Luke the physician wrote how “Peter” stood among the people in the upper room in Jerusalem and told them they needed to choose a replacement for “Judas” who was no longer a disciple of Jesus. “They appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, You, Lord, which know the hearts of all men, show whether of these two you have chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place”, and in chapter one and verse twenty-six of the book of Acts Luke wrote how the disciples, “gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias” where we read:
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias;
and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The verse begins, “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias;” Luke began with the words, “and they gave forth their lots” which means “and Peter and the other disciples of Jesus supplied and furnished their, Peter and the disciples', objects used in casting or drawing lots which was either a pebble, a potsherd or a bit of wood”; “and the lot fell” or “and the object used in casting or drawing lots which was either a pebble, a potsherd or a bit of wood lighted or descended” “upon Matthias” which means “on Matthias whose name means gift of God”. Luke shared how “Peter and the other disciples of Jesus” “cast lots” and the “lots” “lighted and descended” upon “Matthias”.
The verse continues, “and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Luke added the words, “and he was numbered” or “and he, Matthias was assigned and placed” “with the eleven apostles” which means “alongside the other original eleven students, pupils and attendants of Jesus”. Luke shared how “Matthias” was “assigned” to be alongside the “original eleven disciples” of Jesus.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter and the other disciples of Jesus” “cast lots”, which was a chance custom carried out by Jewish people, and the “lot” descended upon “Matthias”. This was “Peter and the other disciples'” way of determining which man, Joseph or Matthias”, God wanted to take “Judas'” position among them. After it was determined that “Matthias” was the right choice, he was “assigned” the position as “apostle and minister” among the other disciples. It is interesting to note that there is no other mention of “Matthias” in the scriptures, and it makes some wonder if this process was the right way to determine the will of God. Because the Holy Spirit was not poured out “upon” the disciples at this point, they used the means familiar to them. Some people believe the “Apostle Paul” was actually the right choice because of His widespread ministry in the world, but regardless, we know God is interested in having a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus. Those who consider God's invitation to relate to Him should surrender their lives to Him as their “Savior and Lord” and allow God to choose whom He wills to be in service for Him.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Luke share about, “the day of Pentecost”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
No comments:
Post a Comment