Friday 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:
- The big idea from Sunday was that Jesus followers do life TOGETHER through PRAYER and SCRIPTURE. This is our model for church and what it means to follow Jesus together! It's not a suggestion, it's who we should be. Brandon gave the following challenges to help us live this out. Which of them do you need take to heart?
- Come to church! - set out to make more than you miss
- Come to the prayer gathering - Wednesday nights at 630p
- Do our Daily Devos - Monday through Friday on our app. Up your Bible and prayer game!
- Join a City Group - this is how we were meant to follow Jesus... in community with other believers. Here is a link if you'd like to find a group! https://thecitychurchlubbock.churchcenter.com/people/forms/498812
Pray:
- That God would speak to you as to what your next step should be.
- That you would have the discipline to model your life after those in the book of Acts.
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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