Leaving His Parents…..Anthony 2

As he said those words, he loudly sang the Psalm 113 with Louis Ibaraki next to him. They intoned,"..O children, praise His holy name….."
Their voice just like the ringing of silver bells echoed throughout the Nishizaka hill.  At that time the venue for execution to villainous criminals was covered with the Lord's presence who came down from heaven.  Those observing there estimated 4000 started to praise together following them.
The big chorus,"Hallelujah" arose. The heavens appeared in the place planned to be hell by execution. Grief existed no longer.  It was filled with the joy of boys who would triumph to march to heaven as winners.  And, the inside of people there got filled with the joy.

Anthony turned his face to heaven and sang praises loudly. The boy, Anthony had a belief.  God would absolutely reward his parents.

When we, a couple, were sent to Nagasaki, we visited this Nishizaka at first and prayed.  Then, I shared Anthony with my wife. The parents of my wife didn't believe in Jesus, yet at that time.  While my wife was an only child and daughter, she got married to me and got to come to Nagasaki, the mission field directed by the Lord, not the place of her parents.  After listening to me, she said,"I feel I am able to understand a little how Anthony thought."

Anthony was aware of that.  In spite of tearing hearts of his parents apart, it's to obey God that was the greatest goodness he could do for his parents.  If he would take the cross, this martyrdom, with his being submissive to God, the Lord Himself, absolutely might give his parents precious eternal life, he believed. He was expecting not temporary earthly reconciliation but eternal heavenly reward.

Leaving His Parents..........Anthony 1

He is a thirteen-years-old boy, Anthony, who was martyred on the cross side by side with Luis Ibaraki who had chosen God in Yamamoto village, Saga.  His home town was Nagasaki with his Chinese father. His parents weren't believers in Jesus Christ yet.  Then, government officials permitted his parents to come to beneath the cross of Anthony in his execution.  They eagerly wanted him to abandon the Christian faith somehow. The parents of Anthony shouted.
"It's a terrible thing for parents to outlive their child, isn't it? Please, please come down.  Anthony, please, please abandon Christ and come down."

Clinging desperately the cross, his parents was partly frantic to cry out.  But, Anthony told toward his parents.
"My father, my mother.  Please rejoice. I am going to heaven from now. Father and mother, please don't cry.  I go to heaven first and am waiting for your coming, Father and Mother. Therefore, please believe in Jesus, my father and my mother, and come to heaven after me.  Be glad, please. Please be glad."

Twenty-Six Crosses 2

Luis Ibaraki, the youngest 12-year old boy was among the twenty-six. He refused the request,"Be my adopted son" from Hanzaburo in Yamamoto Mura, SAga, and chose God. Arriving on the hill of Nishizaka, he asked guards there.
"Which is my cross I would be put?"
The guards indicated looking at him,"The cross you will be put is the smallest one over there." And Luis Ibaraki ran up to his cross with smile, and embraced and rubbed his cheek with the cross, and then kissed.
The executioners began their task of attaching the bodies to the crosses.  Fastening iron clamps around the neck, hands and feet,  they tied around the waist with a cord to keep the body steady. They fastened to the crosses fitly.  And they maneuvered the foot of each cross next to the hole that had already been dug and let it slip down inside.  Then, twenty-six crosses got straightened upright on the hill of Nishizaka. With twenty-six martyrs……..

Twenty-Six Crosses 1

Twenty-six holes were dug on the hill of Nishizaka, and each cross of twenty-six span-new ones was lying before each dug hole. They were cut away carefully and made elaborately. The height of cross was over two meters, and had a larger crossbar to tie both hands and a smaller one to hold legs. Each cross had five iron shackles to keep steady to the cross with one for neck, two for both wrists, and the last two for both ankles.  And there was a protruding seat for a martyr to sit in between them.

At 9:30 in the morning, twenty-six martyrs arrived on the hill of Nishizaka.  As soon as their own crosses were shown, they ran up dancing, and embraced their own crosses they were to be put on.

Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 4

 A high-pitched voice by officials resounded.  The mandate to leave was mentioned. They started to walk toward the hill of Nishizaka, again.

Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 3

 I grew up in a Christian family.  Now, I will be the father of three sons and totally six children. While observing how this father and son were contacting, I was moved with special impression.  They were a 19-year-old young John Goto, who was zealous to salvation to his last and the father, who sent his son to heaven with gladness, and lived himself for missionary work, and got prepared for martyrdom. Even though he had a possibility to lose his beloved son, the love between these two and their reliance and love to the Lord never collapsed. I also wish to succeed their heart toward the Lord. I had no choice to think so even as a son and as a father.

Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 2

They were John Goto who entrusted to his father salvation of lost souls and missionary work at the hour he himself was going to martyr, and his father who accepted and answered unwaveringly. Both of them were considering about missionary work.  The father was quite content and glad to know the faith of his son, who was mentioning about salvation to lost souls before he would be martyred. The faith of his son, who had been glad with prayer and love until that moment, came out in troubles, martyrdom God gave.  It was a wonderful blessing.

Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 1

 At that precise moment, the father of John Goto had come to bid him last farewell.
He said to his father.
"Look well to it, sir my father, there is nothing more important than salvation. I wish that you never get careless or neglect."
"My son, you're right. I never neglect. See that you have much courage and get filled with strength at this hour and die joyfully, for you die in the service of God. We will be happy to watch you're going to die. Both I and your mother are also prepared to give up our lives to Christ for the love of Our Lord, if it is necessary."

Martyrdom

First, Paul Miki ,a friar, made a confession, and then James Kisai and John Goto ( also called Joan Soan) made confession. When these two finished their confession, Priest Pasio permitted them to be formal members of the Jesuit.

Martyrdom

On the way, they had a break for a while at the hospital for leprosy in Urakami, where Father Pasio, the Jesuit, was waiting. He was there to hear confession of three members of Jesuit.

Martyrdom

Their journey which started from Kyoto would be over soon. Leaving Togitsu they spent their last night on the earth, they started to walk as soon as the day broke. They were on and on walking toward the hill of Nishizaka, the place of execution.

Martyrdom

Wednesday, February 5th, 1597, the day 26 Saints of Martyrs were supposed to be martyred was finally here.  

Last Wish 10

Last Wish 10

But twenty-six martyrs had nothing they had lost. They returned with glorious victory on the hill of Nishizaka to meet Jesus Christ Himself.

Last Wish 9

Last Wish 9

Like Pilatus who let people dominate Jesus with fear of people and purpose to keep his position,  Hanzaburo got afraid of Hideyoshi and refused wishes of martyrs to keep his own position.

Last Wish 8

Last Wish 8

Their last wishes weren't granted at all.

Last Wish 7

Last Wish 7

"But, only three of the Jesuit,Paul Miki, James Kisai, and Joan Soan, are given permission to make a cofession. A priest is to come to the hospital for leprosy in Urakami for that purpose."

Last Wish 6

Last Wish 6

"The permission to attend Mass and take Communion can't be given."

Last Wish5

Last Wish5

However, Hanzaburo, who was always afraid of reproof from Hideyoshi, countermanded the promise he did after they reached here, "We can't stay execution until Friday, February 7th. The execution would be put in effect immediately on Wednesday 5th, today."

Last Wish 4

Last Wish 4

When Paul Miki asked Hanzaburo Terazawa with these wishes in Karatsu, Hanzaburo willingly permitted. He agreed since Hanzaburo and Paul Miki were old friends.

Last Wish3

Last Wish3

"We wish to have a time we make a confession before a priest in Nagasaki" "We wish all of us would attend Mass to take Communion."

Last Wish 2

Last Wish 2

They had three wishes for their going to be martyred. They were,"We wish the execution would be stayed until Friday the same day as Jesus Christ." (It was planned on Wednesday, February 2nd.)

Last Wish 1

Last Wish 1

Since it was Christian town which they were supposed to go through from Togitsu to Nishizaka, officials let them walk as much as they could. Then, they had a break at a small hospital for leprosy in Urakami.

