An Easter message of redemption

By Girma Kassa

 

April 28, 2008

 

“Enkuwan Le Berhane Tensayewu Adderesachu!” (Happy Easter)

Ethiopians are celebrating Eastern on April 27, 2008. How the word “Easter” came into being has its own history. Eastern is also known as “Passover” (Fassika in Amharic).

Fassika is a holiday that commemorates the day the Israelites were freed from the bondage of Egypt. For more than 400 years they were oppressed and afflicted by Egyptians. It is with the leadership of Moses and the Power of the Almighty God that they got their freedom.

Ten plagues were sent by God on Pharaoh and the Egyptians. In the last plague the angel of death came into the land of Egypt and killed the entire first born of each household except those who put a stain of blood on their door. Those with blood on their door were passed over. Hence the word “Passover” or “Fassika”.

Since then, for generations, the Israelites kept celebrating “Fassika” every year. It was during such celebration, two thousand years ago, that our Lord Jesus Christ laid down his life on the cross. Therefore we are celebrating two precious holidays at one time: The freedom of the people of God from bondage of Egypt and the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over death. (His resurrection)

This I say to all of my readers: “May you have a happy Fassika and a happy Tensae!”

 

As we celebrate Fassika and Tensae let not the holidays be only rituals. Let us explore the meaning of “fassika” and “Tensae” in our life.

 

I. FASSIKA – THE HAND OF GOD AGAINST INJUSTICE

 

Fassika is a historic illustration of the wrath of God against injustice. For Fassika to happen Moses, Joshua, Miriam, Aaron and many more brave and god fearing Israelites were needed. God does not want to give freedom without the involvement of men. One of the attributes of the Almighty God is that he works in us and with us.

 

When we celebrate Fassika let us remember that the freedom we need to get is not necessarily from the dictatorial and ethnocentric policies of the EPRDF. What we need is to be free from ourselves for we are also our own enemy. If we clean up our mess and come together as one force and if we take off the clothes of fear, despair and defeatism, forcing the current regime of Meles Zenawi to respect the will of the people would have been a cakewalk. We were not able to guarantee the rule of law and the respect of human right, and establish a democratic system in Ethiopia, not because Meles Zenawi and his cadres are strong. It is because we are divided, imprisoned by FEAR and filled with despair and the “I cannot attitude”..

It is time to get our deliverance from our own bondage. Making fun of Meles Zenawi and cursing him day and night is not solution. The politics of empty rhetoric and internet/paltalk “bravery” will take us no where. It is time to declare “FASSIKA” in our life, in our thinking and in our strategies. It is time to be free from FEAR, selfishness and despair and start taking each one of us responsibility for our country.

 

II. TENSAE – A NEW BEGINNING

 

As we celebrate Tensae let us also remember what happened to our Lord Jesus Christ at the Calgary. He understands pain and suffering for he has seen it himself. There used to be thousands following him when he was doing miracles. However, on that Friday of Seqlet (crucifixion) no one was by him. Medhanealem (Our Lord Jesus) preached the message of love and peace. He preached the good news that leads people to eternal life. However, He was accused of “treason” and “Inciting violence” against Cesar.

There is a word that Our Lord Jesus has said on the cross that, I believe is key to opening up the door of blessing and healing in Ethiopia. On the cross Jesus said:” Father forgives them for they know not what they are doing.” He forgave those who crucified him. He gave us an example that is unique and different. He showed us a new way of solving crisis. The way of the Lord is Love, Mercy and forgiveness. Mercy is more powerful that Revenge. Peace is more powerful than War. Dialogue is more powerful that Recriminations. Tolerance is more powerful than Quick Judgment.

On Friday there were storms and heavy rains. There were thunders and everybody was crying. All followers of our Lord Jesus were desperate and scattered all over the places. They were all frightened. They thought our Lord Jesus, with all his power, would deliver them from the Romans. They were expecting big phenomena. Unfortunately, to their surprises, the Lord Jesus was taken away from them. He was crucified on the cross. He died.

 

Similarly, we thought On May 1997 peace and democracy would be established in Ethiopia for always. As Kaliti prisoners were released and as we enter the new millennium we repeatedly thought we would have a new beginning. We thought we would stop our country from draining downward towards self destruction. We thought blood would no longer be shed like sacrificial lamb. We thought the law would rule and citizens’ right would be respected.

Unfortunately the election was stolen. Our mothers, fathers’, sisters and brothers were killed. Thousands were brutally held in detention camps. Many were regularly beaten up (Some of them to death). Villages were burned down in Ogaden. We had hoped the British and the Americans would stand up by the people for democracy. Instead Ethiopians were betrayed. The demon of bloodshed that originates from Arat Kilo is now engulfing Somalia. It is also making preparation to sacrifice more and more innocent civilians along the Mereb river.

Yes today it is Friday for Ethiopia. Today we are not seeing the light. Today we only hear thunders and bad news. We only see storms and images of our dead brothers and sisters.  Some of us may have lost hope and running away from Jerusalem (the peaceful struggle) to Emahos. Yes, today it is Friday.

My fellow Ethiopians, I have good news. As our Lord Jesus has risen from the dead, there will be resurrection for Ethiopia. There will be Tensae for Ethiopia. All the discouraging events we see now are temporary. God has remembered Ethiopia. Sunday, the day of our freedom, happiness and a new beginning will come.

Let us not give room to despair. Let us not be misled by propaganda of the forces of evil who are roaring their tanks and humvees in our cities. Let us not be demoralized with shameful so called Election that is not better that election held Under Saddam Hussein.  Let us be hopeful and focus on the peaceful struggle in a united front. If we all do our part with all diligence and courage Sunday will come very soon.

Ato Meles Zenawi’s EPRDF has been repeatedly asked to come to his sense and do the right thing. He has been asked to open the door for peace and reconciliation. Unfortunately, so far the ruling party has chosen to rule with arrogance and empty pride. Let us send a clear message to the dictators of Arat Kilo that there are millions who are not afraid of them and are determined to end dictatorship and tyranny in their country …..Let the world hear that Ethiopians will not let their destiny of their country be determined by none other than themselves.

Are we ready? Would we want to be one of the millions? Please let us come forth and say:” NO” to silence.

May you have a Happy Tensae!

May The Lord bless our beloved Ethiopia!