Waiting and Choosing

June 2nd, 2026
by Hayden Van Dyke

[ READ ] Acts 1:12-26

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

I always have to remind myself when I read a passage like this that there were way more than 12 people following Jesus. They don’t always get a shoutout by name, but the book of Acts gives us an insider’s view to the early church – the folks who saw Jesus, who watched Him die, and then witnessed Him overcome death. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that there were over 500 men who saw Jesus after His resurrection! All these folks witnessed the greatest miracle of all time…and yet, Acts 1:10 tells us that they were looking up at the sky wondering what would happen next. They needed a nudge. Jesus told them that they were about to receive power from the Holy Spirit, but the rushing wind of Pentecost had not yet blown. So what do they do?
They get moving. They gather together. They pray. They read scripture. And they fill in the gap left by Judas. This is moving in step with the Spirit – preparing for the spirit to move because faith says He will.
One other interesting note… don’t you wonder about the other guy? Not Matthias – the lots landed on him, but Justus (Joseph / Barsabbas… a man of many names). The bible doesn’t say, but I actually think he handled the selection process quite nobly. I would like to think that he was filled with the same Spirit that the others were given and that he was amongst those who prayed for, supported, and hosted the apostles as they carried out the commission given to them.
In any case, I think we can draw from this scene in Acts that the Lord honors movement. He blesses obedience. And he equips his people to do the work He’s called them to do. Not everyone has the same role, but they still have a part to play. How do you figure out your part? I think we can follow the apostles’ example: show up, gather, pray, read the word, and move in the direction that you believe God is calling you.
- Hayden Van Dyke

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ What did the disciples and Jesus followers do after the received the Great Commission (Acts 1:8 – see also Matthew 28:18-20)?
+ Who made the decision that Matthias would take the place of Judas?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What is my part to play in carrying out the Lord’s work today? How can I find out? (Hint: I don’t think you need to order lots off of Amazon)

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, reveal to me where you are calling me. Push me to surround myself with fellow believers who will pray with me, seek God alongside me, and stir in me a passion for the calling in my life. Would you remind me today of your commission? Would you help me to use the gifts that you’ve given me to glorify you? I pray for my brothers and sisters, my church family, and those who don’t know you. Thank you for saving us and giving us the power of your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus, amen.

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)