A New Term

This past November we voted again for the position of President.  Would the incumbent win or would another take the reins...the battle was fierce.  My son's school also voted in new leaders.  Out with the graduates and in with the new seniors.  What an honor to be voted in to a position.  You have the priviledge to lead.  Leading in such a way puts quite a scope on you. 

Every detail of your private life is out in the open.  I recall one of our president's daughters caught "sticking her tongue out" at a photographer as he clicked away. So much to be said about serving in such a public position. 

There were positions in the time of Jesus as well.  There was no campaigning, no soliciting, no public speeches just Jesus saying Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Mark 4:19 That was all that was required just "Jesus called them."

Their term started when they followed Christ.  Unfortunately like today, not everyone was loyal to Him. There was a bit of  a "self serving, what's in it for me attitude " in the group.   Judas seemed to have a different plan. 

Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.  From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.  Matthew 26: 14-16

Judas proceeds to betray Christ and hand him over however, the thirty silver coins do not bring the contment he expected.  Instead, it leads to his demise and the chosen twelve are left one short.  What do you do about the void?  How do the chosen twelve remain the twelve disciples? 

It took me a while to realize that Judas was replaced.  How did they do that?  Jesus was now gone, would they take a vote? Would there be requirements like age, status in the community, follower of Christ?  Worse than that, how would you like to be appointed to succeed Judas Iscariot?  He had a name, his name was Matthias but imagine, being addressed as " the guy that replaced Judas."

There was no vote....there was no favorite....there was no unanimous decision either. There was prayer. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart.  Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. Acts 1:24

What a concept....prayer.  So when the time comes, whether it's for our country, state, city, community, school or anything else and we need a new leader, we begin a new term, let's begin with prayer.

They all joined together constantly in prayer along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.  Acts 1:14

Read the full story of the man who replaced Judas in Acts 1:12-26