"Again"

"Again" is an interesting word in the English language. We use the word in a variety of ways: To describe something restored to a former condition such as, flowers blooming again in springtime;   actions that are repeated, such as painting the room again; and, as a way to remind people of things, such as, "Again, I did not inhale."

What I find intriguing is that the word has a place in the vocabulary of God. That within the mind of the Almighty there is room for the concept of "again." Regardless of how you parse it, the idea implies that something once was, is not now, but will be again. Or, something that was will or will not be repeated. Either way, there is the strong sense that God is "making a new decision".  Similar to what we find in Genesis, "I will never again curse the ground....nor will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done." (Gen. 8:21)

(It was right about this time, in my first "draft" that my computer went dead. Many of you, more spiritual than I, would have taken that as a sign to change topics. I'm not that smart!)

Many are uncomfortable with the thought that God could change His mind, if I might use that phrase. However, in Genesis 18 when Abraham and God negotiate over Sodom there is the clear sense that God is willing to make a new decision based on certain criteria. The same with Jonah and others. The problem is it flies in the face of our understanding of God's complete knowledge. Therefore we find it difficult to reconcile the two concepts. But it is not a foreign concept in the Bible. (Jer. 18:8, 26:13; Psalm 110:4; Jonah 3:9)

That does not necessarily mean God was/is "wrong", it just means repentance works.  God again, chooses to say YES. Just as Israel found itself in seemingly relentless rebellion against the Almighty, as they repented God could say, "My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem." (Zech. 1:17)

Again -- "again" is often a good thing. It should not be something we shy away from or try to ignore when it comes to our understanding of God. It is merely something we need to keep in context.

"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God."   (Psalm 42:11b)