The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, February 24, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, February 24, 2022
Thursday, February 24, 2022 (St. Matthias, Apostle/CON Inauguration)
TOPIC: NOMINATED BUT APPROVED BY GOD...
TEXT: Acts 1:15 – 26
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, February 24, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
The fulfilment of a prophecy created a vacancy (v.l6ff). Judas Iscariot lost
his position and needed to be replaced. Only God knew who would fill that vacancy; the Apostles didn't, but they knew who they could ask so they took the necessary steps to do so. Peter, the leader, reminded them of the prophecy and the vacuum it created. He called their attention to the need of the hour and directed their hearts as to how to make the right choice '...he must be from among us and must have been constant with us from the very beginning till now...' (i.e., not a novice).
He must be one who has experienced Jesus and is willing and able to stand for Jesus and all He stood for...' The people did their part- nomination (v.23) and still went back to God through prayers because He has the final say and He 'alone knows every heart.' Then they "voted" and chose Matthias (w. 24-26).
How do we go about the choice of people who would occupy positions of leadership/service in our homes, churches and society? Do we involve God and follow due process or do we depend on what or who is involved? Only God knows every heart indeed (Jer. 17:9-10). 2023 election in Nigeria is around the corner. Let us involve God to help us choose the right leaders.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may you help us to make the right choices in leadership in all areas of life in Jesus Name. Amen.