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filling the void
Acts 1:12-26 (JDV)
Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem – a Sabbath day’s trip away.
Acts 1:13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
Acts 1:14 They all stayed busily engaged with the same passion in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 1:15 In those days Peter got up among the brothers – the number named who were together was about a hundred and twenty – and said:
Acts 1:16 “Men, brothers, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Sacred Breath through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus
Acts 1:17 since he was included in our number and shared in this assistance.”
Acts 1:18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his organs spilled out.
Acts 1:19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own dialect that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Plot of Blood).
Acts 1:20 “You see, it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his residence become unpopulated; let no one live in it; and Let someone else take his position as overseer.
Acts 1:21 “That is why, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us –
Acts 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was picked up from us – from among these, it is necessary that one become a testifier with us of his resurrection.”
Acts 1:23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
Acts 1:24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know every heart; show which of these two you have selected
Acts 1:25 to take the place in this missions assistance that Judas bypassed to go to his own place.”
Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven missionaries.
filling the void
How does a congregation or ministry fill the void when they need new leadership? There are some insights we can glean from this text:
First, bathe the process of seeking new leadership in prayer. Don’t just hope for the best, pray for God’s best (13-14).
Secondly, look for candidates who meet the scriptural qualifications (20, 25).
Thirdly, ask God for guidance in making the right choice, then make the choice, trusting that God has answered your prayer. (23-26).
Lord, send us leaders who will help us love and serve you.
Devotions 