My dear friends
One of my best loved German hymn writers is Paul Gehardt. On
Wednesday morning I got carried away as I listened to his song "Ich sing dir mit Herz
und Mund." Indeed, for our songs to God to go beyond the walls and roofs of our
houses and churches the heart-mouth combination is crucial.
It is with sadness that I sometimes see people hardly
opening their mouths during singing of spiritual songs, not because they are 'musically
challenged' but because their hearts are cold towards the Lord. On the other hand, I have
been disappointed by excellent performances that later turn out to be nothing but empty
words.
My thoughts took me back to the 80s. A group came to
KwaSizabantu Mission for a day. After lunch with them, we sat down for a discussion. But
before that they had a song for us. Our mouths literally hung. They were so good! For me
the song was very special as it reminded of a Dlangezwa High School dormitory mate in 1972
who was one of the few then to own a cassette player. I had listened a few times as Brook
Benton sang, "I dreamt of a city called heaven." And here was this song again!
The lead singer became very animated as in the song he got nearer to the throne of God.
"And I bowed on my knees...
and cried `Holy to the Lord of hosts.'"
Picture this young man, on his knees, face upward, and right
hand raised to heaven. There was appreciation all around. Quite a good introduction for a
constructive discussion!
As we talked about practical Christian living we had to
remind ourselves of the broad and narrow way, one leading to hell and the other leading to
heaven. This young man raised his hand, and asked with a puzzled look, "Do you people
believe that there is a place called heaven?" I could not believe my ears!
Back to my current situation. After decades of speaking and
singing Motor Neuron Disease has robbed me of all speech and song. If I only sang to God
with my mouth by now I would be without a song to my Lord and Master. By His grace, my
heart still overflows with song.
Yes, I am often reminded of the words in one of the Lutheran
hymnal songs,
"Nom' uthul' umlomo wami
Ngisahlabelela."
(Even though my mouth is quiet
I'm still singing.)
So dear brother Paul Gerhadt allow me just to say, "Ich
singe dir mit Herz."
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is
fixed: I will sing and give praise." (Psalm 57:7)
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
