We're a month into our year long look at This Week in History...so I thought I'd share a couple of observations on the endeavor so far. Initially I thought it would be "easy pickins"... I anticipated no problem in finding a person or event on any given week that would effortlessly provide fodder for any number of reflections. I've found out it isn't that easy...so I've been humbled in two respects. I've come to feel it's maybe unfair to draw superficial conclusions on any event in light of the fact that many historians and scholars have dedicated their entire professional life to scores of these occasions. I'm hindered because I possess neither the time nor inclination to drill down deep into most of these entries. In addition a lot of them aren't exactly uplifting, it often seems the more troubling the episode the more likely you'll find it on this week's list...monumental battles in world wars were won or lost; palace chicanery abounding, whether it's Caligula killed, Idi Amin taking power, Henry VIII shedding wives, or a certain president lying to avoid impeachment; and two sets of astronauts, Apollo 1 and Challenger, losing their lives. Let's just say I don't relish immersing myself in such misery. But once in a while, an entry appears that "saves the date." So I'll keep on going, one week at a time, celebrate my find for this one and worry about the next when I get there!

On January 24th, 1972, Shoichi Yokoi was discovered on the island of Guam after he had spent 28 years hiding out in the jungle...a Japanese soldier who did not know World War II had long ended! Well, to be accurate he stated he became aware of the end of the war in about 1954...but he was too ashamed of his situation to admit defeat and return dishonored. In truth he was fortunate when he was "captured" by two adventurous local fishermen...Japanese stragglers often were murdered by locals after the war who despised them for the atrocities committed by the occupying army. It seems he waited long enough...and was lucky they were young enough not to remember!

Is this a story of the strength of the human spirit...or a sad episode of another "casualty" of war? Is it your story? Maybe you're within that first decade...when you lack the imagination to ask the simple question "I wonder if things have changed and I'm not aware of it?" Maybe you're now settled, become comfortable or too embarrassed to admit that circumstances have altered and you have not kept pace.

Whatever the case, Shoichi shows us that it's not too late to get "captured" by the present or surrender the past and move along to a fulfilling life...he died at 82 with his family and new friends at his side, fully forgiven by the Emperor, not the judgment he so long dreaded.   Ours is a God who asks us not to be stuck in yesterday's battles...especially when they are no longer contested and isolation is our only outcome. And One who expects that we will not live in tomorrow's fears. Jesus invites you into this day, fully aware of his forgiveness, and offers a life of peace and community among a family and new friends who are eager to welcome you home. Maybe not today...but try us next Sunday!

See you next week in His Story,

Pastor Brent,