Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

Madison County, Georgia

 

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Convincing Hiroo

June 3, 2011

 Hiroo Onoda was a 2nd lieutenant in the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and stationed on an island in the Philippines.  Onoda surrendered in 1974.  That’s right, for 29 years he fought a war he refused to believe was over.  Incredible, isn’t it?  For 29 years he:

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·         carried out orders which were no longer in effect (guerilla warfare);

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·         lived off the land, stole from locals, rotated among shelters on the island;

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·         ignored fliers from planes, newspapers purposely left in the open, and family on loudspeakers;

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·         evaded search parties which combed the island regularly.

 What finally convinced Lieutenant Onoda to surrender?  One man, Suzuki, a Japanese tourist made contact.  Suzuki’s approach contrasted greatly from all previous efforts.  First, he went alone.  Second, he went unarmed.  Third, he pitched a tent and let Onoka find him.  Fourth, he asked, “What would it take to convince you?”  To which Onoda responded, “Major Taniguchi is my immediate superior.  I won’t give in until I have direct orders from him.”  Fifth, Suzuki satisfied Onoda’s request.  Two and a half weeks later, Major Taniguchi read Onoda’s orders and he surrendered.  It was that simple!

 Suzuki’s approach reminds me of the manner Philip engaged the eunuch.  Philip asked how can I help?  Philip listened to the eunuch’s request and began in the place the eunuch was troubled (Act 8:35).  Think of the last time someone asked about your faith.  How much listening did you do at the front end of that conversation?  How many questions did you ask?  Now ask yourself, how many came back for more?  Lord, help us to be swift to hear, slow to speak …  (Jam 1:19).


Article Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 07/06/2011