May Day (81/05/01)
May Day (81/05/01)
This first day of May is called “May Day” in many Western countries. (From the French words meaning “help me,” “May Day” is also the international radio signal used by ships and aircrafts in distress.) The ancient Roman spring festival for Flora, the goddess of flowers, was probably the origin of the May Day festivals held in England, France and Germany in years gone by. In England, the merrymaking during this spring festival included the choosing of a May Queen from among the pretty maidens who was crowned with flowers, and dancing around the Maypole--a high pole decorated with flowers and streamers. Since 1889, May Day has been observed as a day for parades and demonstrations for workingmen, especially those with Socialist or Communist tendencies. Thus May Day is an important holiday in the Soviet Union. However, the American Labor Day is held on the first Monday of September. In the U. S., May is considered a month of flowers. According to an Old Testament prophet, human beauty is like that of the wild flowers, which is temporary, in contrast with the word of God which stands forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8).
Busyness (81/05/02)
Congratulations—on completing your phone call. Many who called this number in the past 2 days heard a busy signal rather than a tape recorded message. On Thursday, a short news item regarding “Daily Word” appeared in the Chunichi Shinbun. On that day, 570 calls were received—which means this tape machine was operating for over 15 hours that day. Yesterday, there were 510 calls. I’m sure the number of calls will be decreasing, so don’t get discouraged. If at first you don’t get through, try again. Japanese are known to be busy people. To be busy means to be active. “Busyness,” spelled with a “y,” refers to the condition of being busy, but “business,” spelled with an “i,” refers to one’s work or occupation. It is good to be busy, but not to be a busybody, which is a meddler in others’ affairs. Although we may get a busy signal when we use the telephone, we never get a busy signal when we pray. Our heavenly Father hears and answers every sincere prayer. Although the answer may not be what we desire, or expect, coming from a loving, just God, it is for our good. In Psalm 91 is found the promise: “When they call, I will answer them.”
Constitution Day (81/05/03)
Today, May the 3rd, is Constitution Day in Japan. It is a day commemorating the new Constitution, which went into effect on May 3rd , 1947, replacing the old Meiji Constitution, which was drawn up in 1889. The present Japanese Constitution is based on three fundamental principles: the sovereign power of the people, the renunciation of war and military forces, and the recognition of basic human rights. These are noble ideals, but constant care is required to make sure they are observed. Today some of the constitutional provisions are being ignored. Efforts are being made to loosen the strict separation of religion from government and to increase military might. The basic human rights of some citizens and residents are overlooked. “Constitute” means to set up or establish an institution and a constitution refers to the laws or principles upon which the institution is based. “Constitution” can also refer to the physical or mental make-up of an individual. As healthy persons, we need to live according to proper moral guidelines. For the Christian, it is God’s revelation found in the Bible that serves as the constitution by which his life is judged. The psalmist wrote: “Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Furikae Kyujitsu (81/05/04)
The 4th of May this year is a legal holiday in Japan because May 3rd, Constitution Day, fell on a Sunday. Thus, today is a so-called furikae kyujitsu, or “transferred holiday.” The prefix “trans” is found at the beginning of many words and can mean the other side of or across as in “transpacific,” to change, as in “translate” or above and beyond as in “transcend.” “Transfer” refers to moving something or someone from one place to another. In Rhode Island, which is the smallest of the fifty United States, May 4th is a legal holiday called Rhode Island Independence Day, for it was on this day in 1776 that the colony of Rhode Island renounced its allegiance to England’s king (George III) and announced its independence. From the time this colony was founded (by Roger Williams), it emphasized the separation of church and state and granted complete freedom to its citizens. Religious freedom is one of the basic human rights and on this “transferred holiday,” Japanese citizens should make sure that this freedom is transmitted to their descendants and is neither transgressed or transcended by a transparent call for national unity.
