Check out all the previous Acts readings here.

Acts Reading Plan | Week 1 | Day 4

Prayer

Take a moment to physically open your hands up before God, like you are about to receive something. Now, ask God to fill you today. To give you what you need for this day.

Bible Reading: Acts 1:15-26

Read these verses three times slowly.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Reflection & Questions

During this period of waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, the believers (about 120 of them), are processing. There’s a newness of life and hope like they’ve never experienced. But there is also pain and the past to put behind them: namely, the betrayal of Judas. As Peter says in these verses, “He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” He had been there to see Jesus’ miracles. He’d heard Jesus’ teaching. They’d laughed and cried around the fire night after night. And yet, with a kiss, he had handed over their beloved Savior and Friend to be crucified.

Peter, guided by God, knew the elephant in the room had to be talked about. He knew to go forward, healing had to happen. He explains the sovereignty of God in all that. This was part of the plan. And part of the plan was that someone would take Judas’ place.

1. Is there any area of (emotional) pain in your life that needs healing right now? Are you avoiding it? Are you trying to be “on mission” without dealing with it? Talk to God about that.

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?