A book of surprises (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10: 4.

A book of surprises (2)
Two brothers, Shosei and Majan, who lived on a Japanese island, had received a Bible. They had read a lot in it for themselves and also aloud to others. Now the entire village believed in Jesus Christ.

In 1945 the group of islands was occupied by American troops. Many Japanese inhabitants were killed, as the army conquered one village after another. One day the Americans reached the village where Shosei and Mangan lived. The two brothers went out to meet the oncoming soldiers, bowed down before them and gave them a friendly greeting. The interpreter who was quickly fetched was speechless. He reported, "They say as Christians that we are heartily welcome!" The soldiers had never been received like before.

They followed the pair into the village and were surprised at what they saw. The streets were clean and in good condition; there were very few beggars, and the inhabitants made a peaceful, happy impression. That village looked so different from what they had experienced in those encountered on their march so far.

One of the officers inquired after the reason. They told him about the book that a missionary had left with them some years previously: it had changed their way of life. Now the whole village believed in Jesus Christ and lived according to the book.

When the officer later reported their advance, he added as an afterthought: "Could we be using the wrong weapons to change the world?"

The Bible, the Word of God, is indeed a book of surprises: people read it, and are renewed in their heart. As a result they have a powerful influence on their environment.

(concluded)

Today‘s reading: Numbers 24: 1 - 13 · Matthew 13: 51 - 58