Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles.

 

The Apostles had the task of replacing Judas Iscariot. After searching the Scriptures on the matter they put forth two names, And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (Acts 1:25) Both of these men met the qualifications which were that they had been eyewitnesses of the Water Baptism of Jesus, His 3 1/2 year Ministry and His Resurrection. I’m sure that there were many who were qualified (such as Mark and Luke) but for whatever reason, these are the two names put forth for consideration.

 

Now to decide on which one would be chosen. For this decision, they prayed.  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) The Word tells us that after praying, they placed the two names in a container of some sort and one of them drew one out. They believed that the Mind of Christ would direct the hand doing the choosing. The name drawn was Matthias.

 

I find it interesting that the Bible does not say that they interviewed the two men or even asked them if they would like the position. Their faith in God’s Choice in the matter was all they needed and they moved forward in making the decision to replace Judas.

 

Also, they did not vote among themselves or the other believers among them. There is no mention of the Church voting for anything in the New Testament. This is a practice put in place by people, not God, and is not scriptural. Yet, thousands of Churches and denominations do it.

 

The Book of Acts gives us the pattern for the New Testament Church. The modern-day church has gone astray in many, many ways. Voting for a Pastor or any other church position is one such way many have strayed from the pattern set forth in the Book of Acts. While this may seem to be the democratic way, it is not God’s Way, therefore it is not correct.

 

The church should not operate as a business or a governmental agency. It is a group of people seeking to build the Kingdom of God through their servanthood according to their Gifts and Callings. We are to take the Church into the world; not bring the world into the Church. People of the world are welcome in the Church. Welcome to do what? Welcome to change and become Christlike. Everyone Jesus spoke to or touched was changed. This should be the mission of the Church.

 

 

When God changes you He will…...….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

He changed me, Doreen

 

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