7th Sunday of Easter
Scripture: Acts
1:12–26
This Thursday is Ascension Day, the day Jesus ascended into
heaven, leaving his Apostles as his witnesses. The readings for Sunday follow
immediately after the events of the Ascension. As with the last two weeks we
find an emphasis on the Holy Spirit here, and the desire of God’s people to
engage in the ministry of proclaiming the message of Jesus’ resurrection. The
reading itself records the choosing of Matthias to replace Judas as one of the
Apostles. We see here the continuation of the ministry of Jesus through the
Apostles reminding us that we are those who follow after the Apostles
proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection today.
Teaching
One of the questions that is often asked when this reading
is read is if Judas could have chosen other than to betray Jesus. John Calvin
answered this concern succinctly when he wrote, “Judas may not be excused on
the ground that what befell him was prophesied, since he fell away not through
compulsion of the prophecy but through the wickedness of his own heart.”[1]
In other words God did not force Judas to betray Jesus, but he knew the evil
choices Judas would make and used them to his glory to redeem humanity through
Jesus’ blood.
There is an elegant pattern in the selection of Matthias.
First the believers came together in prayer, unified in mind and heart through
their faith in Jesus and following his teaching. Next they listened to God’s
Word, recognizing that the prophecies applied to their situation. After that
they used their God-given common sense, setting criteria rooted in Scripture for
what kind of person should fill the office and finding men that fit. Finally
they prayed and made their selection – in this case by casting lots. From first
to last they acted in faith and by faith.
Life
The pattern above is still useful to us as we seek to call
pastors, teachers, and others with spiritual authority to do the work of the
Church. We begin from the unity of our faith as redeemed people of God,
recognizing that God has appointed people to preach, teach, and otherwise
exercise spiritual authority among us. Scriptural guidance and a bit of common
sense to apply the guidance leads us as we select candidates. Then, in prayer,
a selection must be made. That selection can be by lot, as it was with
Matthias, or even by vote or consensus of the body calling the leader.
It is important to note why Judas had to be replaced: the ministry
needed to continue. We join in that great work today as the Church, calling
pastors and teachers, but also joining and supporting ministry by volunteering,
leading, and donating to support the Church’s work.
Prayer
O God, the work of the church needed to go on so you chose
Matthias to join the ministry. Thank you for giving us pastors and teachers who
proclaim and teach the Word among us. Forgive us for times that we have
disregarded your ministry, and guide us to join in and support the ministry of
the proclamation of your Word with our skills and resources. Amen.
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