Topic: GUIDED BY GOD’S HAND
Text: Acts 1:9-26
1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
1:10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
1:11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.
1:13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.
1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the [c]disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
1:16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;
1:17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
1:18 (Now this man purchased a field with the [d]wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his [e]entrails gushed out.
1:19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
1:20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be [f]desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his [g]office.’
1:21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
1:22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
1:23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
1:24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
1:25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
1:26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
STUDY:
The account in our text today describes the events following Jesus’ ascension, a period of transition and uncertainty for the disciples. After witnessing Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples were instructed to await the promised Holy Spirit, a time of preparation for the challenging mission ahead. Judas Iscariot’s betrayal created a void within the group, necessitating the selection of a new apostle. Through prayer and casting of lots, Matthias was chosen, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s guidance in crucial decisions. In this, we see the early church’s reliance on God’s leading as they prepared for their mission. The disciples’ decision to replace Judas with Matthias through prayer and casting lots, demonstrates their trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide their decisions.
This passage reminds us that the church must always seek God’s leading in its mission and decisions. Just as the early disciples relied on prayer and God’s guidance, we, too, must prioritise seeking His will in our church activities. By doing so, we ensure that our actions align with His purposes and that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil our calling. Trusting in God’s leading brings unity and clarity, enabling the church to effectively carry out its mission in the world.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to patiently await your guidance and help me to seek your wisdom in all my decisions. Amen.
Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:
Watch the devotion on ACNNTV YouTube Channel
Partner with ACNNTV
Help us reach the world with the undiluted Word of God. Make Donations through our website or via the details below:
Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion ACNN Account
Account Number: 1016868363 (Zenith Bank)
Thank you for joining the Kingdom Partners today
