TAKE YOUR PLACE
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you have chosen me. With you, help me to play my part in your plans at this time and in this place.
Read ACTS 1:12–26
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[a] 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,[b] 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,’[c]
and,
“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[d]
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.
Footnotes
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do you consider necessary credentials for church leadership?Fresh from Jesus’ ascension, and fueled by expectation of promise, it’s no wonder this first prayer meeting flowed unstoppably. Its other defining characteristic was its roll call: all were present, each one important. In particular, Luke listed 11 apostles by name, making the absence of the 12th even more conspicuous (v. 13). The core of the new community of God’s people was incomplete— one short of symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. Yet Judas’ difficult story wasn’t skimmed over; his deceit and death were understood as outworkings of God’s Word (vv. 16–20). How ready are we to see God’s hand even in seeming setbacks?
When it came to filling Judas’ place, one criterion outweighed all others: having been present, with the disciples and with Jesus, for the duration of his earthly ministry (v. 21). Within this parameter, and submitted to God in prayer, lots were used for the last time in New Testament church governance (v. 26). Leadership is vital and providing for its continuation is key: we must take our place. But whether we steer ourselves or spearhead global organizations, what matters most is that we are present with Jesus and his church.
Apply
Think about the areas where you lead. How will you prioritize time in the presence of Jesus so that your leadership flows from your discipleship?
Closing prayer
Holy Spirit, help me to make Jesus the focus as I seek to serve him. Wherever I lead, help me to follow him.
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