April 3rd Daily Devotion
A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CALL MEETING
Acts 1:21-26 “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 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.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:21-26)
Acts 1:15-26 is an account of Peter leading the first congregational call meeting. No, the word call is not used in these verses. I call this meeting a call meeting because the Christian church since that time has patterned the selecting of official workers within the church upon what is recorded in today’s devotional verses.
First, Peter presented the need for the selection of a new disciple. The betrayer Judas had not only disqualified himself remaining a disciple, but had committed suicide. Jesus had appointed twelve to follow Him and the church at this time determined twelve leaders were still needed.
The criteria for selecting Judas’ replacement was the one chosen had to have, like the other disciples, witnessed with his own eyes Jesus resurrected. Jesus had determined the importance of this eyewitness experience when He made two appearances to the disciples so that all the remaining eleven would see His resurrected body and for Thomas to even physically touch the scars from the nails and spear.
Two candidates were determined to meet those qualifications. Prayers were said by the disciples and then “lots were cast,” depending upon the Holy Spirit to determine by this process who should fill the vacancy. Matthias was chosen.
This process for filling a ministry vacancy still serves as a model for the church today with the exception lots are no longer cast. Instead, a list of candidates is presented to the congregation and the members cast a ballot with the majority vote determining who the congregation believes the Holy Spirit has directed them to select. Thus, the church designates this selection as a Divine Call. (God Directed!)
A Christian church does not hire a pastor; it prayerfully depends upon the Holy Spirit to lead them in “calling” him. A pastor accepts or declines the call as the Holy Spirit directs Him. As Jesus chose His disciples, so a congregation depends upon the Holy Spirit to guide it in choosing its pastor.
Prayer: Lord, help us who are members of Christian congregations to respect the office of Pastor knowing it is a Divinely created office filled by You through the Divine call we extend to him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(This hymn is usually sung at the installation of a pastor)
Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit On your servant now, we pray; Let him prove a faithful shepherd That no lamb be led astray. Your pure teaching to proclaim, To extol Your holy name. And to feed Your lambs, dear Savior, Make his aim and sole endeavor.
You, O Lord, Yourself have called him For Your precious lambs to care But to prosper in his calling, He the Spirit’s gifts must share, Give him wisdom from above, Fill his heart with holy love; In his weakness, Lord, be near him, In his prayers, Good Shepherd, hear him.
Help, Lord Jesus, help him nourish All our children with Your Word That in fervent love they serve You Till in heav’n their song is heard. Boundless blessings, Lord, bestow On his faithful toil below Till by grace to him be given His reward, the crown of heaven.
Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit // LSB 681