Called 4 Jesus

*By TA York*

There is a famous Japanese story about a man who adopts a stray dog. The man names the dog Hachi, and the two develop a strong connection. The man takes Hachi everywhere as a puppy and plays with him constantly. When the dog grows too big to take to work, the man leaves Hachi in the yard. Yet every day at the same time, the dog escapes the yard and meets the man at the train station.

One day the man dies at work. So Hachi spends the next nine years waiting for his master at the train station. Hachi becomes famous as the loyal dog, waiting for the return of his master until Hachi himself dies. In honor of his loyalty, a bronze statue is placed outside the train station at the exact spot where Hachi sat and waited.

**1 Peter 1:13**
*”Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”*

A movie was made about the story of Hachi. I could almost hear Hachi say, “Maybe today the master will return. I must be here when he returns. He expects me to wait.”

Then the train entrance would fly open. Excitement would fill Hachi. “Nothing yet. I will keep waiting.” In rain, snow, summer heat—whatever the conditions, he waited.

The local vendors told Hachi that the master wasn’t returning. Yet Hachi’s mind never changed.

I am Hachi. I await the return of the Master. He hasn’t returned yet, but I haven’t lost hope. I continue to pray for His return.

**1 Timothy 2:4**
*”(God) who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”*

This is one reason I am inclined to share the gospel. Everyone gets the opportunity to accept or reject Christ. Then He will return. You could say I’m helping to usher in the return of Jesus.

The world says that Jesus isn’t real—that I’m wasting my time, that He will never return. Those words cut me. Yet I’m not willing to stop waiting and watching.

I await the clouds to open up so I can run to His arms, safe in the Master’s arms.

I am Hachi. I wait with passion. How about you?

God bless.