Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (NRSV)
Read Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, Verse 16"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- Verse 17for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." Verse 21So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Verse 22beginning 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." Verse 23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Verse 24Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen Verse 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." Verse 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Devotion
Selecting candidates for ministry is a vital task in the Church. Because of Judas’ defection, the Apostles needed to find a replacement. Believing God would determine the outcome, they cast lots and Matthias is selected over Barsabbas to be the 12th apostle. Both candidates had been members of the broader circle of disciples who had been with Jesus from his baptism to his ascension giving them the necessary qualifications. It was up to God to make the choice.
We are the apostles today. We are called and sent out by Christ to tell his story and to invite others to become members of his family. We depend upon congregations, pastors, catechists, Sunday school teachers, seminaries, candidacy committees and bishops to carry on the necessary nurturing, training, discerning and selection needed. The Holy Spirit, however, is at the center of this process now as during the time of the Church’s early years.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank you for your never-ceasing work in the Church and in our individual lives. Thank you for convicting us of our need for a Savior. Thank you for the gift of faith in Christ. Thank you for grooming leaders. Thank you for equipping and empowering each one of us for ministry! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.