"IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN"

"If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-
but now it is hidden from your eyes."
Luke 19:42

In this text Jesus laments the fate of Jerusalem and says "If you had only known…" Jerusalem was a mere 40 years away from total destruction but they were blissfully going about their business as if nothing was wrong. They did not know the "things that belong to their peace," Jesus said. Why did they not know? Jesus says that these things were hidden from them - but why and how? Could they have known? Should they have known?

They didn't know what they should have, but it was not for lack of being told! Read the prophets and you will see ample warnings of their impending doom! You will read many admonitions to REPENT and RETURN to God. Why didn't they know? The sad fact is that when we refuse to hear the truth we lose the ability to see and hear truth. By the time of Jesus' lament, the inhabitants of the Holy City had lost the ability to hear the voice of God.

A man came to my office once and told me his sad story. He had neglected his marriage and his family for years. Now he had come home once too often with beer on his breath and somebody else's lipstick on his collar. His wife of 20 years had given him the boot. He was distraught. He said, "If only I had know then what I know now." Have you heard that line? Have you used that line? I have. It really gives a false impression. We have heard and could have known. We just don't listen. We never believe that the rules apply to us.

Do you think for a minute that this fellow didn't know that neglect, booze, and adultery would ruin a marriage? Of course he had been told that; he just didn't listen.

How about it young folks? Have you heard that cigarettes will make you stink, burn up your money and give you cancer? You've heard it, but do you believe it?

Have you heard that premarital sex is bad for your subsequent marriage prospects; that it could give you unspeakable diseases and always leads to emotional damage? Have you heard that even with "protection" you are still at risk for disease and pregnancy? Of course you've heard it, but do you believe it, or will you lament one day, "If only I had known?"

You don't have to be "young" to need this lesson; you can be "wise" and still need to be reminded that God's ways are the good ways. In them there is peace.

~ Pat Andrews ~