Big Decisions
Opening Prayer
Lord, guide and direct my decisions today. Show me what pleases You.
Read ACTS 1:12–26
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 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. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’
and,
“‘May another take his place of leadership.’
21 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, 22 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.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Think back over some big decisions you have made. How did God guide you? Or did you go it alone?Returning to Jerusalem (12) was hardly a major journey; it was a 15-minute walk! When Jesus’ followers got back they prayed—constantly (14). Altogether there were about 120 of them engaged in focused prayer. What happens in your church at challenging times?
They were faced with a major decision: replacing Judas. As far as Peter was concerned (20) it was clear from the Psalms: “may another take his place of leadership” (Psa. 109:8). Prayer was central to their life and decision-making, but so was Scripture. For Peter, the Old Testament Scriptures were not just human words but the words of the Holy Spirit (16).
Even though they were praying persistently and studying the Scriptures, it still wasn’t evident who should replace Judas. The qualifications were clear: the replacement had to be a witness, someone who had been there for the whole of Jesus’ ministry (21,22). They produced a short list of two and then cast lots (23–26). It might seem strange to us, but having prayed and sought to obey the Scriptures, they were confident to trust God. Jesus’ ministry was continuing.
Apply
Think of those you know who are facing big decisions (it may be you!). How can they (or you) find answers in Scripture?
Closing prayer
God, may I be willing to do whatever You want. May Your way become clear to me.
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