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Dealing with Changes to Schedule: Which Sefer Torah Is Given Priority?

There is an interesting shailah (halachic query) raised regarding two Sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls) donated to a shul by two individuals. The arrangement is that one Sefer Torah is used for the Torah Reading on Day 1 of Yom Tov, and the other on Day 2. But what if there was a change in the schedule, as there was a compelling reason, in accordance with the shul’s custom, to use a Sefer Torah donated by a third party  on the first day (e.g. because there was a bris in that donor’s family, or he was a chiyuv due to his commemorating a parent’s yahrtzeit )? Since we bypassed the first Sefer Torah on Day 1, which one should be used on Day 2—the one slated to be used on Day 1, or the one that was originally scheduled to be used on Day 2? The halachah is that the Sefer Torah that was bypassed on Day 1 is used on Day 2. In essence, the count begins over. This principle also applies to people who are on a roster for davening at the amud or recipients of similar honors. 

Another scenario: A Sefer Torah was chosen to be used on a certain day, but a problem was detected that would render it pasul (defective), and consequently a decision was made to use a different Sefer Torah instead. However, upon closer scrutiny it was determined that the first Sefer Torah was kosher all along. The question is: Which Sefer Torah should now be used? 

Similarly, if someone put aside food for Shabbos, and then thought it was inedible and proceeded to prepare other food, but subsequently found that the original food was fine—which should be eaten? 

The answer to both questions is that the original one gets priority. This halachah applies to many other situations as well.  

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