If Early Enough…

The past is said to repeat itself⎯not in detail, perhaps, but in principle and in broad patterns. And by the pattern of the past, thoughtful observers have often predicted what might be in the future if certain practices were consistently pursued.

There are also the predictions of the prophets, frequently referred to for the lessons they have left us. From Daniel, in Babylon, for example, we read of “the handwriting on the wall”¹⎯which has since become a symbol of foreseeing unfortunate events.

But there is this comforting fact: The outcome of predictions often depends upon continuing or discontinuing some particular course of conduct. In effect they often say, If you do this, this will happen; or, If you don’t do this, this will not happen. It is somewhat as a parent’s pronouncements to a child, promising punishment if he persists in his wayward ways, or reward if he does what he should do. Calamitous consequences seldom arrive without warning⎯without the handwriting on the wall.

And unfavorable predictions may be altered if people are repentant. One convincing case is that of Nineveh, the ancient city to which Jonah was sent. When he reluctantly got around to doing his duty, Jonah predicted the destruction of the city in forty days. But the encouraging part is that Nineveh repented. From the king to the lowliest of his subjects the people were repentant, and the city was saved.

It is reassuring to know that men and nations can escape threatened consequences if they are willing⎯early enough⎯to change an unwise course of conduct if soon enough they return to sound principles and practices. We all have need of repentance, and if, erring as we all are, there were no way to turn, if there were no possibility of repentance, the picture might be more darkly discouraging. It is most reassuring that repentance is possible, if people are willing early enough to change their course of conduct.