Oct 3

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16 "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-- 17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 18 (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. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "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.' 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 to the eleven apostles.

I have often joke that this is the first call meeting in the history of the church. There was not a vote, rather the casting of lots. The work that awaits the disciples will need all twelve. Some have argued that this was a mistake and that St. Paul’s call later is God’s way of filling out the twelve. Please note that this is the only time we hear of Matthias. We know that he was a follower of Jesus since Jesus’ baptism. So, while not named in the gospels, he heard the instructions of Jesus to the twelve. He is now called to be a witness to the resurrection.
It is not just the often named Peter and Paul who give witness, the newly restored twelve and all of those who heard and witnessed function with the disciples. We humans focus on the leaders and miss that the work is being done quietly by all of the disciples, not just the ones up front.
So this text tells us about the replacement of Judas among the twelve. It was done with prayer and will a process that made a decision. In the end, it is about getting the work of God done. That is always the focus. What is God calling us to do and with what gifted people.
Reflection questions:
1. What does it mean to be a witness?
2. What is the role of prayer in your life and in the life of your congregation as you make decisions?
3. What gifts or qualifications do you bring to the ministry of Christ’s church?
Grace and peace.