May 12 | Easter 7, Year B
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 • Ps. 1 • 1 John 5:9-13 • John 17:6-19
The loss of Judas from the band of disciples is not only a tragedy but a loss in membership that must be corrected. The disciples are to be exactly 12, a recapitulation of the tribes of Israel, the Church being — in a sense — a new Israel. Peter advises that they choose “one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22). It may strike us as odd that so important a decision is made by casting lots.
The two prime candidates are not, so far as we know, subject to interviews or otherwise vetted, nor do they compete against each other. The final choice is left instead to what looks like chance, though the disciples trust that the hand of God is at work. They pray fervently before casting lots: “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us 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” (Acts 1:24-25). Matthias is chosen, and the number 12 is complete.
Have we learned something? Is it not the case that the will of God for our lives, as for the lives of the disciples, is often discerned through some measure of risk, a casting of lots? Great and momentous decisions are almost always made in fear and trembling. We decide without absolute assurance, trusting that God will, in the end, lead us into all truth. Do not expect absolute clarity. Make peace with some confusion. Go with God.
In yet another way, we must trust in something lacking hard external evidence. Our very lives in Christ Jesus are confirmed by “a testimony in our hearts” (1 John 5:10). This is the testimony written upon the flesh of our hearts: “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11-13). This is an inward knowing that, though it cannot drive out all doubt in the days of our mortal flesh, grows in depth and strength as we adhere to the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart and mind and soul and strength. Inwardly, we feel and know that the Son abides in us, that he is life, and that his life is eternal life.
There is more. We receive by faith the words of Jesus. By faith, we behold his miracles and wonders unfolding in our lives. We sense within that Christ makes eternal petition for our protection. He prays to the Father, “I ask you to protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). He prays for our unity, “so that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:11). Finally, and perhaps of most importance, we sense within a joy that is whole and complete because it is the joy of Jesus Christ. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5, KJV).
The 11 remaining disciples had to make a choice. They trusted God to guide them. They trusted without absolute proof, which is the very nature of trust. So, we go with God in the sure and certain hope that he is with us. Moreover, God is within us as “a testimony of the heart.” Trust! Your heart is telling the truth.
Look It Up: Psalm 1:3
Think About It: The heart drinks from the stream.