Wisdom from the Word

Wisdom from the Word #7 - 12/07/2023

Romans 10:13

December 7, 1941, is a day that changed American and world history forever. The attack of Pearl Harbor sent shock waves around the world. No one was prepared for what took place. Some 2,400 souls were lost that day making it the worst attack on American soil until September 2011 where over 3,000 souls were lost. From that great unprovoked attack rose what we call today, the “greatest generation,” the builders of our great nation.

What can we learn from the senseless brutality and reality of war? One thing is certain, we live in a sin-cursed world, and everything is caught in the grips of sin. Plants, water, animals, and certainly the heart of man are filled with the curse and effects of sin brought on by our own selfish desires. The Bible says, “For we know the whole earth groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” Nothing escapes sin’s impact.

The fact of the matter is, we must know that although sin has tainted everything, there is still hope. Jesus came to die for sinners, and one day He will recreate all there is and restore what was destroyed by sin. He will make a new heaven and a new earth wherein we will dwell with Him forever.

Something remarkable came from that great attack on December 7th. The Commander who led the raid on Pearl Harbor, Mitsuo Fuchida, would later come to faith in Christ! Another beautiful story happened to Sergeant Jacob DeShazer. His plane was shot down and he became a prisoner for the duration of the war. Consumed with thoughts and hatred toward his Japanese captures, God miraculously intervened in his life. He found a worn-out Bible and began to read it faithfully. He soon discovered a prayer Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This was Jesus praying from the cross, dying for the sins of the world. Upon reading this, DeShazer’s life was changed. After the war, DeShazer became a missionary to the people of Japan. The story of his life was written into a small tract used for evangelism purposes. Now, that may not seem all that remarkable but guess who found a copy of that tract? Yes! Commander Fuchida! Upon reading of the life-changing events of DeShazer’s life, Fuchida placed his trust in Jesus. On the 25th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fuchida returned there with a Bible inscribed with those same words that transformed DeShazer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34a).

From any tragedy, hope can be found, and lives can be changed by the everlasting love of our Heavenly Father who GAVE us His Son that we may be restored to a right relationship with Him. Your life circumstances may not come close to what these two men faced so long ago, but your life matters just the same. The same Jesus who saved these two men is calling you to salvation today. Surrender to Him and allow His abiding love to transform you completely. He has already forgiven you. Why not repent of your sins and turn to Him for eternal life?

“All who call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved” (Romans 10:13)