Acts 1:21-22 Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to the day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His Resurrection.

 

Judas Iscariot was an Apostle of Christ just like the other eleven men. Due to his actions and his lack of confession and repentance, he was stripped of his apostleship and he was replaced. The eleven remaining Apostles took it upon themselves to replace him.

 

They had all been chosen by Christ Himself. The Prophesy about this indicated that the betrayer of Christ would be replaced and so, they began the process of deciding who the twelfth man would be. Let his days be few, and let another take his office. (Psalms 109:8)

 

According to Acts 1:21-22, the man who would replace Judas must have traveled with them during the three and one half year Ministry of Christ from the day John baptized Him until He Ascended to Heaven. In addition, this man had to have been an eyewitness of His Resurrection. He had to have seen Jesus after He rose from the dead.

 

We know that there were many who traveled with Jesus during His Ministry on Earth and I am sure the Apostles became well acquainted with many of them. In Verse 23 we read that they but forth two names for consideration. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

 

With two names on the table of consideration, they sought the Lord in prayer for a decision. And they prayed, and said, You, Lord, Who knows the hearts of all men, show which of the two You have chosen. (Acts 1:24) They had searched the Scriptures for a Word from the Lord as to this situation. They found what they were looking for. The answer was right there in the Word of God. The Prophets of Old had spoken directly to this time and now it would be upon them to proceed. They had found the answer and now they would pray and seek the Lord for a decision.

 

This was one of the first actions taken by the new Church and they handled it perfectly. They had a situation. They sought the Scriptures and they prayed for an answer. This is the perfect example for every Church and believer in Christ. No matter what the problem or situation, there is an example in the Word of God.

 

How many times do we take it upon ourselves to try to figure things out and come to our own decisions about how to proceed? God gave us His Word for this very purpose. It is to be our Guideline for life. There is no need to seek “professional” help when we have the Word of God! Who on earth could know more than God?

 

Whatever you are facing today, search the Scriptures and Pray for an answer. You WILL find what you are looking for and you will emerge with a clear direction. Then, it’s up to you to be obedient.

 

 

Only God can….…….turn the tide

 

Thank you Lord,         Doreen

 

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