It’s God’s

Scripture: “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.  Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.  Acts 1:20b-26 NIV

Observation: The apostles took it upon themselves to choose Judas’ replacement.

Application: Jesus chose his followers, his apostles. I believe that God was in the process of choosing Judas’ replacement, the thirteenth, Paul. The choice of Matthias by casting lots, by rolling dice (gambling), was another example of the apostles not getting it. Many times when Jesus was still with the apostles he asked them “are you so dull?” They had difficulty understanding at times. When men choose to do things their way and ignore God, they fail. Matthias ministry never truly existed.  He never made an impact. Paul on the other hand took the gospel to the Gentiles. Through his ministry you and I have been included into God’s chosen people, we’ve been grafted in. FYI, we received a large portion of the New Testament of our bible because of Paul’s writings.  Instead of waiting on the Lord and following his desire, the apostles gambled–and they lost. We should learn from their impatience, it is God’s ministry, it’s God’s message, the gospel, and we are subject to his wishes as we take it to the world.

Prayer: Father, give us the patience to wait on you for guidance as we minister to others. Amen

Doug