elisha - who had spiritual discernment and insight. How was Elisha able to know even the words spoken in the Aramean king’s bedroom? It was not because he had exceptional hearing that could catch distant conversations. Rather, it was because God, who knows all things, moved him through the Spirit of God, revealing these things to him. 2 Chronicles 24:20 says, “Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you.’ ”” The Spirit of God moved the prophet Zechariah, enabling him to hear God’s word.
In the New Testament, this Spirit of God refers to the Holy Spirit. Even today, God continues to speak to us - through the Holy Spirit and even through angels. But why do many people fail to hear Him? Elisha could hear, but his servant could not. Why? If you turn on a radio but there is too much signal interference, you cannot hear the broadcast. Similarly, if we cannot hear God’s voice today, it is because the noise of sin creates interference in our hearts. To hear Him clearly, we must remove the interference. Sin and worldly distractions drown out God’s voice. Instead of saying, “I wish God would speak to me,” we must remove sin, abandon evil, let go of fleshly thoughts, and circumcise our hearts. In Kenya, there seem to be many self-proclaimed prophets. The Bible calls them false prophets. Those who have not circumcised their hearts and attained holiness only hear distorted, fleshly voices.
Listening to such false voices is like the blind leading the blind into a pit. Luke 6:39 says, “He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” In today’s passage, Elisha teaches us that spiritual insight - faith’s imagination - is essential. After hearing God's word, Elisha envisioned the Aramean army secretly dispatching their troops. He then sent Israelite soldiers in advance, allowing them to defeat the Arameans. Just as he had imagined in faith, Israel emerged victorious. Neville Goddard, recognized as one of the greatest metaphysical lecturers of the 20th century, argued that imagination plays a creative role in shaping reality. He stated, “The world we live in is a world shaped by imagination. Life itself is also the result of imagination.
One must deeply realize that success and failure in life are not based on material things but on imagination.” Without first transforming the inner world through imagination, external change cannot occur. Faith is believing in the impossible. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” If you want to change your circumstances, you must not be confined by what you see. Instead, use the imagination of faith to envision yourself in a blessed and answered state. Believe that you will receive blessings and answers, rejoice, and be happy. What one sees and how far one sees determine one’s life. We must overcome a narrow perspective and broaden our vision.
That is why we must use the imagination of faith to develop spiritual insight. Elisha, even while sitting in his room, was able to perceive all the movements of the Aramean army dispatched by their king. He repeatedly informed the king of Israel, enabling successful defense strategies. This was possible because Elisha had spiritual insight and utilized the imagination of faith. Inspired by God, Elisha foresaw the defeat of the Aramean army and rejoiced in the certainty of Israel’s victory. Likewise, when we pray and believe, we must be confident that what we ask for will come to pass. We must rejoice and be glad because faith inherently includes joy and the assurance of a happy outcome. I also use the imagination of faith to receive blessings and answers, as it is a key way to develop spiritual insight. Recently, I traveled to Seoul to attend the funeral service of Manmin Prayer Center Director Mrs. Bok-nim Lee.
During my visit, I spoke with Senior Pastor, Dr. Soo-jin Lee about African missions. I shared that once our Nairobi Manmin Church sanctuary is built, we can then support the construction of branch sanctuaries. Afterward, we can establish churches across Africa’s 54 nations and appoint pastors, making African missions much easier. The Senior Pastor was very pleased with this vision. Thus, I now envision our church sanctuary as already completed. I embrace it in faith, believing it has already come to pass, and I rejoice in it. Although building a church is no simple task, just thinking about it fills my heart with excitement, joy, and happiness. This is how one develops spiritual insight - by imagining in faith and receiving answers and blessings accordingly. What did the shepherd boy David do that enabled him to rise from a humble shepherd to a great king of a nation? At times like this, what is needed is the imagination of faith. David had Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” “The Lord is my shepherd.” Just as David diligently led his sheep to green pastures and cared for them, he believed that God, as his shepherd, would surely take care of him as well. This was David’s imagination of faith.
This was the key secret that made David a king. Other shepherds could only see what was in front of them - grass, trees, sheep, and mountains. While the other shepherds were merely following their sheep all day, lamenting their dull, boring and monotonous lives, David had an insight that allowed him to see beyond the green pastures. He says in Psalm 23:2-3, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” "As I feed my sheep, the Lord, my shepherd, feeds, clothes, and guides me." This imagination of faith enabled David to live a joyful and fulfilling life even in the barren wilderness.
