Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Acts 1:12-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”

Acts 1:21-26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

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Reflect

Have you ever experienced unimaginable opportunities? Maybe ones you would have never sought out on your own? Opportunities that you know could only come from God? I have, and more often than not, these unimaginable, sometimes unwanted opportunities come along when my life has become stagnant. God swoops in and says, “Here you go. You don’t yet know that you need to do this, that you have to do what you’re about to do, but you will.” God doesn’t take no for an answer and I eventually become convinced and assured that I’m ready for the task at hand. Of course I don’t always go about my task right away, and I sometimes go kicking and screaming. I wonder if that is remotely how Matthias felt when he was chosen to replace Judas. He was qualified. He had spent the full three years of Jesus’ ministry with Jesus and the other apostles. But did he feel qualified?

I like to think not. I find it easier to relate to the apostles when they reveal their humanness. Yes, Matthias followed Jesus throughout his three year ministry. He knew the ins and outs of apostleship, but ultimately he was replacing a former apostle. Stepping into a position, no matter how it was vacated, is never easy. But God equips us for each task we are called to carry out. It is up to us to trust God to do so.

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Pray

Heavenly Father, you give me so many opportunities to serve you, and oftentimes I don’t take those opportunities. I pray that you give me strength to take those opportunities when they arise and not hesitate. Through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Go with God!