If Early Enough – Sunday, May 21, 1950
The past is sometimes said to repeat itself—not in detail, perhaps, but in principle and in broad patterns. And by the pattern of the past, acute observers and thoughtful philosophers have often played their part in predicting what might be expected if certain practices are persistently pursued. In addition, there are also the predictions of the prophets, which are frequently referred to for the lessons that they leave us. From Daniel, in Babylon, for example, we read of “the handwriting on the wall” which has since become a symbol for foreseeing unfortunate events. But there is this comforting consideration: Predictions are often dependent upon the continuance or discontinuance of some particular course of conduct. In other words 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 the parent pronouncing punishment upon the child if he persists in his wayward ways, or promising reward if he does what he should do. It would seldom seem that calamitous consequences come without warning—without the handwriting on the wall for all to see who will see. And surely we must assume that 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 Jonah reluctantly got around to doing his duty, he predicted Nineveh’s destruction in forty days. But the encouraging part of this picture is that Nineveh repented. From the king to the lowliest of his subjects the people were repentant, and the city was saved. It is encouraging to know that men and nations and peoples can escape threatened consequences if early enough they are willing to change an unwise course of conduct, if early enough they are willing to depart from prodigality, if early enough they return to sound principles and practices. Perhaps 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 much more darkly discouraging. But it is most encouraging that repentance is possible—if early enough people are willing to change their course of conduct.
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May 21, 1950
Broadcast Number 1,083