We Should Always Be There

FROM: FEBURARY 18 @ 24, 2020

TOPIC: "We Should Always Be There" Acts 1:20-26 In Acts 1:20 it says: "May his place be deserted, let there be no one to dwell in it...". The reference is to Psalm 69:25 where it can be seen that David was referring to Judas, the disciple who delivered Jesus. “May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.” That means that after Judas, with his action, fell into such vile betrayal, he could never be included among the twelve again, he had lost that place forever. So, A SUBSTITUTE would come to cover Judas' position (Psalm 109:8 "May his days be few; MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS PLACE OF LEADERSHIP."). That place had to be filled because there were twelve disciples, not eleven. The Apostle Peter understood this as significant, that after the betrayal of Judas a "substitute" should be designated, because the one who had first been chosen was Judas; for that reason the new disciple to be chosen by the apostles would have to have the pertinent qualities to be able to occupy such a dignified position. Such a person HAD TO BE THERE WITH JESUS AND WITH THEM ALWAYS! Peter had the desire to obey in all that God had already planned by His Word.

I. (Vs. 21, 22) The man who was to be chosen to complete the group of the twelve disciples had to witness all the things that Jesus did, so he HAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE WITH THEM “…beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.”

A. He had to have been there all along, so that he knew the same as they knew and had seen.

1. A new inexperienced would first have to learn and that could not be, in that moment it was urgent for them to devote themselves immediately to the assignments given by Jesus himself.

2. There was no time for the chosen one to be treated like a child, with milk; besides those were difficult times for "a child" to face.

3. That disciple had to know that was not the time to be taught about the resurrection, but to give a responsible testimony.

4. (Vs. 23) They still did not know who it would be, but there were two names of two men possessing the necessary requirements: one was Joseph, whose nickname was Justus, and the other was Matthias.

5. Men who were just like the disciples in everything they had seen of Jesus. THESE TWO MEN KNEW JESUS JUST AS HE WAS.

6. The two were able to witness the appearances of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:6 "After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.")

7. Whoever was chosen had to proclaim Christ and the power of His resurrection in the same way as the other eleven disciples would.

8. It was not a position that would be given to him, nor was it to set him on high, but rather to give faithful testimony of what he had seen and heard for having always been there.

B. Peter and the other disciples did not know which one to choose between the two who were fit, but everyone agreed that it would be only one of the two.

1. (Vs. 24) THEY WENT TO GOD IN PRAYER TO RESOLVE THE MATTER.

2. They prayed to the Lord: "Lord, you know everyone's heart..."

3. (Vs. 25) The disciples were asking the Lord for a revelation which would show them which of the two would be the one to join them to take part in that ministry and apostolate.

4. Judas had fallen for transgression (it is the breaking of laws or norms). The greatest sin of the universe was committed by Judas, the surrender of the Son of God!

5. Judas had “…to go where he belonged.” That is, to where corresponded for the tremendous crime he had committed in betraying the Savior. He committed suicide, showing that he did not know the faith, or anything that Jesus had taught him. Judas would go to hell forever, for eternity!

6. Jesus had been walking along with the disciples and also with Matthias and Joseph, so He knew very well who He was going to point to.

7. The Lord knew their hearts, which is difficult to know of someone. For Judas, eternal damnation!

8. Matthias and Joseph HAD BEEN THERE TOGETHER WITH THEM, ALL THE TIME that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, since the baptism of John until the day when among them the Lord was received above. The two were always there and not because of the invitation, but because they loved Jesus.

9. Jesus, while He was with them, saw in detail everything about them and knew them, so He knew which one would be elected. Matthias was the perfect one for Jesus!

10. They cast lots: there was doubt in the disciples because for them both were good candidates. But, the lot in prayer pointed to Matthias; it was a method practiced by God's people before the Holy Spirit was given. To this respect the knowledge of God's will was obtained.

11. What all this shows us is the importance of BEING THERE ALWAYS, the importance of being present where the Lord is “coming and going” among us and being faithful witnesses of everything we see and hear on behalf of our God. Amen.