Next steps
by Ruth Olsen
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In those days Peter stood up among the believers (Acts 1:15a).
Read Acts 1:15–26
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles – ‘men of Galilee’ (verse 11) – returned to where they were staying in Jerusalem. Together with the women and other followers of Jesus – about 120 people, including Jesus’ brothers – they all met together, constantly in prayer. That is a good way to build a faith community! Prayer helps us take our focus off ourselves to lift our focus to the Lord instead and remember his faithfulness, promises and mercy to us each day.
During that time, Peter was reminded of two seemingly random Scripture verses and how they related to the space left vacant among them by Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins. Although Judas had returned the money to the priests, it was used to purchase the potter’s field where Judas had hanged himself).
Have you noticed during prayer or a conversation regarding things of God that a Bible passage comes into your mind? Jesus had earlier told his disciples that when the Holy Spirit was sent to them, he would teach them all things and remind them of things Jesus had said (John 14:26). After Jesus’ resurrection, he had appeared among the disciples in the upper room and breathed his Holy Spirit on them (John 20:19–23). Although the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out on everyone at Pentecost, he was still at work leading Peter.
The Holy Spirit knows the Scriptures thoroughly! And he knows how we are to apply which Scriptures to our situations. When we speak those words in our situations, because God’s word is living and active and a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17), something happens, and the situation changes.
Luke acknowledges that it was the Holy Spirit who spoke these two Scripture passages through David centuries earlier. With Peter’s leadership here, the gathered believers selected two candidates, prayed, and Matthias was selected. Although we hear no more of Matthias after this, the task was completed.
Lord, sometimes our ‘next steps’ can seem insignificant, yet if that is what you are leading us to do, then there is purpose. Thank you for your Spirit, who continues to lead us! Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
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