It was a family gathering. Three generations from far and wide, taking advantage of the Labor Day weekend to honor the patriarch of the family, who was to turn 88 the next day. He had served his country with distinction as a young pilot in World War II, and later in the Korean Conflict. When asked about his wartime experiences, the Colonel usually responded by quietly saying, "I don't study war anymore."
This gathering was unusual in that there was a guest present; a young Japanese student who had only a few days before arrived in the United States on a cultural exchange program. Everyone had welcomed him, and he quietly observed the family interact.
The doorbell rang. An elderly neighbor, also 88, was stopping by because he saw a car parked there with a license plate that said, "WWII Veteran." The two old-timers shook hands warmly and visited for a moment.
"What was your service?" the visitor exclaimed.
"United States Air Force" the Colonel replied.
"Well," the visitor said, "I spent 24 months in the South Pacific in the United States Navy."
Here were two men who had done their part to defend the nation, and who had lived to enjoy the freedoms we are blessed with in the U.S.
What made this scene poignant and very unusual was the presence of the young Japanese student, whose grandparents were undoubtedly the enemy in the conflict about which these two veterans reminisced. He sat quietly as the two men chatted, then was introduced as a guest of the family. The grizzled veteran of the South Pacific theater of WWII, who had spent two years of his life fighting against this young man's homeland, graciously shook his hand before leaving.
What are the odds of meeting a child of your old enemy in your own neighborhood?
As I watched this scene unfold, it impressed upon me how much can change in a generation. Our nation's old enemy is now an international business partner and valued ally. Men who laid their lives on the line in war with that enemy can let old hatreds and animosities die, without carrying a grudge or continuing the battle.
God's people look forward to a time, described in the Bible, when war will be no more. When Jesus Christ returns to bring the Kingdom of God to the earth, "He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4). And: "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:7).
The Apostle John wrote: "God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:3–4).
What are the odds that this wonderful scenario described in your Bible will come to pass? If you understand that the Bible is the true revelation from the Eternal God, who has been working out His plan on the earth since the beginning, you know you can count on it!
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The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.