They Moved Forward

Acts 1:21-26 

“21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.”

While waiting in the upper room as Jesus instructed them, The Disciples decided to select a person among them to replace Judas.  The criteria for this selection was that the person had to have been present during all of Christ’s ministry, from His baptism to His resurrection and ascension.  Two candidates emerged, Joseph and Matthias. 

The Disciples realized, since Jesus had selected each of the original disciples,  God should also select the disciple to replace Judas.  So they prayed for God to show them which of the two He had chosen, and then they cast lots.  The outcome, they reasoned, would be God’s decision.

The Disciples saw the need for a decision, they prayed to God to show them the way, they were willing to listen to God, they took action based on their prayer...

and they moved forward.  

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)