The Old Numbers Game

Do you have a favorite poker hand?  We vaguely recall a tournament on TV where poker pros were polled -- and the most common answer was A-A.  That's no surprise; having two top cards before the flop makes you more likely to win hands and control the bidding.

Read through the Bible, and you might conclude God has some "favorites" as well.  For instance, consider today's date.  It's 12/12/12 -- and that number comes up often in Scripture:

• The patriarch Jacob (also called Israel) blessed 12 sons - which became "the 12 tribes of Israel" (Genesis 49).
• Jesus had 12 main apostles (Matthew 10:1) - a tradition continued after His resurrection (Acts 1:26).
• The "New Jerusalem" which is promised to come down from heaven to earth will have 12 gates, with 12 angels at the gates (Revelation 21:2, 12).
• Even the traditional Biblical calendar has 12 months more often than not (I Chronicles 27:1-15).

Some ministers search for deep meaning in frequently-mentioned Biblical numbers, and even prophetic signs.  For instance, they might describe 7 as "the number of completeness" or 40 as a number of "testing."  But does that make them "lucky numbers" which you should play to win?

Well, not so fast.  First of all, "12" isn't likely to help you in a poker room today.  Unless you interpret the Queen as a "12" - two steps above a 10 - or intentionally make a bet of 1,200 chips, that number probably won't come up at the table.  (Or are there variations of poker, using an Uno deck?)

In addition, we should note the calendar declaring today 12/12/12 is not based on God's schedule from the Old Testament.  It was created by a Pope in the 16th century.  And a proper relationship with God should be based on other things....

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -- who is forever praised.  Amen. - Romans 1:25

God can make things work out, however the numbers come up.  (Come to think of it, how many hands have we won with a "demonic" 6-6-6?)  Instead, try this approach....

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

Let Jesus Christ rule your life.  Anything else, even if it's Bible-based, can be superstition -- and can be about as successful as using your favorite golf ball as a card protector.