BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LUDZIDZINI– His Majesty King Mswati III has called on emaSwati and people around the world to remain steadfast in their faith and draw closer to God, saying true transformation, blessings and protection come from a life anchored in God.
The King made the remarks during a special sermon held alongside His Holiness Shembe and members of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Unyazi Lwezulu) at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Addressing the congregation, which included worshippers from Eswatini and neighbouring countries, the King expressed gratitude for the church’s continued commitment to prayer and spiritual revival.
“I greet you in the name of Jesus,” said the King. “It is a great pleasure to find Unyazi Lwezulu and the Nazareth Baptist Church bringing prayers here in Eswatini. We were with you while we were away out of the country. We were with you in prayer.”
The King warmly welcomed the worshippers and commended the church for its annual visits across the country, saying their prayers bring life, hope and spiritual renewal to the nation.
“The prayers which you brought bring life to us,” he said.
His Majesty emphasized the importance of knowing God and living among people who fear and worship Him.
Quoting Scripture, he said: “Kucala kuhlakanipha kwesaba Nkulunkulu” (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom).
He explained that genuine fear of God can only come from understanding who God is and maintaining a close relationship with Him.
“If you are a person living on this planet, you should live among people who fear and worship God. It is important that, as people, we must not run away from God,” said the King.
His Majesty said worshipping together strengthens faith and encourages believers to remain steadfast even when facing life’s challenges.
“There are situations in the world which test us on how far we are with God,” he said.
The King noted that while professionals such as psychologists may help reform a person, God’s power goes beyond reform and brings complete transformation.
“When you go to a psychologist, after the session they reform you, but in God you are transformed. There is a difference between the two,” he said.
“When you come closer to God, you are transformed. That is why, as people, we should come closer to God.”
Drawing lessons from the Bible, His Majesty reflected on the story found in 2 Kings 4:1-7, where the Prophet Elisha assisted a widow facing severe debt and the threat of losing her sons to slavery.
The King explained how the widow obeyed Elisha’s instructions to collect empty jars and witnessed a miracle when her small jar of oil multiplied until all the containers were filled.
He said the story demonstrates that difficult situations often require people to draw nearer to God rather than abandon their faith.
“There are situations which will test how close you are to God. Even in those situations, we must not turn away from God,” said the King.
Referring to the same biblical account, His Majesty highlighted the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and surrounding oneself with people who love and fear God.
“When you come close to a man of God, difficult situations go away. When you associate yourself with people who love and fear God, there is success,” he said.
The King encouraged believers to trust God even in moments of darkness and uncertainty, saying those are often the moments when God’s power is most visible.
“Anything which seems impossible with people is possible with God,” he said.
The King concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon all those gathered and expressing appreciation to the Nazareth Baptist Church for its continued spiritual contribution to Eswatini.
“We are pleased that every year the Church brings prayers. We wish you a safe return journey back home.”
