Life goes on
Acts1: 21 – 26
21 (After Judas’ death Peter said) Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Even after the most cataclysmic of events, things move on and the everyday bits of admin need to be attended to, and so it was for the Disciples. Jesus was not only risen, but ascended into Heaven, but in order to carry on his mission it was necessary to bring the Twelve up to strength again. So, after prayer and discussion two names are brought forward.
But note they are men who have followed Jesus in life, who have been with them for some considerable time. Indicating that Jesus had many followers beyond his band of Twelve who went with him, remember the story when Jesus sent them out to prepare the way (Luke 10)? There were no less than 70 in addition to the twelve on that occasion.
Out of that large band, Barsabbas and Matthias are proposed, and Matthias is chosen. A very brief moment of glory for Matthias as he is not mentioned again in the Bible after this episode!
That is not to say he did not have a role to play which he did in his own time and since then in establishing what came to be known as Apostolic succession. More importantly, he had a role to play then which he did not seeking for fame, but merely to have played his part.
May we also seek only to see what it is God has for us then join in. As a friend of mine said just before her ordination, ‘I want to see what God is doing here and how I can help’.
What more could we ask?
Prayer
Lord God, our loving Father in Heaven, in these difficult times when it seems all problems are beyond our capacity to help, show us ways in which we can do your bidding, for no role is too small for us to show your Glory.
In your Mercy hear our prayer,
Amen