Shoiki Yokoi, a sergeant in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, stared at the leaflets in his hand. They were everywhere, he thought gloomily; the island of Guam was littered with them. Printed in clear Japanese, the leaflets told him that Japan had surrendered, the war was over, and there would be a general amnesty for all Japanese soldiers who would also surrender.
He dropped the papers in disgust. “American propaganda,” and crawled back into the tunnel-like cave he had dug in the jungle. So there he stayed, hidden and alone, while his fellow-soldiers accepted the offer. Singly or in groups, they came out of the jungle to the American encampments to be repatriated to their homes.
All but Yokoi! He stayed hidden. There were coconuts and papayas to eat, and he also caught frogs and rats. As his uniform wore out, he replaced it with strips of bark he wove together, and he marked cycles of the moon for a crude calendar. Surviving as best he could, he waited for the return of the victorious Japanese army.
After twenty-seven years, two hunters surprised Yokoi while he was fishing along the Talofofo River — and he learned the propaganda was true! At last believing and accepting the news, he was returned to his homeland and people.
He lived for twenty-six more years and died at last in Nagoya, Japan— in a Japan enjoying unprecedented peace and prosperity. What a contrast to his tunneled cave in the jungle!
There is a far more important amnesty (pardon) being offered today. This offer has been open for 2000 years: a full and free pardon for all who will receive it. What an offer it is! “Come unto Me . . . and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)). “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:1010The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)). “My peace I give unto you” (John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)).
Is this “propaganda”? “Religious propaganda”? Never! These are the words of the Lord Jesus Himself. Through Him God is offering what is far, far beyond the ability of our minds to grasp or understand. Is it reasonable to doubt God, “who cannot lie,” and crawl back into the dark tunnel of unbelief?
“Men loved darkness . . . because their deeds were evil” — but “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” Why not come “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)?