Daily Bible Reading Program
Greetings Brethren,
Today's reading is Acts chapter 1.
There are a few profound topics that I have gleaned from this reading. I will comment on a few:
1. The many infallible proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2. Jesus instructed His disciples on the next steps, "they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father" - that is the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
3. At first, the disciples seemingly were not focused on Jesus' instructions to them in verses 4-5, for the question they asked was "will thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel." However, Jesus redirected them from what they were most concerned about to what He wanted them to be focused on. Verse 7-8: "... it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
4. Jesus' ascension and His promised return.
5. The replacement of Judas and the processed used. Note the following: They were already in united prayer when Peter spoke of the need of Juda’s replacement. Prayer must precede leadership decisions or any decision for that matter! Notice that Peter saw the need and move to address it? If you are a leader, you don’t just see the problem…you also will see the possible solutions too. If you are assigned to lead anything and all you can see are the problems, then you are in the wrong position. Tell me the problems but bring me possible solutions. Leadership is critically for an effective and efficient ministry.
6. Peter used the Scripture as the basis for what they were preparing to do. Peter knew that the others needed to know that what they were about to do was the will of God. Servant leaders, we must not be afraid to lead. We must not be afraid to make decisions, however, those decisions must be supported by the Scriptures. Peter did not go solo - he had a conversation with the other Apostles along with the larger group. Leaders must build consensus among those that we serve. Those leaders who believe they are not accountable to their senior leader should observe how the other 10 Apostles and the large group responded to Peter. Patterning their approach would save many church splits. Sidebar: Did you know that they are many churches where members are still worshipping together but the church is split? “11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” – 1 Corinthians 1:11- 13. When this happens, the ministry becomes in effective and instead of helping the body we systematically work towards its destruction aligning ourselves with the mission of Satan as stated in John 10:10a. Consider Philippians 2:3-11, “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ·
The prerequisites to be consider as Judas’s replacement is clear expressed. The one selected must have been a follower of Jesus Christ from His baptism by John until He ascended to heaven. This period essential covers the entire ministry of Jesus Christ. He couldn’t be a novice. He needed to be one who was also discipled by Jesus Christ. Look at Paul’s admonition to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:1-13) when he was charged to appoint leaders. There is a format that must be used when leaders are to be appointed. (Lord willing, we will speak more on this in Acts 6). I took note of the prayer of the disciples in verse 24-25, “24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” They did not just pray together; they prayed the same prayer seeking the same outcome. Friendships and other relation ties were not a deciding factor in the selection. The requirements were agreed upon and this was the basic that led to Matthias and Barsabas being considered. Matthias was selected by God after the disciples prayed asking God to instruct them as to who He had chosen. May we all learn from this process.
Much more can be said but I will leave space for your thoughts or questions.
Have a blessed day and catch you tomorrow, God’s willing.