“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13a NIV)
“Good fortune? Bad fortune? What lies ahead for me in 2010?” These are questions some Japanese are pondering particularly at the start of this new year. Though highly modern and technological, in many respects Japanese are still a fairly superstitious people. One common Japanese superstition deals with certain “unlucky” numbers such as “4” and “9” and their multiples. Considering these numbers as “unlucky”, Japanese generally will seek to avoid giving gifts containing items in these amounts. The rationale? In Japanese the word for the number “four” can be read “shi” which is also translated as “death”. The Japanese word for the number “nine” can be read “ku”, also reminiscent of another “unlucky” Japanese word with the same pronunciation, “ku” meaning “suffering.” Giving gifts containing items in these amounts could therefore almost be suggestive of placing a curse upon the gift’s recipient. Meanwhile, the numbers “7”, “5”, and “3” are considered “lucky” in Japan and are suggestive of good fortune. Perhaps this explains why it is not uncommon to find the Chinese-originated “Seven Gods of Luck” (one of which is pictured here) idols in such places as Japanese Buddhist temples alongside all the other idols of gods. By contrast how do you suppose an unbelieving Japanese might interpret a Bible verse located in 1 John chapter 4 verse 9 of the Bible. Please pray Japanese hearing the gospel in Sendai this year will understand that it is only through faith in God’s suffering, only through faith in Jesus’ death, that we are able to become recipients of life, just as He was raised from death to life. “Where, oh death, is your victory; where, oh death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 NIV). Curses are foiled in Christ.
by Donna Qualls
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