Are you going through difficulties in life? Then, develop the imagination of faith. Your spiritual insight must continue to be restored so that you can see beyond your current circumstances and envision the kingdom of God. Even elderly believers, with spiritual insight and the imagination of faith, can accomplish great things just like the young. If one only looks at their aging and weakening body, they may think that their time is up and that there are no more dreams to pursue. However, if one envisions God, who is beyond the green pastures, working within them, hope and courage arise with the belief that “My life does not end like this.” Most shepherds only saw grass, trees, and sheep - a monotonous and uneventful life. But David, even in that same environment, saw the God beyond the green fields. Living with the dream of the Lord being his shepherd, David continuously painted a picture of faith without limitations, and ultimately, that vision became his reality.
A young man was once involved in a severe car accident that left him completely paralyzed. His injuries were so critical that he was on the verge of death. However, his faithful mother, instead of weeping in despair upon seeing her son’s broken body wrapped in bandages, began taking pictures of him. A companion asked, "Why are you taking pictures? Your son is critically injured and barely alive!" She responded, "I firmly believe that God will heal my son. I am taking these pictures so that when God heals him, I will have proof of His power and a testimony to share." Just as she had envisioned, God miraculously healed her son. This mother had spiritual insight and used the imagination of faith, which led her to take action in accordance with her belief. Elisha’s young servant, overcome with fear at the dire situation, said in verse 15, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” However, Elisha, who had spiritual insight and used the imagination of faith, responded in verse 16, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Even if you are lying down, paralyzed, do not be afraid - God is at work. No matter how difficult the situation, do not be distressed - God is helping you. May all servants of the Lord, workers, and believers develop spiritual insight and the imagination of faith, so that they can confidently declare these words in any circumstance.
3. Develop the insight to see reality, not illusions. Having physical insight is important, but how much greater would it be to also perceive the spiritual realm?
This is because the spiritual world is the true reality. Even though humanity has invented microscopes and eyeglasses, there is still one thing that remains invisible - the spiritual world. To see the spiritual world, one must develop spiritual insight, but this is not something that can be achieved simply by wearing glasses. When the king of Aram sought to capture the prophet Elisha, he sent a large army with horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha lived. In the same situation, Elisha and his servant had completely different reactions. Elisha’s young servant was terrified, while Elisha confidently declared, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” How could their responses be so different?
Why was one man in despair, crying out in fear, while the other remained calm and assured? The reason for this contrast is that Elisha had spiritual insight - his spiritual eyes were opened, allowing him to see the unseen spiritual reality. Which is the true reality - the physical world or the spiritual world? 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This verse tells us that the visible world is temporary - an illusion - whereas the unseen spiritual world is eternal and real. I have explained this before using scientific reasoning, but let me summarize it again. All matter, when broken down to its smallest unit, consists of atoms. An atom has a nucleus at its center, with electrons orbiting around it.
However, the space between the nucleus and the electrons is mostly empty vacuum. Even though our eyes cannot perceive it, if we use a high-powered electron microscope, we can see that all physical objects in this world are mostly empty space - they are, in essence, an illusion. The soldiers, horses, and chariots sent by the king of Aram were mere shadows - illusions, while the true reality was the fiery horses and chariots sent by God. Verse 17 says, “And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” What is visible to the physical eye is not everything. Behind the scenes, God is present, and His fiery horses and chariots are at work. This is the true reality. Many people live in fear because they cannot see this reality. Like Elisha’s servant, those whose spiritual eyes remain closed and can only see the physical world - an illusion - live in despair, anxiety, and fear.
Everything in this world is a temporary illusion. Just as Elisha’s young servant trembled in fear when he saw the Aramean army surrounding them, many people today live in fear and distress when difficulties seem to close in on them. However, these things are not the true reality. They are illusions. If we become overwhelmed by fear due to difficulties, we are like Elisha’s servant - frightened by something that is not real. It is like being scared of a ghost that does not exist. The following is a story of illusion vs. reality. One night, a man was walking alone on a deserted hillside road while it was lightly raining. There were rumors that this remote road was haunted by ghosts on rainy nights. As he carefully made his way through the darkness, he suddenly saw something fluttering on a large tree branch ahead. Because it was dark and rainy, he became terrified, thinking that a ghost had appeared.
His hair stood on end, his legs trembled, and he could hardly walk. After gathering his courage, he slowly moved closer and took a careful look. To his relief, it was not a ghost - it was just a black plastic bag caught on a tree branch, fluttering in the wind. This man had been scared of an illusion - a meaningless shadow. How often do we fear illusions? Many times in life, we misunderstand, fight, become enemies, fear, and lose hope because we are reacting to illusions, not reality. Do you know about the "Mock Funeral" therapy program? Many churches in Korea use this program during summer or winter retreats. In this activity, two coffins are placed in a room, and people who have been in conflict - such as parents and children or husbands and wives - are paired together.
They are told to imagine that they have died. Before entering the coffin, each person writes a farewell letter - a final message to their loved one. For example: a husband writes to his wife, and the wife writes to her husband. Parents write to their children, and children write to their parents. Then, they lie inside the coffin, and the lid is closed, leaving them in complete darkness for about 20 minutes. Inside the coffin, they reflect on their lives, thinking: “I am dead now.” This deep reflection often brings tears, regret, and repentance.
This exercise is very effective - even the most stubborn hearts are almost always softened. “I was wrong. If I had known I would die so soon, if I had known my mother would pass away this early, if I had known my husband, my wife would leave so soon, I would not have complained, gotten angry, or fought over meaningless things.” With these thoughts, tears flow, and deep regret sets in. Sometimes, this kind of event is held during middle school, high school, or youth retreats. Perhaps our church has done it as well? Have you never experienced it? Everything in this world is an illusion, yet people cry, despair, and lose hope because of it. But now, may you turn your eyes toward the true reality - God, heaven, and New Jerusalem. Instead of being overwhelmed by the suffering that this fleeting world brings, may you overcome with the assurance that the grace God gives is greater than any pain in this illusory world, and that His love far surpasses any disappointment this world offers.
Ephesians 1:17-18 says, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.” God opens the eyes of our spirit, ensuring that they do not grow dim, so that we may experience His great power. Why is spiritual insight not maintained? Why do the eyes of the heart remain dim? It is because people chase after sin, pleasure, material wealth, and vanity that come from this fleeting world instead of focusing on the true reality - God. Just as cleaning glasses allows one to see objects clearly and brightly, cleansing your heart will bring clarity and brightness to your life. A single sheet of paper is fragile - it tears easily. Do not be alarmed; this is all part of the message. A sheet of paper may seem insignificant, but if it is pasted onto a pulpit or a wall, no one can tear it.
We, too, are weak like paper. However, when we cling tightly to Jesus Christ, no one can tear us apart. Just as glue secures paper, we must attach ourselves firmly to the spiritual glue - the Gospel of holiness, God’s power, and fervent prayer - so that we remain unshaken. Last week, I attended the funeral of the Prayer Center director, who has now left us. But she did not depart empty-handed - she left something behind. What did she leave? She left behind fervent prayer and a love for souls, expressed through tears. Now, we must hold fast to the Gospel of holiness and God’s power that our emeritus senior pastor left us, and to the fervent prayer and love left to us by the Prayer Center director.
By firmly clinging to Jesus Christ, may our spiritual insight grow even deeper, may the eyes of our hearts become even brighter, and may we illuminate this world, which is growing darker with sin. May all the servants of the Lord, workers, and believers dedicating themselves in this service become lights that revive countless dying souls, In the name of the Lord, I bless you all. - END -
Kuza Ufahamu wa Kiroho
Kifungu cha Biblia: 2 Wafalme 6:8–17
“8. Mfalme wa Aramu alikuwa akipigana na Israeli. Baada ya kushauriana na maafisa wake, akasema, ‘Nitaweka kambi yangu mahali fulani.’ 9. Mtu wa Mungu akampelekea mfalme wa Israeli ujumbe: ‘Jihadhari usipite mahali pale, kwa maana Waaramu wanashuka huko.’ 10. Basi mfalme wa Israeli akachunguza mahali alipoonywa na mtu wa Mungu. Elisha akamwonya mfalme tena na tena, naye akawa macho katika maeneo hayo.”
Miongoni mwa mambo yaliyosaidia historia ya wanadamu kuendelea kwa namna ya ajabu ni juhudi za watu za kuona vizuri zaidi. Kuna kitabu kinachozungumzia jambo hili kiitwacho “Insight Over Ability.” Juhudi za kuona vizuri zimeleta uvumbuzi mwingi. Kwa mfano, miwani ilibuniwa kurekebisha uoni hafifu. Miwani ni mojawapo ya vifaa muhimu sana. Mtu asiyeweza kuona Biblia au kusoma maandishi atawezaje kuandaa mahubiri?
Kuna miwani ya kusomea vitabu, na mhubiri huhitaji miwani yenye lenzi za umbali na karibu ili aweze kutazama maandishi ya mahubiri na kusanyiko. Tamaa ya kuona mbali zaidi ilisababisha uvumbuzi wa darubini; hadubini ilibuniwa ili kuona vitu vidogo sana, na eksirei ikatengenezwa ili kuona ndani ya mwili. Juhudi hizi ziliwawezesha watu kutambua nchi za mbali, kufuatilia adui vitani, kuchunguza nyota, kusafiri angani, kugundua vijiumbe na bakteria, kuendeleza tiba na kurefusha maisha. Katika kifungu cha leo, nabii Elisha hakuona ulimwengu unaoonekana tu; alikuwa na ufahamu wa kuona ulimwengu wa kiroho usioonekana. Ufahamu huo ulimsaidia kutatua matatizo na kutimiza wajibu wake wa kuokoa watu.
