Monday 15 May 2023
- Bible Book:
- Acts
Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles. (v. 26)
Background
After Judas betrayed Jesus, a new apostle was needed. Jesus chose 12 to be close disciples and the symbolism of the number 12 was significant. The disciples wanted to preserve the symbolism: one apostle for each of the 12 tribes of Israel. So, a replacement was sought for Judas. They drew lots. It was essentially an election, and Matthias was chosen to complete the 12.
How do we know, how do we discern, the will of God? When the needs of the moment are met in different ways, we hold an election and trust that the Spirit of God is in the process. The two people, Matthias and Justus were equally qualified, and they met the job specifications equally. We are not told the voting record – the result is all that matters. Matthias became the new apostle, and this was accepted by those who were gathered, all 120.
Clearly there wasn’t a consensus or unanimity over the decision. There was as acceptance of this being the will of God. The whole body accepted that the will of God was seen in the majority vote. Once the will of God was discerned the commitment of the gathered believers was wholehearted.
To Ponder:
- When we sit in Church Councils, or on other committees, what do we look for as we make decisions about what may be the will of God?
- How do we cope and what do we do when the Church or committee we belong to chooses a position we disagree with?
- How can a prophetic voice be heard effectively?