Transcript:
Intro – Here is Bill Shade with today’s “Moment from God’s Word”.
Message
As I sat down to prepare for this brief message, I could not help note that it would go public on December 7th. I’m of that generation to can still remember Pearl Harbor. Actually, I can remember laying on the couch in our living room as a 7 year old boy and hearing the news of the attack. I can remember our President say, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
There is another thing I remember about that day. When the Japanese planes attacked our base, the man who led that attack was a young Japanese officer by the name of Mitsuo Fuchida. It was his voice that echoed over the radio to his bomber squadron, Toro, Toro, Toro – Attack, Attack, Attack.
The reason I know that is that years later, when the war was over, Mitsuo Fuchida was given a gospel pamphlet as he walked the streets of Tokyo. It was one written by Jacob DeShazer, a former prisoner of the Japanese who had suffered terribly under their cruelty. But Deshazer had found forgiveness in Christ for himself and his enemies and Jake DeShazer’s testimony moved the heart of Mitsuo Fuchida. The man who once attacked us, became a fervent follower of Jesus Christ and a warm friend to America.
And that is still the power of the Gospel. It can replace bitterness with forgiveness and turn enemies into fondest friends. If you have never experienced that power, why not celebrate this date but asking Christ to forgive and change your life as well. He really will.
Closing – This is Kile Smith. You have been listening to Bible Teacher and author, Dr. Bill Shade, Director of Advanced Studies for Source of Light Ministries International. Our college-recognized, three-year, Bible Institute curriculum is now available online. We invite you to visit us on the Web at advancedbiblicalstudies.net – that’s advancedbiblicalstudies.net and begin a systematic study of God’s Word today.