Casting Lots - 1/17/10pm

Proverbs 16:33 -Casting lots, the decision is God’s

In the Old Testament
It seems that exactly what form casting lots took in the Old Testament is unclear. Evidently, some small objects, such as pebbles, were marked in some way and then thrown in some way as to differentiate the two. The idea was to remove the human element and choices and depend solely on the Lord.
Leviticus 16:7-10 -The sin offering and the scapegoat
Joshua 18:3-10 -The dividing of the promised land by lot
Jonah 1:1-16 -Jonah is chosen by lot as the cause of the storm
Psalm 22:14-18 -They cast lots for my clothing

In the New Testament
In the New Testament we are shown that not only those who followed the Lord cast lots in order to turn the decision over to the Lord, but it was also used by pagans to determine according to “fate,” “luck,” or the perceived will of other “gods.” It seems to have taken the form of small pieces of wood or stone that were marked, placed in a bag, and the thrown out. The first one out of the bag was what was chosen.
John 19:23-25 -Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing
Acts 1:15-26 -Lots are cast, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas

Submission to God
The casting of lots was done in submission to God. Whatever the Lord decided, the one casting lots had determined to do, no matter the outcome. We should have this same humility and attitude of obedience to the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
James 4:1-17 -Submit yourselves to the Lord
Hebrews 12:7-11 -Submit to the Father
Isaiah 53:1-12 -The submission and humility of the Christ
Philippians 2:5-8 -Be like Christ in humble submission to the Father