“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Sixty-nine years ago today our country suffered its first outside attack since the days of the early-American wars. On a quiet Sunday morning the islands of Hawaii awoke to the sounds of air sirens, explosions, and all-out attack. Today, take a few moments to remember the words of President Roosevelt after that attack:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
“The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
“It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
“The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu…
“Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
“But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us…”
It does well to take time to remember the past. As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for everything. And as we remember the tragedy of December 7, 1941, many of us can’t help but feel a sense of sorrow for those who lost their lives that day.
As you take time to remember the attacks on Pearl Harbor, also take time to recognize the attacks on Christians today. Believers suffer innumerable attacks from the devil and his temptations. Yet many Christians live with no thought of the devil’s attacks. Like those at Pearl Harbor, they are oblivious to the warning signs.
Christian, don’t overlook God’s warning signs. He has given you His Word which points out defenses to use and tells of the devil’s attacks on other believers. Take His Word as a guide, and be on guard for the devil’s temptations.
Take time to remember and honor those who gave their lives sixty-nine years ago today. But let their surprise be your warning. Don’t be caught unaware. Daily spend time studying God’s warning manual so you may be prepared for the devil’s attacks in your life. (From Daily in the Word)
