When Japan surrendered in August 1945, World War II came to an end in the Pacific.
But not for everyone.
On scattered islands in the Pacific Ocean, small pockets of Japanese soldiers either did not know or did not believe that Japan had surrendered. For them, the war was definitely not over. Lieutenant Hiro Onoda was given orders to disrupt and sabotage enemy efforts — and to never surrender or to take his own life.
He was a man who followed orders.
Despite several attempts by the post-war Japanese government to convince him to surrender, he refused to accept the good news that the war was over. His commanding officer had not issued him any new orders. Therefore, he would follow the orders he had.
Rather than believe the sound of human footfalls meant good news, Lieutenant Onoda assumed just the opposite: Every sound could be the enemy. In his view, he had to defend himself against any encroachment. Shots were fired. Lives ended. It was only when, in 1974, his former commanding officer was flown to the island and formally delivered new orders to him that Lieutenant Onoda surrendered.
He had been at war for 30 years.
In this week's Lectionary selection from Romans, Paul quotes Isaiah 52 when he writes, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" But, Isaiah also raises (and Paul repeats) the question: "Who has believed our message?" People may be sent, proclamations voiced, and the Lord made known throughout the world. But if those who are on the receiving end do not believe that what they hear constitutes good news, they may, like Lieutenant Onoda, refuse to come in from the cold.
As happened with Elijah in another of this week's scriptures, when Lieutenant Onoda was given new orders, they were life-changing. The trajectory of the remainder of his life was significantly different from the previous decades. But it took new orders to make that happen. When we humans "dig in" to a belief, it is very difficult to change. It is only when the message comes coupled with what we recognize as a higher power that we are willing to set aside our "old way" and become something entirely new.
Paul was exactly that way before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He wouldn't surrender without new orders—and he got them.
Our takeaway: If, when you deliver your good news, it is rejected, don't be discouraged. People often reject change that seems to conflict with their existing structure—especially if it sounds like they may have to "surrender." Instead of giving up, reach out to God, pray on their behalf.
New orders may be needed.
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PHOTO: Lt. Onoda receiving new orders in 1974. (from War History Online)
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DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast is truly a "stand down" experience. We leave our concerns for a while and just enjoy some time together. Join us Friday morning for food, fellowship, and some time in God's word. We meet in the back function room at Our Breakfast Place. We start at 8:00. Visiting and laughter are both on the menu.
Blessings,
Steve
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
Find them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=154
Print them from here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/pdf//Ax_Proper14.pdf
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b
1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
Proper 14 (19) (August 13, 2023)
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