“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” ( John 3:3).
The English language is said to have originated from Germany with Anglo Saxon immigrants taking it to Britain about the 5th century. What made it so special was its capacity to borrow and incorporate new words. Over time it borrowed from other European languages like Latin, Greek, French, Dutch and Germany. Today it is the most spoken language in the world by over 1.3 billion people!
After the Bible was translated from Hebrew and Greek; English, was also used as a vehicle for missions. Here in Uganda when the Bible was first translated in Luganda in 1896 there were certain words whose meaning could not be easily translated from English, like “born again”. While for English someone who received Jesus as a personal savior became “Born Again”; here, the nearest translation found was “okulokoka!”
This is a deep Luganda word that perhaps could be translated as being “straightened up”! Essentially it means that one has been redeemed and has taken on a new life altogether, just as the scriptures say, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17).
Nicodemus expressed concern at the use of “born again” by posing, “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” ( vv 4). He imagined being born- again in its physical form. However, Jesus clarified it was more than that, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ( vv 5).
“Okulokoka” from which the singular “Mulokole” comes essentially means one who after accepting Christ experiences a certain change in behavior, not of his power but a rebirth that only comes from God. “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again” ( vv 6-7). Through the work of the Holy spirit a life is transformed and hence the term “yalokoka” meaning, one was freed from a past and now walks anew with Christ. If you have not made that decision, it is the best you could for now and forever.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I thank you for the gift of salvation that comes by receiving you as Lord and personal savior, with power to redeem and transform my life, which I am ever thankful, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
