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, 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.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1:21-26 (NIV)
I often ponder how great the impact of Judas’ betrayal was for the disciples. It had to have been enormous. Undoubtedly a few were still reeling from the shock that one of their own could so easily make a deal with the devil and turn traitor.
But after coming down from the Mount of Olives (where they had just witnessed Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven) there was urgent business at hand. And that business was selecting a replacement for Judas.
Peter addressed his fellow disciples and the other believers who were there in attendance. “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” “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.” – Acts 1:16-17; 21 (NIV)
When Peter spoke concerning Judas, “He was one of our number and shared in our ministry,” I think he was admonishing them all to check their hearts: “Hey, Judas’ heart clearly wasn’t in this. Is ours?” It was a sobering moment that shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, Peter himself had denied knowing Jesus three times no sooner than he’d been arrested. Perhaps he was reaffirming his own loyalty just as much as theirs.
There was a void to be filled. Not just in their number, but in their hearts. The number Twelve was significant. It symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel. So the first order of business wasn’t just to find a replacement for the betrayer or to fill a vacancy, but to maintain the Devine design that Jesus had created, this template for what would become his ministry after he had left them.
So Matthias enters the story. While we don’t know a lot about him, to even be considered by Peter and the other disciples tells us that behind the scenes, Matthias was a faithful follower of Jesus. And now, suddenly he finds himself in the running to become a disciple, a role of immense honor, and yet one that carries with it a terrifying responsibility. We can almost hear the thoughts racing through Matthias’ mind: Am I ready for this? Do I have what it takes? Might Barsabbas be more suited? But God’s providence prevailed. When Matthias was chosen, it wasn’t just by chance or luck; it was a Devine affirmation of his calling.
Yet this wasn’t just a promotion for Matthias; it was a radical shift in his life. He wasn’t just accepting a new title, he was embracing a life of sacrifice, service, and constant uncertainty. But Matthias’ example is also a beacon of hope… a reminder that God can elevate any one of us from the background to the forefront for His purposes.
As we reflect on this often overlooked story of Matthias in the Bible, let us not forget that God’s plans for us can be surprising and sometimes challenging, but they’re always purposeful. We might have our doubts and fears, we may wonder if we’re up to the task or if someone else would do it better. But if God calls us to it, He will see us through it.
Questions Worth Considering
1 Considering where you are currently in life, do you feel that you’re where God wants you?
2 Have you felt God calling you to move from behind the scenes into the forefront to serve Him in some way? Has He revealed a gap that He wants you to fill or a role He wants you to step up and serve?
3 Might there be fears or concerns that are causing uncertainty in your usefulness to God? If so, what are they? Write them down and ask God to give you clarity. Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips those He calls.
Former Blackout Artist 