That Is What They Did

Scripture: John 19:23-25 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did. 25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:23-25 NLT)

It was customary for the soldiers to take the clothing of the crucified for themselves. Because Jesus’ robe was of extraordinary quality and woven in one piece rather than patched together with seams, they decided to gamble for it, winner takes all. That’s what David prophesied in Psalm 22 was going to happen! So that is what they did! Did the soldiers gamble for Jesus’ robe because the Scripture said that’s what would happen? Or did God look ahead through time and see it happening that way, then mysteriously inspire David, who was writing a song about something else, to write it? I’m fine with it either way!

Friends, this is one of the things God does for us, at no extra charge, that serves to encourage my heart and strengthen my faith! One of the reasons I’m a believer is that I want to live in a Universe where someone knows what’s going on! It’s not as important to me that someone actually control every minute detail of things. I’ve got room in my faith for some random things to happen. But that’s just me! But I do love these little gems God drops for us to discover along the way.

The Scripture describes, in a prophetic song/poem written by David during a dark and difficult time in his own life centuries earlier, much of what Jesus experienced in his crucifixion. One of the seemingly random lines in David’s poem says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.”   

But that line is anything but random, and right here, at the foot of Jesus’ cross, that is exactly what the soldiers did! This helps me believe that God inspired the writing of the Bible. This helps me be confident that God knows the hairs on our heads and sees the sparrow fall. This helps me know that God knows! This helps me believe!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for the gems of truth you leave for us to discover along the journey. Thanks for helping me believe! Amen.