COMMITMENT

About two weeks ago I read about the passing of Hiroo Onoda on January 16, 2014.  This man was born on March 19, 1922 and was an intelligence officer for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.

 

Here is a paragraph from a fascinating story about his life (the link to the full article is included below) ...

"In 1944, Lt. Hiroo Onoda was sent by the Japanese army to the remote Philippine island of Lubang.  His mission was to conduct guerrilla warfare, against the United States, during the closing months of World War II.  Unfortunately, he was never officially told the war had ended; so for 29 years, Onoda continued to live in the jungle, ready for when his country would again need his services and information.  Eating coconuts and bananas and deftly evading searching parties he believed were enemy scouts, Onoda hid in the jungle until he finally emerged from the dark recesses of the island on March 19, 1972!!!!"

 

I personally remember the news accounts of this story when it took place ... and the world was captivated by the idea that an individual would stay so incredibly committed to his mission for so long in the midst of a hostile and foreign environment.

 

An interesting twist in the story was that Hiroo never left his post until his former commander arrived from Japan and released him from his sworn duty. 


From this story there are some great comparisons that we can make to Biblical truth.  We too have been given a mission by a commander to go into a hostile and foreign world represent a kingdom cause.  We, like Onoda, are to be faithful and represent our commander and cause regardless of the circumstances we face in life, and the cost to our own person.  We, like this soldier, will one day be called out by our commander into a new and different world after having faithfully served Him. 

What comparisons to Jesus' Great commission do you see in this story?  What lessons can you draw from the life of Hiroo Onoda that you can apply to your own life?  When the Lord comes to release us from our mission, what will have been the impact of your life? Will you have been found to have been a committed solider for your commander?  Some people may think that Hiroo lived this portion of his life in vain and wasted countless years in dedication to his cause. 

What is your take on this?  How do you view the years that you are serving your commander Jesus here in the jungle of this world? 

Read the full article:  http://history1900s.about.com/od/worldwarii/a/soldiersurr.htm