Matthias, Apostle
Acts 1:15-26 (NRSV)
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus -- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms,
'Let his homestead become desolate,
and let there be no one to live in it';
and
'Let another take his position of overseer.'
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Reflection
Acts 1:15-26 (NRSV)
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus -- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms,
'Let his homestead become desolate,
and let there be no one to live in it';
and
'Let another take his position of overseer.'
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Reflection
So, which person would you or I be in this story? Justus? Matthias? Maybe the answer could be either. They needed a replacement and they cast lots between a couple of people who were both qualified. Cast lots to see what God's direction may be. But perhaps it was just chance. Perhaps it was just an exercise in continuance. Maybe today you and I have taken the place of another Justus or Matthias. They needed another person to take over the position of overseer.
Are you ready to take the lot you have been cast? Are you ready to step up as overseer? You have witnessed the things Jesus has done through the Word. You have witnessed the things that Jesus has done in your life. You have now become qualified to witness to the resurrection. A resurrection of Jesus through the Word. A resurrection of Jesus in the sacraments. And a resurrection of Jesus to new life in you.
Are you ready to take the lot you have been cast? Go!
Prayer
Jesus, you are eternal and have give us eternal life. May your Church live in eternity with you, as we step up and take our lot cast to each one of us throughout the ages. --- Amen
1 comment:
Hi there, I linked you in my blog post, talking about the same passage today :)
http://galaxycoff.blogspot.com/2010/05/psalm-reference-in-acts-1.html
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