Last time we noted that God sometimes doesn’t act like we
expect. Sometimes, in fact, we may not even recognize that God is acting in a
situation. It is only in hindsight that we begin to see that God was present
and brought about a change of heart or mind.
As the disciples worked to come to terms with the dramatic
changes in their lives, they spent a lot of time in prayer. The first chapter
of the Book of Acts says that after Jesus ascended they were in the “upstairs
room where they were staying…constantly in prayer.” (Acts 1:13-14) Before long,
they were led to reevaluate their vision of their life and mission.
Peter “stood up among
the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said,
“Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy
Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for
those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry…
it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘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 was living 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.” (Acts 1:15-21)
Apparently, there was agreement because “they nominated 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 1:23-26)
The disciples felt that they needed to keep the continuity
of ministry with someone who had ‘been with us the whole time’. This implies
that beyond the listed 12 apostles there were many others who also followed
Jesus around Galilee. Peter, on the one hand seems to be trying to keep the
original number of select apostles, while being open to the possibility of a
need for more workers in the vineyard, as Jesus had once promised. (Matthew
9:38)
While it may seem odd that gambling (casting lots) was used
to determine which man would serve, it is an ancient tradition dating back to
the time of the early Levitical priesthood. It was then that the Urim and
Thummim were attached to the priest’s ephod (breastplate) and used to reveal
the will of God. (Exodus 28:30 and 1 Samuel)
There is nothing in the Bible about what Matthias ultimately
did. Greek tradition says he founded churches in Cappadocia (Turkey) and along
the Caspian Sea. Other traditions say he preached in Judea and later in modern
day Georgia (Russia, not USA). There is even a marker at Apsaros in Georgia
claiming to be his burial site. Still another tradition has him going south to
Ethiopia or was stoned and/or beheaded in Jerusalem. The point of the story in Acts is not what Matthias did, but that God guided
the fledgling church to call new leadership.
How do we determine what our vision of service is going to
be? Do we cast lots, or like Gideon throw down a fleece with a challenge to
God? (Judges 6:36-40) Do we pray and consult others, like Peter and the
disciples? Do we just sit around and wait for something to show us the way?
What is your current vision of what God wants you to do? Where
are you called to lead? Who can help you discern the path?
Next time we’ll explore the church’s call to
mission, and what change God might require in me and you to follow that call. 