Start by reading todays passage please.
Patience, Patience, Patience. Why do these verses keep popping up? I am sure that I can tell you. They are all for me. Although, I am getting better. I never thought that a patient person should be more decorated than a soldier. Did you?
The second verse talks about 'casting lots'. Casting lots was a way of making decisions in Biblical times. I did some googling to see if I could find a better way to explain it, and I really liked what answerstoprayer.org had to say, so I hope that you don't mind if I copy it here for you:
Casting lots is quite Biblical. The word "lots" appears 70 times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament.
It was used by priests to separate the scapegoat from the one being sacrificed: Lev 16:8 "He is to cast lots for the two goats--one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat." NIV
It was used to divide the promised land among the Israelites: Num 26:55 "Be sure that the land is distributed by lot." NIV
Several functions in the Temple were determined by lots: 1 Chron 24:5 "They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar." NIV
The sailors on Jonah's boat determined who was responsible for that terrible storm by casting lots (notice that the guilty party was discovered that way!): Jonah 1:7 "Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah." NIV
When the apostles met after Jesus ascended to heaven they determined who would replace Judas by casting lots: Acts 1:26 "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." NIV
None of the Biblical illustrations of casting lots had to do with games of chance. Every time it was used, the Israelites depended on the Lord 100% to reveal to them His will. It was an impartial way to find God's will when choices had to occur. This concept is still applicable today. In all our decisions we should impartially depend on God and search for His decisions.
However, the book of Proverbs indicate some neat things about casting lots:
Prov 18:18 "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart." NIV
Prov 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." NIV
In close, how about we flip a little coin. Go grab a quarter and flip it. Heads or Tails. Heads you Pray for my patience, Tails you pray for yours. Ha...just being silly. Have a good rest of your day.
This was interesting, Tonya. Long ago when I first heard of the Urim and Thummim, I was so intrigued. To me, it just shows us again, how completely aware of our situations, and how in control He really is! He guides us in so many ways; He even used casting of lots in those verses.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I really learned something today. I had no idea about the lots, just always thought of it in terms of gambling. My bad.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for your patience, but not for mine...I don't want any more trials than I have already! Ha!!!