Thoughts to Ponder from Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 (ESV)

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, ¹⁶ “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 

²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

“‘Let another take his office.’

²¹ So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” ²³ And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen²⁵ to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all (Acts 1:24).

Have you ever anguished over an important decision, wanting to follow God but unsure just how to know if you’re making the right choice? Decision making can be especially challenging when several doors are open before us – and many of them seem good. How much easier it would be if God would simply text us a message or send us an e-mail telling us exactly what to do!

The disciples were faced with just such a difficult decision regarding which of two well-qualified candidates should fill Judas’ spot as the twelfth member of their  group. To our modern minds, drawing lots – the method they decided upon – may seem disconcerting, illogical, unsound, or downright weird. Why leave such a crucial matter seemingly up to the luck of the draw?

The disciples recognized that the matter transcended their natural wisdom. They didn’t know the mind of God, so they prayed to the one “who knows the hearts of all” (Acts 1:24).

They reasoned that God had already made the choice, and drawing lots would make it clear. Biblical scholar Maureen Duffy explained it this way: “They choose not to choose – or exclude. According to the practice of the time they cast lots, for an outcome unbiased by human ignorance. Perhaps, in secular language, they leave the decision to chance. In their language of faith, they leave it to God.”

In our own lives, many situations are clear-cut with straightforward decisions. But what about those times when we’re trying to choose between things that seem equally appealing, equally advantageous – or equally risky?

First, ask yourself: “Does my choice conform to God’s law? Will it bring me close to Christ?” Then, rather than trying to control things yourself, seek the Lord for guidance and some sign of direction or confirmation. Give God a chance to show his hand! Even if you make a wrong decision, he’ll find a way to bring good out of it. All God asks is that you try your best. So like the apostles, take a chance, and leave the rest up to the Lord. Isn’t that a really faith-filled way to act?

Father, I trust you! Make known to my your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Amen.

Wau