First, let’s agree there is no such thing as a crystal ball. Back in the day, friends would buy one of those Magic-8-balls to which you would ask a question, shake it slightly and then turn it over to see a response through the “little window at its base. Please note this is not science!

In the slim possibility you have not seen one of these, the ball answers fell into three categories: affirmative, negative and non-committal. Affirmative examples include, “It is certain,” “You may rely on it,” and…”Outlook good.” Negative answers included, “Very doubtful,” “My reply is no,” and…”My sources say no.” As for the non committal (probably written by men), “Ask again later,” “Better not tell you,” and…”Concentrate and ask again.” Like that would help!

Most Americans would not consult a Magic-8-ball for life decisions. Yet amazingly many will consult astrological readings to determine the possible outcomes of many things in life. Just how many?

Last spring, Pew Research reported that about 3 in 10 Americans “make use of astrology, tarot cards, or fortunetellers at least once a year.” Fortunately, most do not rely on what they learn from these folk to make major decisions.

Now hear this! The psychic services industry—which includes such groupings as astrology, palm-reading, psychic readings, and fortunetelling, snapped up around $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024!  The market research firm IBIS World claims 105,000 people made part or all of their living from this “work.”

Bringing this closer to home, last December the village board in Lisle, Illinois, voted unanimously to approve a special use permit allowing a “psychic reading shop” to relocate. It’s called, Psychic Readings by Mary. You’ll find it upstairs in a building also home to Lisle Dental Care and Ogden Buy and Sell. (Perhaps Mary could tell you if you have cavities or you’ll need bridge work!!”

Do I believe people can “see into the future?” You bet I do. And this particular week marks a classic example.

The Bible refers to these people as “prophets.” And one of the most famous is a chap named Isaiah. Approximately 700 years before what we refer to as “Good Friday”, Isaiah had written these words:

“Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14, NIV)

Isaiah added to his prophecy…

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5, NIV)

This insightful prophecy known as “The Suffering Servant” explains that all of us—like sheep—have gone astray. And the Lord laid up on that one man the “iniquity of us all.”

Indeed—Jesus Christ went to His death like a lamb being led to its slaughter. Yet He did not say anything. Then comes this stunning statement:

“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:11, NIV)

Whose iniquities? Not just those responsible for His death in that first century. But every person born into this world who receives and believes this prophet’s message.

Of course, Isaiah was not alone in foretelling about the life of Jesus. With a careful reading of the Old Testament, you’ll find from 300 to 400 prophecies concerning Jesus the Messiah. Some scholars who choose to include “foreshadowings and indirect references” put the number as high as 456 to 574.

So, yes, I most assuredly believe there are those who can “foretell the future.” Jesus Himself gave us quite a glimpse of what’s ahead in Matthew 24:3-31. Read it! It will take you back some 2000 years to peer into the future!

In the meantime, be assured the rich events of Holy Week are all true.