Children’s Day (81/05/05)
Today is May the 5th. It is a national holiday in Japan, called Children’s Day. Traditionally, however, this day was one of 5 seasonal holidays, called Tango no Sekku and was observed in honor of boys. Families having small boys erect a pole in the yard with carp streamers at the top which go swimming in the breeze. Since carp were very common fish in old China, the Chinese character is composed of two characters meaning fish and village. Because carp are noted for swimming upstream against the current, they have become a symbol of the strenuous struggle toward success in life. In English, however, “carp” may also refer to grumbling or finding fault with others. On this Children’s Day, we may recall the story in the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 10, when some people brought their children to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples carped at them. Jesus, however, took the children in his arms and blessed them, saying that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. He taught that “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it”(Mark 10:15).
New York (81/05/06)
Today is May the 6th. It was on this day in the year 1626 that a Dutchman, named Peter Minuit, made a famous purchase from the Manhattan Indians. Minuit was governor of the Dutch settlements in North America known as New Netherlands. He purchased the island of Manhattan from the Indians for trinkets worth about $24 at that time and named it “New Amsterdam.” Later, “New Amsterdam” was changed to “New York,” and Manhattan Island became the heart of this largest city in the United States. At the narrow southern end of Manhattan Island is a short, narrow street with tall buildings on both sides, called Wall Street. The name comes from a stockade or wall which was built in 1653 to protect the settled area south of it from assault by Englishmen or Indians. Today, however, it is the financial center of the country and is often used as a symbol of American capitalists and their power. In the new Testament book of I Timothy, chapter 6, verse 10, it is written that the love of money is the source of all kinds of evil and some have been so eager to have it that they have broken their hearts with many sorrows. Jesus taught that true treasures are spiritual.
Flamingos (81/05/07)
Two days ago, on May the 5th, my wife and I went on a picnic with members of our churches in Kariya and Takahama. We went the Kuragaike Park in Toyota City. Have you ever been there? I suppose it is called Kuragaike because the shape of the pond resembles a saddle. It’s a nice park with areas for children to play and for adults to see the beauties of nature. It has both tame and wild animals within its enclosures: cows, sheep and donkeys, tigers and monkeys. Among the colorful birds, I was fascinated by the flamingos. “Flamingo” comes from Portuguese and Spanish and is related to their words for “flame” because of the bright pink or red color of the birds’ feathers. A flamingo has long legs, webbed feet, long necks and downward-curving beaks. Two things about the flamingos fascinated me. First, how they could rest and even sleep with their heads tucked under their wings while standing on one leg. Second, how the food they pick up from the ground could travel upward through their long necks to their stomachs. There are many strange phenomena in nature that cause us to wonder—and to reflect on the infinite wisdom and power of God, their Creator.
Red Cross Day (81/05/08)
The word “philanthropy” comes from two Greek words meaning “love” and “man.” A “philanthropist” is a person who seeks to help people through acts of kindness. After a Swiss philanthropist named Jean Henry Dunant wrote an account of the suffering of wounded soldiers on the battlefield in 1864, delegates from 16 countries gathered in Geneva, Switzerland to form a neutral organization to provide medical services for sick and wounded soldiers during wars. They also chose an emblem to identify this organization. The emblem they chose honored Mr. Dunant by taking his national flag and merely reversing the color. The national flag of Switzerland has a white cross on a red field; the symbol of this philanthropic organization is a red cross on a white field and the organization is now called the Red Cross. Today is Red Cross Day. It is a day to remember and be thankful for the work of this organization both during wartime and in peacetime disasters. From the Christian viewpoint, a red cross is a fitting symbol for an association whose purpose is to help those in need for it was on the cross that Jesus suffered and died to save the world.
