“O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:55
The death of a loved one or friend is always painful. Yet, as believers, we have an eternal hope and promise through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that death does not have victory over our lives. We are no longer bound by death. Jesus’ words in John 14:3-4, 6 remind us that he is preparing our eternal home, where we will be with God forever. In that eternal home, there will be no more suffering, sorrow, worries, or strife.
Today marks the last day of the Obon festivities, and people often participate in the custom of Okuribi. Okuribi roughly translates to “send-off fire”. This custom marks the sending of the souls of the dead back to the spirit world. The common hope or prayer that people pray during this custom is for peace for the dead and that their souls will depart to the spirit world safely. People celebrate Okuribi in various ways, including lighting a small candle that floats in a river, lighting a small paper lantern and hanging it in a garden, or watching the famous Daimonji burn in Kyoto. Yet, without Christ, we know there is no eternal hope. So, with boldness, let us pray for the Good News of the Gospel to spread like fire throughout Japan so that many may receive this hope.
Bible Reading
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:3-6
Prayer Prompts
That God will remove the spiritual strongholds in Japan that oppose the Gospel. Boldness for believers across Japan to share the Gospel with their friends and families. Protection for the hearts and minds of believers as they continue to seek God.
The ESV Bible. Crossway, 2001, www.esv.org/.