With a Subtitle: Acts 1:17 reminds believers that God’s people are not just a group, but a ministry with a mission
A brief Excerpt: Acts 1:17 reminds believers that God’s people are more than a group. We are a ministry with a mission, called to welcome others, fill needs, and serve faithfully in God’s plan.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 1:17, “For he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
Background
Following the betrayal by Judas and his subsequent suicide, the remaining eleven disciples probably didn’t spend much time thinking about bringing on somebody new to the group. I can imagine that if they did talk about what Judas had done and what happened to him, they were a little skittish when it came to trusting anyone to get close to them. They likely thought of themselves as twelve who happened to now be made up of eleven, and together with the ladies and the lot that seemed to be hanging around, they would wait and see what this power of the Holy Spirit turned out to be. But as they no doubt gathered for another one of their prayer meetings, Peter shared a different perspective. Seemingly out of the blue he brought up Judas and explained how he had to be and do just what he was and did, and that now it was just as imperative that Peter and the others call forth another to join them. They were not just a collection of outcasts, but rather, they comprised a ministry. And as such, they had a mission. And since God had spoken of them in times past through the great King David, their first calling was to be true to His word. One had been removed from their fold, but there was a need and a calling for another to rise up and replace him.
Application
In your current fold, whatever that group might be, there may have been or will someday be a need for someone to step up and fill the void left by another. If your group is just a collection of acquaintances, then you will doubtful feel compelled to address the void, such that it is. But if you all are a ministry, drawn by God to be and do what the power of the Holy Spirit has called you to, then you will likely desire to add and grow and multiply. Some might be numbered with us and then they’re not, for all kinds of reasons. But when that occurs, will you be a part of the ministry that invites and welcomes the next one in?
Charge
As we seek Him today, look to add to your ministry. And if you are the one who has stepped away, consider God’s place for you in His plan.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
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