God the Gambler?

I was thinking this morning that God would be a great poker player. He may hint at what he's holding, but he doesn't play his cards before it's time. When God has something in store for you, it never comes early, it never comes too late, it's right on time.

Could God be considered a gambler? Why does he leave it to people to spread his word and to show others the gospel? Why would he chose to use such irresponsible, selfish, people? I cannot say that I would depend on anyone else but myself to get something important done. So, why take the risk of putting the future of his kingdom into the hands of the few who say they serve him; always a disappointment, always missing the mark, always in debt to sin? How can we be the vessels he's chosen? It would certainly be a high-stakes gamble.

But God isn't relying on luck. No where in the Bible does it say, "...and just by chance the Red Sea parted at just the right time allowing the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh." There is always a plan for our escape. Through the definite trail to the cross, Jesus made a way for our ultimate escape from the second death. We all leave this earth and must stand before the Father and give an account of our life. The second death is facing the judgment without the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ. Without that, we face the second death, the lake of fire. God had a plan because he knew we were unable to do it ourselves. And God makes a way through us to show others his mercy. Somehow, he just does.

So, who's really the gambler here? Is it God, or is it us? We are faced with a decision here on earth that will determine our eternity. Are you ready to gamble your eternity away by ignoring the fact that there may be more to this life?