Wednesday 14 May 2025
Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen." (v. 24)
Background
Today is the feast day of St Matthias, the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors and hope. He is mentioned only here and was most probably one of the 120 referred to in verse 15. He had witnessed Jesus Christ’s baptism, ministry, death and resurrection – all of which qualified him to be an apostle.
After they decided that they needed a replacement for Judas (the disciple who had betrayed Jesus) the remaining 11 disciples chose two from the crowd of believers and then prayed (v. 24). They cast lots, an ancient tradition of discernment (see Joshua 18:6-10) and accepted the outcome. One important factor for me is that they committed the decision to prayer. And in praying, they asserted God’s divine authority in any decision.
The second important factor is that these two men were with the disciples and Jesus all the time. They had been at the River Jordan when John baptised Jesus (v. 22) and remained with this travelling band ever since. It makes me think that sometimes it is right to choose someone from outside but, often, the people we need are right there with us. We could ask why Jesus hadn’t used the two earlier, but then we may have the same question levelled at us and our faith community.
We also hear of Joseph Barsabbas, who was just as qualified as Matthias but not chosen. We may wonder why, as we know too that he was a witness to Jesus. Tradition tells us that he became a bishop and was martyred. Know this: we all have a part to play somewhere.
To Ponder:
- What are the decisions before you? How will you bring them before God and how will you seek God’s response?
- In your church fellowship, how will you see those who walk along with you, who are equally qualified, and how will you include them?
Prayer
Gracious God, you call your people to follow and in following to bear witness to what they have experienced. Thank you for the experiences I have had that, whether pain or blessing, make me and shape my faith. Help me to serve and, in prayer, find my place with you. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Newlove
David is Co-Superintendent in the North Cumbria Circuit. He is also an agricultural chaplain and the Mission Area Lead for Cumbria for the North West England District.