12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus-- 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." 18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 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,' and, " 'May another take his place of leadership.' 21 Therefore 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, 22 beginning 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." 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Would we say Matthias "won the lottery?" Good thing they were in an "upper room". My dad would have said "don't you dare bring those dice into my church!"
And...nobody would ever have heard of Matthias.
But, is it gambling if the Holy Spirit does it? Hardly...it's a "sure thing". So, if the Holy Spirit want me to win Powerball...?
I wonder how many angels can dance on the head of a pin...
OK, what's my point? Simply this. We tend to confuse strategy with tactics. In warfare, the "strategic" is essential (what "must" be accomplished to achieve our goal). The "tactical" is expedient (what "seems" to be an effective plan). If our strategy fails we lose the war. If our tactics fail we adapt and fight another day. Moshe Dayan lost 1,000 tanks on the first day of the "Six Day War" (1967). When asked how he suffered such casualties General Dayan responded "The first casualty of war is the plan. We were never able to execute our plan".
A war, by the way, which Israel won handily. I expect he changed tactics.
We tend to get confused about the distinction. We think Holy living is tactical (expedient) while establishing a "praise service" is a strategic (essential). We're curious about the "casting lots" tactic without remembering it was premised upon a critical strategy. Their goal was to appoint another disciple. The strategy was ingenious. In their own wisdom they could easily select another Judas. So...have God decide. They prayed "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen".
Tell me how the Holy Spirit might have otherwise revealed God's will. "Eeny, meeny, miney, mo?" How is this substantively different from casting lots? The "godly" alternative is secret ballot I suppose. This is how our churches make every decision. It's nearly sacramental when the elders get together to vote.
Trust me...casting lots as a lot safer. I say this because I suspect Peter didn't want any hint of human influence in the result. Polling the disciples meant human preference would be insinuated into the process...bringing uncertainty to the result. Only God controls the "roll of the dice". If we are to make a difference we must be strategic thinkers (have God decide) with a tactical plan. Any plan that serves our strategy will be effective.
The Great Commission is our grand strategy...with four strategic pillars
"Lord, show me where you want me to go" ("I want you to go into all the world")
"Lord, show me what you want me to do" ("I want you to make disciples")
"Lord, show me what you want me to say" ("I want you to tell them to obey me")
"Lord, show me how you want it done" ("I want my Spirit to do it through you")
What might a good tactical plan look like? I suggest that the life of Christ (as recounted in the Gospels)provides a great tactical roadmap for achieving this strategy. The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a' Kempis) is another great source. After all, if it worked for Jesus...
Then again, I've known saints who do little more than impede strategic ends. If we only live like Christ so we can feel better about ourselves we run the danger of being inconsequential...even harmful...to the grand strategy. You know..."so heavenly minded we are of no earthly good"
The work is a strategic work. Unfortunately some folks simply cannot think strategically. We will always find folks eager to question our tactics...even condemn them at times. Don't listen to them. We evaluate our tactics in light of our strategy, not human opinion. The Holy Spirit is the only evaluator we need.
Live boldly out there today...
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