Good Morning Friends,
There is a prophetic word about Judas that
was written by David in Psalm 109 and quoted in Acts 1. David wrote, “May his
days be few; may another take his place of leadership.” (Psalm 109:8) Peter
quoted the last phrase from that verse as a clear word from God that someone
must be chosen to take Judas’s place as an apostle after his betrayal and death.
“‘Therefore it is necessary to choose one of
the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out
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.’
So they proposed 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 1:21-25)
As I read that passage what struck me is the
strange way through which God worked to accomplish His will in the selection of
a new apostle. There were three components to the process of selection:
1.
Peter set the qualifications of those
who could be selected.
2.
The whole group of Christians prayed.
3.
They cast lots to determine which of
the two qualified candidates would be the one appointed to the task.
Setting qualifications seems logical and
right. We do that today for almost every position for which we select someone.
There are certain basic qualities that must be present based on the task to
which a person is being appointed.
Praying also seems right. We should rely on
God’s guidance whenever we engage in a process that is to lead to the selection
of someone for an assignment, especially an assignment in the church.
It’s the third part of the process that seems
strange – they cast lots. It was a seemingly random choice that would determine
which of the two would become an apostle. And through that random selection,
God moved to put the man He wanted into the role. That reminds me again of how
many ways there are that God can accomplish His will. It reminds me that God is
not bound by logic and reason – the use of our minds is certainly not the only
way that God can and does work.
God works through some strange methods to
accomplish His will. And the most exciting truth is to remember that God works!
You can count on that.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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