Wednesday 14 May 2008
- Bible Book:
- Acts
"And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles." (v.26)
Background
Today is the feast day of St Matthias the apostle - and thispassage provides the only record that we have of his involvement inthe life of the followers of Jesus.
The Acts of the Apostles begins with a brief record of some of theoccasions when the followers of Jesus encountered their risen Lord.The final occasion - the Ascension - is recorded in more detail.The risen Jesus promises them that they will receive power when theHoly Spirit comes upon then. This power will send them out aswitnesses to every corner of the known world.
After the Ascension - but before Pentecost - they wait and theypray. During this period Peter raises the issue of a replacementfor Judas. Two names are proposed and Matthias is chosen by castinglots.
There are two very interesting facts here:
- Matthias and Joseph were chosen from those "who haveaccompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in andout among us beginning from the baptism of John until the day whenhe was taken up from us ... " (verses 21-22). Clearly this showsthat there were those who travelled extensively with Jesus throughhis years of ministry in addition to those mentioned by name in theGospels.
- We never hear of Matthias by name again. Is this he because heis active and involved but (as in the Gospels) he is 'behind thescenes'? Or did he not stay long as one of the apostles? We cannotknow the answer to this, but clearly Luke feels that it isimportant to record that the number of apostles was restored to theappropriate number of 12 - even though he has nothing more to sayabout Matthias.
In the record of the life of the Church of today, therewill be some names which will be headline news and some peoplewhose lives will be recorded for posterity. Most of us will beworking and praying 'behind the scenes' and yet God has called usall and God can use us all.
To Ponder
In choosing Matthias they prayed and "cast lots".Why did they not just pray?
When you have a choice to make, what helps you todiscern God's will in that situation?
Think of those who will never be 'famous fortheir faith' but who have given you encouragement and help in yourlife's journey. Who might you help today in their journey of lifeand faith?