Lebanon (81/05/09)
One of the middle Eastern countries that has been in the news again recently is the Republic of Lebanon. Lebanon is a small country on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of some 10,000 square kilometers, which means that it is smaller than the Japanese prefecture of Gifu and the American state of Connecticut. It has a population of less than 3 million, which is less than the population of Osaka and Chicago. It became an independent state in 1920, but French troops did not withdraw until 1946. Under a national covenant, all public positions were to be divided among the various religious communities, but in recent years the Christians have become outnumbered by the Muslims, which has created political as well as religious and social problems. The name “Lebanon” means “white,” and originally referred to a mountain range which was often covered with snow. I was once hospitalized in that country and was nourished with the semi-solid cheeselike substance made from curdled goat milk called “leban.” Lebanon, the mountain, is often mentioned in the Bible as the place of large fragrant cedar trees. Let us pray that peace will once again return to that divided western land.
Mother’s Day (81/05/10)
To those of you who are mothers, I wish you a “Happy Mothers’ Day.” It was in the year 1907 in the American city of Philadelphia that Miss Anna Jarvis proposed the manner and time of celebrating a special day in honor of mothers. Thus, on May 10, 1908, just 73 years ago today, the first Mothers Day was celebrated in that city, whose name means “brotherly love.” From that time on, the custom of celebrating this 2nd Sunday of May as Mothers Day has spread throughout the world. One of the first sounds a baby makes is “ma-ma.” In English-speaking countries, this is considered a baby word referring to mother, which, in Japanese, refers to food. “Ha-ha,” which is the Japanese word for mother, is a laughing sound in English. In Japanese, “mama haha” refers to a stepmother. Although a mother’s love for her child is great, the Bible teaches that God’s love for us is even greater. In Isaiah 49:15, the Lord says, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.” On this Mother’s Day, let us also remember God’s love for us.
Transcontinental railway completed (81/05/11)
The United States of America was first settled by European colonists on the east coast. From the early days of the country’s history, the more adventurous souls moved west, finally reaching the west coast of the North American continent. Many people followed the famous words of the New York newspaper editor, Horace Greely, to “Go west, young man, go west,” particularly after gold was discovered in California in 1849. Many families traveled west in covered wagons and often had to fight with Indians on the way. On May 10, 1869, however, a transcontinental railway was completed when the Union Pacific Railway from Omaha, Nebraska was connected to the Central Pacific Railway from Sacramento, California, near Ogden, Utah. The joining of these railroads was marked by the driving of a final golden spike. I wonder what happened to that particular spike. The word “spike” in reference to a long, slender piece of metal with a sharp point comes from the Latin word for an ear of corn. In Mark, chapter 2, Jesus’ disciples were criticized for picking ears of corn on the Sabbath day, but Jesus taught that man’s well-being was more important than obeying traditional rules.
Minnesota (81/05/12)
In the United States, which is from 14-17 hours behind Japan, most of today is still May the 11th. May the 11th is a state holiday in the northern state of Minnesota. It was on that day in 1858 that Minnesota was admitted to the Union as the 32nd state. In area, Minnesota is the 12th largest state, but ranks 19th in population. It is known as the land of 10,000 lakes and actually has 12,034 lakes over 10 acres in size. The name “Minnesota” comes from a Sioux Indian word meaning “cloudy water” or “sky-tinted water,” referring to the Minnesota River, which joins the Mississippi River in the capital of St. Paul. St Paul was once called “Pigs Eye,” after the nickname of its first settler, but the name was changed to St. Paul in 1841 when Father Galtier built St. Paul’s Chapel there. Although the Bible does not speak of “sky-tinted water,” it does tell of the spiritual water that comes from heaven which a person may drink by faith and find satisfaction for his thirsty soul. In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, Jesus says that the water he gives to the believer will become an inner spiritual spring welling up to eternal life.
