Toyama No Kin-san (Revelation 20:12)

Japanese television has produced many engaging dramatic series. Growing up in Hawaii, I would watch these dramas with english subtitles. One of my favorites was a series known as Toyama No Kin-san. The series is based upon the true story of a judge magistrate of Japan, during the 1800’s. When he was not working in his official capacity, Kin-san would mingle with the commoners, unknownst to them that he was a high ranking official. He sported a tattoo of cherry blossoms (sakura) on his right arm and shoulder, in similar fashion to the gangsters and gamblers of the day. Thus, Kin-san entered the inner circles of criminals and was privy to many of their crimes. At the critical moment when the crime was being committed, Kin-san would alert the local police who would arrest them. Hauled before his court, the criminals were smug and confident that there were no witnesses to their crime. They would brazenly lie about their actions and question Kin-san, the judge, over what evidence he had to make such accusations about them? The dramatic climax of every episode occurred when Kin-san stood up and took a step toward the criminals. He then pushed open the sleeve of his kimono, revealing the sakura tattoo. The criminals would always recoil in horror, realizing their judge was Kin-san, a person they thought was another low-life, like themselves. They were guilty and condemned!

The appeal of Kin-san is broad and certainly resonated with me. A powerful and benevolent  judge departs from his lofty position to mingle and help the everyday people of his world. Sound familiar?

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Revelation 20:12 (NKJV)

This life is the only time we have to make a decision that will determine our eternal destiny. Once we die, we will someday stand before Jesus Christ, who will judge everyone who has ever lived. Jesus knows our hearts and motives. Like the criminals facing Kin-san, we cannot hide the truth from Him. There is no more time for excuses, no last minute plea for mercy. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your name will not be written in the Book of Life, and you will be condemned to a life in hell, in endless torment, eternally separated from God.

It does not have to be this way. If you have not made the decision to confess and repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, do it now. Jesus did come to earth and spend time with all of us. He understands our deepest needs and greatest fears. He is God!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.