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
Luke, telling the story of Jesus and the early Christians, describes the confusing days following Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. He is anxious to establish an understanding as to who is in charge. Jesus' death on the cross did not represent God's failure. Rather, it was the decisive feature of God's great love for a broken world. Now, because a piece of the ministry that is to stem from that great event is missing (Judas), it must once again be made whole. And that act, too, is in God's hand. This will not be a democratic event. It is more like a nominating process with God in charge of the final selection. There is prayer. There is some kind of "drawing of straws." And the lot fell on Matthias. Once again, there are twelve—as in the twelve tribes of Israel—who are eye-witnesses of Jesus' life and ministry ready for leadership in the church.
God is in charge of the church and of this day, also!
Prayer
Lord our God, by your Spirit give to us, we pray, a sense of your strong care and provision for this day. Amen.