Solidarity (81/05/13)
The word “pole” may refer to a long, slender object such as a flag pole, a tent pole or a telephone pole. It may also refer to the end of an axis such as the earth’s north pole and south pole. However, when the word is capitalized, it refers to a native of Poland. Although the longest, largest and most important river in Italy is the Po, spelled p-o, it has nothing to do with Poland, which is a country in eastern Europe between Germany and Russia. Rather, Poland is the land of people who were originally called “Polions,” meaning “dwellers in the field.” This week, a former Polish labor leader, Lech Walesa, is visiting Japan. Mr Walesa, who sports a handlebar mustache, is the head of the newly organized Polish labor union called “Solidarity.” “Solidarity,” from the word “solid,” refers to a firm and complete unity among different elements or individuals. If an organization has true solidarity, it is strong. In the 17th chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus prayed for strong, spiritual unity of his disciples. He prayed that they might be one and the Christian Church today needs to develop a greater solidarity.
Crows (81/05/14)
In one of Alfred Hitchcock’s well-known movies, a community is under attack by “the birds,” which is the name of that film. According to a recent news item, small children in the city of Kariya, east of Nagoya, are being attacked by crows. Over 30 children are reported to have experienced such attacks and some of them have suffered head injuries. Crows are large black birds that produce a harsh cry. The verb, “to crow,” however, may refer to a person boasting. A “magpie” is also a kind of crow and since it has a habit of noisy chattering, a person who chatters may be called a “magpie.” A “rook” is a European crow that builds its nests around buildings and from its stealing activities this word may be used to refer to a person who cheats, or to the cheating itself. The raven is also a crow and this word may refer to a black and lustrous color. When Jesus taught his disciples not to worry, he told them (in Luke, chapter 12, verse 24) to “consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap . . . and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”
The “5-15 incident” (81/05/15)
There are a number of French phrases beginning with “coup” that are used in English. The French word, “coup,” spelled c-o-u-p, refers to a sudden movement or action, a stroke. Thus, a “coup d’etat,” literally, “a stroke of state,” refers to a sudden, forceful stroke in politics, especially the sudden, forceful overthrow of a government. Forty-nine years ago today, a famous coup d’etat occurred in Japan. Because it happened on May the 15th, it is called the “5-15 incident.” Some months earlier, the Japanese army had seized the Manchurian region in China without authorization from the Tokyo government. And on May 15,1932, a group of young naval officers and army cadets assassinated Prime Minister Inukai, claiming they were attempting to free the emperor from evil advisors. And so this country became dominated by militarists who eventually led the nation into war. Although there is no likelihood of another 5-15 incident occurring today, there is increasing pressure for Japan to increase her military might which causes concern in the minds of peace-loving citizens. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
The morning glory (81/05/16)
Three years ago, the School of Agriculture of Mie University established a group to monitor air pollution in the Ise Bay area, using flowers.
The nitrogen oxide in the air was known to cause the leaves of the asagao plant to turn yellow or brown. In over 500 locations around Ise Bay, asagao were planted to be used as monitoring sites. In the past couple of years, however, the number of sites has decreased to only 100, so the university is looking for more volunteers to plant and keep watch on asagao plants. Asagao, in Japanese, literally means “morning face.” In English, this flower is called “morning glory” and is a twining vine with funnel-shaped flowers of various colors. The peculiarity of asagao or morning glory is that the flowers open in the morning but close up as the day becomes warmer. The word “glory,” in English, refers to honor or praise, but in the Bible especially it also includes the idea of splendor and brightness. According to the Christmas story in the Gospel according to Luke, the angels sang “Glory to God in the highest” when Jesus was born. God’s glory is not only a morning glory, it is an eternal glory.
Producing natural soap (81/05/17)
52-year-old Yoshihisa Kumaya, who lives in Nakashidami, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya, has begun a new and interesting side job in his spare time. He is an employee of the Nihon Sharyo Manufacturing Company, but since last October he has been collecting the discarded tempura oil and other oils thrown out by his company’s dining hall which serves 5000 employees. Using a drum can and a backyard fireplace, he has been producing natural soap, which costs less than 2 yen per bar to make. Not only is the soap cheaply produced, it does not cause environmental pollution like the synthetic cleansers. Those who have used his homemade soap seem to like it. This is a good example of effective recycling of used materials. The Bible has much to say about cleansing, but as the prophet, Jeremiah, wrote, “even if one washed with the strongest soap, it will not make a dirty heart clean.” To cleanse one’s heart from sin is the work of the Spirit of God. If you have comments, suggestions or questions regarding these “Daily Word” Messages, I would like to hear from you. My address is: P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463.
Victoria Day (81/05/18)
Today, May the 18th, is a legal holiday in Canada. It is called “Victoria Day” in honor of Great Britain’s Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. For many years, her birthday was called “Empire Day” and was celebrated throughout the British empire. However, it is now the custom in Canada to celebrate the Monday before May the 25th as “Victoria Day.” Queen Victoria began her reign at 18 years of age upon the death of her uncle, King William IV. She reigned for 64 years until 1901. She was an honest, conscientious ruler who combined humanitarian and imperialistic qualities of leadership. As a result of her influence, the adjective, “victorian,” is used to refer to both the literature and the moral standards or conduct which characterized her age. It often refers to hypocritical middle class respectability, prudence and bigotry. The name “Victoria” of course comes from the word “victory.” The Christian finds victory over sin, evil and death through his faith in Jesus Christ who died and rose again. The New Testament teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is the victory that overcomes the world.
Alliance (81/05/19)
A few days ago, Japanese Foreign Minister Ito resigned from his post and Prime Minister Suzuki’s government is facing a troubling political situation. Why is this so? Although I am sure there are many elements that have combined to bring about such a result, one of the more obvious ones is related to the meaning of the English word “alliance.” This word was used in the Japan-American joint communiqué which followed the meetings between Prime Minister Suzuki and President Reagan. What is an “alliance?” The word comes from a Latin root meaning “to bind together.” In English, it refers to a close association of countries, political parties, etc. for a common objective. Of course, it may also be used to refer to a military alliance, but the word itself has no such implication. President John F. Kennedy stated in an address in Frankfurt, Germany in June 1963: “Lofty words cannot construct an alliance or maintain it; only concrete deeds can do that.” The true nature of the Japan-American alliance will be seen not only in the words used but also in the actions taken.
Introduction of nuclear weapons (81/05/20)
Recently, a number of incidents have caused a rippling of the waters in Japanese-American relations. The latest is the sudden revelation by former ambassador to Japan, Harvard University Professor Edwin Reischauer. He stated that during his term as ambassador, the Japanese government knew that nuclear weapons were carried by U. S. warships visiting Japanese ports. He indicated that the American interpretation of the meaning of Japan’s prohibiting the introduction of nuclear weapons into the country is different than that publicly stated by Japanese statesmen. There are a number of English words beginning with the prefix “intro,” which means “into.” To “introduce” literally means “to lead or bring into a certain place.” In this case, the problem is where to draw the line, the crossing of which means “to introduce.” Is the line at Japan’s territorial waters or terrestrial land? In Japanese, there is the expression
shikii ga takai. The American government considers the land area as the high threshold which cannot be passed, but territorial water threshold is so low it is crossed without notice. So it is that if we are not careful, we may cross the line into committing a sin without knowing it. Please be careful.
Absent-mindedness (81/05/21)
One evening last week, a dozen passengers on the Chuo Line train running between Nakatsugawa and Kisofukushima were surprised and unhappy. They were prepared to get off this train at Tadachi Station. However, to their surprise, the train did not stop. By the time the conductor had contacted the engineer, the train was already 100 meters beyond the station and it was considered dangerous for the train to back up that distance. So the train continued on to the next station, where those passengers got off and took taxis, provided by the railway, back to Tadachi Station, 6 kilometers away. The news article about this incident was titled Ukkari eki tsuka. Ukkari, in this case, may be translated “absent mindedly.” The engineer was “absent minded”—that is, he was not paying attention to what he was doing, so, in a sense, his mind was “absent.” Being “absent minded” may get us into trouble. The Bible teaches that the child of God should always be alert and watchful—in order to avoid falling into temptation and to accomplish God’s will in the world.
