Gabriel talks to God

'I was wondering,' said Gabriel to God in heaven, 'how things will go on in
the forthcoming olympics. Who gets the most gold medals?'

God gave Gabriel a long look. 'I can't tell you that, Gabriel,' he said.
'I know of course because I am all-knowing, but I wouldn't have a reputation
for secrecy if I blurted out everything that was going to happen.'

'They say that China, the host for the games, is going to win the most
medals,' said Gabriel. 'I found that out in the heavenly library, but what
I want to know is suppose one of the runners who was going to win suddenly
sprained his ankle, would you know that was going to happen?

'I remember the facts, Gabriel,' said God. 'I would know that he was going
to break his ankle, not that he was going to win, because I only know what
is going to happen, not what might happen.'

'I understand that,' said Gabriel, 'but to take a different example, suppose
someone was about to stab Jesus with a knife, would you let him go ahead,
knowing that it was going to mean there was no crucifixion and
resurrection?'

'I stick to the facts, Gabriel,' said God. 'No-one stabbed Jesus.'