Monday, August 3, 2015
Acts 1:26 Then they drew lots, and the lot fell to Mathias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
SEEKING THE LORD'S BLESSING
Today when pastors or teachers are called, the voting members of our congregations do not cast lots. They use their God-given good judgment and vote to elect a candidate. It seems to us that we would generally get a better decision if each one contributes his good judgment by means of voting.
But is voting really any more reliable? Proverbs 16:33 says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." And that is really what makes the difference, isn't it? Whether we cast lots, or vote, or have a committee vote, or have a bishop appoint them, or whatever method we may use, the most important part is seeking the LORD's blessing. And when the disciples chose Mathias, it was during the days when they "all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14).
And what about other decisions -- like the choice of boyfriends and girlfriends, fiances and fiancees, husbands and wives. In some societies the parents arrange the wedding when the children are quite small; in others, when the children are of marriageable age. Elsewhere just the father makes the decision. Abraham sent his servant to choose a wife for his son Isaac.
I am glad that in our society, the selection of a life-long mate is left to the two people involved, but does that really insure any better choice than sending a servant, or casting lots. Isn't it still the Lord who must bless if we are to be blessed? And could He not guide and bless through any of the methods mentioned? So let us not think that it is our method of choosing that makes all the difference. Rather let us remember to seek God's guidance. He knew how to save us from certain hell-fire, and did so at the cost of His own dear Son. In His hands we are safe. "The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 22:37).
