20 “Now,” said Kefa, “it is written in the book of Psalms,
‘Let his estate become desolate,
let there be no one to live in it’;[a]
and
‘Let someone else take his place as a supervisor.’[b]
21 Therefore, one of the men who have been with us continuously throughout the time the Lord Yeshua traveled around among us, 22 from the time Yochanan was immersing people until the day Yeshua was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.”
23 They nominated two men — Yosef Bar-Sabba, surnamed Justus, and Mattityahu. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over the work and the office of emissary that Y’hudah abandoned to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they drew lots to decide between the two, and the lot fell to Mattityahu. So he was added to the eleven emissaries.[Footnotes:
Acts 1:20 Psalm 69:26(25)
Acts 1:20 Psalm 109:8]
The Ascension of the Lord or Saint Matthias, ApostleYou, Lord, who know the hearts of all … (Acts 1:24)
Have you ever anguished over an important decision, wanting to follow God but unsure if you’re making the right choice? Decision making can be especially challenging when several doors are open before us, and many of them seem good. How much easier it would be if God would simply text us a message or send us an e-mail telling us exactly what to do!
The disciples were faced with just such a difficult decision regarding which of two well-qualified candidates should fill Judas’ spot as the twelfth member of their group. To our modern minds, drawing lots—the method they decided upon—may seem illogical. Why leave such a crucial matter up to the luck of the draw?
The disciples recognized that the matter transcended their natural wisdom. They didn’t know the mind of God, so they prayed to the One “who knows the hearts of all” (Acts 1:24). Then they gave God room to act. They reasoned that God had already made the choice, and drawing lots would make it clear. Biblical scholar Maureen Duffy explained it this way: “They choose not to choose—or exclude. According to the practice of the time, they cast lots, for an outcome unbiased by human ignorance. Perhaps, in secular language, they leave the decision to chance. In their language of faith, they leave it to God.”
In our own lives, many situations are clear-cut with straightforward decisions. But what about those times when we’re trying to choose between things that seem equally appealing, equally advantageous—or equally risky?
First, ask yourself: “Does my choice conform to God’s law? Will it bring me closer to Christ?” Then, rather than trying to control things yourself, seek the Lord for guidance and some sign of direction or confirmation. Give God a chance to show his hand! Even if you make a wrong decision, he’ll find a way to bring good out of it. All he asks is that you try your best. Take a chance, and leave the rest up to the Lord. Isn’t that a really faith-filled way to act?
“Father, I trust you! Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my savior’ (Psalm 25:5).” Amen!
Psalm 113:1 Halleluyah!
Servants of Adonai, give praise!
Give praise to the name of Adonai!
2 Blessed be the name of Adonai
from this moment on and forever!
3 From sunrise until sunset
Adonai’s name is to be praised.
4 Adonai is high above all nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like Adonai our God,
seated in the heights,
6 humbling himself to look
on heaven and on earth.
7 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts the needy from the rubbish heap,
8 in order to give him a place among princes,
among the princes of his people.
John 15:9 “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other!
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