Acts 1:12-26
Today's Passage: Acts 1:12-26
The disciples are a man down after Judas betrayed Jesus and then ended his life. This was a big deal because, just as Peter says, Judas had a significant “share in this ministry.” There was work to do and a Great Commission to fulfill (remember, Jesus had just ascended and commissioned them to go). The disciples have become Apostles, tasked with sharing the good news, building, and teaching the church of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth - they needed a twelfth man to carry that burden.
The way they made their decision should be insightful for us. First, they had been dedicating themselves to prayer (14). They were seeking the Lord through prayer - seeking his wisdom, strength, courage, and guidance.
Second, they took time to find godly and qualified men. Part of the authority the Apostles had to teach and instruct the church came from their time with Jesus through his entire ministry. Therefore, they sought out men who had been with them from the beginning - walking, witnessing, and listening to Jesus.
Third, they sought the Lord’s will through prayer and then made a decision. They didn’t sit in silence waiting for a sign - but they asked the Lord for guidance and then cast lots to decide.
Life can be full of crossroads. Sometimes both paths or decisions are good and we can find ourselves paralyzed waiting for the best decision. When we find ourselves in those situations we should apply what the Apostles did here in chapter 1.
Written By: Joe Weaver
The disciples are a man down after Judas betrayed Jesus and then ended his life. This was a big deal because, just as Peter says, Judas had a significant “share in this ministry.” There was work to do and a Great Commission to fulfill (remember, Jesus had just ascended and commissioned them to go). The disciples have become Apostles, tasked with sharing the good news, building, and teaching the church of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth - they needed a twelfth man to carry that burden.
The way they made their decision should be insightful for us. First, they had been dedicating themselves to prayer (14). They were seeking the Lord through prayer - seeking his wisdom, strength, courage, and guidance.
Second, they took time to find godly and qualified men. Part of the authority the Apostles had to teach and instruct the church came from their time with Jesus through his entire ministry. Therefore, they sought out men who had been with them from the beginning - walking, witnessing, and listening to Jesus.
Third, they sought the Lord’s will through prayer and then made a decision. They didn’t sit in silence waiting for a sign - but they asked the Lord for guidance and then cast lots to decide.
Life can be full of crossroads. Sometimes both paths or decisions are good and we can find ourselves paralyzed waiting for the best decision. When we find ourselves in those situations we should apply what the Apostles did here in chapter 1.
- Get in the Word and seek to know Him more.
- Make sure both decisions honor the Lord and align with your God-given calling. I would also add, seek godly counsel from people who are honest and unbiased.
- Pray for guidance and make the decision. God is not holding his breath over which decision you make. He already knows. What he wants is for you to look to him and depend upon him.
Written By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Just getting to this today, but I found it so insightful. Sometimes decisions seem so difficult, but if we just take time to search scripture, it will point us to the best decision. Thanks, Joe!