A TIME TO REMEMBER
“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
Eighty four years ago today Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Naval base. Consider these words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“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…”
When I read that last line I wonder,”Will we?”. I know we have it recorded in history books, and we tip our hat to it once a year in the news. But do we honestly pause to reflect on its effect on our nation and the world? If we are wise we will.
Not only should we remember it, we should realize that we, as a country and as Christians, are always under attack of some sort. That being the case we should prepare ourselves to prevail. We do that by studying God’s Word, submitting to God’s will, and surrendering ourselves to the Spirit of God. God forbid that we ignore the warning. There is a lot of wisdom in the motto “Be prepared “. Are you? Think about it? – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E.
Humble, TX. 77346
