In 1981, a rather prophetic lecture was given at the University of Notre Dame that predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union. The lecturer called Communism “a sad, bizarre chapter in human history whose last pages are even now being written.” A year later the same speaker told the British House of Commons that the march of freedom and democracy “will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history.”
Years later, in 1988, students at Moscow University sat and listened as this same speaker told them how the microchip would lead the way in expanding human freedom. Indeed, that prediction has come true. The Internet plays an important role in breaking down regime controls, even with internet censorship in places like China, new freedoms are acquired because of its use. Now, remember this was predicted in 1988, long before the advent of the Internet.
Who was this Speaker? This lecturer looked into the future and was able to rightly discern where history was taking us? It was Ronald Reagan. Putting political preferences aside for just a moment, I think all of us would have to agree that on at least a few crucial issues Reagan got it right. He looked into the future and steered us correctly.
What is it that gives some people the ability to look at a situation and rightly size it up? It seems to be a kind of gift, doesn’t it?
Of course Jesus possessed this ability. Not only did He predict the destruction of Jerusalem, but also many things yet to happen toward the end of time. However, one of my personal favorites has to do with the story of a woman’s sacrifice.
Jesus was invited to a meal at the house of Simon, a Pharisee. While reclining at the table a sinful woman anointed his feet with pure nard, wiping his feet with her hair as she kissed them. Some questioned the waste of resources, suggesting that the nard could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended the woman and made this prophetic statement:
“…I assure you, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be talked about in her memory.” Mark 14:9
Jesus’ declaration has proven true. Centuries have passed and still, the story of sacrificial love is retold. Jesus predicted that sacrificial love will always leave a legacy. It was true then, and it is still true today.
With love,
Mike
