Unfinished Business

These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.
–Acts 1:14

After Jesus went back to heaven, what did His disciples do? They waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. But while the disciples were waiting, they were also praying and working.

Jesus had commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem, so they gathered there along with Jesus’ family and other followers. Acts 1:14 says, “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.” While the disciples waited on God, they weren’t just sitting around; they were praying. But there was also some unfinished business they had to take care of. The twelve apostles had lost one of their number–Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus–so there was a leadership position that needed to be filled.

Have you considered how Jesus’ other followers must have felt about Judas? I’m sure they were disheartened. One of their own had defected, and that was hard for them to understand. So Peter encouraged them. He said, “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas” (v. 16). Then he quoted from the Psalms. Peter was saying, “Don’t be disheartened. This was all according to Scripture.” That should comfort us today as well. God is able to use even our worst mistakes for His ultimate purpose, just as He used Judas’ betrayal to help bring about His plan of salvation.

Peter pointed out that replacing Judas was also part of God’s plan. Two men were nominated: Joseph, who was known as Barsabbas, and Matthias. They all prayed for God’s direction, and then they rolled the dice. That doesn’t sound like a biblical thing to do, but in Old Testament times, God worked through this process, which was called casting lots. Verse 26 reveals God’s decision: “The lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.” It’s interesting that this is the last time we see anyone casting lots in the Bible. Why? Once the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers and guide them, there was no need to cast lots anymore.

Jesus’ followers did what they needed to do, trusting in God’s sovereignty over their situation. Now they were ready for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Unstoppable Power” and “The Promise,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.