Ethiocross Blog

Did Dereje change over the years?

By Samson:
First and the most I want to thank you to Ethiocross for posting the interview of brother Dereje's. If it weren't for you, lots of us wouldn't have the chance to see and in effect react to the rhetoric rendered on this interview. Much of my Christian life, from my childhood, has always been intertwined with the beloved songs passed through our brother. Dereje has been one of those dearest brothers and sisters whom our Loving God has anointed to serve Him during those odd days. I immensely thank God for His inexplicable provision through the ages. Like other servants of the Lord (Tesfaye G., Tamirat H, Shewaye D, Addisu W., and many more), Dereje remained in my heart all these years. The timeless messages that God passed through this 'vessel' will continue to remain blessings to enlighten me and hopefully those who love Christ for the years to come.

Having said this, however, I have my own reactions to the interview which I believe was very serious. If my memory serves me well, I remember Dereje giving interview in Berhan magazine nearly three decades ago. Back then, the wisdom with which he puts things in perspective was so excellent, live, and edifying so to speak. Of course those were his (Dereje's) 'fertile years' I presume. Decades later, so much seemed to change since. I was completely undone and was shocked, to say the least, when I quickly went over the interview that was posted on your page. I couldn't draw any parallel between the then Dereje and the current 'American brewed one'. I am afraid; Dereje seemed to change much over the years.

Dereje does n't believe in 'organized religion' anymore. What about the body of Christ ?

Being in this part of the world (the Northern Hemisphere), I know so many things challenge us not to keep our old and precious faith and sanity in Christ. However, the reckless comments he gave about the church of Christ tells a lot about where Dereje currently stands spiritually. It was quite disappointing to hear from a person I always respected blatantly and unashamedly telling us that he doesn't believe in 'organized religion' anymore. I couldn't understand what he meant by that. I am confused if he made reference to the Church of Christ no matter who is its leader. For me I find it extremely disturbing and an outrageous remark to name the believers unity, the mystical body of Christ as an 'organized religion'. I believe Dereje needs to step up and clarify what he meant by those comments; certainly he owes us due clarification.

Besides, all spiritual gifts are given to build and edify the Church (The congregation of believers) and not serve and build once own fame or at best not to destroy or tear the church apart.(1 Corinthians 12 ) There is no 'super star' within the congregation of Christ. All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, says the Holy Scripture. (Romans 3:23). By the same token, I argue there are lots of us 'super hypocrites' within the body. If need be, Our Morning Star is Christ Himself !(2 Pet 1:19) No more; no less. To Him be Honor and Glory for ever and ever, Amen. (Unfortunately it seems the order of the day for lots of those merchants in the church to merchandise with the grace of our God and make money out of it) That is what we see now a days where organized people resorting to popularizing and idolizing people in their platforms (like the one we saw in 'appreciation day of Dereje' in Addis, the 'Talalq ye ametu sewoch' and the likes). When people lose their vision, there are lots of 'profitable ventures/ businesses' out there Ha! Be careful folks. EgziAbher ayizebetibetim. God is our Judge and He will judge us all in His own time.(Isaiah 33:22)

"Peter, Put back your sword" !!!

It is a real mess and a spiritual crisis to forget honoring God with humbleness and instead resorting to talking highly of oneself and playing a blame game against fellow believers. My brother, please turn back your sword to its place. God has not yet finished with those against whom you seem to hold grudges for over nearly three decades. Didn't you sing on your 6th album about 'Yiqirtan lemadreg libe ayhon iyalew, Igre miramedew shekara menged new'. Are you still on that rough road my brother? Let me ask you a question. Why would you set an offense and attack those where as you yourself testified that you are not a social person? Is it biblical to be anti-social? Do you really believe you own your own songs and demand the proprietorship? Is it the time to race for holding title, claiming ownership, blaming people and worse of all magnifying oneself by diminishing the word of God? Is this time to express your own egoistic wish of coming back home and find a place where you will enjoy a fresh air out in the country? God's harvest is all in the field and no one cares about it. Is it time to collect and accumulate mountains of gold, silver and fame? Which one takes priority in our life - The eternal word of God or our own set of experiences? Can we really conquer God by being so defiant and disobedient? [SIMEON HOI, SEIFIHIN WEDE SEGEBAW ASGEBA;]. Let me use one of yours recent album (Vol 8): 'Yibeqanal Mezenatelu...'; Otherwise, I quote yet another song: 'Tibit Yetalew Sew .... Ziq Ziq Malet Yemot Dimts Honobet, Siyamenejig Nore, Bedur Sebat Amet'. I also pray with that song today that: 'Mignotem Tiretem Ziq Ziq Malet' !!! Amen. I had a lot to say but, would like to pause here for now. My prayer is: May God's counsel prevail over our flesh's understanding. May God's counsel prevail and reign in our mind, soul and body. This I pray in the Wonderful Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

The opinion stated in the articles submitted to Ethiocross (EC) are those of the writers and not EC or the publisher of EC.