 |
|
An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
|
Waiting for the Master The Tokyo Traveler states: “If you ever make plans to meet someone in Shibuya [Japan] there is a good chance that they will suggest meeting at the Hachiko statue. Located in a plaza just outside the station you will find an unassuming statue of an Akita dog named Hachiko whose story and memory is beloved by the people of Tokyo and throughout Japan.” Hachiko arrived in Tokyo in 1924 with his owner, Hidesamurō Ueno, an agricultural professor at the University of Tokyo. Each day he saw Ueno off to work and met him at the Shibuya train station upon his return. But one day in 1925, Ueno did not return home from work because he died. For the next ten years after Ueno’s death – until his own death in 1935 – Hachiko returned to the station each evening to await the arrival of the train that his master rode. While some people at the station initially thought that Hachiko was just roaming around, they soon came to realize that he was waiting for his dead owner, and they nicknamed the dog Chuken (faithful dog). After his lifeless body was found one afternoon waiting for his master’s train, his obituary was run in the newspaper, his body stuffed and placed on display, and a statue of him planted in his spot, keeping the vigil. During World War II the statue was melted down for the war effort. But in 1947, the public, still loyal to Hachiko’s memory, erected a new bronze statue of him alongside the tracks. It remains there as a monument today as people continue to join him, waiting for loved ones. You and I can learn a lot from the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26), the lillies of the field (Matthew 6:28), and even from a dog named Hachiko.... The most profound lesson that we learn from Hachiko is to faithfully await the return of the Master -- the Savior Jesus Christ! Jesus, the Son of God, left heaven and “dwelt among us” to open the way to heaven. He died on the cross for our sins so that we can go to heaven one day (John 14:6). After his sacrificial death, Jesus rose from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), then He ascended back to heaven (Acts 1). But one day, the Living Savior will return to judge the world (Acts 17:30-31). “Christ was sacrificed ONCE to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a SECOND TIME, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him” (Hebrews 9:28). The Good News is that we can so prepare ourselves that Jesus’ return will not be one of fearful condemnation but joyful salvation. For Jesus will bring salvation to those who believe Him (Acts 16:30-31), have turned from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessed Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), been baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and have continually waited faithfully for His return (2 Peter 3:9-18). When Jesus returns, will He find YOU faithfully waiting? David A. Sargent, Minister Church
of Christ at Creekwood * Information gleaned from The Tokyo Traveler -- http://www.thetokyotraveler.com/hachiko-symbolizes-loyalty-in-shibuya/ To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchzip.com Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
|