The Meyer Minute for January 21, 2014

Here’s something that, as they say, “will preach.” Mr. Hiroo Onoda died last Thursday in Tokyo at the age of 91. Mr. Onoda was an officer in the Imperial Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippine jungle. He remained on duty until 1974, 29 years after the war ended. No one told him!

His last contact with a superior was in 1945 when Major Youshimi Taniguchi promised to return. “It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens we’ll come back for you.” He did come back, 29 years, later, but unlike General MacArthur, Major Taniguchi had to tell Mr. Onoda that they had lost the war.

That’ll preach, but I wonder how? That no one told him the war was over could become an illustration for an evangelism guilt trip. Better, I think, that Mr. Onoda took to heart the promise of a return. Amidst the threats of the jungle, he watched in hope.

Do we wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled? “If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come.” (Habakkuk 2:3) Jesus says, “I will come back again and take you to myself.” (John 14:3) Anyone out there yearning for Jesus’ return?