October 28, 2021 -- Proverbs 16:33 -- The Decision that Makes You

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The lot is cast into the lap,
   but its every decision is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:33 ESV

Casting lots to make a decision seems very random indeed. At this point is it important to know the biblical background. The priest of God would have black and white stones. When the people of God were seeking to know the will of God, the priest would throw these urim and thummim (as these black and white stones are called). Whatever turned up would then be affirmed as the decision of the LORD, the Ruler of Heaven and Earth Who leads His people.

The point is this, the LORD knows His will for His people. He rules even over the things that seem merely like chance or coincidence. In all things, in every age and all times, the LORD our God is making His will know and governing according to His just and good decision. This means nothing in our universe is random. The LORD directs all things according to His holy purposes.

Yesterday I listened to a secular podcast given by Simon Sinek. He mentioned his mentor using this phrase: “be careful when you make a decision for your decision will make you”. It is a very clever phrase. It is good advice. Oftentimes people will feel like their actions are random, or just happened. However, if a person would examine his prior decisions, he would be able to determine the root which bore the fruit of a bad action.

Conversely, a Christian who makes the decision to serve the LORD has been grafted into Jesus Christ. Jesus is the root and foundation of every good action. When a Christian is faced with a difficult choice, what he chooses to do has already been set into motion by the prior decision to serve the LORD. Pre-marital sex? It is ruled out by the decision to serve the LORD and honour God with our bodies. Gluttony (and this is the one I struggle against) it is ruled out by the prior decision to honour God by what I eat and choose not to eat and so honour Go with my body. When you see me, you’ll know I am failing in this—but be aware I have a standard in Christ and a desire to be faithful. Therefore I have a basis for what is right and wrong. I mention this not as justification, but humbly seeking the strength of God to continue to direct me in the path of righteousness, the path set out by the prior, good decision to serve Jesus.

Christianity seems to many Christians to be a long list of “don’t do that”. This is a terrible misunderstanding of Christianity. It begins with with making a decision that will make you. Christianity begins with saying “Yes” to Jesus Christ. Christianity is a series of steps consecutively walked whereby the one who has chosen to serve the LORD in all things brings his actions in line with that original and excellent decision to serve the LORD in all things. What follows then are decisions that are not random, but directly guided by the Spirit of God Who is Christ’s Governor-General placed in our hearts. The Spirit applies the word to our heart and mind and the Spirit gives us courage to apply wisdom to support the original, good decision to follow Jesus Christ. This is the decision you made that now makes you, according to the good purposes of our God and King.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not from You presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Amen
(The prayer is based on Psalm 51:10-12)

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