Thursday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 1:23-26
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Commentary:
1:23–24 Two men, Joseph and Matthias, met the necessary requirements to be considered for apostleship. The group turned the matter over to the “Lord” (v. 24; that is, the Lord Jesus, who had chosen all the other apostles), praying that he would make his choice known.
1:26 The lots were probably marked stones that were placed in a pot and then shaken out (cf. 1 Chron. 26:13–16). This does not imply that people should cast lots to make their decisions today, for there is no such command in any NT letter or in any of Jesus’ earthly teachings. The appointment of a twelfth apostle was a unique situation, a choice that was made by Jesus himself. In the rest of the NT, the elders and deacons and other church leaders are chosen according to decisions made by human beings, whether by an apostle or by others in the churches (see Acts 6:3–6; 14:23; 15:22; 2 Cor. 8:19; cf. 1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). On the 12 apostles, see note on Matt. 10:1.
1:26 The lots were probably marked stones that were placed in a pot and then shaken out (cf. 1 Chron. 26:13–16). This does not imply that people should cast lots to make their decisions today, for there is no such command in any NT letter or in any of Jesus’ earthly teachings. The appointment of a twelfth apostle was a unique situation, a choice that was made by Jesus himself. In the rest of the NT, the elders and deacons and other church leaders are chosen according to decisions made by human beings, whether by an apostle or by others in the churches (see Acts 6:3–6; 14:23; 15:22; 2 Cor. 8:19; cf. 1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). On the 12 apostles, see note on Matt. 10:1.
Questions:
- Not only did Peter and the others look to Scripture for direction, but they also prayed. This group prayed continuously. And when it came to making this decision about replacing Judas, they came up with a couple of candidates on their own and then asked God to guide them in their choice. The decided TOGETHER through PRAYER. Is this how you make YOUR decisions? Do you take choices, big and small, to the Father?
- They casted lots in order to get to the Lord's choice. This was common in those days. Jews believed casting lots could give them divine direction. And remember, they also prayed over this process. But this is not to say we should make decisions in our lives by chance. In fact, this is the last time recorded in Scripture that decisions were made by casting lots. This is most likely because they were about to receive the Holy Spirit, who Jesus had promised would lead them into all truth and be their guide. As a Christ-follower, you also have the Holy Spirit living inside of you! He is speaking, leading, directing, comforting. How actively are you listening for him to speak to you on a daily basis? How attuned are you to his voice?
Pray:
- That you would commit to praying over all decisions.
- That you would tune your ear to the voice of the Spirit.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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