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
It had to be a time of "anxious waiting" for the eleven disciples gathered in the upper room after all they had been through and as they awaited Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit.
Thirteen years ago our family experienced a time of "anxious waiting" when our nine month old grandson hung in the balance between life and death—the victim of a "shaken baby" episode by a day care provider. He defied all the odds and chose to live. Today, though physically challenged, he is the joy of our family and has taught us many lessons about the meaning of life.
The disciples did what we did those days. They gathered with their community of faith and "constantly devoted themselves to prayer" (v. 14). In times of anxious waiting, it is important to surround ourselves with the faith community and pray—pray for the presence and grace of God as we walk through those trying moments of our lives.
Prayer
God of love, be with us to comfort and open our lives to the presence of your Spirit in our times of "anxious waiting." Amen.