A Theology of Risk

Is risk-taking biblical? Maybe that’s too simplistic. It depends on the risk, and perhaps, who or what the risk is for.

Risk is not inherently negative or positive. It is exchanging present or future certainty for present unrest and the hope of a greater gain. It is the accepting and bearing of vulnerability, uncertainty, and unknowns, and the possibility of loss, for a potentially great and forthcoming reward.

In a way, we all take risks. With regard to eternity, we all stake our lives on something that we ultimately cannot prove within our space and time. We all have faith, although not all faith will be rewarded, because not all faith is in a Person who always keeps His word.

The righteous will live not by sight but by faith. Yet what is faith? Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Heb. 11:1). Persevering so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what He was promised (Heb. 10:36). We read that “we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” (Heb. 10:39). We are not of the shrinking back kind because our Father is not; it is not in our spiritual DNA. We are of those who believe and are saved.

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of those we might identify as risk-takers, people who trusted God in spite of what they felt, who they were, or what other people told or thought of them. God called, and their path was evident. In Hebrews 11, we see Noah, warned about things not yet seen, building an ark to save his family. We see Abraham obeying God, going to a land God would show him, and making his home there as a foreigner. We see Moses choosing to be mistreated along with the people of God and enduring “disgrace for the sake of Christ” (Heb. 11:26), because he looked forward to his reward.

And yet, I wonder if any of these saw that for which they suffered as an actual risk. Risk revolves around uncertainty. Did it ever enter their minds that their life’s hope was rooted in anything less than worth it?

For some, perhaps no. However, I think of Elijah, a man just like us (Jas. 5:17), at Horeb, feeling alone (1 Ki. 19). I think also of John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said there is no one greater, yet who sent some of his disciples to Jesus in a time of suffering, confusion, and grief (Matt. 11:2). They chose to stand alone notwithstanding significant opposition, yet it would seem that even they required grace.

Second Samuel 10:12 offers a helpful guideline when it comes to risk. At the start of the chapter, David learns that the Ammonite king has died, and his son has succeeded him as king. Hoping to show the new king the same kindness David was shown by his father, David sends envoys. Trouble ensues, however, when the new Ammonite royal accuses the envoys of spying on the city. After abusing and humiliating them, he finally sends them away (v. 4).

When the Ammonites realize their mistake, they hire 20,000 Aramean mercenaries, another king with 1,000 of his men, and 12,000 additional soldiers from another region. On hearing this, David sends Joab and his army to meet them. However, Joab soon realizes that there are battle lines both in front and behind him. Drawing up his battle plan, Joab encourages the men, “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight” (v. 12). Soon after this, David joins with “all Israel” to defeat the Arameans, who were then too afraid to help the Ammonites anymore (v. 19).

We are called not to do what seems best to us (Prov. 14:12) but to “fight bravely,” trust in the Lord, and not lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). We are not to take for granted that tomorrow we will go and do this or that but rather say, “Lord willing” (Jas. 4:13-15). Our God knows even the possibilities of the future (1 Sam. 23). We must inquire of Him.

Most of us know at least someone we might label a “daredevil.” They seem blind or at least indifferent to the consequences of their choices, even if they could get hurt. To some, that’s admirable and hailed as true courage; others call it stupidity. Whatever the case, there are natural consequences. If you dig a pit, you may fall in; if you break or demolish a wall, you may be bitten by a snake (Eccl. 10:8).

Elsewhere in Ecclesiastes, taking a risk is honored: “Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land” (Eccl. 11:1-2). Wind-watchers and idle hands will gain nothing, but who knows what your return will be with working hands and a wise mind (Eccl. 11:4, 6)?

The following poem is a paraphrase of Joshua 3, which describes Israel preparing to cross the Jordan. Taking this move with the river at flood stage may seem like a weak strategy, or at best, horrible planning, but God has gone before them. He asks of them one step—and faith. Yes, there was unknown, but they took what we may perceive as a risk—obeying God—and behold, He provided.

As Chuck Swindoll shares, “In vain I have searched the Bible, looking for examples of early believers whose lives were marked by rigidity, predictability, inhibition, dullness, and caution.” None of this is to say that God supernaturally rewards every risk. Observation, experience, and common sense tell us that sometimes reaping what we’ve sown isn’t pleasant. However, this doesn’t mean that God abandons us or leaves us to suffer alone. Rather, He equips us to face our battles, to persevere, to be strong and fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God, and to trust the Lord to do what is good in His sight.

As David would instruct Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished” (1 Chron. 28:20). He who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). Yes, there may be some detours, hard times, and harrowing unpredictability. Yet, we can trust God to equip us, whether to finish the work we have started or take a risk and step in the Jordan.

Inquire of the Lord and obey Him. Consult with your counselors. Consider your ways. Fight bravely and follow through any Jordan the faithful leading of God.

Risk of Crossing: A Paraphrase of Joshua 3

The spies returned in joyful glee,

Confident of victory:

“For the residents of Canaan here

Have failing courage and melting fear.

All of their wealth, these fertile lands—

The Lord has given them into our hands.” Then Joshua began to set out—

In his faithful mind, no actual doubt

That God would His people deliver—

But they must cross this defiant river.

After three days of camping on shore,

The officers told them to look for

The ark of God: “Then without ado

Forsake your positions and priests pursue.

Follow God’s Presence; then you will know

Which steps to take and which way to go.

“Although the path is foreign to you,

For God, nothing is sudden or new.

Serve and seek Him with reverence and fear,

But the ark of His covenant, do not go near.”

Joshua then arose to command,

“Cleanse yourselves for what God has planned.

We do not know what tomorrow brings,

But God will do amazing things.”

Then, to the Levites, Joshua said,

“Take up the ark and go ahead.”

The Lord then spoke an assuring word

That calmed the anointed as he heard,

“Today, I’ll exalt you in Israel’s eyes

That they may clearly recognize

My power in you like your predecessor,

To triumph in Me over your aggressor.

“And tell the priests, when they see Jordan’s waves

To stand in the waters and trust He who saves.”

So Joshua warned, “Avoid indecision.

The words of your God, heed, carefully listen.

This is how you will know that He’s on our side:

He Who is among us will crush Canaan’s pride,

Bring shame to their glory and end sinful mirth,

For we place our faith in the Lord of the earth. Leading the way onto Jordan’s banks

As they march forth and sing His thanks

And hold the holy ark of their God,

The priests shall step where none have trod.

God will order the Jordan, angered and loud,

To cease its flowing—or so this He vowed.”

They gathered their children and packed each possession

While the ark of their God led the procession.

They stood anxious on shore. They were finally going

But soon saw the Jordan—ferocious and flowing.

Some may have wondered if they were wrong,

But others recalled, “Be courageous and strong.”

Encouraging hearts with divine inspiration,

The Levites resisted the natural temptation

To shrink amidst Man’s complication

And trusted the Word of the God of creation.

They stepped in the Jordan confident, knowing

That He would defend them; then water stopped flowing.

And as it gathered a distance away,

They witnessed the Lord His might display,

His grace and goodness then bestow,

And they crossed on dry ground to Jericho.

Priests stood in the middle, nature to defy,

Till thousands had passed their lifeline by.

Shall we not likewise trust our good Giver?

Who is your Israel? Where is your river?

Whom are you leading with God as your Guide?

What step shall throw your waters aside?

March onward! In God, nothing we lack.

But there is no miracle in turning back.

For we have a conquest that ever awaits,

A land to be taken, hope that resonates,

A people to train, a faith to instill,

A Master to serve, a purpose fulfill.

In our redemption, His wisdom He proved.

Now let us be steadfast, brave, and unmoved.

Be bold! Move out! Thy zeal, awaken!

What risk are you leaving untaken?

Thy Pillar will not leave you wandering, lost.

What Jordan dare you leave uncrossed?