Acts 1:12-26
Jesus had just ascended into heaven leaving his disciples standing there staring off into heaven. He is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. They were given the great commission before he left, to be witnesses for Him both near and to the uttermost part of the world. That commission still stands today even here in Danville, IL and I hope to live up to it.
Now they return to Jerusalem and seek to go about fulfilling the business at hand. The best way to do this was to have a session of prayer. We may get nowhere without looking up to God for even the wisdom to do what needs to be done.
After a long session of prayer, Peter stands up to speak to the group about Judas the betrayer. An interesting side note here is the mention of the field of Aceldama which was purchased with the 30 pieces of silver. It seems that when Judas hung himself, it may have been in a tree over that field and it is possible that before he was found, the rope broke and he fell down in that very spot. I find this rather ironic. He fell down and burst apart in the field of blood. It also tells us that he went to his own place. We all deserve that place, but by the grace of God I have been saved from the wrath to come.
Now it is time to replace Judas with another disciple. Matthias is chosen by the method of casting lots; a method that was commonly used in the Old Testament often. Could this have been the closing of the Old and bringing in of the New? Pentecost is next. A new era in the plan of God.
Now they return to Jerusalem and seek to go about fulfilling the business at hand. The best way to do this was to have a session of prayer. We may get nowhere without looking up to God for even the wisdom to do what needs to be done.
After a long session of prayer, Peter stands up to speak to the group about Judas the betrayer. An interesting side note here is the mention of the field of Aceldama which was purchased with the 30 pieces of silver. It seems that when Judas hung himself, it may have been in a tree over that field and it is possible that before he was found, the rope broke and he fell down in that very spot. I find this rather ironic. He fell down and burst apart in the field of blood. It also tells us that he went to his own place. We all deserve that place, but by the grace of God I have been saved from the wrath to come.
Now it is time to replace Judas with another disciple. Matthias is chosen by the method of casting lots; a method that was commonly used in the Old Testament often. Could this have been the closing of the Old and bringing in of the New? Pentecost is next. A new era in the plan of God.
