In Acts 1 we have an unusual situation. The apostles have met and are deciding who should replace Judas, the betrayer of Jesus. Clearly, Jesus was the One who had chosen the 12. How should they choose a successor? They do two things: they pray and they cast lots. Hmm. In Proverbs 16:11 we read, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” God is sovereign over dice. So should we follow that practice? Most Bible commentaries suggest that we NOT follow the practice of throwing the dice to make big decisions. From the ESV Study Bible:
The lots were probably marked stones that were placed in a pot and then shaken out (cf. 1 Chron. 26:13–16). This does not imply that people should cast lots to make their decisions today, for there is no such command in any NT letter or in any of Jesus’ earthly teachings. The appointment of a twelfth apostle was a unique situation, a choice that was made by Jesus himself. In the rest of the NT, the elders and deacons and other church leaders are chosen according to decisions made by human beings, whether by an apostle or by others in the churches.
But prayer is always a great idea. What can we learn from their prayer? I think this prayer has implications for missions. Look:
And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
- We should pray about involvement in missions
- God knows ALL hearts
- We should ask God to SHOW us
- God chooses people for ministry and missions
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 