Hear, O Israel - 18 June 2008

God knew how much I needed to hear Onkel Erlo's Sunday message.

That morning I was in tears before the Lord, praying for a divine perspective to the shocking events of Saturday morning. The burning down of the KwaSizabantu auditorium by an uncontrollable fire, whose cause is yet to be determined, shook me to the core.

As the details of the fire's progress filtered through to me tears welled up from within. For a time I was successful in suppressing my tears but when our dear fathers, Onkel Erlo and Onkel Friedel, entered my room - well- the dam-wall gave in.

Here before me were two men whose ministry was instrumental in introducing my father and the family to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 38 years ago. For the last 31 years I have had the privilege of labouring alongside these men of God in the Lord's vineyard. I know that they hold back nothing in their dedicated service unto the Lord. The Lord has granted them faith, vision, courage and perseverance which have seen the work grow constantly over the years. The auditorium was a 10-year project that was born, sustained and completed in that spirit.

Saturday's raging fire reminded me of the uncontrollable MND 'fire' that for the last 7-8 years has done great damage to my body. There I was, wishing that I could go up to the auditorium to see what was happening and to express what I felt but I was locked up in a paralysed body.

In spite of the immobile body, past memories of activities in the auditorium filed through my mind at the speed of lightning; blessed services, conferences, engagements, weddings and funerals.

The last time I walked (with the help of a walking-stick) into the auditorium was in 2002. How could I forget the last time I was in the auditorium? It was in September 2006 during the CFT Conference. I was wheeled into the conference in my sickbed and I enjoyed the fellowship.

Through the years of my physical confinement I have often dreamt of walking into the Lord's house again. When my wife leaves for the service I rejoice; it is as if part of me goes along.

On Sunday, Onkel Erlo's introductory remarks about the burning down of the auditorium gave a clear direction. He emphasised that what had burnt down was the building, not God and not the gospel. The real tragedy would be the burning down of our faith. Onkel Erlo said nothing changes; we will strive on in serving our God. He then challenged us to a deeper spiritual life.

Significantly, Sunday's powerful sermon was a continuation of the message which Onkel Erlo preached in the auditorium the previous Sunday.

On Monday morning it occurred to me that Saturday's fire was one of those 'Hear, -O-Israel - moments.'

Recently I was captivated by an interview with some Jewish hostages who were part of the 100 Israelis that were targeted by hijackers in 1976. An Air France plane which was on its way from Israel to Paris was hijacked and forcefully diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

One man recounted the experience calmly, until he came to the part where in the midst of their dilemma they were reminded of 'Hear, O Israel.' The man sobbed as he recited in Hebrew,

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:4-5)

There are times when the Lord steps into a crisis and seems to disregard our distressing circumstances, instead He concentrates our minds on who He is and what He wants us to be.

Ultimately, it is not about us, our sentiments, memories and dreams.

Ultimately, it is not even about the Lord's work or the Lord's house; but it is about the Lord and our personal relationship to Him.

Hear, O Israel.

Have a blessed week.

Pressing on!

In His love
 
Fano Sibisi