Prov 18:18 NIrV) Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart.
I really like it when we come across a verse, which refers to a practice is that was common back then but uncommon today. It is always interesting to me to see how the cultural nuances of Biblical times apply to us today. Here is one of those topics: the casting of lots. In modern terms, casting lots is akin to rolling dice or flipping a coin. It is a method of coming up with a solution that seems completely random.
However, in Biblical times, they believed that God could work through anything, even something as seemingly random as casting lots. So when a difficult situation arose - something that could not be resolved by any other means - they resorted to casting lots. The practice of casting lots, and whatever the outcome was, would put an end to all strife, because each party would submit to it and acquiesce in it.
That's pretty cool. Basically they would say, "Hey, we are going to ask God to settle this through the casting of lost and whatever the result of the lots are, then we will take that to be God's will." And just like that, the lots were cast, the decision was made, and the issue was settled. Solomon tells us that this practice would keep even the strongest enemies from violence.
The practice of casting lots was not just used as a mechanism by which to settle disputes. This practice was used in a variety of situations where the will of God was unknown and desired. For example, David used this practice to divide the priests (1st Chron 24:5); Jonathan, Saul's son, was identified as having disobeyed his father's command by lot (1st Sam 14:41-42); and Judas' replacement (as an Apostle) was selected this way.
Let's take a closer look at this last one. We all know that Judas betrayed Jesus and subsequently committed suicide. Well, his actions created an opening on the Apostolic team. The Apostles whittled down the selection to two men. However, as is often the case, when the selection gets to this point it is hard to decide, because all those that make the final consideration phase are good candidates.
Luke records what they wound up doing: "They nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, "O Lord, You know every heart. Show us which of these men You have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven" (Acts 1:23-26).
Did you catch that? They prayed, they asked for God's guidance, and then they cast lots, fully believing that God was part of the process and that He would determine the outcome. This message was driven home in chapter 16 when Solomon wrote: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" (16:33). A modern translation of that verse reads: "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall."
So what does this mean to you? It means that God is sovereign and He can see to it that His Kingdom purposes come to pass, even through something that seems completely random. Listen; there is no such thing as luck or chance. Now, I am not advocating you go out and buy some dice today so you can know God's will. No, as Spirit-filled believer I am convinced you can know God's will by simply asking Him in prayer and by listening to the confirming inner witness of the Spirit. But remember, these people asked God to get involved in the process and He did. You must do the same. If you don't get Him involved He will stand by and watch as you make decisions on your own.
Believe me, that is NOT the way you want to live!
Father, I thank You for reminding me this morning of Your providence. I sincerely want you to be part of every area and aspect of my life. Therefore, I declare that I will get You involved. I welcome Your wisdom, guidance, and direction. I want You to speak to me and since I am a Born-Again believer, Your Spirit lives in me and He gives me an inner confirming witness concerning those things I should and should not do. Thank You Father for manifesting Your goodness in my life, time and time again. I trust You to lead me every day and in every way! In Jesus' name. Amen!
I really like it when we come across a verse, which refers to a practice is that was common back then but uncommon today. It is always interesting to me to see how the cultural nuances of Biblical times apply to us today. Here is one of those topics: the casting of lots. In modern terms, casting lots is akin to rolling dice or flipping a coin. It is a method of coming up with a solution that seems completely random.
However, in Biblical times, they believed that God could work through anything, even something as seemingly random as casting lots. So when a difficult situation arose - something that could not be resolved by any other means - they resorted to casting lots. The practice of casting lots, and whatever the outcome was, would put an end to all strife, because each party would submit to it and acquiesce in it.
That's pretty cool. Basically they would say, "Hey, we are going to ask God to settle this through the casting of lost and whatever the result of the lots are, then we will take that to be God's will." And just like that, the lots were cast, the decision was made, and the issue was settled. Solomon tells us that this practice would keep even the strongest enemies from violence.
The practice of casting lots was not just used as a mechanism by which to settle disputes. This practice was used in a variety of situations where the will of God was unknown and desired. For example, David used this practice to divide the priests (1st Chron 24:5); Jonathan, Saul's son, was identified as having disobeyed his father's command by lot (1st Sam 14:41-42); and Judas' replacement (as an Apostle) was selected this way.
Let's take a closer look at this last one. We all know that Judas betrayed Jesus and subsequently committed suicide. Well, his actions created an opening on the Apostolic team. The Apostles whittled down the selection to two men. However, as is often the case, when the selection gets to this point it is hard to decide, because all those that make the final consideration phase are good candidates.
Luke records what they wound up doing: "They nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, "O Lord, You know every heart. Show us which of these men You have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven" (Acts 1:23-26).
Did you catch that? They prayed, they asked for God's guidance, and then they cast lots, fully believing that God was part of the process and that He would determine the outcome. This message was driven home in chapter 16 when Solomon wrote: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" (16:33). A modern translation of that verse reads: "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall."
So what does this mean to you? It means that God is sovereign and He can see to it that His Kingdom purposes come to pass, even through something that seems completely random. Listen; there is no such thing as luck or chance. Now, I am not advocating you go out and buy some dice today so you can know God's will. No, as Spirit-filled believer I am convinced you can know God's will by simply asking Him in prayer and by listening to the confirming inner witness of the Spirit. But remember, these people asked God to get involved in the process and He did. You must do the same. If you don't get Him involved He will stand by and watch as you make decisions on your own.
Believe me, that is NOT the way you want to live!
Father, I thank You for reminding me this morning of Your providence. I sincerely want you to be part of every area and aspect of my life. Therefore, I declare that I will get You involved. I welcome Your wisdom, guidance, and direction. I want You to speak to me and since I am a Born-Again believer, Your Spirit lives in me and He gives me an inner confirming witness concerning those things I should and should not do. Thank You Father for manifesting Your goodness in my life, time and time again. I trust You to lead me every day and in every way! In Jesus' name. Amen!
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