Bishop Joemath – November 2019

Dear Listener, brother, sister, young person

I am Augustine Joemath, Bishop of the Moravian Church, responsible for mission work in the CBD and presently living in the manse at the Moravian Chapel of Moravian Hill in District Six.

Our Meditation is on the Watchword for the Month of November 2019 i.e. Job 19,25.

In a recent court case on sexual violence, I heard a grandmother vehemently fighting the case for her grandson so that he may not get imprisoned for this serious offence. Amongst others she argued that imprisonment will cause him to fall back into the habit of drug abuse. In addition, she had to admit that he has had several chances to free himself but had fallen back, lost control due to his instability and weakness.

As I was pondering over this ancient text presumably uttered by Job, I heard the words of a modern song echoing this truth and assuring the singers and those hearing it: I know: My Redeemer lives. It is a jewel, a treasure, a gem that needs to be repeated infinite times to all who feel they need assistance to stand tall or free themselves from whatever is hemming them from going forward or walking tall in life.

In the case of Job, it is argued that he may have been referring to an earlier plea for innocence, or the call for a heavenly being to assist him, or that he calls on God himself to be that Redeemer. However, for most commentators it is this treasure that reigns supreme: I do not need any other independent umpire to fight my case than God Himself. As God would free Israel, He will eventually also free Job himself.

Many cultures know the relevance and importance of such a mediator. We hear of ‘ancestors’ in our African religions mediating on behalf of their folk. The roles of saints and angels are often mentioned in this regard. But Job’s wonderful treasure points us in another direction and Paul echoes it when he writes to his congregations reminding them that there is no other name that brings salvation but the Name of Jesus Christ.

Let me remind you of our recent Brass Band Festival in Mamre that still resounds under the theme of “Do you ask what most I prize?” James Connor translated the original German version of the writer Johann Schwedler in verse 3 as follows:

“Who is my soul’s life, my all?

Who redeemed me from the fall?

Justified and cleansed me?

God to serve, who set me free?

Jesus, crucified for me.”

This absolute faith and conviction needs to echo in our ears and hearts once again so that I am not only personally reminded of it but that we are also as true missionaries able to remind others about it. Yes, I know my Redeemer lives.

As in the hymn, let us also note that it is written in the past tense. In other words, He, my Lord, my Redeemer, has done something in the past that is important for me today. He redeemed me! Yes, He died on the cross to redeem me. Job couldn’t know that and could only have a divine revelation of something great that will happen that already in his time would have meaning to him.

Today I may say: I hold on to the cross of Jesus, where He died for me and redeemed me, freed me, liberated me, saved me. Based on what He has done (for me), I may stand and walk strong in the light of all evil that want to destroy me. But also, that that young man could have said: Lord, I am not allowing this evil to take over my will and make me commit such a horrendous crime because of what you have already done for me. Yes, my Redeemer lives and my faith in what He has done will make me strong.

May we all rediscover the power that lies in reminding yourself of these words: My Redeemer lives! So often we fail to stand tall and allow our weaknesses to overcome us.

But there is one last comment that we need to make. Redemption comes with a price. Verse 3 of our hymn puts it like this: ‘…redeemed…justified…cleansed…God to serve…’ In my knowledge and state of being set free, I have one duty only: God to serve! Are you saying and singing with Job: I know: My Redeemer lives! then let me ask you: Are you now serving Him? In your family? Among your friends? In your place of work? In your community? Tell others about it! Your Redeemer is alive! Amen.