Rejoice!!
Submitted by Oliver on September 14 2001 01:14:50
|
I visited the prayer service at my church last night and many people prayed. I think I was most impressed by the number of youth who chose to read scripture and speak. Among them was a young man who prayed for the terrorists who commited this inhumane act. While so many of us prayed for the victims, family, and justice, this boy prayed for the souls of those who killed the many thousands who died in the recent attack. "In the ensuing weeks I read this book eagerly. I came to the climatic drama--the Crucifixion. I read in Luke 23:34 the prayer of Jesus Christ at His death: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." I was impressed that I was certainly one of those for whom He had prayed. The many men I had killed had been slaughtered in the name of patriotism, for I did not understand the love that Christ wishes to implant within every heart." Those words were uttered by Mitsuo Fuchida who was the man who lead the attack on Pearl Harbor. To read the rest of his testimony, please click on the link. I am made to think that while humanity, and even the Bible, teaches an eye for an eye, what can be learned if we don't understand that a witness and forgiveness can change the heart of even one who considered God an enemy? How many more lives were saved by Mr. Fuchida's evangelistic efforts than were lost at Pearl Harbor? In the midst of our tragedy, I believe rises a great deal of hope. We mourn over the loss of these children who now only have one parent or who are now orphans, but we forget that many of them are members of a much larger family of God whose grace and love will send them 1000 mothers and 1000 fathers. Look at the efforts and relief that has already gone on! We underestimate that an act of evil can turn into a greater good. Such happened in the life of Mr. Fuchida. We as a world and Christains come together as One heart (Romans 15:5) to spread the love of the Lord and eachother now more than ever. Be joyful!! A great day is upon us!! It is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!! Blessings, Oliver |
Follow ups: