Good morning,
Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.
So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.
We will explore each of these this week.
The upper room (Acts 1:12-14)
“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)
The disciples obey Jesus’ command to wait for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were accompanied by the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the brethren. They spent their time praying and asking God for direction.
Where do we go when things fall apart? When we pray and God says, “wait”, are we willing?
Replacement of Judas (Acts 1:15-26)
“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a 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 bishopric 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.” (Acts 1:15-26)
God gives us the number of those gathered in the upper room. One hundred twenty. Since Judas death, a replacement was needed. Two were appointed, Barsabas and Matthias. One was chosen. Matthias.
The person selected must have been with the apostles from the beginning of Jesus ministry, seen what Jesus did, and witnessed Jesus resurrection.
The process was not by a vote of those gathered. They prayed to the Lord requesting He choose who would best fill this role. They cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias.
When we have a decision to make, do we first go to the Lord in prayer? Do we ask counsel from others? Do we search the Scriptures for God’s wisdom? Do we allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to make the decision? Then are we willing to follow God’s decision?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Leave a Reply