Acts 1: 12-26 – The Apostles Dabble in HR
In this passage, the apostles, joined by a group of about 120 believers, select a replacement for Judas in accordance with David’s word and the book of Psalms. It is revealed that after Judas betrayed Jesus, he used the bribe money to buy a field in which he promptly fell, burst open his abdomen, emptied his intestines onto the ground, and died. Two men, Joseph Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias are nominated as a replacement for Judas from a selection of people who had been with the apostles from Jesus’s baptism through His ascension. After praying to God to reveal who the chosen man is, the apostles cast lots, and Matthias is selected.
I’ve had some pretty weird interview experiences myself. But can you imagine showing up to an interview for a new job and hearing that the last guy messed up so badly that his guts spilled out of his body? In fact, Judas’s demise was so gruesome that the people of Jerusalem named his land the Field of Blood. To Matthias, joining the apostles must have seemed like a wildly intimidating new occupation. To top it all off, this group that Matthias joined was freshly without their star leader, Jesus Himself. If I was Matthias, I would be thinking, “Who’s in charge here? Am I destined to mess up as badly as the person before me? What’s our plan? Do I need to worry about my internal organs spilling onto the ground?”
Even though the chaotic circumstances of this opportunity might have left Matthias wishing he had a better life insurance policy, he still finds himself undeniably called by God to step into this position. After searching the hearts of both candidates, God reveals to the apostles that Matthias is the right choice to complete the group. In reflection, the following questions come to mind: In what ways am I letting my own fears of failure prevent me from following God’s callings? What are the chaotic circumstances in which I can be a conduit for God’s will? What are situations where I should lean into disfunction instead of running away from it?