I read the story of 51-year-old Japanese Army Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda, who emerged from a jungle hideout in the Philippines on March 9, 1974, thirty years after he’d been sent there during World War II to defend a remote airstrip from enemy use. He was a shocking sight to behold with a tattered uniform hanging from his emaciated body. 

His belt held outdated gadgets and instruments useful for survival and subterfuge. He carried a pistol and a samurai sword. He was a soldier prepared for any battle that would come his way, yet looked like a warrior from a distant past, an era that no longer existed. He performed his duties, living off the land in poverty and stealing food from farmers to survive. He would remain ready for battle as he was taught during combat training. The code that identified a soldier was to never be taken prisoner nor surrender. He would die fighting.

This warrior was ready to fight until the bitter end, even though the Japanese had surrendered soon after he’d been stationed. Since the news never officially reached him, he refused to abandon his mission. He refused to believe the leaflets that the U.S. dropped from planes to inform any remaining soldiers that the war was over.

It wasn’t until his retired superior officer went to the Philippines to formally discharge him that he agreed to lay down his arms and go home to Japan. Only then would he stop fighting a battle that was over years before.

The author who wrote about this story used it as an illustration about identity. This soldier had one identity – a World War II Japanese soldier, and nothing or no one could dissuade him from this identity. He continued to fight a battle that had long ago been over.

When we submit our lives to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are to take on the new identity that is ours in Christ. He has already won the battle against sin and death, allowing us to be set free from every bondage, addiction, sin, fear – anything that prevents us from living in the fullness of all the promises God has for us.

One such promise is 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” We can have a spiritual transformation and a renewed outlook on life. We no longer have to live defeated by sin and bondage but can arise by God’s grace into a new life and purpose.

But I also saw another lesson in this soldier’s tale, one of great faithfulness. This man was faithful to his calling until the end. He took his assignment from his commanding officer seriously and would die to fulfill it if need be. He would not listen to any other voices trying to persuade him to abandon his post, surviving in any way possible to carry out his orders. He listened to one commander alone.

We, too, are called to be faithful to our Commander, our heavenly Father. We are to get our marching orders from Him alone and be obedient to the calling He has given us. It might involve sacrifice or discomfort, but God provides all we need to fulfill our calling by the power of His Holy Spirit, who leads, guides and strengthens us.

So, let’s surrender all to God, find our identity in Christ, and be faithful to Him alone.

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