Cast Lots

"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." Psalm 22:18

This verse in particular absolutely astonishes me. The fact that an Old Testament psalmist living generations and generations before Jesus, could write such a detailed description of one of the offenses at Jesus' crucifixion demonstrates the Almighty power of God.

Many are familiar with the scriptures that tell of Roman soldiers gambling at the foot of the cross for Jesus' garment. The act is a vivid example of how sin can harden hearts and allow people to commit such offensive and disrespectful acts. Take a look at how the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John give an account of the casting of lots for Jesus' garment:

"And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots." Matthew 27:35

"And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34

"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" John 19: 23-24

I am grieved just thinking about people casting lots for Jesus' garments like they were some sort of trophy. It breaks my heart. My prayer is that your heart will be touched as you read this, just as mine has, and you will experience a renewed love for Christ.