May 7, 2018
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26…“And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.” vs. 26
It seems like there should have been a better way for the disciples to find a replacement for Judas. They had the sense that the number 12 was important, mostly for its symbolic value. They had all been called so it wasn’t a job for a volunteer. Finally, after weighing the obvious credentials, they managed to get the number of candidates down to two. At that point, wanting to give God the final choice, they cast lots, and Matthias was picked. It sounds almost superstitious but we can easily understand their action. We still do it! Often in the course of a lifetime we face decisions that could easily go one of two ways: a move, a job, a movie, maybe even a date, and we flip a coin or draw straws. We have the sense that there will be divine direction in whatever comes up, but mostly what it means is that either of the choices probably would be okay. In reality, these situations are all about us and our decision making. Sometimes we’re just afraid to make that final choice and casting lots is one way of avoidance. Perhaps it would be better to weigh evidence and make the tough call ourselves and not blame God or a higher power. The good news is that God’s work will get done through us–even when we make poor choices.
Thought for the Day: When is flipping a coin necessary?
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