Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 10
Observant people recognize a phenomenon called the “law of unintended consequences.” Simply put, we implement what we think is a solution to one problem only to see it create brand new problems. This very phrase appeared in a recent article on video reviews in the NFL. Multiple camera angles and super slow motion have failed to banish controversy. Instead, games have gotten longer; rules are being completely redefined and even on-air rules experts disagree with official game decisions. What was supposed to clarify has muddied the water.
This law was in operation after Israel insisted on having a civil ruler appointed over them. After the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon, the unified kingdom suffered an acrimonious split into a northern faction (Israel) and a southern faction (Judah). The long range effect of this split was the decline of both factions and the eventual exile of Abraham’s descendants.
God warned the people of this eventuality not only by contemporary prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah but through more distant voices beginning with Moses (cf. Dt. 28; 31:14-32:47). When we turn a deaf ear to credible sources and follow our own judgment, we may find ourselves facing unforeseen consequences.
Human reason only takes us so far: “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer 10:23); “lean not on your own understanding” (Pr 3:5). Wisdom originates with God, but we must pray for it (Jas 1:5) and diligently seek it (Pr 2:1-9).
