Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, a German author, music critic and artist once remarked: “Everything here below beneath the sun is subject to continual change; and perhaps there is nothing which can be called more inconstant than opinion, which turns round in an everlasting circle like the wheel of fortune. He who reaps praise today is overwhelmed with biting censure tomorrow; today we trample under foot the man who tomorrow will be raised far above us.” Romans 14:10-13 confirms: “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
The Wheel of Fortune is a concept in medieval and ancient philosophy which represents the capricious nature of fate. Throughout life, one’s destiny may unexpectedly change. In a separate visual form, this image has been defined as a revolving wheel that may include several individual segments that represent: Chance, Change, Destiny, Luck, Opportunity or Winning. A further representation, in card form, may also be found in many decks of tarot cards used for the purpose of reading fortunes. It is largely considered a mythical wheel of life that is often said to depict individual destiny. It may represent changes in station, position or fortune. If the suggested path is followed at a particular designated crossroads, it may include forthcoming opportunities that can create great scope or a completely new beginning. Perhaps, most importantly of all, it is an indication of a possible future quest. Some might even regard it as a prophecy. Some believe that destiny in life is foreordained and there is little that one can do to change it. Opinions denote, what will be, will be. However, realistically, the many doors of opportunity in the great expanse of life are forever open and it is actually often one’s own decision or choice that controls their individual fate.
Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. The Bible portrays stern warnings on the consequences of seeking wisdom from spiritual sources other than from God. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 confirms: There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.”
There are several instances of prophecy quoted in the Bible. These are often considered as direct communications from God, to selected individuals, for a particular purpose. 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us: “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The problematic sitch that concerns most in more recent times, is that some people may purport to be giving authentic messages from God concerning future events, or happenings that actually aren’t genuine. This can give rise to an element of risk which undoubtedly incurs suspicion as to what is actually true and what must be considered as false.
We are often tasked with the difficult mission of differentiating between the two.
Matthew 7:15-20 reminds us: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
A fruitful revelation that contains truth, combined with sound and honest propositions could be the definitive factor in the necessitation of integrity. Revelation 1:1-6 reminds us: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The Wheel of Fortune is also a game of chance that has been televised, in different formats, in both Britain and America with significant monetary winnings available to the participants in both countries. The continued hope of accumulation of great and unexpected wealth remains prominent in some people’s minds. The remuneration gleaned can provide a significant change of lifestyle, enhanced conditions, and increased security which are considered of great benefit in life. However, Hebrews 13:5 warns us: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Victory or triumph, for some, remains of paramount importance. The quest for success, dictated by the wheel of fortune, may present challenges that are often difficult to overcome on our own ability. However, with God’s help and guidance, anything is possible. Whether it be the benefits from the accumulation of wealth, or progress in any venture undertaken, on the personal will of God, the insurmountable difficulties become obsolete. 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 reminds us: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Philippa Gregory, an English novelist once remarked: “The wheel of fortune [...] tells us that we all only want victory. We all want to triumph. But we all have to learn to endure what comes. We have to learn to treat misfortune and great fortune with indifference. That is wisdom.” Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Amen.
