The unwritten message he wanted (or the regime wanted him to convey to the public) was obviously saying it loud: “All is well with Birtukan; that she is enjoying a cosy and comfortable coffee ceremony; that she is healthy, and all that is talked about her is a mere lie!” The message was intended to those who walk by sight; by what they see. So everything was purposefully organised for their consumption.
But this perfect organisation of sights reveals nothing. Does it tell us about her internal state, her heart-brokenness, her loneliness, her longing, fear, confusion, rage, disappointment? Even physically speaking, does the appearance and movement of her body as shown on TV tell us that all is well with her? That she is fine and healthy? That she has not been mistreated or unfairly handled?
Falsehood and superficiality defeats God’s purpose and inflicts pain on those who love God and provokes contempt in those who don’t.
While I respect his service and good intentions, what he displayed in the Name of the Lord on Easter day, the pastor has not learned it from His master. For God is the God of Elijah who prevailed over Ahab; Jeremiah who resisted Zedekiah’s wilful and cowardice decisions; and John the Baptist who, not fearing the sword that was stretched before him, told the ruthless kind that he was in the wrong.
