READING: PROVERBS 16:20-33 TEXT: v33
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
The lot which is referred to here was a small stone cast into a lap or
perhaps more likely an urn or pot (suggested in the original) and was
used by the Hebrews to discern the will of God on certain matters. In
itself, there was nothing wrong or intrinsically evil in the practice.
God Himself authorised its use when dealing out the land portions when
the COI came into Canaan: And Moses commanded the children of Israel,
saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD
commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe: Num
34:13 And again, in Lev 16:8-9 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two
goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And
Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer
him for a sin offering. If there was anything morally evil with the lot
as it stands in itself, then the LORD would not have His name &
cause identified with it in any shape or form. It is true to say that
it was also used by the heathen in religious matters - the men on board
Jonah’s ship used the lot to discern who the offender was among
them and the lot led them to Jonah, just as the use of the lot in an
earlier age for the same purpose had led the COI to Achan in Joshua 7.
The fact that the heathen adopted this practice does not make it wrong.
Men have always been interested in the lot for various reasons. The
gambling business uses it quite extensively. The lottery (note the
name) & the various machines whether card games or one armed
bandits or the roulette table with its ball spinning round at apparent
random only to stop in a certain place have proved to have had a
drawing effect upon men. The air is often heavy as the wheel slows down
and the ball tantalisingly spins round the rim, slowing likewise to
stop in a particular slot. No man can predict what slot. If he could he
would be a millionaire. If he could predict the numbers in the lottery,
he would be a millionaire. What interest lies in the lot. The gambler
discerns that anything can happen as the wheel is spun or the coin
tossed or the dice rolled and he is willing to risk his money
accordingly.
Our text has somewhat to say about the lot. Whether used in a
legitimate fashion or used for covetous purposes, the disposing of that
lot - it’s final result - is firmly gripped in the hand of God.
This thought has far reaching implications. We want to see some of them
now:
1) THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN LUCK OR CHANCE SHOULD SERIOUSLY RETHINK THEIR POSITION:
A/ Why do many people believe in what they call luck or chance?
They see the little balls all jumbled up in the box - or the tickets
put in at random - the spinning wheel etc., - they believe that there
is no controlling force apart from gravity. Why?
[1] No knowledge of God esp. the doctrine of His sovereignty. Sovereignty of God?
That God has complete & unrivalled control over His creatures &
exercises it without any outside influence or interference. Taught in
several places: Dan 4:35/Eph 1:11/Matt 20:15/Isaiah 46:10
Often it suits men to so remain ignorant: Romans 1:28/2 Peter 3:5
Testifies to innate knowledge in man: he is subject to a Greater Power.
Belief in luck/chance is a superstitious religion. Next step: Rabbit’s foot.
[2] Often he has no real purpose in life. Just get bread on the
table…but no thought of living for God’s glory. Somehow a
ball spinning round a wheel in a haphazard fashion is v. appropriate
for him. Look into a dingy gambling joint & see aimless teenagers
gamble: Vanity of vanities.
[3] Such aimlessness needs excitement & provided by luck provides it esp. when money is at risk.
B) Maybe someone knowledgeable asks: Does the Bible not teach chance?
Ans: No! It does use the word chance on a number of occasions, but the word
properly refers to that which is controlled by God.
Lk 10:31 (Samaritan) None of the people involved planned the event -
outside of human planning & control - but not outside of
God’s. Note however the use of the word "certain" - there was
something certain (as far as God was concerned) about this incident but
man did not plan it so.
C) It is most foolish to continue believing in that which does not exist!
"I will take the chance!" is a dream & a bubble. Soon burst: Hebrews 4:13
2) IF EVEN THE OUTCOME OF THE LOT IS ALREADY DECREED, THEN WHAT OF MORE WEIGHTIER MATTERS?
God is so big/great as to involve Himself in the spinning of every
coin. No occasion in which the lot is used where He in His omnipresence
is not there. Man stands helpless as the coin spins in mid
air…God has aforetime arranged the result. What sovereign power
is on display.
To many the lotto is just some fun. You win - you lose. You lost - so what?
Point is this: If God involves Himself here - what in the more weighty
matters where the destiny & final result matters exceedingly?
A/ What about the Cross of the Lord Jesus? Was it planned of God?
Or did it all go wrong & God made last minute adaptations? Or did
Jesus "go as it was written?" What does it mean when it says: "His hour
had not yet come?" (numerous) Yes…planned of God. Every single
detail part of the ordained plan.
The outcome (disposing thereof) is in the hands of God.
That’s why the salvation experience must have the Cross central.
God has owned the Cross, because He cannot do anything else. It’s
His doing.
B/ The salvation of God? The application of the finished work of Christ.
Is it haphazard? If nobody chose to believe (and the free will teaching
must allow for such a possibility) would Christ have died in vain?
Is the Christian worker at the whim of human fancy?
Or is there a people by Divine appointment ordained to eternal life?
Lydia (Acts 16:14) shows: God must do all ? 2 Peter 1:4 This isn’t chance!
3) WE DO NOT USE THE LOT ANY MORE TO DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD - WE HAVE A BETTER WAY.
A/ Although used in NT to elect new apostle (Acts 1:23-26) never used
again by the church after the Day of Pentecost: John 16:13.
New dispensation: Hebrews 1:1
B/ Furthermore…we have a complete Bible (2 Peter 1:19) Psalm 119:105/130
So it is to the word of God we look for directions.
Saving faith can never by pass the Bible: Romans 10:17/Luke 16:31.
C/ What is to be found in the lot even when the disposing thereof is in God’s hand?
To use the lot, you must put propositions to it: Barsabus or Matthias?
Or it is for speculating purposes? Cf. with the promises of the Book.
God is doing the talking: 2 Peter 1:4
4) THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD OFTEN BACKS UP AND ADDS WEIGHT TO WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY:
A/ God is sovereign & often brings things to pass which supports
Biblical truth & so increases man’s responsibility to believe.
ILLUSTRATION:
The Puritan preacher, John Flavel spoke of a Christian woman in
distress who so doubted her salvation that she flung a glass to the
ground & said that as surely as the glass broke, she was a damned
soul. Glass didn’t break. Would be folly for her to pin her hope
for eternity solely on a glass that should’ve broke but
didn’t. But coupled with God's word (verses like John 10:28) give
a different story.
B/ Whilst we have here strong proof for God’s
sovereignty…never let us forget man’s responsibility.
Stated clearly also: previous verse (v32). The two run perfectly
together. God's sovereignty never negates man's responsibility. Man is
still commanded to seek the Lord (Isaiah 55:6) He should do so
immediately.
THE END
Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt
(Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland