Again, and Again…

“And again he saith… And again… And again…” —Romans 15:10-12

Jesus began three consecutive parables about the kingdom of heaven with the word “again” (Mt. 13:44, 45, 47).

The use of “again… And again” illustrates the need to reinforce a truth that needs to be learned and engrained in our soul.  As Isaiah said, “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine… precept must be upon precept… line upon line” (Isa. 28:9,10).

Some Christians do not like to hear “the same old thing” over and over again.  Paul must have anticipated that after he wrote four times to the Philippians to rejoice. Then Paul writes, “To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” (3:1). In other words, there are somethings you cannot hear too often, because it is for our safety.  Parents often must tell their children again and again about certain dangers they will encounter in life.

This “again, and again” principle underscores the importance of being in church Sunday after Sunday to hear the Word of God “again, and again.”  It is strange that some people can watch the same movie or TV rerun over and over and still enjoy it.  But the same people become impatient about hearing spiritual truths repeated “again” and “again.”

The truth is, if it is worth hearing once, it is worth hearing again (and again).