The time? About ten centuries before the birth of Christ. David is king but his son Absalom has declared himself to be “king.” David has to flee for his life from his own son and is in exile beyond the Jordan River. Absalom seeks the advice of two men: Question: Should we attack David’s forces now, or should we wait until we are stronger?
Ahithophel replies, “Give me twelve thousand men and I will arise and pursue after David this night,” 2 Samuel 17:1.
Hushai advised Absalom to wait until his forces were stronger and David’s anger had diminished.
In other words, Ahithophel says to go to battle now, but Hushai says wait a while. The advice of Hushai was taken – and it was fatal to Absalom.
Travel with me several centuries ahead to the events of Acts chapter 5. Jesus has been crucified and His frightened disciples have dispersed, John 18-20. Jesus’ resurrection had brought courage and resolve to them – but persecution has begun. Because they have refused to cease preaching about Jesus, Acts 5, some of the apostles are brought before the Council and threatened with death. The apostles are not so fearful that they have given up, responding to Jewish leaders’ threats with:“We must obey God rather than men,” Acts 5:29.
Now enters the most renowned rabbi, Gamaliel. His advice is sought concerning the spread of the teachings of Christ. What was his advice?
“I say unto you, keep away from these men and 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 – lest you be found to fight against God,” Acts 5:38-39.
Again, his solution was to “Wait,” much like the advice given by Hushai, words that culminated in Absalom’s death. Plus, the advice of Gamaliel was counter to the intentions of the Jews of that day, for Christians were becoming stronger daily. By the time of the events of Acts 17:6, it was being said that Christians had “turned the world upside down.” As wise he was, Gamaliel’s advice was not what he and the Pharisees were hoping for.
I admit to having little or no knowledge of modern military strategy. And I understand the desire of a person to receive advice that is easiest to fulfill. I also realize that to “wait” may sometimes be better than hurrying into a matter before one is prepared. There are times, however, when “wait” is not only not good strategy; it is, in fact a terrible, deadly “solution”. Some actions are so imperative that to “wait” completely eliminates the possibility of the end results being the right thing in the long run.
How do you respond to a crisis? Someone has said:“There are three kinds of people in the world: Those who watch what happens, those who make things happen, and those who have no idea what is happening.
I completely understand the desire to avoid the crises that come upon us human beings. I know how easy it is to regard with great respect the advice that demands the least on my part, the least danger, the least controversy, the least possibility of confrontation from a decision we have to make.
A former student called me some time ago with a serious problem that had arisen where he was a member. A man, formerly an elder in that church, was slowly drifting away from the Lord, and in fact had just told his children he was going to divorce their mother and marry a younger woman.
The current elders met and discussed what should be done, and they decided they should just wait and see what happened. One even used Acts 5:38-39 to justify their “waiting.” My caller was asked to attend that meeting and was shocked at their decision. A week later he called again and the man had already moved out of his home and moved in with the other woman. What were the elders going to do now? You guessed it – they were going to “wait” again and give him “time to come to his senses.”
Have you ever noticed a Christian who gradually, slowly drifted away from the Lord? Have you ever wondered what you should do? Have you ever decided the best action to take would be to just “wait and let him come to his senses”?
What if a brother or sister in Christ begins to embrace something that is foreign to Bible teaching? Do you think the proper action would be to “wait a while until he comes to his senses”?
Seldom does serious illness – or sin – go away of its own accord. Paul heard of Peter’s hypocrisy and rebuked him. He even did so publicly, Galatians 2:11-14. Peter praised Paul because he knew Paul loved him, 2 Peter 3:15. Sometimes the best choice is the hardest to make. But we must never be afraid to do what must be done when it must be done. Let’s not be “wait and see” Christians.