Katika ibada hii ya kujitolea, ninaomba watumishi wote wa Bwana, watenda kazi na waumini wapate utambuzi wa kutofautisha mema na mabaya, kweli na uongo, uhalisi na udanganyifu, ili watimize wajibu wao wa kuokoa roho, kufufua kanisa na kurejesha taifa.
1. Ni lazima tukuze ufahamu wa kuona mambo ambayo bado hayajafunuliwa katika uhalisi.
Ufahamu ni uwezo wa kutambua kiini cha maisha na kupambanua ubora, ukweli au thamani ya mambo. Watu wanaweza kuwa na macho yanayofanana, lakini hawaoni mambo yale yale. Tofauti ya ufahamu huleta tofauti za mawazo na maamuzi, na hatimaye huamua ubora wa matokeo. Kukuza ufahamu wa kutambua ukweli, uhalisi na thamani ni muhimu kwa maisha yenye mafanikio.
Katika mstari wa 17, neno “macho” linatumiwa. Kwa Kiebrania ni ayin; linamaanisha macho ya mwili na pia uwezo wa kutazama, kuelewa na kupambanua hali. Biblia inatufundisha tusihukumu kwa sura ya nje. Yohana 7:24 inasema, “Acheni kuhukumu kwa jinsi ya nje, bali hukumuni hukumu ya haki.” Tusifanye maamuzi kwa kutegemea tu tunachoona; tunahitaji kuona zaidi ya mwonekano. Yoshua aliwahi kufanya kosa kubwa kwa kutegemea alichoona. Katika Yoshua sura ya 9, Waisraeli walipokuwa wakiteka Kanaani, makabila mengi yalijiandaa kupigana nao.
Wagibeoni walipanga kuwadanganya Waisraeli kwa kujifanya wametoka nchi ya mbali na kuomba agano la amani. Yoshua alipotilia shaka habari yao, walidanganya na kumshawishi kuwa walikuwa wamesafiri kutoka mbali. Kwa kukosa ufahamu wa kuona zaidi ya mwonekano, Yoshua aliwaamini na kufanya nao agano, akawaacha hai. Yoshua 9:12–13 inasimulia jinsi walivyoonyesha mkate uliokuwa umekauka na mifuko ya divai iliyopasuka, wakidai kuwa ilikuwa mipya walipoanza safari yao.
Mwanasaikolojia wa Marekani Joy Guilford, mtaalamu wa utafiti wa ubunifu, alifafanua ufahamu kuwa uwezo wa kutoa mawazo mbalimbali kwa mtazamo mpya na kuelewa hali kwa ufanisi. Alitaja aina nne: kuona kwa makini ni kutazama kwa usahihi maisha ya kila siku; kuona kwa kuunganisha ni kuchanganya nyanja mbalimbali na kugundua mambo mapya; kuona mbele ni kutabiri na kutazamia wakati ujao; na ufahamu wa ndani ni kutambua kwa kina mambo yaliyofichika.
Bila ufahamu, hata mwenye fedha nyingi hawezi kuchagua mavazi mazuri. Wengine huvaa mavazi ya gharama kubwa lakini hawana ladha ya mitindo, ilhali mwenye jicho zuri anaweza kuvaa mavazi ya bei nafuu kwa mtindo wa kipekee. Kuchagua mwenzi wa ndoa pia kunahitaji ufahamu. Kuoa au kuolewa mapema bila kupambanua tabia ya mtu kunaweza kuleta majuto. Wafanyabiashara husema kuwa biashara haihitaji fedha pekee; inahitaji kuona mambo ya soko yaliyofichika. Vivyo hivyo, huduma haiwezi kufanikiwa bila ufahamu.
Fikiria ningehubiri mambo ambayo wasikilizaji tayari wanayajua yote—hilo lingekuwa jambo lisilo la heshima. Watu hukusanyika kusikia katika Maandiko jambo ambalo hawakuweza kuliona wenyewe. Kuandaa mahubiri kunahitaji ufahamu, kwa hiyo ni muhimu kuuomba kutoka kwa Mungu. Ufahamu ni kuona jambo ambalo bado halijafunuliwa. Lutu, mpwa wa Abrahamu, alishindwa kwa kukosa ufahamu huo. Katika Mwanzo 13, Abrahamu alimruhusu Lutu achague kwanza ardhi. Lutu akachagua eneo la Sodoma lililoonekana kuwa na rutuba lakini lilikuwa chaguo baya sana.
