READ: ACTS
1:12-26
After the
Ascension, the disciples, numbering 120, stayed together in expectation of the
promise of the Father. When the Holy Ghost came upon them, Christianity spread
all over the world through these 120. From this we learn that you can start
small and become big, hence the Scriptures saying: “Do not forget your little
beginning.” Some Christians want to become mighty men of God overnight. They
are not prepared to begin humbly. All big things start small. By the power of
the Holy Ghost, if 120 can win the whole world, you can win your village to
Christ. If you do not preach to others, their blood will be on you.
From our reading, the disciples gathered to fill the vacancy the death of Judas had created. Barnabas and Mathias were nominated but before God could answer, they voted and chose Mathias. Since he was not chosen by God, nobody has heard of him since. We can learn some lessons from this. First, if God says wait and you move, you will run into trouble. Also, voting may be all right in politics but not in divine administration. God rules by decrees and order, not by democracy. To receive divine guidance, you must be meek. God will guide only the meek in judgement (Psalm 25:9). The meek are those who are earnest and attentive to God while praying. They are ready to listen and be taught. A meek person will set aside what he thinks is the way and humbly allow God’s own to prevail.
God will not provide guidance for those who do not value it. If you ask God to lead the way, you must be ready to follow. That entails willingness to trust him blindly. “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in the paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16). God promises to reveal secrets to those who desire them and are willing to follow his guidance. He will straighten the path that was rough. It is wonderful to be guided by God. Go to him, submit all to him and let him guide you.
From our reading, the disciples gathered to fill the vacancy the death of Judas had created. Barnabas and Mathias were nominated but before God could answer, they voted and chose Mathias. Since he was not chosen by God, nobody has heard of him since. We can learn some lessons from this. First, if God says wait and you move, you will run into trouble. Also, voting may be all right in politics but not in divine administration. God rules by decrees and order, not by democracy. To receive divine guidance, you must be meek. God will guide only the meek in judgement (Psalm 25:9). The meek are those who are earnest and attentive to God while praying. They are ready to listen and be taught. A meek person will set aside what he thinks is the way and humbly allow God’s own to prevail.
God will not provide guidance for those who do not value it. If you ask God to lead the way, you must be ready to follow. That entails willingness to trust him blindly. “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in the paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16). God promises to reveal secrets to those who desire them and are willing to follow his guidance. He will straighten the path that was rough. It is wonderful to be guided by God. Go to him, submit all to him and let him guide you.
MEMORIZE:
ISAIAH 42:16 –I I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead
them in the paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them,
and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake
them.
