Loaded Dice
November 16, 2008
Acts 1:21-26 ESV
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Thi9s must have been a disappointment to Barsabbas. I mean, he had been following Jesus for years but not one of the chosen ones. Now he has his big chance and it come down to him and Matthias. Ans what do the do, they draw lots. Drawing lots is like throwing dice for the chance. Except did you know that the dice are loaded.
My pastor, Bob Yandian, preached a service once on 'Loaded Dice'. Do you realize that nothing catches God off guard. His plan B is really plan A from another direction. God was putting Barsabbas in a role for something else. He would later change his name to Barnabus and travel with Paul and lead many people to Christ. What if he had gotten the postion of Apostle and had to hang around and do things.
There are people who should go and those who should stay. God knows which are which and sets things up for us. Next time it looks like you are in a postion of ministry that seems to be going nowhere, know that God has you where He needs you.