A baby fox (81/05/22)
A recent news story tells about a baby fox that has become a new member of the Togo family in Komaki. The baby fox which had become separated from its mother was near death when found near the Komaki Airport one month ago. It was nursed back to health and given a loving home by the Togos. In the Togo home are two daughters who attend grade school and a one-year-old collie dog named Mary. The baby fox shares the dog house with Mary and has been taught to obey commands such as “sit!” and “shake hands!” It enjoys its menu of vegetables, onigiri and dog food. The Togos are now considering what to do with the little fox now that it is strong again. Although they would like to keep it as a pet, they also think that it should be set free for its own happiness. In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 9, verse 58, Jesus told a man who wanted to follow him: “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lie down and rest.” This was another example of Jesus’ sacrificial love for the people he came to serve and to save.
True communication (81/05/23)
One of the main reasons for misunderstandings between individuals and nations is the lack of effective communication. Recently, I was speaking with individuals from a number of different Asian countries. Although we all spoke in English, all of our accents were different and it was often difficult to perfectly understand one another. (Incidentally, since I was born and raised in northern Illinois, I speak English with a Midwestern accent. Of course, those from the midwest consider this to be standard American English.) To communicate is, literally, to make something common. That is, true communication refers to a common understanding of the words or ideas used. However, as recent discussions relating to differences in understanding of the same words used by Japanese and American statesmen make clear, true communication reaches to a deeper level than language. When God communicated his truth to the world, he made use of a living Word, the historical person of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we understand the character of God and his purpose in history.
The Morse code (81/05/24)
It was 137 years ago today that the first message by telegraph was transmitted. “Telegraph” comes from two Greek words meaning “far” and “write,” so “telegraph” literally refers to writing from a distance. On May 24, 1884, inventor Samuel F. B. Morse sent a message over a telegraph line from Washington to Baltimore—some 64 kilometers away. The message was made up of short and long sounds made by a telegraph key using a code he originated and which is called the Morse code. That first message that was sent by telegraph came from a verse of the Bible. It is found in the Old Testament book of Numbers, chapter 23, verse 23. In the classical King James Version which Morse used, it read: “What hath God wrought!” In the modern Good News Bible, it reads “Look what God has done.” Even though Mr. Morse worked for 12 years with some associates to perfect his telegraph, he recognized the hand of God in his accomplishment. To the eyes of faith, the providence of God may be seen in all the events of life.
Memorial Day (81/05/25)
In Japan, memorial services for the dead are regularly held on anniversaries of their deaths. At the ohigan and obon seasons, it is also the custom to visit the graves of departed loved ones. In the United States, this last Monday in May is observed in most states as “Memorial Day,” when graves are visited and decorated with flowers. It has also been called “Decoration Day” and used to be celebrated on May 30th. It was originally designated in 1868 by an Army general as the day to decorate the graves of soldiers killed in battle. However, it has become a day to remember all the dead, not only those servicemen who died in wars. It is good to remember the past and to have a hearty respect for those who have lived exemplary lives. The Christian, however, makes a clear distinction between his worship of the one true and living God, his Creator and Savior and his respect for those who are respectable. “Worship” comes from the word “worth.” The Christian believes that only the Almighty God is worthy of worship. And the mere fact of death does not make a scoundrel respectable.
Flea-market (81/05/26)
On the city pages of yesterday’s Chunichi Shinbun, there was an article about the so-called “human carnival” at the Hisaya Park in Sakae last Sunday. Over 200 different temporary stalls were set up by young people to sell all kinds of second-hand or hand-made items. Old books, records, toys, clothes, shoes along with hand-made broaches and amateur paintings were on sale at very cheap prices. The news article, in Japanese, referred to this as a furi-maketto. I suppose that many readers thought that this was a “free market,” open to all, without any entrance fee. However, actually, this kind of street market at which secondhand articles are sold is called a “flea-market” in which “flea” is spelled f-l-e-a and refers to a small insect, which in Japanese is called a nomi. It may be that there are some fleas hidden among the used items sold at a flea market that you may get for free. The Latin proverb “He who lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas,” emphasizes the need to choose your companions with care.
