The Art of Casting – Theology Essay

The Art of Casting – Theology Essay
Gene was the embodiment of the movie “A River Runs Through It”. He was an expert in the art of fly casting. He even tied his own flies. I longed to learn the art of fly casting from him. But, alas, we moved from North Dakota and I never did learn to fly cast. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “casting”?

It has many interesting and varied uses. The Word of God instructs us in the art of casting in many scriptures. Jesus even taught His disciples how to cast their nets for a great catch of fish. (Luke 5:5; John 21:6) How much time, work, and energy we would save if we would follow the Lord’s direction and in faith and obedience cast our net where He tells us.

There is much benefit and blessing in casting according to the Word of God. Let’s consider some areas where the Bible teaches the benefits of the art of casting.

CASTING AWAY STONES is sometimes necessary. Solomon tells us that there is a time for everything. “A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones . . . a time to tear down and a time to rebuild” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Perhaps your seasonal time is to cast away stones and rebuild. It could be your business, your marriage, your ministry, or your life. It could mean casting away the stones in your heart. But when you rebuild, make sure you start by taking “the stone that the builders rejected” – Jesus the Chief Cornerstone. He alone can give you the lasting stability that you need. (Matthew 21:41; I Peter 2:4-7; Isaiah 57:13-14)

FORCASTING the weather has become an acceptable science. Jesus rebuked those who forecast the weather by the signs of the sky, but would not perceive and believe the signs of His return to this earth. The prophecies in the Word of God forecast the coming of Christ for His Church. (Matthew 16:1-4; 24; I Thessalonians 5:1-9) Study the forecast.

CASTING YOUR CARES AND BURDENS ON THE LORD is the way of peace. “Casting your care on Him for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). You don’t need to carry your heavy burdens. Cast them on the Lord. Why? He cares about you and He is strong enough to carry them. (Psalm 55:22) Perhaps you need to do some casting right now. Go ahead.

CAST NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE. The Israelites of old missed out on the promised land because they doubted God’s ability and intention to bring them into the land. Put your confidence in the Lord. He is able. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35-38 KJV). It is not a time to draw back – but to draw near.

CASTING FOR A THEATRICAL PRODUCTION IS DECIDED BY TALENT AND BEAUTY. But Jesus chose the cast of His disciples, mostly from simple, unlearned men. One of my most memorable Easters was while pastoring in South Dakota. That Easter my wife directed a production of “The Last Supper”. The cast was not made up of professional actors, but rough rugged men. Vern was a meat-cutter who was battling cancer. Being in the production had special meaning to him as a new believer. When the 12 disciples were told by Jesus that one of them would betray Him, they, one by one asked, “Master is it I?” The narrative of the play was very moving. You could feel the very presence of God. Shortly after the production, Vern went home to be with the Lord. Like the 12 disciples, these men in the cast were unlikely to be chosen by a professional director. But the followers of Christ’s cast are not chosen by talent or appearance, but by the grace and mercy of God. “For by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).

“CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS and after many days it shall return” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Jesus amplified Solomon’s advice. “Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down shaken together and running over” (Luke 6:38). Do you want to be blessed? Cast your bread, your substance on the waters.

CASTING YOUR SINS behind His back is God’s promise for those who repent and confess them. (Isaiah 38:17) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9-10). He will cast our sins as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

CASTING OUR CROWNS before the One who died for us and arose victorious will be a privileged act of worship in heaven. (Revelation 4:9-10) God makes all of those who receive Christ kings and priests. We will cast those crowns before the Lamb of God who made us worthy by His blood. (I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10) Don’t wait until heaven – cast your crown before Him now in praise, thanksgiving, and worship.

As we practice the art of casting, God’s benefits will overtake us and bless us. (Psalm 103) Jesus is Lord.