On the suggestion of someone tonight I might be looking through the book of Acts the next little while.
This from the end of chapter one – basically saying how they replaced Judas as a leader… Read away:
“20”For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,
” ‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’[d] and,
” ‘May another take his place of leadership.’[e] 21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
To find it mildly ironic in our ‘choice of leadership’ – which was something high on the discussion agenda tonight although Judas is no comparison to anyone much. The disciples prayed and they ended up casting lots.
It just makes them seem a heck of a lot more human.
Sometimes we haven’t a clue.
I don’t think casting lots is really a good way to go about things though – seems a bit erm, divination like?
Who knows 1am theology probably isn’t too good.
I think you’ll find upon your wandering back through the OT is that it’s happened before – whether it be casting lots, or laying fleeces, or whatever. There’s a precedence set, and it certainly seemed to work.
oh yeah I’m aware of that… I’ve just never really gotten how it was helpful.
It’s a toss the coin approach (with a bit of God in it perhaps)
maybe thats simply how it is when we are making descisions – even without using lots, fleeces, coins or the odd sheep.