“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” John 19:23-24 Corresponding texts – Matthew 27:35 & Mark 15:24

There are two main ideas that I would like to express about this passage of scripture. 

First of all, we get a remarkable look at the processes of the providence of God. The act of parting Christ’s garments and casting lots for his coat fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Psalm 22:18.

“They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” Psalms 22:18

These soldiers were acting in their greed and depravity. They had no knowledge of this Psalm much less a desire to see prophecy fulfilled. They were simply acting according to their fallen nature. Their actions were sinful, period.

The Holy Ghost spoke through David in this Psalm telling us what would happen to the Messiah at the point of His crucifixion and death. However, just because God knew about the action and declared that it would happen in no way hints at the idea that God approved of the actions of these soldiers.

There is a big difference between God decreeing to personally do something and declaring a future event through prophecy. Sin is in direct opposition to the character of God, and therefore, is not according to His will. So, let us be careful to say what is God’s will and what is not.

The other main point that I would like to make regarding this event is the act of gambling that these men did. Games of chance to gain personal wealth or possessions is not legitimate work. Gambling away that which God has blessed us with in hopes of getting more certainly does not show our thankfulness for the natural blessings of God. 

And to those who say “the lottery” is not really gambling – look at the word itself. They casts LOTS for the coat of Jesus! 

There is really no excuse that will permit any form or level of gambling to be a good thing. Even the idea that it supports the educational system (as promoted in Texas and other states) is bogus. If you want to support education, buy some classroom supplies for teachers!

An overwhelmingly large percentage of those who play the lottery are in lower income groups. Further, the chances of winning the lottery are very much against the player. 

The bottom line is the lottery is a tax on poor people who can’t do math.