Housework and homework (81/05/27)
In English, the words “house” and “home” are often used in the same way and with the same meaning. However, at other times, a very definite difference is emphasized between them. Whereas a “house” refers to a physical building, a “home” emphasizes the spiritual atmosphere of that residence. You may look at a thermometer to tell if a house is warm, but the warmth of a home depends on the attitudes of those living there. There is also a difference between “housework” and “homework.” “Housework” refers to the work involved in housekeeping, such as washing, cleaning and cooking. “Homework” refers to study done at home rather than at school or at the office. Which do you like better: housework or homework? Some people do not like work of any kind, but the question arises: What do we mean by “work?” Often, the difference between “work” and “play” is based on one’s mental attitude rather than the content of the activity. When one’s heart is filled with love, and with a sense of divine purpose, all kinds of “work” and “play,” may become both enjoyable and meaningful.
Ascension Day (81/05/28)
In traditional Japanese society, ancestors are given a very high, respected place. The word “ancestor” in English comes from two Latin words meaning “to go before.” Thus, an ancestor is a person who has gone before. An ancestor may also be called a “forebear,” which also refers to one who lived before. The opposite of an ancestor is a “descendant,” which refers to a child or offspring. Of course, “descend” means to go down, to move from a higher to a lower place. The opposite of “descend” is “ascend,” which means to go up, to go from a lower to a higher place. In the Christian Church calendar, today is called “Ascension Day.” It commemorates the ascension of Jesus from earth to heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection from the dead. The New Testament teaches that after Jesus arose from the dead, on the 3rd day, he met with his disciples at various times during the following 40 days and continued to teach them. His ascension to heaven confirmed his assertion that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to him, but he promised his disciples that he would be with them always, even to the end of the world.
Amnesty International (81/05/29)
Yesterday in London, the international human rights group known as Amnesty International observed its 20th anniversary. This organization was founded on May 28,1961 following the publication of an article by a British lawyer in a London newspaper related to human rights violations around the world. Amnesty International, which has some 200,000 members in 134 countries, promotes the faithful observance of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights by all nations. It works for the release of those imprisoned because of their beliefs or nationalities and opposes the use of torture and the death penalty. The word “amnesty” comes from the Greek word meaning “to forget.” It refers to an official pardon given to criminals or other prisoners. If you are interested in the activities of the Nagoya group of Amnesty Intenational, I will be happy to provide you with information. The Bible teaches that God forgives and forgets the sins of those who put their trust in him. He “abundantly pardons” those who humbly seek his favor.
Busyness (81/05/02)
Constitution Day (81/05/03)
Furikae Kyujitsu (81/05/04)
Children’s Day (81/05/05)
New York (81/05/06)
Flamingos (81/05/07)
Red Cross Day (81/05/08)
Lebanon (81/05/09)
Mother’s Day (81/05/10)
Transcontinental railway completed (81/05/11)
Minnesota (81/05/12)
Solidarity (81/05/13)
Crows (81/05/14)
The “5-15 incident” (81/05/15)
The morning glory (81/05/16)
Producing natural soap (81/05/17)
Victoria Day (81/05/18)
Alliance (81/05/19)
Introduction of nuclear weapons (81/05/20)
Absent-mindedness (81/05/21)
A baby fox (81/05/22)
True communication (81/05/23)
The Morse code (81/05/24)
Memorial Day (81/05/25)
Flea-market (81/05/26)
Housework and homework (81/05/27)
Ascension Day (81/05/28)
Amnesty International (81/05/29)
Midway (81/05/30)
Shotoku Taishi (81/05/31)