The QR Code
Opening Prayer
Lord, I pray that You will graciously speak to me from Your Word today. I want to learn from 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What were the disciples doing in the upstairs room?In the world of computers, Quick Response (QR) codes, when scanned by a QR reader app on a mobile phone, transfer you directly to a website. After Jesus ascends into heaven, the disciples have two quick responses: their first was to join with the others in the upstairs room and pray. In fact, we are told of their constant prayer, a foundational value of the early church (14). No doubt there were other options, but it’s a powerful message to us all that their first inclination was to pray and worship God. Their second “QR” was to align themselves with Scripture and appoint someone to replace the now-deceased Judas. Twelve had always been a significant number, and this symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel had to be restored. From Psalms 69 and 109 they found confirmation and proceeded to describe the personal qualities for such an apostolic role (21,22). Casting lots was not magical but historical and cultural. Before doing so, they asked for God’s help, and Matthias was chosen. At such a mysterious and momentous time, how inspirational to see their quick responses and find prayer at the core!
Apply
Is prayer one of your instant responses to challenging times? If not, ask God for a deep desire for prayer.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, just as Your disciples knew the importance of prayer, may I know it in my life, too.
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