Acts 9:18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.

What struck me as I read just now was the fact that virtually all Japanese are familiar with the expression, “scales from the eyes,” yet hardly any of them realize it’s from the Bible. The Bible has penetrated Japanese society far more than anyone realizes, I believe. I found out the other day that a well-known Japanese TV personality, whom no one would accuse of having a “Christian” image, during a broadcast around Christmas talked about how he attended church for a couple of years while in high school, and he quoted John 3:16 from memory, and very respectfully at that. I was flabbergasted, not only because I know about that TV personality, I also know the church he attended and the missionary who influenced him. As it says in 2 Timothy 2:19, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and often we don’t. We are familiar with Jesus’ words that “Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your Name, and in your Name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23) However, I am convinced that there are also those whom we might not consider Christians, yet who are clinging to Jesus Christ as the only hope in their hearts. I believe I’ll see them in heaven! That’s not at all to say that I don’t value open commitment and church participation. After all, Jesus also said, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Matthew 8:38) However, only God knows people’s hearts, and we must let Him be the judge.

This is of course of great interest and importance to me. I am not to condone syncretism, blending Christian elements with other religions, and I am to teach and practice wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ in every area of life. However, I can’t forget the man who told me, “My ancestors were Christian samurai in the Hirado area. When the persecution came they took the trappings of Buddhism, but they were Christians in their hearts. I too am a Christian in my heart.” I cannot say definitively whether that man is saved or not. I am also reminded of what the Lord told Elijah: “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (1 Kings 19:18, quoted in Romans 11:4) I feel that in the Lord’s timing, believers are going to “come out of the woodwork,” so to speak, and the churches of Japan are going to overflow beyond the wildest dreams of the current pastors and active members. This gives me hope and anticipation as I proclaim Christ to couples I marry, for example, even though I haven’t been called on to baptize anyone as a result. I am to be faithful, and leave the results in God’s hands.

Father, You know how much I would like to see a massive harvest. I do pray for Your harvest in Your timing, and for workers not only to gather in the sheaves but also to conserve the harvest, teaching and nurturing new converts to raise up true disciples. May Your Name be hallowed and Your kingdom come as Your will is done, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!