Mwanzo 13:10 inasema Lutu aliona bonde lote la Yordani kuwa na maji mengi kama bustani ya Bwana, kabla ya kuangamizwa kwa Sodoma na Gomora. Vijana wengi leo hufanya kosa kama hilo katika ndoa wanapochagua wenzi kwa sura ya nje pekee na baadaye kujuta. Ni bora kukuza ufahamu kabla ya kufanya uamuzi mkubwa. Mtu asikimbilie ndoa bila uwezo wa kupambanua tabia; anaweza kusubiri au kuomba msaada kwa wazazi wenye hekima na utambuzi wa kiroho.
Mwaka 1867, William Seward, Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Marekani, aliongoza ununuzi wa Alaska kutoka Urusi kwa dola milioni 7.2—takriban senti tano kwa hekta. Wakati huo wabunge na waandishi wengi walipinga na kudhihaki ununuzi wa ardhi yenye baridi na isiyo na manufaa. Baadaye Alaska iligundulika kuwa na dhahabu, mafuta, makaa ya mawe na rasilimali nyingine nyingi, na pia ikawa muhimu kimkakati wakati wa Vita Baridi.
Seward alipoishawishi Congress, alisema hakuwa akitazama theluji ya Alaska bali hazina isiyo na kikomo iliyofichwa ndani yake; hakuwa akinunua kwa ajili ya kizazi chake bali vizazi vijavyo. Kizazi hiki kinahitaji viongozi wenye ufahamu huo. Ninaomba watumishi wa Bwana na watenda kazi wanaojitoa katika ibada hii wawe viongozi wenye utambuzi wa kiroho, wanaoona zaidi ya yanayoonekana. Ufahamu huo hupatikana kwa kusikia na kujifunza Injili ya utakatifu, kutafuta hekima itokayo juu na kuomba kwa bidii. Yakobo 3:17–18 inafundisha kuwa hekima itokayo mbinguni ni safi, yenye amani, ya upole, yenye rehema na matunda mema. Yakobo 1:5 inasema tumwombe Mungu hekima, naye atatupa kwa ukarimu. Waumini wote wanaowatunza wengine, wanaohudumia familia na mahali pa kazi, na wanaojitoa kwa ajili ya uamsho wa kanisa na utume wa Afrika, na wakue katika ufahamu wa kiroho.
2. Ili kukuza ufahamu wa kiroho, ni lazima tutumie vizuri mawazo ya imani.
Elisha, mhusika mkuu wa kifungu cha leo, alikuwa na macho ya kiroho yaliyofunguliwa na alitumia vizuri mawazo ya imani. Israeli ya kaskazini na Aramu zilikuwa vitani, na mfalme wa Aramu alijaribu mara kwa mara kuwavizia Waisraeli. Lakini kila mara Waisraeli walijua mapema na kujipanga kwenye maeneo muhimu, hivyo mipango ya Waaramu ikashindwa. Mfalme wa Aramu akatafuta kujua sababu. Mstari wa 12 unasema kuwa Elisha, nabii wa Israeli, alimwambia mfalme wa Israeli hata maneno yaliyosemwa katika chumba cha kulala cha mfalme wa Aramu.
Haikuwa nguvu za kijeshi au ujasusi wa Israeli zilizozuia Aramu; ilikuwa ni Elisha mmoja mwenye utambuzi na ufahamu wa kiroho. Alijua maneno ya mfalme kwa sababu Mungu ajuaye yote alimwongoza kwa Roho wake na kumfunulia mambo hayo, si kwa kuwa alikuwa na uwezo wa kusikia sauti za mbali. Katika Agano Jipya, Roho wa Mungu huitwa Roho Mtakatifu. Mungu bado husema nasi kupitia Roho Mtakatifu na hata malaika.
Kwa nini watu wengi hawamsikii? Elisha aliweza kusikia, lakini mtumishi wake hakuweza. Redio inapopata mwingiliano mwingi wa mawimbi, matangazo hayasikiki vizuri. Vivyo hivyo, kelele ya dhambi huingilia mioyo yetu na kuzuia sauti ya Mungu. Ili tumsikie wazi, tunapaswa kuondoa dhambi, kuacha uovu na mawazo ya mwili, na kutahiri mioyo yetu. Kenya kuna watu wengi wanaojiita manabii; Biblia huwaita manabii wa uongo. Wale ambao hawajatakasa mioyo yao husikia sauti zilizopotoka na za mwili.
Kufuata sauti hizo ni kama kipofu kumwongoza kipofu mwenzake shimoni. Luka 6:39 inauliza, “Je, kipofu aweza kumwongoza kipofu? Je, wote wawili hawataanguka shimoni?” Elisha anatufundisha umuhimu wa ufahamu wa kiroho na mawazo ya imani. Aliposikia neno la Mungu, aliona kwa imani jeshi la Aramu likitumwa kisiri; akawaonya Waisraeli mapema, nao wakashinda. Neville Goddard, mhadhiri mashuhuri wa karne ya ishirini, alifundisha kuwa mawazo yana nafasi katika kuunda uhalisi na kwamba maisha huathiriwa na yale tunayowazia.
Mafanikio na kushindwa maishani hayatokani na vitu vya kimwili pekee bali pia na mawazo. Imani ni kuwa na hakika ya mambo yatarajiwayo na bayana ya mambo yasiyoonekana, kama Waebrania 11:1 inavyosema. 2 Wakorintho 5:7 inasema, “Maana tunaenenda kwa imani, si kwa kuona.” Ukitaka hali yako ibadilike, usifungwe na unachokiona sasa. Tumia mawazo ya imani kujiona ukiwa katika hali ya baraka na majibu ya maombi. Amini, furahi na uwe na moyo wa shukrani. Tunachokiona na umbali tunaoweza kuona huathiri maisha yetu; tushinde mtazamo finyu na kupanua maono yetu.
Ndiyo sababu tunapaswa kutumia mawazo ya imani kukuza ufahamu wa kiroho. Akiwa chumbani kwake, Elisha aliweza kutambua mienendo yote ya jeshi la Aramu na kumjulisha mfalme wa Israeli, hivyo mikakati ya ulinzi ikafanikiwa. Mungu alimfunulia ushindi uliokuwa mbele, naye akafurahi kwa uhakika huo. Tunapoomba na kuamini, tuwe na hakika kwamba Mungu atajibu; tufurahi kwa kuwa imani ina furaha na tumaini la matokeo mema. Hivi karibuni nilisafiri Seoul kuhudhuria mazishi ya Bi. Bok-nim Lee, mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Maombi cha Manmin.
Nilipokuwa huko nilizungumza na Mchungaji Mkuu, Dkt. Soo-jin Lee, kuhusu utume wa Afrika. Nilieleza kwamba baada ya kujenga patakatifu pa Kanisa la Manmin Nairobi, tunaweza kusaidia kujenga makanisa ya matawi na kuanzisha makanisa katika nchi zote 54 za Afrika, kisha kuweka wachungaji. Mchungaji Mkuu alifurahia maono hayo. Sasa nawazia patakatifu pa kanisa letu kana kwamba tayari kimekamilika; nakipokea kwa imani na kufurahi. Kujenga kanisa si kazi rahisi, lakini wazo hilo hujaza moyo wangu msisimko na furaha. Hivyo ndivyo tunavyokuza ufahamu wa kiroho—kwa kuwazia kwa imani na kupokea majibu na baraka. Ni nini kilichomwezesha Daudi, mvulana mchungaji, kuwa mfalme mkuu? Alihitaji mawazo ya imani. Zaburi 23:1 inasema, “Bwana ndiye mchungaji wangu, sitapungukiwa na kitu.” Kama Daudi alivyowachunga kondoo wake kwa bidii, aliamini kwamba Mungu angemwangalia pia. Hayo yalikuwa mawazo yake ya imani.
Hii ndiyo siri iliyomfanya Daudi kuwa mfalme. Wachungaji wengine waliona tu nyasi, miti, kondoo na milima, lakini Daudi aliweza kuona zaidi ya malisho ya kijani. Zaburi 23:2–3 inasema Mungu humlaza katika malisho ya majani mabichi, humwongoza kando ya maji ya utulivu na kuiburudisha nafsi yake. “Ninapowalisha kondoo wangu, Bwana mchungaji wangu hunilisha, hunivika na kuniongoza.” Mawazo hayo ya imani yalimwezesha kuishi kwa furaha hata jangwani.
Je, unapitia magumu? Kuza mawazo ya imani. Ufahamu wako wa kiroho uendelee kufanywa upya ili uone zaidi ya hali uliyo nayo na kutazamia ufalme wa Mungu. Hata waumini wazee wanaweza kufanya mambo makubwa kwa ufahamu wa kiroho na imani. Mtu akitazama tu mwili unaodhoofika anaweza kudhani kuwa ndoto zake zimekwisha; lakini akimwona Mungu akitenda ndani yake, tumaini na ujasiri huja, akisema, “Maisha yangu hayaishii hivi.” Daudi alimwona Mungu zaidi ya malisho na akaendelea kuchora picha ya imani isiyo na mipaka, mpaka maono hayo yakawa uhalisi wake.
