“Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.” – Isaiah 62:10
At the recent Ecumenical Service in observance of Majority Rule Day held at Christ Church Cathedral, some schools were represented by smartly clad uniformed students. Their deportment and attention were commendable. I was sorry, though, that the majority of them were not given programs with the order of service to participate. I learnt that a very limited number were printed.
There was a march after the service and a particular school brought many of their school’s banners. How they lifted high their school’s banners much to the delight of the wind and the pulsating rhythm of the youthful band. Tourists by the hundreds left what they were doing to groove and photograph the occasion.
The power of music has transforming effects whether it be in joy or sorrow. Can you imagine marching bands and how it can break the backs of oppression, depression and suppression, and foster unification? We need a standard to be lifted up among the people for the walls of communal harmony, justice and fair play have been broken down. I still call for the classical music station to be played in our prison – music that is soothing, soothing and therapeutic. Who can tell if there is a Mozart, a Beethoven, a Handel among those incarcerated?
Isaiah prophesied during the reign of four kings. It was the era of the prophets and they dreamed dreams, saw visions and rebuked wrongdoings of the leaders of the land and the disobedience of the people. There were minor and major prophets. Isaiah carried the mantel of prophesy. There was never an army of prophets, only a selected few. Today, in our country, the same is true, as there are among us a few who speak truth of what God has given to them as a warning for the people and leaders. But as it was then, it is now, for the warning is scoffed and laughed at.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that our national pledge can become a reality – “One people united in love and service”. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that national attention will be given for the restoration of law and order. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that your creation of these beautiful rocks and cays you have given to us will be protected, treasured, maintained and fortified by us in the interest of future generations. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that the lifestyle and mindset of our people will be such that the world will be amazed at the manner of our bearing. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that the enemy of spite that robs one of opportunities, social advancement and attainment be replaced with the sweet essence of spice to give what is due to one. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that the hands that hold guns to be our brothers’ killers will become the hand extended to become our brothers’ keepers. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that the foundation of the church will forever be Jesus Christ, who is to be lifted up among the people and only he alone will draw all men unto him. We are the lifters of men and not drawers, for it is not about us, but him – the Christ. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
We need to lift up a standard among the people so that all that divides us is abolished and we truly become a nation that is exalted through righteousness. Each one reach one, teach one, love one. Lord, we pray to lift up a standard.
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