Roll the Dice

01.25.13

Acts 1.23-26 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (NIV)

“And he was never heard from again…” This might’ve been the ending of the story of Matthias.

Peter addressed the issue of the absence of Judas Iscariot, who’d killed himself after his betrayal of Jesus (See Acts 1.15 ff.). Judas knew he’d been used and apparently felt there was no other remedy than to end his confused and tormented life. Judas’ problem was he couldn’t figure out whether he was a disciple of Christ or not. He hung around with Jesus for at least three years but his heart was confused and his loyalties were shallow. Judas never seemed to know where he really stood.

But the same could be said of many who follow the Lord; or attempt to in some manner or other. I’m not sure if Judas was the aloof kind, always with the detached and bemused look on his face; or if he was initially interested in being Jesus’ companion, but grew weary of Jesus’ “arrogant and self-centered” personality, and ministry. Sometimes God is just too much for some people.

So, to take care of the issue and to follow what they thought was God’s direction for them, Peter and the remaining disciples cast lots to see who would fill Judas’ vacant position. Sometimes you just got to roll the dice. And they did, and the numbers came up: Matthias.

This is not to disparage anyone: Peter and his associates were just trying to do what they thought they should and casting lots was a part of their understanding of how things got accomplished. After all the Roman soldiers cast lots for the Lord’s clothing – so why not cast lots for the next member of the dodecahedron? And Matthias and Justus were judged and considered and put forward: one, to be selected by God (and the dice), to fill Judas’ vacancy.

We could get into a whole theology of man’s choice or God’s choice in replacing Judas. It seems God’s choice may have been the apostle Paul. But sometimes in ministry you’ve got to just roll the dice and leave the results in God’s hands: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16.33 NIV)

My good friend Roger always said: there are four ways God answers prayer: Yes, No, Wait, or If you insist… I wonder what they’d have done if the lot had included: “neither”?

Lord, Help me to hear You entirely that I may obey You completely – amen.