21 “Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken from us. This person must become along with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
24 They prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s deepest thoughts and desires. Show us clearly which one you have chosen from among these two 25 to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 When they cast lots, the lot fell on Matthias. He was added to the eleven apostles.
Reflection
The early church is dealing with a crisis. The resurrected Jesus has appeared several times to his followers, given them instructions to “Go and make disciples,” and tells them to go to Jerusalem and wait for “the coming of the Holy Spirit.” This group of followers has been rocked by the betrayal of one of the twelve inner circle leaders, chosen by Jesus. They are dealing with a crisis of leadership, broken trust and uncertainty about a way forward. Peter
steps up to manage the crisis as best as he can, without being able to ask Jesus, “what
should we do about the Judas problem?”
The disciples, both men and women, have gathered in the upper room to pray for guidance as they wait for the Spirit. Peter decides to deal with the situation out in the open, rather than trying to hide the truth. He gives an account of Judas’ betrayal, and suggests a way forward. He leans on his knowledge of scripture quoting from two Psalms, as the reason Judas will be replaced. But Peter sets a requirement for the job. Judas’ replacement must be an eye witness to Jesus’ ministry from Jesus’ baptism by John to his resurrection and ascension. They look for candidates who meet this requirement and select two. Then, rather than rely on their own flawed understanding to choose, they ask God to show them who should be chosen by the roll of the dice. They trust God to show them the way forward.
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering and Prayer
Today, we think we tend to think of ourselves as more advanced than people living over two thousand years ago. But this way of dealing with a crisis in the church, and even in our own personal lives, remains true. We come together as a community, praying and discerning a way
forward. We wait, trusting loving God to answer. God doesn’t dispense answers at our demand, but a way forward will unfold over time. And while the answer may not be what we expected, we continue asking God to help us understand the outcome and for courage and strength to move forward. This is what it means to be a community that trusts God and follows Jesus, to be witnesses in the world to the love of God through Jesus Christ, led by the Holy Spirit.
How do you handle a crisis in your life?
How has your faith community worked together to move forward from a crisis?
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, we put our trust in you. We are waiting for answers to so many crisis’ in our lives, in our churches and in the world. Holy Spirit, help us to discern a way forward, so that together, we can be witnesses to your love through Jesus Christ. Amen.
