1 Corinthians 11:32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

This verse includes two important terms that I am not satisfied with how they are expressed in Japanese. The first is discipline. This is obviously a central Biblical concept, and in English it is easy to see the connection with being a disciple. However, in Japanese, the term used simply means punishment, and that is sadly inadequate. I’m no Greek scholar, but my understanding is that the Greek meaning is close to the English, which isn’t too surprising when English has some Greek roots. Last year I preached for six months on discipleship, but I certainly didn’t exhaust the subject. I quit using the word “disciple” in my sermon titles because I was exhausting my audience! Even in English we have trouble grasping that the life of faith is discipleship, and obviously in Japanese that’s even harder to get across. The second term that doesn’t come across the same in Japanese is “condemned.” The Japanese term essentially means “pronounced guilty,” which isn’t quite the same thing. Those who are in Christ are guilty of sin, but they aren’t punished with death because Christ has taken that punishment on Himself. That’s a difficult thing to get across simply in Japanese! I find myself tempted to agree with Francis Xavier, who said that “Japanese is a language invented by the Devil to hinder the spread of the Gospel.” Not withstanding, Xavier and the missionaries who immediately followed him reaped a pretty remarkable harvest in Japan in just a few short years. The Holy Spirit can overcome any barriers, linguistic or otherwise.

This of course is something I deal with constantly, since I minister in Japan in Japanese. That’s one reason I preach my messages in Japanese first, and then interpret into English. Otherwise, I might say something I couldn’t interpret! (Actually, my wife tells me I sometimes forget what I’ve said and only give a partial interpretation into English, but that’s a different problem.) The issues of discipline and condemnation are closely tied to the whole concept of forgiveness and atonement, and there again I’m up against a linguistic wall. When the character that is used most widely for “forgiveness” actually means “permission,” there’s obviously difficulty understanding what the Bible is talking about! It’s highly ironic that I’m frequently in the position of explaining Chinese characters to Japanese, when my own written Japanese is very limited! However, as I’ve already said, the Holy Spirit can overcome any barriers, and I’ve got to remember that and depend on Him. I also need to remember this issue in helping believers grow and mature. Believing Christ for salvation doesn’t instantly give them full understanding of all the issues involved! Of course, this is true for any pastor in any language and culture, so I have no room to complain. However, I must stay aware of my dependence on the Holy Spirit and presume nothing, so that He may indeed overcome all the barriers, for the salvation of many and for the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me walk in the truth I know! I ask for Your anointing as I deliver the message this morning. Thank You for the illustration You gave me through Cathy. I pray that all who hear would indeed receive the Word, from You and not just from me, so that chains may be broken and people set free to receive all that You have for them, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!