Tag: Proverbs 16:33
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
Our God provides everything!
Scripture reading for February 20: Numbers 34-36
The God we serve knows everything! God told Moses about the boundaries of the land He was giving them and how to divide it when they took possession of it. (Numbers 34:2) They had yet to own any of it. They were to cast lots for their portion in the land. “The lot is cast into the lap, but it’s every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)
As the Israelites entered the land and took possession of it, God had Moses appoint a leader from each tribe to oversee the assignment of the inheritance. The only name that stands out in this list is Caleb. He and Joshua were the only ones left from the generation twenty years old and older who had not perished in the wilderness on the way to the promised land. These two are examples of the veracity of God’s promises. “God is not a man that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) God alone knows the end from the beginning and He speaks to His people to build their faith, inspiring them to possess their inheritance.
In these last chapters of Numbers, we find provision for cities of refuge. God knew that His people would need mercy. Emotions get out of control and things happen. Revenge instincts are strong and sometimes violence that causes death erupts. The cities of refuge were scattered throughout the land and provided a place where someone who had killed another could flee from the avenger of blood. (Numbers 35:6) These cities were Levite cities. The Levites had no inheritance but were given cities and pastureland throughout the promised land to use and to minister to the people. Six of these forty eight towns were cities of refuge. They were to mediate the serious situations when someone came for refuge.
Our God does know everything and has good plans for us. He wants us to know those plans and walk by faith and claim our inheritance! He has provided a refuge for any who sin through Jesus Christ! Take time today to ponder some of these promises and by faith possess those that you need today! Our God is on your side!
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32