Apostles: Appointed By Jesus

# 296 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14) Then He appointed twelve, that they should be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:”

Although the word “apostle” isn't used here, all the elements of what it means to be an apostle are present. First of all an apostle was to be appointed by Jesus. Some may argue that Matthias (the man selected to replace Judas after the ascension of Jesus) did not meet that criteria, however, he did meet the other criteria and his selection was ultimately in the hands of Jesus. You can read about this incident in the first chapter of the Book of Acts.

The disciples were gathered in the upper room, praying, and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Peter had obviously been reflecting in the Psalms, (by the way, it's a good idea to bring your Bible with you when you pray because prayer is supposed to be a two-way conversation) and realized that Judas needed to be replaced. Acts 1:20 says,

"For it is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it'; and, 'Let another take his office.'

Notice too, that they didn't dilly dally. God's Word told them to replace Judas and they set about to do it immediately. Oh that we would learn to be so prompt in our response to God's Word!

Well, they narrowed their selection down to two candidates and then, “they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell,” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (v24,25,26)

With this prayer, and all the preliminary work of screening for the proper candidates, and the disciples trust in the Word of God which states, “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. (Prov 16:33) there can be no doubt that Matthias was indeed appointed by Jesus.

There is a great lesson here for you and I. Search the Scriptures for guidance in all our decisions, then come to the Lord in prayer because “He knows!” He will guide you into the right decision. And if we are presented with several equally good choices, it's okay to prayerfully and carefully cast lots for the final decision.

Just remember....it's not, “two out of three?” and this method is never to be abused or taken lightly. When lots are used this way, they have passed through the holy hands of Jesus.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.