Just Doesn't Seem Right: Reflections on Japan

My heart just breaks for the wonderful Japanese people! Granted, my only visit thus far to the Land of the Rising Sun was way back in another decade, but I still remember the graciousness and warmth of the people. One particular story still sticks in my mind.

I was lost in the backstreets of Tokyo. Not exactly the easiest way for an American with no Japanese language skills. Seeing no one in this little whisp of a street. Walking around with my little map knowing where I wanted to go. Finally, I came upon an elderly woman, and I asked her how to get to where I wanted. She nodded, took my hand, and gently led me several blocks away. She slowly walked me to my desired destination! How many places can you imagine that happening? I was thankful and stunned. The power of kindness and good will cannot be destroyed by natural disasters.

Yesterday, I was pondering all this in my reading time, and I came upon the following: "The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- the Lord on high is mighty." And farther down the passage, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Join me in prayer, won't you, for the nation of Japan and its wonderful people. Pray they would see God's merciful hand in spite of the disaster from a fallen earth. May they see His goodness and kindness beyond what their physical eyes may tell them.

Japan Earthquakes: Food for Thought

The news of the massive earthquake and follow-up tremors in Japan and the resulting tsunami came on my radio alarm early that morning. I listened sadly and intently as I knew many lives would be lost.

Not one to be an alarmist, I was quite surprised when the following piece of text (italicized)popped into my head:

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24: 3-14)

Sci fi films about the end of the world have been made almost since the beginning of the medium, and more films are to come. Yet, there is something that makes me think about these words of Jesus Christ recorded almost 2,000 years ago. Many would call Jesus a good man, even a prophet. If so, here's one of his prophecies. Others know He is also the Son of God, the only way to heaven, the god made man who paid for the sins of the world by his death on a cross. His resurrection proves he is who he says. It's why we celebrate Easter, and it is why millions of people through the centuries place their faith in Him. What about you? Who is Jesus to you?