A Japanese officer sailing his ship through the Nagasaki harbor noticed a little book floating in the water. He had one of the sailors scoop it up, but when he opened it, he noticed that it contained strange letters.
He inquired here and there to learn about the contents of this little book, but nobody seemed to know anything about it. Finally, a Chinese merchant who knew some English was able to partly answer the officer’s question by telling him that it was a “Jesus-book,” a book belonging to the foreign intruders. He also knew that there was a Chinese translation available. The officer knew only a little Chinese, but nevertheless he asked the merchant to get him a copy.
As soon as he had the Chinese New Testament, he eagerly studied it in order to learn the Chinese language. In doing so, the Holy Spirit was already working in his heart, though he was unaware of it. When he had finished reading the book, he was a happy man who knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior!
In order to maintain Japanese idolatry, it was prohibited to introduce any new religious service. But the officer could not be silent about his Savior, so he met with his family and some of his close friends to study the Bible. Soon after, the love of Christ began working in many hearts.
Later on, more religious liberty was granted, and even a missionary settled in Nagasaki. Now the officer could freely talk about his “Jesus-book” and his faith in the Savior.
He was one of the first to confess Christ freely in Japan. His actions and behavior were a living testimony. The cause of all this was the floating Bible in the Nagasaki harbor. Truly, the gospel has a power that can save everyone who believes.
ML-11/12/2017