Scripture Reading: Luke 1:9 (New International Version)
“he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.”
Thought for the day:
“Good Luck!” I’ve lost count of how many times this has been said to me in various circumstances. There have been times when I’m about to attend a hospital appointment and friends at work will wish me luck. The National Lottery’s logo is a hand with fingers crossed. This again symbolizes a wishing of good luck. It seems that so many lives are driven by and are dependent on chance or good fortune. I’m sure that you have friends who are desperately hoping that they’ll be lucky this week and win the lottery. I’m positive they believe that the prospect of a monetary windfall will solve all their problems.
When we first read our verse for today, it would appear that ‘chosen by lot’ is no more than luck or chance. Zechariah was lucky to be have been chosen for this particular day. Casting lots was a common way to determine an outcome when someone was seeking divine intervention. There are many instances recorded in the scripture. However, none of these are linked to good fortune or ‘luck’. In fact, the opposite is true. Proverbs 16:33 says, “We may cast lots, but the decision is wholly from the Lord” (RSV). One translation says “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” What this verse is teaching us is that you may THINK that things are happening by chance but God is behind everything. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Our lives are in His hands and we can trust Him to look after us! Zechariah was about to have an amazing encounter with God and it was all part of the plan!
Build into your life a new dimension of faith. Believe that everything that we have is coming from His hands. Trust Him, have faith in Him and not in your circumstances.
Prayer and Application:
Take some time to look back on your life, noting in your journal key moments when God appeared to step into your life. Say a short prayer of thanksgiving, praising Him for being in your life.