Wanna Bet?

     I have often wondered why there is no "thou shalt not" in the Bible about gambling, which most Christians consider a sin. A long standing sin. Assuming Eve lived about as long as Adam, 900 years, and was fertile from the time she was created, even knocking off a few centuries for menopause, she must have given birth to hundreds of children. I am sure that as the novelty wore off for Adam, and the older kids grew to maturity, there must have been some betting going on about whether Ma Eve was having a boy or a girl. Even if this scenario never happened, gambling has been around a long time. Not the casino, slot machine type of gambling, more like throwing dice or racing farm animals. 

    However, not only does the Bible not prohibit gambling, the examples of it in the form of casting lots show it as a means of accomplishing God's purpose, even through unbelievers. In Jonah, for example, casting lots was how the sailors knew the disobedient prophet was the cause of the terrible storm. Even the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothes during his crucifixion, crass as that was, were fulfilling prophecy. The Israelites found Achan responsible for their defeat in battle by casting lots. The allotment of land to the 12 tribes was decided by casting lots. The breastplate of Israel's high priest contained stones called the Urim and Thummim that served as a  means of determining God's will. As Phillipe said to the Lord in the movie Ladyhawke, "How can I learn any moral lessons when you keep confusing me this way?"

    By gambling I do not mean bringing a box of diapers to a baby shower for a chance to win a door prize or paying a quarter for a bingo card that may win you a candy bar, there is no risk at stake or motive of greed. Gambling is a sin when a parent uses the money meant to support their family to place bets, when they steal to get the money, and when it is motivated by greed or covetousness. Gambling is an addiction when the endorphins released overpower the negative consequences to the point they cannot stop. But my main problem with gambling is theological--since God is sovereign, there is no chance, random or luck, so gambling is a waste of time and money. And I don't play cards, which the Bible does not condemn either, simply because I can't keep track of what everyone else has played and that is an important part. So I choose to cast my lot with the one who holds all the cards, the King of kings. And to those who think they know why God chooses to use random, gambling-like means to accomplish His plan, I say, Wanna bet?