When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it.’ This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, ‘They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. John 19:23-25
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it.’ This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, ‘They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing” John 19:23-25.
We are now in the middle of Easter week and see prophecy fulfilled all the way through the final earthly days of Jesus. What an interesting little piece in which the soldiers acted independently as they wished, not knowing that they were fulfilling a Davidic prophecy from hundreds of years before the moment! In fact, Psalm 22 contains at least 12 prophecies.
This happens every day for all of us – we behave as we wish, while at the same time we know that God knows everything – past, present, and future, and is in control of it all. Some people have big questions about free will as a result. This has never been a huge issue for me. I like the way that A.W. Tozer pictured it:
“An ocean liner leaves New York for Liverpool. Its destination has been determined by proper authorities and nothing can change it. This is a faint picture of sovereignty.
On board the liner are scores of passengers. They are not in chains, nor are their activities determined for them by decree; they are free to move about as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge on deck, read, talk, as they please. But all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily toward a predetermined port. Freedom and sovereignty do not contradict each other.”
As far as I’m concerned on this issue, I can let God deal with His side and I will deal with mine. I am only responsible for my side – not His. So too with you. What decision is before you today? You are given choices as to which way to go. Determine even today to go God’s way in this thing before you.
I hope you have a very meaningful Easter.
Pastor Leon Throness
