Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 24 February 2022
TOPIC: Nominated, but Approved By God
15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
16. “Men [and] brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;
17. “for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
18. (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.
19. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20. “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’
21. “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22. “beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23. And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24. And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
25. “to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
26. And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 24 February 2022 STUDY
The fulfillment of a prophecy created a vacancy (v.16ff). Judas Iscariot lost his position and needed to be replaced. Only God knew who would fill that vacancy; the Apostles didn’t, but they knew who they could ask so they took the necessary steps to do so. Peter, the leader, reminded them of the prophecy and the vacuum it created. He called their attention to the need of the hour and directed their hearts as to how to make the right choice ..he must be from among us and must have been constant with us from the very beginning till now… (i.e., not a novice).
He must be one who has experienced Jesus and is willing and able to stand for Jesus and all He stood for…’ The people did their part- nomination (v.23) and still went back to God through prayers because He has the final say and He ‘alone knows every heart.’ Then they “voted’” and chose Matthias (vv. 24-26).
How do we go about the choice of people who would occupy positions of leadership/service in our homes, churches and society? Do we involve God and follow due process or do we depend on what or who is involved? Only God knows every heart indeed (Jer. 17:9-10). The 2023 election in Nigeria is around the corner. Let us involve God to help us choose the right leaders.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, may you help us to make the right choices in leadership in all areas of life in Jesus Name. Amen.
