October 14, 2023
“As for you, turn around.” ~ Deuteronomy 1:40 NIV (God to the recently freed Hebrews when they wanted to go back to Egypt)
“He turned around in the crowd.” Mark 5:10 NIV (Jesus, when the woman touched his robe)
“Then she turned around and saw Jesus standing there.” ~ John 20:14 NIV (Mary Madelene turned around when she heard Jesus’ voice in the garden near the tomb.)
Do you remember the Birds song, “Turn! Turn! Turn?” Rod and I did just that, totally out of character for people who like to plan well in advance. We turned on a dime. Within an hour of making the decision to postpone our Holy Land trip, we found a last-minute opportunity to go to Portugal. We had cleared our schedules. I’d arranged for pulpit supply and coverage in my absence. We were ready, and in need of a break and went for it. On the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory, when it comes to tactics for how I plan and deal with options, I am a “J.” People with the Judging personality trait feel most comfortable when the course ahead is well-marked.
We had our bags packed, our itinerary in hand. We’d calculated how many Shekels and Dinars we would get at the Currency Exchange at Dulles Airport, and even located the one most for our flight. I’d even gone so far as to check out the accommodations along the way. Postponing our trip was a no-brainer. This turn around was a first for us. It’s taken 57 years for the Bird’s hit song, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” to sink in.
Turning round, changing one’s mind around, is what the word “repentance” means Biblically. I often equate it John the Baptizer’s words to “turn back” to the ways of the Lord. A monumental act of conversion. But after doing quick on-line phrase search for “turn around” on Bible Gateway I discovered that turning around is mentioned often. When the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt, the Lord instructed, “turn around” and move into their new future and freedom. If Jesus hadn’t turned around when he felt someone touch his robe, a desperate woman would not have been healed. If Mary Magdalene hadn’t turned around when she heard the voice instruct her to do so, we might not know the truth about Jesus’ resurrection.
Pay attention, turn around. Only God knows what might happen in you do. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 