Gethemane

     It was around 11:00 at night. Togitsu was a Christian town. Escort officers were afraid if these martyrs might be grabbed, and took precautions.  Then they didn’t permit twenty-six martyrs even to get on the beach. Keeping to have their hands tied behind their back, they crouched down and spent night in uncomfortable boats.  It is considered that martyrs awaited the dawn without being able to sleep. This night became their last one on the earth. This night was certainly a Gethemane for them.

     Standing in the port of Togitsu and praying with watching the bay, I feel as if I were hearing their breathing. The 800 km journey was about to end on the next day after almost one month. It was true that their flesh got all weakened. But, they had love to the Lord Jesus and their assured hope toward heaven. Their faith in their Lord were burning not vanishing even at a frosty night.

     At dawn on the next day, February 2nd, they left for the hill of Nishizaka, where they would be martyred.  Eventually, it came the day of their triumphal parading to heaven.  

Tears of Peter Baptist 2

     Once, there were such missionaries in Japan. That’s the missionary who didn’t look after himself, his mother country, or even his family remained there, and who couldn’t help but weep for the missionary work in this Japan, even before the death and even before the martyrdom, 

     Revival absolutely comes to Japan. God remembers teas of Fr. Peter Baptist. He engraves his prayer in His mind. Then, He uses us as His answers to his prayer.

     I have been to Sonogi lots of times. Whenever I visits there, the Lord gives me His utterance. “You are the answer of His weeping.”

     We need to keep it in our mind that the work of big revival in the last days the Lord is going to perform would be the answer of their prayer with tears, too.  We should keep in remembrance that once there were people (missionaries) who came for missionary activities, leaving their mother countries and their own family, and were martyred with gladness. 

     These twenty-six martyrs divided into three little boats without covers, reached Togitsu from Sonogi through a frosty night sea. All of them were bound with ropes around their neck except for foreign priests, and their both hands were bound with those ropes behind their back.

Tears of Peter Baptist 1

Going down steep mountain, they reached the port of Sonogi. It was a little after midday on February 4th. While the prisoners were quietly discussing recent events, gazing at at the peaceful countryside, Fr. Peter Baptist dropped back a few steps, sat on a rock, and began meditating. After for a while, tears uncontrollably started to come out of his eyes.

“I am marching to my death.  I am going to die for preaching Jesus Christ. I was given great joy. Even if missionary activities has only just begun in this country, his brothers in the Lord, who were supposed to succeed, are going to die, too. How is the missionary work going in this nation? The enterprise for which he had sacrificed everything is going to be undone.”

     It was not for his own life or the country he was born and grown up or his family that he wept.

     Yes. for this country, he wept for our country this Japan. He just did looking after future of this Japan our country. He cried watching over all the difficulties Christians in Japan would suffer from.  

Steep Mountain

     My wife and I passed Mihara, Shimonoseki, Hakata, and Yamamoto village where Rudobigo Ibaragi had chosen God. We prayed there and put up at an inn in Karatsu. On the next day, we continued on our journey to Imari, Takeo, and Sonogi being jolted on a single tracked train and bus.

     Twenty-six martyrs were getting tired from a long journey. Before they were about to enter Nagasaki where they were to be martyred, there was a course hard road waiting. The road from Yamamoto to Sonogi was mountainous and a very steep road continued. They hardly saw anyone pass by on that road. Their body got so weak but they proceeded to climb up to the steep road quietly.

     When they went over the mountain and reached to the top, they could get the whole view of Omura Bay. They took a rest there. At their feet, the beautiful scenery of Omura Bay which was like a quiet Ocean spread out. They were touched by the wonderful scenery and felt their tiredness and pains disappear. 

     If there is such wonderful scenery which comforts us on earth, how much greater scenery waits for us when we finish our journey of martyrdom and go back to heaven. Meditating on that, they might have feel joy and praise spring out from their inside.

Family

     God’s love was being poured on their family, the love based on their faith toward the Lord. They respected and loved each other. They were living by faith when they gave their lives and put their family into His hands. Even though they lost their family members, they continued to believe the Lord. Because they knew that they could see each other again in heaven, they continued to love Him. This hope sustained them. They testified that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

     It is an encouraging surprise that such families used to live in Japan. The Lord will be reviving these families again in this country. He is building up these families for the end times and for the era of persecution and martyrdom.

Letter By Thomas Kozaki 2

     On the night of January 19th in 1597, hiding it from the eyes of the guards and crying, 15-year-old Thomas Kozaki wrote this farewell letter to his mother Martha.  Since he was being sent on guards as a prisoner, he had no way to let his mother receive.  He passed this letter to his father Michael.  His father Michael attached it beneath his underwear.  A Portuguese found this letter stained with blood after the crucifixion within the garments of his father Michael.  

     The 15-year-old boy was only concerned about his beloved mother and younger brothers, not his own life. He had no fear or anxiety about his father and he himself would come to death very soon.  He’d rather be glad. Because he clearly had hope and assurance toward heaven.  But it is sure that he might come across his remained mother and little infant brothers. However, he commended his mother and little brothers into the hand of the Lord and trusted on Him.

     Standing in the ruins of the Mihara castle close by Mihara station of bullet train, I prayed for a while and asked the Lord.  It was where the faith to the Lord and hope toward heaven had been nurtured and given.  Then, the Lord answered. That’s “It’s family."

Letter By Thomas Kozaki 1

“Dear Mother, I am writing this letter with help of God’s grace.   

     As testified in the sentence that is carried on a board, the priests and the others are journeying to be crucified in Nagasaki number in all twenty-four. You should not worry about me and my father Michael.  I am waiting in paradise, hoping to see you very soon.  

     Although you need the priests, if you are earnestly repenting your sins with all of your heart at the hour of your death and if you are giving thanks for the many blessings of Jesus Christ, then you will be saved.  And bear in mind that everyone in this world has to come to an end, and so strive so that you will not lose the eternal total happiness of paradise (heaven).  No matter what men impose on you, try to be patient and show much charity for everyone.

     In particular, regarding my two younger brothers, Mancius and Philip, don’t allow them to fall into the hands of heathens.  I commend you to our Lord and ask you to send my greeting to everyone I know. 

     I eagerly repeatedly ask you to remember to repent your sins, for this alone is important.  Adam was saved by his repentance and the redemption although he sinned against God.

     The 2nd day of the Twelfth Moon, in Mihara fortress, in the kingdom of Aki."

Following The Footsteps

     We, as a married couple, were sent to Nagasaki in May 1988, 8 years ago.

     We got the laying on of hands in Tokyo on May 15th, went to Kyoto with my parturient wife by bullet train, and reached Nagasaki following the trace of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan from there. 

     First in Kyoto, we crossed over Modori-bashi (Returning bridge), where we did prayer for a while.  Then, we went aboard a bullet train, passed following in their footsteps from Kyoto to Osaka, Hyogo, Akashi, Himeji and furthermore Okayama and Onomichi, and finally reached Mihara, where we got off and stayed overnight.

     Here’s the place where Thomas Kozaki, one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan, wrote to his mother. He was only a 15-year-old boy, but was martyred together with his 48-year-old father Michael Kozaki. He was executed on the cross on the hill of Nishizaka, together with his father Michael Kozaki, a native of Ise province and a maker of bows and arrows. 

　Kyoto City (present)

Heaven

     When Luis Ibaraki arrived at the hill of Nishizaka that was a execution site, he went up to the cross he was supposed to be put on, and kissed it, embracing and rubbing his cheek against. Being put on the cross, he sang Psalm 113 loudly with little Anthony aged 13, put on the cross besides him.

“His children. Praise the Lord.”   ( in New Revised Version, servants of the lord)Praise the Lord!

Praise, O servants of the Lord;
    At that time, heaven came down on the hill of Nishizaka.  Heaven was coming down on the place of hell where villainous criminals used to be killed as an example to others.

    I will write precisely about this matter after the next issue

Little Luis Ibaraki 3

“Only on condition that you stop being a Christian. I will allow anything but that matter.  Let me tolerate. I can’t permit you to keep having a faith the same as now. You can live for another 50 years. You can have good fancy meal. You can put on fine cloth. Furthermore, you can be a worrier with sword, and be a feudal lord, too.”

     Hanzaburo told, just trying to save Luis Ibaraki.

     But, little Luis said this, gazing eyes of Hanzaburo.

“I don’t want to live on that condition. Because, it is not reasonable to exchange a life that has no end for one that soon finishes.

     The warrior, it is much better to become a Christian and go to heaven. Believe in Christ and let’s go to heaven together with me.”

    Several times, I have visited the village of Yamamoto, where this endearing little Luis, aged 12, chose God. God’s deep presence is poured on whenever I pray looking up the heavens, with being seated on the banks of the river flowing along the village of Yamamoto.

     This boy’s eyes were turned to imperishable heaven. He knew what an assured reward heaven is.  This is why he refused any favor on the earth. Good tasty fancy meal, dresses, long life and even the title as a feudal lord……  It’s absolutely true that he knew. How assured the heavenly reward is.

Little Luis Ibaraki 2

     Then, he said to Luis.

“Your life is in my hands. If you wish to serve me, I will save you. Why don’t you be my adopted son?”

     Luis answered.

“I just leave Priest Peter Baptist to decide this matter.”

     The friar hearing that, said,”Be glad to accept on condition that he lets you live as a Christian.” And, Luis responded to Hanzaburo.

“Thank you. I accept to be your adopted son. But I have only thing I wish. If I could continue to have a faith as a Christian in the same as now…..." 

Little Luis Ibaraki

     On February 1, Hanzaburo Terazawa took charge of the band of the martyrs in Yamamoto a village not far from Karatsu bay. Hanzaburo was a younger brother of Hirotaka Terazawa, lord of Karatsu, the supervisor of execution and Nagasaki magistrate. 
     He received prisoners matching them to their names, but at that time two things broke his heart. Paul Miki a friend of his and three little boys were involved in prisoners. Above all, thinking he had to execute vigorous Luis Ibaraki aged 12 made his heart dark and heavy.

Became 26, the two chose 3

     Another was Francisco Kichi, an Franciscan carpenter from Ise, had continually followed and taken care of twenty-four martyrs including Franciscans on their way to Nagasaki when they were paraded in cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Sakai, and then were conveyed. 

     These two accepted arresting ropes somewhere on the way. Perhaps, greedy officers wanted to lay their hands on the money they were carrying.  But, they became pleased to receive the grace through martyrdom, rather willing to accept arresting ropes, and gave the money they had. 

     They themselves might relentlessly wish them to be incorporated into the martyrs. In fact, it says in some books that they did in such a way.  No matter, martyrdom was joy to these two and their own choice. 

     When they reached Shimonoseki, the number of martyrs were twenty six, and these two also ——Peter Sukeshiro and Francisco Kichi —— were prisoners.  But their face must have been shining.  They were full of joy the Lord is with us, and hope to heaven….

     At that time, twenty-six, a band of martyrs, continued their about 500 kilo-meter journey almost by road from Osaka to Nagasaki. It is said that they were pressed by exceeding hardship since It was in the depth of winter and the road was muddy. Little Luis Ibaraki, aged twelve, the youngest was the one who relieved hardship, became their comfort and encouragement. He was not genuinely aptest but was always happy, cheerful and quite a lively boy.

Became 26, the two chose

     Another was Francisco Kichi, an Franciscan carpenter from Ise, had continually followed and taken care of twenty-four martyrs including Franciscans on their way to Nagasaki when they were paraded in cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Sakai, and then were conveyed. 

Became 26, the two chose

     It was the twenty-four that were arrested by Hideyoshi,  but it was the twenty-six on the way to Nagasaki.  Because Father Organtino let the youth Peter Sukeshirou to accompany with the money. He did his service never thinking about himself.

Crossing Over Modori-bashi (Returning bridge) 2

     On January 3rd, the twenty-four were taken to the crossroads of the first avenue of Upper Kyoto, where the left lobe of their ears was cut off. Then, they were paraded around Kyoto, and moreover around Osaka and Sakai.

     As a matter of fact, at that time they had an opportunity to escape from being martyred.  Before the lobe of their ears was cut off, officers told them on the bridge in the crossroads of the first avenue of Upper Kyoto,”If you don’t cross over the bridge and abandon faith, you would be exempted from cutting off the lobe of the ear and execution, and be pardoned.  But, if you still persist in refusing to forsake faith, the path to death starts after crossing over this bridge.”

     They were threatened with those words. But they did crossed the bridge with gladness. Then they were paraded with their ears cut off. They chose martyrdom — the journey to heaven. This bridge is called “Modori-bashi (Returning bridge)”.  They didn’t return from the bridge. Crossing Modori-bashi (Returning bridge), their journey to heaven would start.

     It is much harder for them to lose joy the Lord is with them than pain for flesh they receive on earth. I think they could not consider they would abandon the selection the Lord chose them as martyrs.  They were with the Lord.  They chose the Lord who is with them. It was not special choice.

     We also made a visit to “Modori-bashi (Returning bridge)” shortly after we got married. Two of my wife and me crossed the bridge.  That’s our confession of faith to God. It’s our confessing,”We never return, throwing away God’s selections and callings." 

Crossing Over Modori-bashi (the Crossroads)

   The twenty-four were six Franciscan foreign priests, three Japanese Jesuits and fifteen Japanese Christians. Catechists, catechists trainees, former Buddhist monks, worriers, merchants and three children were included to them.  But women were not in these first martyrs. Obviously many women got martyred after that.

     Hideyoshi decided to execute these twenty-four in Nagasaki, and ordered to place their wretched figure on display through main cities like Osaka, Kyoto and so on, cutting off their noses and both ears.  But Mitsunari Ishida a magistrate of Kyoto pardoned and as a result only the lobe of the left ear would be cut.

Matthias, who chose God

     A number of captors made a raid on the church in Kyoto with a list of the arrested. The captors were identifying believers answering to them while reading out the list of the arrested.

     At that time, a believer didn’t reply. It’s a cook named Matthias, but he didn’t respond. Then, quite a different person with the same baptismal name by himself came before captors, saying,”My name is also Matthias.”

     The public officers seem the same as they were long time ago. Since what those officers had to do was to make up the number of the arrested, they didn’t try to look for Matthias the cook in the list but captured this man without reluctance. Thus he was accepted to officers and also into the group of martyrs by God.

     Even now, it is hard to say the home town, the age and the baptismal day of Matthias the martyr. But his name is written in heaven certainly. With many unknown Christians who were martyred after that…..

     He surrendered himself into martyrs with his own will, not by someone inflicting or compelling him. This matter compels us to think of choice. While he himself chose the way of martyrdom, God selected him as a martyr.  It is true that God chooses the one choosing God.

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”  (NIV Matthew 22:14)

The First Martyrdom In Japan 2

  I am going to write what the Lord showed through their way to martyrdom in several times one after another.

  Now, let me briefly follow the trace of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. I am going not to try to focus on small details of history. Important matter is to listen to God’s utterance……

  In October, 1596, a galleon came off the coast of Shikoku and stranded on the Katsurahama Beach, Tosa Urado.  This was the San Felipe a Spanish merchant ship. This incident (that is explained in various evaluations but isn’t precisely researched here because it is not the theme) caused the Taiko, Hideyoshi, the absolute ruler of Japan, to order the twenty-four putting Franciscan missionaries main to be imprisoned ( later the twenty-six).

The First Martyrdom In Japan 1

     The first martyrdom occurred in Japan in 1597 about four-hundred years ago. The twenty-six were executed by crucifixion on Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki including six foreign priests. 

This martyrdom is called the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan.

     I knew about the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan because I had learned about it in the subject, History of Christianity in Japan.  But I didn’t have special interests in that.

     But, God directed us to go to Nagasaki for the purpose to pray through prophecy at the church I was led by God, and told us that God had His utterance to us especially through the walk of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan.

     After discernment, I felt it was certainly the will of the Lord, and took a visit several times after that.  Following the trace of them who martyred, I made a prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, and read the Scriptures attentively and enjoyed. At that time, the Lord absolutely gave a lot of His utterance. It was considered very important for us Christians living in the modern world.

Triumphant Return of Victory with Rejoicing 2

  When we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have died to our old self. Then, by the power of the blood of the cross, our sins were completely forgiven, we were saved and made righteous by faith. We died to sins and already died to this world.  Because we have been crucified with Christ. 

  Martyrs lived in this truth and completed their lives on earth as foreigners and strangers. Their death wasn’t defeat but victory.

  Just as the Scripture says, it produced abundant fruits when they fell down on the earth and died. That death will bear more fruits from now, too. They became seeds of revival and overwhelming victors.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance,admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”     (NIV Hebrews 11:13)

Triumphant Return of Victory with Rejoicing 1

  The martyrdom of Stephen and the martyrdom of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan have a thing to be said in common.

  They turned their attention to the Lord Himself and heaven where eternal and imperishable reward is waiting.  Then, they completed God’s mission, “rejoicing” and “forgiving”.  Being wrapped up in the heart loving the Lord and the heart praising to Him……….

“Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one.”

                                                      (NIV Hebrews 11:16)

  Martyrdom is the triumphant return of victory by those who loved the Lord to obey Him bearing the cross with gladness.  It doesn’t have the tragedy or the darkness which the word martyrdom reminds us of. Because they were “with the Lord.”  Martyrs knew the Lord was with them.

Martyrdom of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan 2

  A lot of bystanders gathering on the hill of Nishizaka got impressed with aspect of the Twenty-six, returning to heaven, filled with joy.  Both Christians and those whose faith had been vague and unclear including even those who had never had their belief until that time, were converted and burst into magistrate’s office,”I am also a Christian. Please kill me.” 

  It is said that two-hundred sixty thousand people were martyred since then.

  Even after it started the Meiji period, Christianity were banned for a while.  At that time, preaching the Good News became legally permitted after the Christians in Urakami Catholic in Nagasaki were martyred and persecuted. We are quite encouraged by the testimony of their faith they showed toward the Lord. I will write about this matter later.

  Furthermore, Christians received persecution during the war as the religion the enemy practiced in, even since the Meiji era.

  As just described, it may be said that as a matter of fact, Japan is also the one of countries of most martyrs in the world in the number of martyrs and the issues of the ways martyrdom were done.

Martyrdom of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan

About 400 years ago, Roman Catholic missionaries from Portugal and Hispania (modern Spain) desperately aimed at Japan. Thanks to them, the Word of God was proclaimed in Japan for the first time. 

Christianity was banned after the period of preaching the Gospel was permitted.  In 1597, the first martyrdom took place in Japan. It’s the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan called “The First Martyrs of Japan” that were martyred.

They also were God’s chosen ones. I will write in more detail about their martyrdom from next month. I simply mention now.

The reining Hideyoshi, the absolute ruler of Japan, persecuted Christianity, and ordered to arrest twenty-four (later twenty-six) people in Kyoto and Osaka and execute on Nishizaka hill in Nagasaki. Since he knew a lot of Christian lived in Nagasaki, he brought along the twenty-six to Nagasaki and executed them on the crosses as an example to people.

On the contrary, it didn’t turn out as Hideyoshi wished. After the martyrdom of the Twenty-six martyrs of Japan, a revival took place in Nagasaki.

God's Choice 2

This is the work of the Lord, the plan of the Lord Himself which is different from men’s plan.

   It seems Stephen is the first martyr in the age of the Holy Spirit, the Church Age, as long as we read the Bible. Stephen was chosen as the first martyr, a grain of wheat. The special selection is accompanied.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. “ (NIV John15:16)

   It’s the special selection by the One who mentioned this Scripture.

   We’ve never met Stephen, but we know that the life given to the inside of Stephen bore fruits in Paul through his prayer and martyrdom, and reached even to our heart on the ends of the earth to produce fruits. In this way, God’s Word came to my heart, and then we were saved.

   To tell the truth, this sort of thing already took place in Japan our country.

God's Choice

In such a way, what the Lord had promised were completely fulfilled through the martyrdom of Stephen.  Instead of moving backward, rather Stephen’s martyrdom and a great persecution advanced the evangelization, and became quite the beginning for the Good News to be preached to the ends of the earth.

By Stephen's Martyrdom 2

Moreover, in chapter nine of Acts, the famous story of Paul’s conversion took place.

   Paul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.  But as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light of the Lord flashed around him, and he encountered the Lord hearing a voice of the Lord.

   Eventually he was converted, and became the one to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth as God’s vessel to the Gentiles while his name was changed to Paul from Saul.  Through Paul, the promise from Acts 1:8 was entirely accomplished including the very last part of it.  

   But we should not forget that a part of this Paul’s work is based on Stephen’s martyrdom.  Paul approved of his death and was guarding coats there. The figure of Stephen’s martyrdom might remain deeply in Paul’s mind.

   The prayer Stephen, finally falling on his knees, cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” would have echoed in Paul’s mind to his death, always reminded him of God’s grace and become a driving force to prompt himself for God’s given calling.     

By Stephen's Martyrdom 1

  It’s Stephen that was chosen to be the first one to receive this special grace, this grace supposed to be martyrdom. 

  Stephen was the one full of the Holy Spirit and grace. He was the servant of God, who was sincere and faithful to serve tables. His daily lives were filled with joy,”God is with us.”

  Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But, because he had preached Scripture just as it is, a while later he was caught (Acts Chapter 6), he was driven out of the city and then was martyred with being stoned to death (Acts Chapter 7).

   On the day Stephen was martyred, a great persecution began against Christians. They were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

   Those who had been scattered went around the regions of Judea and Samaria preaching the word (Acts 8:1, 4). Thus a part of the latter part of Chapter 1 Verse 8 “in all Judea and Samaria" was accomplished.  

The Promise From Acts 1:8

The Promise from Acts 1:8

Jesus Himself mentioned how the Gospel of Jesus Christ would expand in the world.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV Acts 1:8)

This is the famous Scripture Jesus told to His disciples just before He ascent.

A part of this promise mentioned by the Lord was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.

That day the Holy Spirit rest on His disciples praying in Jerusalem. A sound like that of a violent rushing wind filled the whole house, and they began to speak in different languages.  The multitude  were astounded and came together. Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed the Gospel to people. That day about 3000 people were added to the disciples.

Therefore the first part of Chapter 1 Verse 8 of Acts,”..you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..” was accomplished that day.

But, at this point, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was declared only in Jerusalem. About the latter part of the promise,”..in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” it was done only in the first place, Jerusalem.

Then, how did the evangelization not cease only in Jerusalem but reach out in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth? What way did God use to fulfill the purpose?

It’s through the way of martyrdom that He accomplished.

No1 The Evangelization was through persecution and martyrdom

Is martyrdom the matter that happens in a distant world?

“Martyrdom” is the story of being detached from reality in a peaceful country like Japan. If found is the church that takes the matter of martyrdom seriously and is praying for it, it is sure that many people have odd sense. But the church I was led by God was the one that accepts the matter of martyrdom seriously and prays. 

When I heard the word of martyrdom for the first time after being led to this church group, I was perplexed because I myself considered it’s still quite long before it would take place.  But, I got to notice that martyrdom is never radical or taking place in a distant world while searching the Scriptures of the Bible and observing the history of Christian churches in Japan.

If we turn our attention on the world beyond our own country and our church, and go overseas to preach Gospel, we will change our attitude toward martyrdom.

This is the age when most martyrs are allowed in the history of the evangelization.  Martyrdom is never radical or strange, and can safely be declared that the Gospel was preached and being reached out in persecution and martyrdom.