Silence!

I’m reviewing a very different sort of book this week. Silence by Shusaku Endo. I read this novel because it happens to be required reading for my daughter’s freshman class at Wheaton College, and Martin Scorsese has made it into a movie, releasing sometime in the next several months.

The story takes place in Japan in the 1600s. WAIT! Stay with me here. I know that sounds like something you would usually skip over. But hear me out. The novel is based on the life (and letters) of a Jesuit priest from Portugal who travels to Japan to find his mentor when he hears the man denied his faith.

The time period was one of tremendous persecution for Christians in Japan. The Shoganate Government made it illegal to believe in Christianity, which resulted in hidden Christian communities. The government officials raided homes looking for Christian items, rooting out people of faith. The bodies of martyrs multiplied, so they instead began to torture the Christians until they “apostatized.” This involved stepping on an image of Christ.

If a tortured Christian agreed to trample his Savior, they would immediately stop the torture and let him go. Priests who they captured, were never let go. They were tortured until they apostatized, and then never allowed to leave the country, or interact with its people. 

Silence plumbs the depths of pride, persecution, betrayal, the suffering Savior, and apostasy – something most Christians are guilty of in one way or another. And then there is grace. The priest arrogantly contemplates himself as a Christ-type through much of the book, but in the end, he finds another comparison.

The story brings up a universal question: When things go wrong, when evil seems to prevail, when God’s loved ones are harmed, tortured and killed, why does God not act? Why is He silent? Endo explained how his book addresses the question. “I did not write a book about the Silence of God; I wrote a book about the Voice of God speaking through suffering and silence.”

The book starts a bit slow, to catch the reader up on the historical context. But soon, it picks up and depicts very flawed people locked in a struggle with belief, God, self, and service. The imagery and detail-especially references to light and dark, sound and silence-is breathtaking. A worthy read – especially if you plan to see the movie!

Silence is not an easy book, but I'd venture to say it's one of those "good for you books." What’s the most difficult book you’ve read that you look back on and say, “I’m SO glad I read that!”?? Leave us a comment to be entered to win this week’s prize!

After The Resurrection

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 

I hope you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday. What a beautiful day to celebrate the most amazing sacrifice anyone ever made for us. Our Redeemer lives!

Last week, Christians blogged, Facebooked, and tweeted Scripture, songs, poems, and thoughts on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. On Easter morning, we reverently and enthusiastically worshipped, then hurried to family dinners, afternoon egg hunts, and of course—after-dinner naps.  

Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday is easy. As the sun set on Easter, I wondered where our hearts would be Monday morning in the wake of leftover ham, half-eaten candy baskets, and wrinkled church clothes tossed in the laundry.  

Over two thousand years ago, on Easter Monday, Christ returned to work—His father’s work. He forgave Peter and then instructed him to “feed my sheep.” Among Jesus’ other activities was the Great Commission given to the eleven disciples.  

We are His disciples now—with the Bible and Holy Spirit to instruct us.  

"He makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. But flame is transient, often short lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul-short life? Make me thy fuel, Flame of God." ~Jim Elliot, martyred missionary

Celebrating Christ’s resurrection revitalized me, as I’m sure it did many Christians. Beyond that, it’s a reminder of my rebirth each time I enter into God’s presence. Yet, as I grow deeper in my spiritual journey, I’m cognizant of the necessary steps to stay aflame. 

If my flame gets diminished during dark moments, when I feel less enthusiasm or challenged beyond my human abilities, saturation with the Spirit’s oil through Bible study and prayer is the only hope for my flame reigniting or burning brightly beyond Christian celebrations. 

As you go to the Lord in prayer or sit down for Bible study this week, consider the condition of your flame and how it impacts those around you. 

And while we don’t face serious persecution in this country, those seeking to fulfill the Great Commission worldwide do, as well as those who choose to become Christians in hostile countries. Please join me in prayer for Christians suffering persecution around the world. May their flame burn brightly despite efforts from those who seek to extinguish it.

Though I don’t pray scripted prayers often, this simple one written by Jim Elliot has resonated with me through the years. Perhaps it will with you, too. 

"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." 

Amen.

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2012 RWA Emily finalist, with her Christian novel manuscript placing second in a nationwide field of Christian and secular entries. Laura is also an Associate Editor with Christian Devotions ministry, as well as a ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole.

© Laura Hodges Poole

Sunrise image courtesy of photokanok/freedigitalphotos.net