Thoughts for the Day

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the book of Psalms, “Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it” and “Let another take his position of overseer.”

So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Bible)

Thoughts

The power of the Holy Spirit does not descend on the disciples immediately after Jesus' Ascension, and we now see them in Jerusalem "catching up with the admin", or "clearing the decks for action", as it were. And we should immediately notice one thing - Peter is their leader! After his rejection of Jesus at Passover when he declared he did not know him, the weeks when Jesus appeared before them after his Resurrection, show that Peter has been reinstated as the one to whom Jesus said he would give "the keys of heaven" (Matthew 16.18), and the one whom Jesus asked to "feed his sheep" (John 21.15-17). If ever we feel we cannot be forgiven by God, we should remember this example, and feel encouraged.

After the practicality of Judas' death has been discussed, comes the practicality of his replacement. There seems to be two obvious candidates, both of whom have been with Jesus from the very beginning - Joseph called Barsabbas who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. The whole group immediately begin to pray, asking the Lord's guidance in making such a decision, before casting lots, and choosing Matthias. The tradition of lots is referred to several times in the Bible, and a variety of objects were used, such as coins, or polished sticks, etc. We still do this when flip a coin in sport. The primary reason is to prove an unbiased decision, however, the choosing of someone to replace Judas Iscariot as an Apostle, is the last time we see it used in the Bible.

The important point is that the eleven disciples seriously examine who might replace Judas, then give time to pray asking for God's help to make the right decision, only then do they choose the person by lot. We ask that God's "will be done" every time we say 'The Lord's Prayer', so we and the disciples must surely believe that the result was more than chance!

Lord Jesus Christ,
we ask Your help in electing our Church leaders,
as well as in making more mundane decisions.
May we not be surprised when Your will is done.
Help us to remember the need to make right choices,
and the responsibility of asking for help,
before deferring to Your decision.
Amen.