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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is twelve Apostles again. Before and after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the number of Apostles was eleven instead of twelve because Judas had gone astray and died. Peter confirmed this fact when he said that Judas “… became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.” (Acts 1:16-18). In other words, the wickedness and death of Judas led to the disciples numbering eleven.

The Apostles became twelve again because Matthias replaced Judas. “And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 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.” (Acts 1:23-26)

The key lesson in today’s reflection is that the Lord always makes provision for the continuity of His mission in the world through those who are genuinely committed to their calling and ministry. Let us remember that in Acts 1:17 Peter recounted that Judas “was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry” but he failed by betraying His Master and therefore lost the opportunity to serve Jesus as one of the twelve Apostles. It is important to note that his failure reduced the number of the Apostles to eleven but did not frustrate the mission of God. The Lord made another provision by adding Matthias thereby making twelve Apostles again. Beloved in the Lord, whatever role or service you are performing in your church, always remember that you are replaceable. You may be a pastor, an evangelist, a teacher, a preacher, a catechist, a presbyter, an elder, a music director, a singer, an usher or find yourself playing an important role in the growth of the church, it is again important to remember that your absence or failure to perform your role will not bring God’s mission to an end or cause the church of Christ to fail. God will always provide a replacement to the glory of His name. Let us be watchful so that we do not allow pride, the love of money and other personal or selfish ambitions to become the reason for which the Lord will replace us. We must be heaven conscious bearing in mind that we shall one day appear before the judgement seat to render accounts of our stewardship, it is for this purpose Jesus said that “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:12-13). Serve the Lord faithfully till your last breath on earth. Shalom

PRAYER

Dear Lord, count us worthy of our calling and let the Holy Spirit guide us to serve you with total humility and commitment. Amen