Acts 1:23-26 "And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
In this passage we read the story of two men who were cast into the running to be the disciple who replaced Judas after his betrayal of Jesus. The lot fell to Matthias and he stepped into the role that Judas fell out of. Have you ever wondered about Joseph, called Barsabas?
How did he feel to be not chosen? Relieved? Sad? Angry?
Was he simply content to have been considered and was he gracious toward Matthias?
Did he understand fully that it was not about him; therefore he was not defined by that moment?
Did Joseph know within himself that he still played a part in God's kingdom and his service to Him?
When we are passed over, not chosen and, at times, feel rejected, do we...can we...remember that God has a specific plan for our life? Are we able to be gracious and understanding when another is chosen in our place?
How can we get to the point of having true grace and understanding?
Perhaps Acts 2:1 gives us part of the answer.
It reads, "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."
How can we get ourselves in one accord? Time spent with Jesus and time spent with one another. If we are spending time with God, in His word and in His presence, then I propose that our time with others will and can be so impacted that we find that we, too, are in one accord. When that happens watch out! The power of God is then able to really fall and be imparted to us.
Of course, whether we spend time with God or with others or both, it all takes conscious effort. At some point we need to recognize and understand our need for time spent with our Saviour. The more time we spend with Him the more we understand this need and our need for each other.
Likewise, it is easy to dismiss those around us with the excuse that we simply have no time or maybe we have nothing in common or perhaps some other reason presents itself as to why we cannot take time. If we were to truly examine our motives and the root of our reasoning what would we find?
In the story of Joseph and Matthias we do not read of any fallout over which one was chosen and which one was not. These were men who walked with their Saviour and with each other. I can only imagine the bond they shared because of the time they spent together. What kind of stories did they share with each other regarding their pasts? What trials did they face together? Was their love for each other so great that they could truly rejoice when one was promoted over the other?
How much do we shortchange ourselves and each other when our pursuits are anything but one accord? Do you weep with those who weep? Do you rejoice with those who rejoice? Do you seek to be all things to all people?
You may recognize your need for the Saviour but do you recognize your need for others?
Psalms 133
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Unity is like a precious ointment. I can imagine how much healing can be found in the ointment of unity...of being in one accord.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
This passage is most often used in regards to church attendance, but what if it is more than that? What if it is to encourage us to simply spend time with one another, so that we may stir up love and good works?
Whether you are chosen for a task or passed over, if you are walking with your Saviour and with your brethren in unity and one accord, then I am confident that you will suffer no sting as you yield to the Master's master plan.
May God's grace and love keep you this day.
~Many blessings to you all~
