Post-Resurrection Unity
Good Morning,
Last week we talked about what it means to be in constant prayer, and an attitude of dependence on God.The realization that we pray to One who completely understands us and that we can approach the confidence and boldness has significant implications for the body of Christ. Because the early church, while committed to prayer, also had things that needed to be done.
In Acts 1:15-26 we read about the decision that needed to be made regarding Judas’ replacement. This was a big decision and one where God’s direction was desperately needed. So as Peter addressed the group assembled two men were brought forward who met the qualifications they were looking for. Joseph and Matthias.
Then they cast lots, which back then was a way to arrive at an impartial, unbiased decision on important matters. Peter and the other disciples realized that this decision was much bigger than their own personal preference. A critical aspect was that they bathed the process in earnest prayer seeking a Divine outcome. They said, “Lord, show us which of these two you have chosen.”
This was not a haphazard practice. They were not flipping a coin. They had sought God for wisdom as to who to nominate. They looked at their qualifications. They prayed over the choices. They marked two stones and the first one that came out of the bag was the one chosen. In this case the lot fell to Matthias, and he was added to the 11. They then moved forward with their decision surrenduring to God’s will. (As far as we know, this practice was no longer used once the Holy Spirit came on the scene in Acts 2.)
Something key to notice is that according to verse 15 there were 120 people present. Someone undoubtedly did not get their way. Certainly, there must have been passionate discussion. Some surely hoped that Joseph would be chosen. Others may have wanted another person altogether to be considered. Yet once the choice was made they moved forward together. In fact, when we get to Acts 2:1 we read these words, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Differences did not keep them apart.
In a posture of humility, they had all accepted that the movement in which they were engaged was much bigger than themselves.
Do we as current post-resurrection believers understand the same? Will our unity demonstrate to the world that we are about something rooted in love, cloaked in humility and eternally significant? May we, like the church in Acts be an example for future generations.
Questions to ponder this week:
1) How do you respond when you don’t get your way?
2) How often do you consider if the decision to be made is bigger than you?
Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC