DAILY DEVOTION, March 21, 2022

In a recent communion meditation, I mentioned a book I read, “Memories of a Kamakazi.” These were young, inexperienced Japanese pilots who blew themselves up by crashing into American ships during World War 2, their planes heavy with explosives. I wondered how a Kamakazi pilot could write a book! I learned that sometimes they had engine trouble and returned to base, or were unable to find a ship to blow up. That was the case of this author. He flew several suicide missions without success.

Many of his young friends – – – teenagers – – – sacrificed their lives for their emperor and their homeland. Their sacrifice accomplished nothing. Japan lost the war. Many fine young men, Japanese and American, lost their lives to the kamikaze pilots. The Japanese pilots were willing to fly suicide missions out of love of country. Their sacrifice was in vain.

Jesus went to the cross voluntarily to make a sacrifice. It was not a useless sacrifice. His death accomplished its intended goal. We rebels against the will of God face eternal death. Jesus intervened and sacrificed Himself for us. He bore the judgment we deserve. His sacrifice opens the gates of heaven for all who trust in Him.

Our Father and our God, how thankful we are for the sacrifice of Jesus. Out of love, He endured the pain and agony of the cross for us. So often, we humans make useless sacrifices. How grateful we are for the sacrifice of Jesus that brings us everlasting life. We pray in His name, Amen.