The Rabbi Story

Years ago I was invited to a breakfast at the White House in the United States. I was there with a few other religious leaders. This was back when President Clinton was in office. At one point, Mr. Clinton leaned over to me and quite out of the blue, asked me, “Luis, if someone were to ask you – how late can you repent and God still forgive you? What would you say?” I told him one of my favorite stories.

I said, “A rabbi was teaching a group of Hebrew students and said to his class, ‘Everybody should repent the day before they die.’ The students said, ‘Rabbi, we don’t know when we’re going to die, so how do we know when to repent?’ The Rabbi said, ‘Therefore, repent today.'” After I told this to Mr. Clinton, he was quiet for a moment and then said, “Compelling story… compelling story.”

The book of Acts in the Bible says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” I’ve found this Rabbi story to be a great tool to gently nudge people toward God. When you and I are faithful to share the Good News, the Holy Spirit will always do what He has promised to do. Read it all up in John chapter 16.