The Hope of the Believer . . .

IS BIBLICAL ADVICE ALWAYS RIGHT?

Cecil Hook  

If I were as astute as Gamaliel, I would be too wise to question his judgments. But this denser mind is brash enough to challenge his applauded advice.

The Jewish council wanted to kill the apostles whom they had arrested (Acts 5:33-39). Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, cooled the members by advice to "keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!"

His cool-headed wisdom has been praised generally. But is a non-intervention policy wise in meeting the issues around us? Are we to leave problems alone to test by time whether they are of God or man by their success or failure? Is it true that all the unholy undertakings of men fail? Was it best not to oppose Mohammed, Hitler, and Stalin? And what of fighting against the liquor industry, the drug traffic, or the invading army? To say that God will take care of evil men in the judgment does not take care of the present. And that is not what Gamaliel had in mind.

Because a condition continues unabated does not mean that it is the work or will of God. We can hardly accept that the death of masses by starvation or disease or that people die in sin is God's will. When we work to prevent or alleviate these, we are not opposing God. Who will advise a neutral policy like Gamaliel proposed?

For disciples to explain some tragedy by shrugging, "It was just the will of God," seems very inadequate.

I know that some of my questions lead off in the direction of skepticism. Should we do what God could do but does not do? How responsible am I for feeding the starving in Ethiopia or Cambodia? God knows that they are starving and he could give them rain and crops, or even send manna. Must innocent people suffer due to my lack of concern or my non-involvement like Gamaliel advised? I help some, but how much does God expect of me? Should I sell my second car order to intervene?

Maybe we need another Gamaliel to give us the answers. —1350 Huisache, New Braunfels, Tx. 78130

Jesus made us free. Paul is the great champion of our freedom, sounding a call for freedom, defending it, and giving a challenge to all who are free. "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another" (Gal. 5:13). Paul would have us to follow the Spirit rather than a code of laws so we will respond to an internal control instead of an external one. The spirit works through our intelligence and understanding in guiding us. Cecil Hook, Free as Sons, p.2.