My father passed away this Tuesday, the 25th
of April. My mother passed away about two and a half years ago. I honor them from
my heart. One of the Bible verses they“made” me memorize was Ephesians 6:1-3. “Children, obey your parents in the
Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first
commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may
live long in the land.’" My Mom used to say, half jokingly, “Do you want
to live long? Then obey.” So right now I want to "honor (my) father and
mother", by remembering them and honoring their Lord.
My parents were people of extensive service. Their
passion was for the Lord and His church. They helped start six churches throughout
the Matsumoto valley. They started a Bible bookstore. They had a weekly radio
program that was heard throughout our Nagano prefecture. They were also heavily
involved in other non-church areas. Mom and Dan both taught zillions of English
students, little kids as well as university students. Dad was involved in two
penal institutions. For his service there he received a special award (an
order) from the emperor. Mom spoke at over 2000 PTA’s, and many other
gatherings. She spoke not only on education and the family, but also on prejudice
and business. I honor my parents for their servant hearts.
However, my parents would, most of all, desire me to
honor them by honoring their Lord. Another Bible verse they “made” me memorize
was the famous verse John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Their God,
and also my God, was (and is) the creator God who is not impersonal, but the One
who “so loved the world.” The Creator’s love is personal. It is not just words,
philosophy or some morals, but is a Person – His very own Son, Jesus Christ.
His Son, died on the cross the death that we should die
for our sins. He rose again. By simply believing, looking and clinging to Him,
we have life—not only life after death, but by His death and life, we can truly
live with great hope. Is there anyone so wonderful and honorable as our
gracious God? As I honor my parents, I now, all the more, honor the living God.
During World War II my father fought against
the Japanese in the Philippines. It’s hard for me to say this, but he hated the
Japanese. After the war, while in university, he was reminded of a part of the
above verse. “For God so loved the world.” The world includes Japan, his hated
enemy, he thought. So then, Dad (and Mom) ended spending almost fifty years of
their lives in Matsumoto, Japan, faithfully serving their former enemies. For
that, even as I miss them, I truly honor the Lord that gave them this heart of
love.
