Daily Bible Study

Tweet

Day 2 Acts 1:12-26 Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15 And in those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his office let another take. 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which know the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Have you belonged to an organization where members voted for leaders? It’s a daunting responsibility to lead a group or organization. One hundred twenty people filled the upper room when Peter announced they needed another eyewitness to take Judas’ place. The person needed to be with them from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. They voted on two names and chose Matthias as an apostle in place of Judas who betrayed Jesus and then killed himself. Nothing more was heard about Matthias in Scripture, and only sketchy information, none of it verified as fact, stating he was stoned to death in Jerusalem, beheaded by Rome, and died at an old age. Which is true? As Christians, God called you as His child. You belong to Him and are a daily witness of what Jesus does in your life. What do people know about you? Do they know you’re a Christian? Have you told anyone about the saving power of Jesus Christ? Just because you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, doesn’t mean people know you did. It might be the only ones who know you belong to Jesus are Jesus and the angels of heaven. Jesus told His disciples and the people in the Sermon on the Mount, they were to let their light shine so people would know they were Christians and God would receive the glory. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV) Jesus said people would know they were His disciples if they loved everyone. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV) There are many ways people will know you are Christians. Do they know you love them? Do you tell them what Jesus did for you today and how He blessed you and took care of you? Did you tell them how He provided for you? Nobody will know you’re a Christian unless you show them by your actions and words. People knew Matthias was an apostle, but nobody knew what he did after he was chosen. Let your light shine for the world to see. Let’s pray: Father, let Your light shine in me so people will know I belong to You. Give me the words to say and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 13 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay