Scripture
“Lord, show us the one you have chosen to be an apostle and to serve in the place of Jesus.”
Observation
The apostles, and all of the followers of Jesus, were meeting daily for prayer and in unity of purpose.
They were waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, not knowing what that meant exactly, but just knowing this was something that Jesus had promised.
The Lord led them to set aside someone who would take the place of Judas amongst the apostles.
Matthias was chosen.
The followers were convinced that it is God who appoints people to ministry, not the church or a committee or even an individual leader.
Application
Some years ago now, whilst in the throes of leaving the Uniting Church, I was interrogated by the denominational leaders. One of them said, “How can you leave the church which ordained you?” I replied, “According to my theology of the church, it is God who appoints people to ministry and in ordination, the church merely recognises the calling of God.”
It has always been the case that it is up to God, the Lord of the Church, to promote, appoint and place people where He wishes.
It us up to us to seek prayerfully the place and the role that God has for us.
Prayer
Father, you are the Lord of the whole church and Lord of me. Use me as you wish. Let me be totally and completely surrendered to your purposes today and always. Amen.
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