"We are here to dedicate ourselves to God, not His Word to us.” Opening words of the message preached to us by pastor Peter of the Sudan Interior Church on the dedication of the newly printed Shilluk Bible. It is the culmination of the translation work of both Old and New Testaments after a long 20 year translation process.
A thousand people crowded the stadium in Upper Nile’s capital, Malakal to witness and take part in this historic event. Choirs from different Shilluk churches massed together to celebrate each wearing lawas (traditional shawl worn over one shoulder) representing their church colours. As the day wore on, what was a tidily organized grouping of colour coded choirs became a rainbow of worship. Choirs from different churches mixed together in jubilation.
We are celebrating God’s Word coming down to us. But this must surely require a response. Pastor Peter’s words circle back and compel us to take a stand about ourselves. It is, as he says, more to do with our own position with regard to His Word than the pages itself. It is a reminder that we must dedicate ourselves to Him. The Word came and dwelt with us and demands our all. Will we take this opportunity to evaluate our standing with Him and dedicate ourselves to His service? The Word of God is not only our light but it is a light unto our path. This path of actually following after Him.
Praise the Lord that with this new Bible many more will have a chance to say “yes, I too dedicate myself to You!” May His name be praised for the great things He has done.
(April 13, 2013)
Shilluk Bible dedication
Shilluk Bible dedication celebration
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