The apostles gather in Jerusalem and pray together constantly. Peter says thata new apostle should be elected since Judas is no longer with them. - P103
Two godlymen are nominated and they pray over which one God has chosen. After theycast lots, Matthias is chosen and becomes one of the twelve apostles. - P103
This passage serves as a bridge between the ascension of Jesus and theoutpouring of the Holy Spirit. Two things stand out. - P104
First, we learnthat Jesus‘ brothers are now among His disciples. The brother theyrejected as Messiah during His lifetime on earth is now their Lord. - P104
Thesecond and often overlooked fact is that this small circle of disciplesmakes up what would later become the Early Church. - P104
At first, thisgroup of a hundred and twenty men and women is all that is left ofJesus‘ followers. But from these humble beginnings, God will raiseupa mighty, Spirit-empowered people. - P104
Our God delights in using whatappears small and insignificant in the eyes of the world to accomplishgreat things of eternal significance. - P104
Lord, teach me how to view life and ministry with a kingdom mindset. Smallbeginnings are so easily dismissed by the world, yet so vital to the work of thegospel. Help me to embrace these mustard seeds of ministry all around me. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P105
|