Kijana mmoja alipata ajali mbaya ya gari na kupooza mwili mzima; alikuwa karibu kufa. Mama yake mwaminifu hakukata tamaa alipomwona mwanawe akiwa amefungwa bandeji; alianza kumpiga picha. Alipoulizwa kwa nini, alisema anaamini Mungu atamponya na picha zitakuwa ushuhuda wa nguvu zake. Kama alivyowazia kwa imani, Mungu alimponya kijana huyo kimuujiza. Mama huyo alitenda kulingana na imani yake. Mtumishi kijana wa Elisha aliogopa na kuuliza, “Ole wangu, bwana wangu! Tutafanya nini?” Lakini Elisha akamjibu, “Usiogope, maana walio pamoja nasi ni wengi kuliko walio pamoja nao.” Hata ukiwa umelala au umepooza, usiogope—Mungu anatenda. Hata hali ikiwa ngumu kiasi gani, usifadhaike—Mungu anakusaidia. Watumishi wote wa Bwana, watenda kazi na waumini na wakuze ufahamu wa kiroho na mawazo ya imani ili watamke maneno haya kwa ujasiri katika kila hali.
3. Kuza ufahamu wa kuona uhalisi, si udanganyifu. Ufahamu wa kimwili ni muhimu, lakini ni bora zaidi kutambua ulimwengu wa kiroho.
Ulimwengu wa kiroho ndio uhalisi wa kweli. Wanadamu wamebuni hadubini na miwani, lakini bado hawawezi kuuona ulimwengu wa kiroho kwa macho ya mwili. Ili kuuona, tunahitaji ufahamu wa kiroho; miwani ya kawaida haitoshi. Mfalme wa Aramu alipotaka kumkamata Elisha, alituma jeshi kubwa lenye farasi na magari kuuzunguka mji alimoishi nabii. Mtumishi wa Elisha aliogopa sana, lakini Elisha akasema kwa ujasiri, “Usiogope, maana walio pamoja nasi ni wengi kuliko walio pamoja nao.” Kwa nini walitenda tofauti hivyo?
Elisha alikuwa na ufahamu wa kiroho; macho yake ya rohoni yalikuwa yamefunguliwa na aliona uhalisi usioonekana. Ni ulimwengu gani ulio uhalisi—wa kimwili au wa kiroho? 2 Wakorintho 4:18 inasema tusitazame yanayoonekana, bali yasiyoonekana, kwa maana yanayoonekana ni ya muda, lakini yasiyoonekana ni ya milele. Ulimwengu unaoonekana ni wa muda, ilhali ulimwengu wa kiroho usioonekana ni wa milele na wa kweli. Vitu vyote vya kimwili vimeundwa na atomu, zenye kiini na elektroni zinazokizunguka.
Nafasi kati ya kiini na elektroni kwa kiasi kikubwa ni ombwe. Hadubini ya elektroni yenye nguvu huonyesha kwamba vitu vingi vya kimwili vina nafasi tupu nyingi. Askari, farasi na magari ya Aramu yalikuwa kama kivuli; uhalisi ulikuwa farasi na magari ya moto yaliyotumwa na Mungu. Mstari wa 17 unasema Elisha aliomba, “Bwana, tafadhali mfumbue macho yake apate kuona.” Bwana akayafumbua macho ya mtumishi, naye akaona milima imejaa farasi na magari ya moto kumzunguka Elisha. Jicho la mwili halioni kila kitu. Mungu yupo na anatenda nyuma ya pazia. Watu wengi huishi kwa hofu kwa sababu hawaoni uhalisi huu; kama mtumishi wa Elisha, wanaoona ulimwengu wa mwili pekee huishi katika kukata tamaa, wasiwasi na woga.
Mambo ya ulimwengu huu ni ya muda. Elisha alipozungukwa na jeshi la Aramu mtumishi wake alitetemeka; vivyo hivyo watu leo huogopa magumu yanapowazunguka. Lakini hayo si uhalisi wa mwisho. Tukilemewa na hofu tunakuwa kama mtumishi huyo, tukiogopa jambo lisilo la kweli. Wakati mmoja, usiku wenye mvua nyepesi, mtu alikuwa akitembea peke yake kwenye barabara ya mlimani iliyokuwa na sifa ya kuwa na mizimu. Aliona kitu kikipeperuka kwenye tawi kubwa na, kwa sababu ya giza na mvua, akaogopa kwamba ni mzimu.
