Sunday 20 May 2012

Background

Peter was addressing the believers about choosing a replacementfor Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. We don't know whetherthe Apostles were bitter towards Judas for what he did, but thequalification given here for a replacement is primarily someonewhose heart is right with God. They should have been a companion ofthe disciples "throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in andout among us" (v. 21), and someone who would have also witnessedthe resurrection. Some translations put verses 18-19 in bracketsindicating that this may not have been part of Peter's speech, butrather Luke's (the writer of the book of Acts) explanatory note ofwhat happened to Judas and how he ended his life.

The process for finding the best candidate to replace Judasrequired all the believers to meet for the task together. It seemsodd that they had to cast lots in order to specify who thereplacement would be. However, it is interesting that the firstmove was to submit prayerfully the decision-making process to God'swill. Then after the two most suitable candidates were picked, alot was used as the final indicator of the chosen Apostle. Matthiaswas the one that got it. A clean pick? You decide, but the partiesconcerned were less likely to fight over why one was chosen and notthe other, trusting this was the Holy Spirit's choice.

To Ponder

The Church's process of selection for ministryand service - to what extent is it prayerfully submitted to God'swill?

It was imperative for the believers who gatheredthat they found someone who was a companion to the other Apostles,was with Jesus in his ministry, and witnessed Christ's resurrectiontogether with the rest of the believers.Relationship-Involvement-Witness. How far do you think this is afitting qualification for leadership in ministry?

What part does God and God's will play in yourdecision making?