Whose Luck Is It, Anyway?

Today is a day when many people think about Ireland.  Poker rooms could have green far beyond the felt on the tables -- and players might talk about having the "luck of the Irish."

But if you think about it, how lucky are the Irish?  Consider some examples:

• The Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" men's basketball team lost in the Big East Conference semifinals Friday night.  The football team went undefeated last season, but was trampled in the title tilt.
• Basketball's Boston Celtics (with the little man and the shamrock on their logo) won a lot of titles years ago - but only one since 1986.
• The country of Ireland had devastating and deadly famines during the 18th and 19th centuries.

We don't cite all this to demean Ireland or people of Irish ancestry.  Our point is that "luck" really has nothing to do with where you live, or who your ancestors were.

An article we found online analyzes the idea of luck, as it relates to Saint Patrick's Day.  It's a concept we've mentioned here several times, in considering the factors involved in winning at poker.  But that article includes a Bible passage we hadn't noticed before:

What will I, the Lord, do if any of you reject me and my holy mountain?  What will happen to you for offering food and wine to the gods you call "Good Luck" and "Fate"? - Isaiah 65:11 (CEV)

Luck isn't simply a Western concept, you know.  Perhaps you've eaten at restaurants with names such as "Lucky Buddha" -- as Chinese culture includes a god of luck.  But what does the Bible say will happen, if you present offerings to such things?

Your luck will end!  I will see to it that you are slaughtered with swords.... you did what I hated, knowing it was wrong. - Isaiah 65:12 (CEV)

God wants the people He created to look to Him for their needs, not false gods.

I, the Lord God, will give food and drink to my servants, and they will celebrate.... My servants will laugh and sing, but you will be sad and cry out in pain. - Isaiah 65:13-14 (CEV)

The last part of this chapter indicates these words will be fulfilled when Jesus comes back, to create "new heavens and a new earth" (verse 17).  Put your trust in the real God and follow the Bible's instructions, and you'll be there.  The alternative sounds more blood red than "emerald isle" green.