During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Acts 1:15-26

Dear God, were you in Peter’s decision that they needed to replace Judas in that moment? Were you in the casting of lots? Was Matthias the answer, or did you intend for Paul to replace Judas all along? Did Peter in his impatience get out ahead of you, or did this happen just the way you thought it should?

I am preaching again on Sunday for the Presbyterian church and this is one of the scripture readings. This is where my lack of Christian education comes in because I’ve always thought that Peter did the wrong thing here for the right reasons, but the scripture never says he was wrong so my Baptist heritage tells me that the Bible is inerrant so Peter was right to do what he did. But the fact remains that you had another man lined up to be an apostle, and that man would write much of what would become the New Testament that we use to know you today.

Father, I need your help in figuring out what I should preach about this week. Since it’s Mother’s Day, I’m thinking about doing something that is totally unrelated to the week’s scripture readings. But then I read something like this and I wonder if there isn’t a sermon in the idea of getting out ahead of you and not waiting on your timing. I don’t know. So be with me today. Help me to do the right thing for this church on Sunday, but let that start with letting you change me today.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen