The last instructions that Jesus gave to His Disciples before His Ascension: “Do not depart from Jerusalem. Wait for the promise of the Father! The Holy Spirit will empower you for the ministry ahead.” (paraphrase of Acts 1:4-5). Assigned to transform the world through spreading the gospel message, their first assignment was to wait with cautious discernment. They needed the Holy Spirit’s power; because spreading the gospel required total commitment and surrender of self to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It was during this time of prayerful waiting that Peter stepped forward to name the twelfth Apostle, replacing Judas Iscariot. He quoted scripture from Psalms, while recalling the words of Jesus that 12 would sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28).
While waiting for the Holy Spirit, Peter encouraged the disciples to name the 12th apostle from among those who had been with them from the beginning. One who certainly had seen the resurrected Jesus. The crowd was narrowed to two candidates as we are told in Acts 1:15-26. Then after much prayer they cast lots to allow for God to choose which would be the twelfth apostle. Although most renowned scholars of scripture accept that Matthias is the 12th apostle, saying Paul was an apostle to the Gentile (not one of the 12) referenced in Matthew and Revelation. Rather, Paul they say was of a separate order. Perhaps that is all true and Matthias is the 12th apostle. We will know one day in heaven. Yet, I see here in these verses in Acts a warning to each of us called upon to wait at times on God’s answer.
Wait with Cautious Discernment
All too often, I find that while I am waiting upon God to answer, my brain runs in overtime. Instead of resting, I try to rush ahead to know His Plan. In fact, sometimes I try to help Him out by preparing myself for whatever scenario may arise. I may even convince myself of how He will answer and then wait with great expectation for Him to accomplish it. Usually, I find with time, He chooses a different way in a different timing. I wonder if this was not the case with Peter. So eager to follow His Master with overwhelming enthusiasm, did Peter push forward when He should have been waiting? Afterall, Jesus did not call the twelfth apostle while amongst them. He had personally called the other 11 and even Judas; but He did not call a 12th Apostle prior to His ascension.
Furthermore, when casting lots, there is no mention of a 3rd nameless stone or one named wait for me to choose. Shouldn’t there have been? If you only give God two choices, are you really wanting to know His answer? Similarly, just because you find some scripture you can manipulate into justifying your response, does not make it always the right response. Waiting for God to answer means quietly, prayerfully waiting. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It is that act of being still that most of us have trouble with. We want to do something to help God; but, alas we cannot. He doesn’t really need our help.
Then, How to Wait with Cautious Discernment?
- Pray
- Each night as you go to sleep, ask God to give you clear guidance. Sometimes, the only time God can get me to listen is in the middle of the night and I will awaken with a song or scripture running through my head telling me to trust.
- For those who have followed my writing for any length of time, you know I believe in throwing out a fleece sometimes when I don’t know for certain I heard God correctly. But throwing out fleece must be done with great caution not to manipulate the fleece. Somewhat like the stones, where I believe there should have been a third stone when Peter and the crowd cast lots.
Concluding thoughts:
Whether the 12th apostle is Matthias or Paul does not really matter. I will one day know; but even then, seeing Christ Jesus will be so wondrous that all else is superfluous. Yet, I do believe there to be a great lesson here. When trials, sorrows, and tough decisions lie before us we are to wait with cautious discernment. Once God lays out His plan with clarity, then we move forward boldly to do all that He asks of us. With the Holy Spirit living within to guide us, as we are securely held in Christ by the Father’s mighty hand—we have nothing to fear.
Tomorrow, I go for a major surgery. I do not know all that will proceed over the next few days or weeks; but I do know who goes with me. Recalling 1 John 4:16, I can truly say, “I know how much God loves me. And I will trust in His love.”
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.