An average Seraph, without doubt, knows where the above stated headline must have been culled from in our hymnals. But to save those who may still need to rack their brain the stress in doing so, the intro of this particular hymnal is the popular “Baba Olori Isun Ibukun Gbogbo”.
The headline being the 1st line of the 3rd stanza,offers an insight to what could best be described as an earnest appeal to God not to make the illuminating light of the Cherubim and Seraphim church to go dim.
Knowing fully well how our hymnals often launch us into the realm of the spirit and, as such, stir that sense of belonging as a seraph in us anytime it’s being sung, this particular line sure has a way it rekindles our love for the church.
Now to the picture attached to this piece; It is an aerial view of the spot where the last quarterly vigil held at Seraphim Land, Maba, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. An intent look at it avails you the sight of not just Seraphs fellowshipping together in their white garments, but that which passes for an ambiance of angelic gathering.
That said, If you truly think your love for the fold is second to none, then this picture may cause you to love it the more. Mere looking at it, what popped up in the mind of the writer is the said line of the hymnal: “Jo ma je ki fitila egbe yi ku”. Indeed, we cannot afford to watch the precious light of the fold go dim.
If the picture could be taken with the use of a drone, you can best imagine how God sees us gather together with such an appealing sight to behold. Suffice it to note that He must have taken a cue from the appearance of those he is surrounded with at his throne and considers a replica here on earth befitting of no other denomination than us. What a rare priviledge.
Meanwhile, so much that the coterie of existing Christian denominations serve the same God, the Cherubim and Seraphim church stands uniquely different. This is not to sound like preaching church here, but one conscious fact that we cannot shy away from is that we didn’t earn the status as the first indigenous church by chance. That Moses Orimolade Tunolase, who is the first supreme head and founder didn’t get the mandate to establish the fold and make it grow in leaps and bound by mistake either. Without mincing words, the C&S fold amongst other denominations is in a class of its own.
Beyond donning our well-girded garment. Beyond fellowshipping together, beyond launching that revival song to showcase our God-given gifts, we should all remember that we have a common heritage which binds us together and that we cannot afford to allow its light go dim. The onus is on you and I to ensure it does not. Through our respective contributions which definitely counts, no matter how minute, the light must not go dim. And most importantly, let’s be positive in whatever capacity we make such contributions, as the light must not go dim.
Our collective consciousness of this will certainly make all the difference.
As for the quarterly vigil, the attendance witnessed at the last edition has shown that Seraphim Land will, in no distant time, become a Jerusalem of sort. There is no contesting that.
May I round up this piece with the complete lines of the third stanza which reads, as we as well sing along….
“Jo ma je ki fitila egbe yi Ku
Jo mase je k’ota le ri gbe se
Jo tun gbogbo ibaje inu re se
Je k’ o gbile n’ nu fe on ‘wa mimo
‘Wo Oba Sion, o dowo Re,
Jo ma je k’ iyo Egbe wa yi d’obu“
May I also lace it with the book of Proverb 4:18 which says: But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day.
The message is clear, just as it carries weight. It is ours to do the needful. The light can only continue to shine. May it never go dim. Amen.
Seraph Dayo Oyewo. A Journalist/Social Entrepreneur. He loves meeting new people. Favourite Hymn: Ji Okan mi dide layo
