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In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) 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.’ So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout 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. (Acts 1:15-17, 21-26)
Good day dear friend! My prayer is that you have been blessed by waking up, and more blessed as you read God's word for today.
Since childhood I have loved music. I remember my mom buying 45's (Kids, ask you parents what 45's are; they're not guns!) for herself and among her favorites, and mine, was The Rooftop Singers, "Walk Right In." I remember hearing another song on the radio and asking Mom to buy me the 45 for "This Diamond Ring." I had no idea what the song was about, but I knew the words and could sing along to it. I was pleased when she said the singer was the son of Jerry Lewis, one of my favorite comedic actors. This led to the harder stuff; Beatles and Rolling Stones. The Beatles' lineup stayed constant and in reality would not have been The Beatles had they swapped out members (Yes, Pete Best was ousted as drummer right as they signed a record deal; but would the Beatles have been The Beatles without Ringo?). The Stones lost a key member early on through a drowning; and immediately they replaced Brian Jones with Mick Taylor. Later, Mick decided being a Rolling Stone was no fun and quit the groups. He was replaced by Ron Wood. The articles in the day said that Ron would not be entitled to full sharing of the group's earnings from that point on because he had not been an original member. A couple of years later, they changed their mind and Ronnie was a fully-paid Stone. The bass player, Bill Wyman married a 15 year old who demanded he quit the group and the gentleman who replaced him is never listed by name on anything...
The Twelve in this passage find themselves short of the required Jewish Twelve. Judas "turned aside to go to his own place," and the passage says they gathered to replace him. The number of Jesus' followers, meaning the regular entourage numbered 125; from that group two names were proposed. What an honor to be among those proposed. Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and a man named Matthias. By the casting of lots, Matthias was added to the 12. We don't know much about either man, but suffice it to know they loved and followed Jesus and their works among the 12 were worthy of their consideration for discipleship membership.
Our question: Would your lives, actions, words, thoughts, qualify us for consideration among the 11? Would your name have been proposed as one of the names? Worry not; your name is already among the followers; more importantly, your name is written in the Book of Life which is what truly counts. You matter to God, and your faith has saved you a place among all followers. Please keep in mind this is a place of responsibility not privilege; work is expected from you; sharing the Good News, serving others, giving generously to the work needed among other believers, etc. But you matter to God.
Our task then is to make this day as a day that makes history for the Lord. What you say, what you think, what you do; may all these count in favor of growing the number of people who come to faith because of you.
PRAYER: Loving Father, shower us with Your blessings in ways that bless You and Yours. Help us to do that which shows we matter to You and that our work is important here on the Earth. May we write history as we show our love and devotion for You; in Christ Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Tell someone today that they matter to God!
Eradio Valverde
