Preparing to Move

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Opening Prayer

Lord, I cry out to You, I lean on You, I trust in You. What a faithful God You are.

Read Acts 1:12-26

^[12] Then they 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, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- ^[17] he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” ^[18] (With the reward he got 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 went in and out 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 proposed 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.

Meditate

“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad:…and all the peoples see his glory” (Psa. 97:1,6).

Think Further

What drives this next initiative? First, it comes out of prayer—prayer that is constant and united (14). The word translated “together” is a favorite one of Luke’s and appears again in the context of prayer in 4:24, indicating a unity of mind and purpose. Do our churches know this sort of prayer? Prayer often tends to be squeezed into the time that is left over after we have done things which are, in reality, of lesser importance. It seems not to involve the sort of united crying out to God to fulfill his purposes that marked the early days of the Church. There is much that those of us in the Western Church could learn, not only from the early Church, but also from the Church in other parts of the world today.

Second, it was inspired by Scripture. Peter quotes Psalm 109, which speaks of one who opposes God’s anointed and prays that he might be removed and replaced. Close reading and discerning application of Scripture is still the primary guide for God’s people, individually and corporately. How many of our decisions are consciously informed by our wrestling with it?

Third, it is motivated by the ministry of Jesus. He had chosen twelve to establish the continuity with the old covenant and at the same time to announce the arrival of the new. Twelve was, therefore, a key number. The crucial qualification for the disciple who was to take the place of Judas was that he had been among the wider group of disciples and had witnessed the resurrection. Being prepared to learn from Jesus and being convinced of the reality of his resurrection are still the key qualifications for ministry today. Technical skill and expertise are important for Christian service, but knowing Jesus is what really matters.

Apply

Reflect on any new initiatives in mission which your church has undertaken. What were the determining factors? What fresh initiatives might God be calling you to undertake for him?

Closing prayer

Patient Father, empower me to pray as if there is no such thing as work, and to work as if there is no such thing as prayer.

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