Nywele zilimsimama, miguu ikatetemeka, na akashindwa kutembea. Alipojipa moyo na kusogea karibu, aligundua kuwa hakikuwa kizuka bali mfuko mweusi wa plastiki uliokuwa umenaswa kwenye tawi na kupeperushwa na upepo. Aliogopa kivuli kisicho na maana. Ni mara ngapi tunaogopa mambo yasiyo halisi? Mara nyingi tunatuhumiana, kugombana, kuwa maadui, kuogopa na kupoteza tumaini kwa sababu tunaitikia udanganyifu badala ya uhalisi. Je, umesikia kuhusu mpango wa tiba wa “mazishi ya kuigiza”? Makanisa fulani nchini Korea hufanya shughuli hii katika mikutano ya kiangazi au kipupwe. Majeneza mawili huwekwa chumbani na watu wenye migogoro—kwa mfano wazazi na watoto au wanandoa—huoanishwa.
Huambiwa wajifikirie kuwa wamekufa. Kabla ya kuingia kwenye jeneza, kila mmoja huandika ujumbe wa mwisho kwa mpendwa wake: mume kwa mke, mke kwa mume, wazazi kwa watoto na watoto kwa wazazi. Kisha hulala ndani ya jeneza na kifuniko hufungwa kwa takriban dakika 20. Wakiwa gizani, hutafakari maisha yao na kufikiria, “Sasa nimekufa.” Tafakari hiyo huleta machozi, majuto na toba.
Zoezi hilo huwa na matokeo makubwa na mara nyingi hulainisha hata moyo mgumu. Watu hufikiri, “Nilikuwa nimekosea. Kama ningejua nitakufa mapema hivi, au mama yangu, mume wangu au mke wangu ataondoka mapema hivi, nisingelalamika, kukasirika au kugombana kwa mambo yasiyo na maana.” Machozi hutiririka na majuto huja. Shughuli hiyo wakati mwingine hufanywa katika mikutano ya vijana. Mambo ya ulimwengu huu ni ya muda, lakini watu hulia, hukata tamaa na kupoteza tumaini kwa sababu yake. Geuza macho yako kwa uhalisi wa kweli—Mungu, mbingu na Yerusalemu Mpya. Usilemewе na mateso ya ulimwengu huu unaopita; uwe na hakika kwamba neema ya Mungu ni kuu kuliko maumivu na upendo wake ni mkuu kuliko kukatishwa tamaa na ulimwengu.
Waefeso 1:17–18 inasema Paulo aliomba Mungu awape roho ya hekima na ufunuo, macho ya mioyo yao yatiwe nuru, wapate kujua tumaini la mwito wake na utajiri wa urithi wake. Mungu hufungua macho ya roho zetu ili yasififie na ili tupate kuona nguvu zake kuu. Kwa nini ufahamu wa kiroho hauendelei? Kwa nini macho ya moyo huwa hafifu? Kwa sababu watu hufuata dhambi, anasa, mali na ubatili wa ulimwengu huu badala ya kumtazama Mungu, uhalisi wa kweli. Kama kusafisha miwani kunavyosaidia kuona vizuri, kutakasa moyo wako kutaleta uwazi maishani. Karatasi moja ni dhaifu na huchanika kirahisi; lakini ikiambatishwa ukutani au kwenye mimbari, ni vigumu kuirarua.
Sisi pia ni dhaifu kama karatasi. Lakini tukishikamana sana na Yesu Kristo, hakuna awezaye kututenganisha naye. Kama gundi inavyoshikilia karatasi, tushikamane na gundi ya kiroho—Injili ya utakatifu, nguvu za Mungu na maombi ya bidii—ili tusitikisike. Wiki iliyopita nilihudhuria mazishi ya mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Maombi aliyetuacha. Hakuondoka mikono mitupu; aliacha maombi ya bidii na upendo kwa roho, ulioonyeshwa kwa machozi. Sasa tushike Injili ya utakatifu na nguvu za Mungu tulizoachiwa na mchungaji mkuu mstaafu, pamoja na maombi ya bidii na upendo tulioachiwa na mkurugenzi huyo.
Tukishikamana imara na Yesu Kristo, ufahamu wetu wa kiroho na macho ya mioyo yetu na yaongezeke kuwa angavu, nasi tuiangazie dunia inayozidi kutiwa giza na dhambi. Watumishi wote wa Bwana, watenda kazi na waumini wanaojitoa katika ibada hii na wawe nuru inayohuisha roho nyingi zinazokufa. Nawabariki nyote katika jina la Bwana. — MWISHO —
