It h
as been said recently, that politicians and scientists have made 10 or more major ‘U-turns’ during these last few months. As leaders of our nation, they have done their best to steer us through the disastrous pandemic difficulties, so why is it that ‘U-turns’ are scorned, viewed with despair, disgrace, disparagement and derision? They are seen as signs of weakness, of indecision, of vacillation - and maybe they are, for the result sometimes is chaos, confusion and uncertainty. People are told, ‘Make up your mind’! But sometimes making a ‘U-turn’ is vital, necessary and beneficial for all concerned.
A few years ago, I was driving with Jean and a friend, through the outer suburbs of Johannesburg, in South Africa. We knew where we were going, but we managed to get on the wrong road ~ and got lost. I was just about to wind the window down and ask a passer-by for directions, but our friend suddenly said, ‘Don’t open the window, lock the doors, let’s get out of here … NOW.’ Because of the urgency of her voice, I did not stop to think or to question. I immediately did a ‘U-turn’ and drove as quickly as I could back along the way we had come.
What had happened? Inadvertently and unfortunately, we had entered a notoriously bad suburb, known for its crime, violence and unrest. Our friend realised where we were and told me to turn around and to retrace our steps, which I did. Sometimes, to make a ‘U-turn’ is the wisest and safest thing to do.
The Lord God Almighty, our Creator and loving Heavenly Father, speaks quite often in His Word, the Bible, about making ‘U-turns’, but the word He uses is “repentance.” As our wonderful and wise Creator, the Lord God Almighty has gracious and beneficial plans and purposes for us, but because of our rebellion and disobedience, each one of us is on the road to disaster and death.
But that has not stopped our Heavenly Father loving us and doing everything in His power to get us back on the right track and into a harmonious relationship with Himself, so we might walk in the glorious path He has planned for us.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:
while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us”
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us”
The Lord God voluntarily and freely gave His own Son, Who took our place of punishment when He was cruelly battered, bruised and crucified on the cross. Such love … such mercy … such grace
… what a wonderful, practical way of showing His love and care for each of us, individually
So, what is our response to such great care and compassion? What should we do? “God commands all people everywhere to repent.” To repent, means to turn around 180º from the direction in which we are moving. In our pride and disobedience, we travel away from the Lord into disaster and death, saying that we know what is best for us. But making a ‘U-turn’ means turning around from our sinful way, asking for forgiveness and walking towards the Lord, following Him in humility, proving His love and mercy and enjoying His gracious blessings and plans for our lives.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times
of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
What do you have to lose? Are you experiencing and enjoying the peace, presence and blessings of our Lord Jesus? You could … today … why wait?
Ron Brickman