When a crisis arises, that moment does not always allow time to prepare a response. There is something in man that makes him want to thrust the crisis away, to avoid the situation, to put off the decision for a “more convenient time.” It’s tempting, and too often we allow our “wait and see” inclination to rule our decision. Tragedy is often the result.
In 2 Samuel 17:1-14 David’s son, Absalom, put his own father to flight, wresting the throne from him. David was fleeing for his life and that of his family. By taking advantage of the circumstances, Absalom could have had the throne all to himself.
Absalom sought advice from his associates, and he received two possible channels of operation:
- Ahithophel, Absalom’s friend and confidant, advised swift action. “Arise and pursue after David this night.” Don’t wait! Strike now!
- Hushai, another trusted associate, was hesitant. He advised Absalom to wait because David would be like a mother bear “robbed of her cubs.” His counsel was to wait for a more favorable occasion.
If you know the story, taking the “wait and see” advice cost Absalom his life and restored David to his throne. To plan and prepare is wise, but “wait and see” in this narrative was fatal advice.
The days that followed Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection were filled with emotion and turmoil. For the Jewish leaders who hoped to rid themselves of Jesus’ influence, tough decisions awaited. In Acts chapter 5, His apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin to be rebuked for preaching the Gospel. The Council feared arousing the people’s anger.
A most respected rabbi, Gamaliel, was asked to advise them, and he gave the following counsel:
“Let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it,” Acts 5:38-39.
In other words, “Let’s just wait and see.”
As for the immediate hopes of the Council, the advice of Gamaliel was disastrous, for Christianity flourished and grew. For them, “wait and see” failed.
I’m aware of the need for wise, careful thinking when a crisis arises. I know that “shooting from the hip,” while satisfying, is often foolish and unfruitful. But neither is the “wait and see” attitude always wise. Our response to a challenge reveals the strength of our convictions. Some always want to avoid stress, to remove the decision from the present. “Wait and see” may appear to be the way to resolve a crisis, but it doesn’t always work. It is enticing, but it can also be deceptive. Prudence, yes! But compromise, never!
Someone has said there are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things happen; those who watch what happens; and those who have no idea what is happening. Where do we fit into this picture? Some believe Gamaliel was merely looking for the easy way out of the controversy. Just waiting to see what happens, avoiding the tough decision.
Does this have anything to do with us? How does this fit our circumstances? Think about it for a moment. Perhaps one of our brothers or sisters seems to be drifting spiritually, becoming less interested in spiritual matters, and we seldom see them in worship. What should we do? What do you suggest? Should we just “wait and see” if they recover on their own? No, we should do as instructed in Galatians 6:1:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in a spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Another question: Let us say that a brother or sister begins to teach things that are not in harmony with scripture. As leaven, they spread division, sowing discord among brethren. What should we do; wait and see if he/she comes back to truth on their own? Or wait until they move away? No, we must deal with their error and correct the situation, Titus 1:9-11. Seldom does false doctrine go away quietly. As with disease, the longer we wait the worse it can become.
Gamaliel and the Sanhedrin waited, and the religion of Christ “turned the world upside down,” Acts 17:6. We rejoice in that, but we must act responsibly, whether it is easy or not.
