Reckless Decisions

https://odb.org/MY/2022/09/20/reckless-decisions

Driving fast in the rain is dangerous even in these modern times with ABS brakes and a host of advanced driving assistance (ADA) systems like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane change monitor, driver attention alerts etc. Thus if we chose to drive fast in the rain, we could be regarded as having driven recklessly.

In the heat of a moment when emotions run high, we may make decisions or take actions we may regret later. In the case of Moses, for some reason, he chose not to listen fully to God’s instructions and instead relied on his time-tested method of using his staff on the rock to bring forth water for the community. Some say it could be he wanted to be like the magicians of old showing off his powers. But I think it’s more like he was under tremendous pressure then and thus relied on what worked in the past, forgetting that God is holy and God is God. Since the LORD had said to speak to the rock, why did Moses misinterpret it to mean to use his staff like he did in previous times? In retrospect, it may look silly to disobey, but at the heat of the moment in the split second, Moses chose the status quo, the tried and tested method. A similar situation was experienced by Saul, and he entered the Holy place and offered the LORD the burnt offering without waiting for Samuel, the high priest, who was the only one authorised to do so at that time. He acted hastily as he was under tremendous pressure to appease the troops. Saul’s case, though, was not to rely on the status quo but to take matters into his own hands, which, unfortunately for him, he was prohibited to do.

I think there are two lessons here. One is don’t act or decide in a rush or at the heat of the moment. Our decisions or actions will most likely be emotionally and unduly influenced and will not be the best. Take time to withdraw to pray and consider carefully. Seek God for guidance and wisdom. Don’t decide and act hastily.

The other lesson is that we must trust God at His Word. If He calls us, we must respond as He says. We mustn’t rationalise and put our own spin and interpret His Word in a safe and conventional manner, which is our human tendency. Dare to move out of our comfort zone and step out in faith and do new things. Embrace fresh ideas as God instructs. We will notice that the consequence of the reckless decision was far worse in the case of Saul compared to Moses. Moses is still revered as the person appointed by God to bring the Israelites out of slavery and bondage in Egypt into the Promised Land, although he himself did not enter. Saul, on the other hand, is known as the person who took matters into his own hands and lost the crown as a result.