Read Acts 1:15-17

Tuesday

Read Acts 1:15-17

15 A few days later there was a meeting of the believers, about a hundred and twenty in all, and Peter stood up to speak. 16 “My friends,” he said, “the scripture had to come true in which the Holy Spirit, speaking through David, made a prediction about Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was a member of our group, for he had been chosen to have a part in our work.”

21-22 “So then, someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the whole time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us, beginning from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.”

23 So they proposed two men: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas (also known as Justus), and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone, so show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to serve as an apostle in the place of Judas, who left to go to the place where he belongs.” 26 Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles.

Think

As the apostles chose one more to fill their number their criteria were quite simple: Someone who had been part of the group since John preached baptism; until the day of ascension.  It was important for this group to have leadership who had first hand experience of the life, example and teaching of Jesus.

Pray

Thank you for those early apostles who learnt from you and remembered the lessons to pass down to me today.  By your Holy Spirit remind me of your teachings.  Surround me with your presence.