A chaplain in a Japanese prison noticed one of the prisoners, named Maki, always carried a New Testament with him. “Tell me,” he said one day, “how you happen to have that Book.” And this was his story.
He had been a burglar. One day he and a companion made plans to rob a missionary school. In the dark of night they entered the building by a kitchen window and went upstairs. As they went Maki heard voices.
“What is that?” he whispered to his companion.
“It is somebody praying,” replied his friend laughing. “They are afraid and are asking God to protect them.”
Soon they saw the girls on their knees praying. Maki grabbed one young girl’s coat but she looking up calmly said, “Please don’t take my coat; my mother made it for me. Please take this Book instead and read it,” and she handed him the New Testament.
The robbers threw the Book aside and then in fear of being caught, they quickly left and went their ways.
For three days Maki stayed indoors. At last he ventured out to visit his partner in crime. But he was surprised by a policeman waiting to arrest him. His friend was already in jail.
The next day Maki appeared before the police chief in the presence of some of the girls from the mission school.
“Do you recognize this?” the chief asked him, showing him the little Book he had thrown aside the night of the robbery.
“These girls heard of your arrest and they have brought the Book to offer it to you again. You are guilty and will go to prison. But this Book will lead you to repentance. These girls are Christians and treat their enemies with kindness.”
Maki accepted the Book this time and thanked the girls. But he knew nothing of Jesus. The convicted thief went to prison taking the New Testament with him.
When Mr. Hara, the chaplain, heard Maki’s story, he told him of the Saviour’s love for sinners. Maki knew that one day he would have to stand before a holy God to be judged. But now he learned that that same God had provided a way of escape for him. His Son, Jesus, had died for him and borne the punishment he deserved for his sins. Maki believed, he accepted God’s offer of mercy and was saved. With the chaplain’s help, he learned to read his Testament by himself.
ML-07/04/1976