Acts 1:12-26
Reflect
Luke continues to share with Theophilus the events that occurred after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Consider Theophilus’ perspective: Having only read Luke’s first “book” (the gospel of Luke), he is reading this detailed account for the first time, likely with many questions such as, “What happened to that disciple that betrayed Jesus?” “Is he still part of this gathering?” Luke takes time to address the possible questions of his reader(s).
What we read today is possibly the first “congregational meeting” where the believers, both men and women, make a decision about their leadership. They have a quorum, about 120 present, that in traditional Jewish practice (the Mishnah) was considered the minimum number needed for a community to have a religious council (Sanhedrin). Not that they were necessarily fashioning themselves exactly as their cultural structures, but there are similar connections. Taking their cue from Scripture and their experience in following Jesus, the gathering nominated two well-revered leaders and then asked Jesus to make His will known in the casting of lots, a practice done in the OT (Prov. 16:33). Structure and form are present even in the early church.
What might the Lord be saying to you regarding leadership, structure, and form in your life today? Is both Scripture and experience informing your choices? Are you surrendering the outcome to Jesus and asking His will to be done in your life?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.