THE EMPTY SEAT IN THE UPPER ROOM
"15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office." Acts 1:15-20.
While Jesus was here on earth, He personally selected from His many disciples twelve men and gave them an apostleship—special responsibility to receive and spread His message after He returned to Heaven. John 17:6-20; Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:14-15. One of the twelve was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. In agony, Judas committed suicide. Thus, when Jesus returned to heaven, there were only eleven apostles remaining:
1. Peter
2. John
3. James
4. Andrew
5. Philip
6. Thomas
7. Bartholomew
8. Matthew
9. James, the son of Alphaeus (to distinguish him from James the half-brother of Christ)
10. Simon the Zealot
11. Judas, the son of James (to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot who was now dead)
So, the failure of Judas created a vacuum that needed to be filled. The apostles were to sit on twelve thrones, so there needed to be twelve of them. Matthew 19:28. Due to the inglorious death of Judas, a seat is unoccupied.
Some days later, the remaining apostles assembled in Jerusalem, praying with Jesus’ mother, His brothers, and other disciples. Peter then proposed choosing a new apostle who will replaced Judas. But not everyone could be considered. There are certain qualifications, and criteria that are required. The candidate for that office needed to have been with the Lord during the whole three and a half years He was among them. A candidate for that position needed to have heard Jesus’ life-changing teachings and been present to see the miracles. A would be apostle needed to have witnessed the death of Jesus on the Cross at Golgotha; and to have seen Him walk, talk, and eat among the disciples again after His resurrection. The apostles put forward the names of two men-Joseph Barsabbas (who was also called Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed! The apostle prayed that God would show them which one of the two nominees He had chosen for the office. They asked God to guide them to know which one was to fill the post. Using a method of determining God’s leading that was common at that time, they cast lots, thus giving God freedom to make His choice clear. The lot fell to Matthias, and he became the twelfth apostle. The vacancy left behind by the absence of Judas has now been filled by Matthias.
Matthias originated from the Hebrew word “Mattithiah”, which means “the gift of Yahweh”. For more than three years, he had witnessed it all—in absolute obscurity. Before the death of Judas the Bible never mention Matthias' name; yet he was there. Since John the Baptist announced the Messiah, Matthias had followed Jesus. He had walked in Jesus’ footsteps from the Jordan River to the town of Galilee. Matthias had followed the Saviour with passion and love yet without recognition. He was busy labouring as a disciple even though no one celebrated him. Matthias was willing to be unknown for the sake of the Gospel. Then one day it all changed.
Matthias never appears again in the book of Acts or anywhere else in Scripture. He went back into obscurity. Matthias emerges for a moment and then vanishes again into anonymity. But various traditions have risen to fill in the details of his ministry. One says that Matthias evangelized in Ethiopia, where he was killed. Another says that Matthias travelled to Damascus and later died in Judea. A third tradition says that Matthias spent most of his time in Jerusalem, where he eventually died. It’s impossible for us to know the truth regarding Matthias’s later ministry, since the Bible does not give us any information about him after his promotion to the Twelve.
GOD'S STILL HIRING:
An apostle is one whom God has sent on an errand or with a message. An apostle is a person charged with a commission. For three years, Judas was an apostle of the Lord, but in the end he betrayed the Messiah. Judas position became vacant; he would no longer occupy a place among the twelve. A new apostle was needed!
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8.
The Lord has a Message, but He need messengers to deliver it. There's a vacancy for you in God's service: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. This is a personal and individual commitment. The call goes out to every believer! This is a task for every believer. God’s looking for people to carry His Message of love to a hurting world. Are you willing to say, “Here I am! Send me”? Are you willing to volunteer and show God's love to the people around you? Every believer has a part to play in the plan of God. Every believer is important to God. We all can make a positive impact. Often times what He’s asking us to do is to go across the street into our neighbourhood and talk about His love. That doesn’t require a passport, visa or lots of money. It simply requires us to volunteer and speak of God's goodness to our family, friends, school, neighbourhood, workplace, or anywhere else. You have been forgiven. Your iniquity has been purged. You have been saved and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You can now speak the Word of the Lord to everyone; every nation and every people. God's hiring! Are you ready? You do not have to be an orator to preach the gospel. Just tell of His love.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE:
“Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” 1 Corinthians 4:2.
We're all called to ministry. Once you are a saved or a born-again child of God, He has a purpose for your life that will further His kingdom. You're valuable! God deliberately places you where you need to impacts someone with the Gospel, not only in pulpits and on mission fields, but in homes, offices, schools and the marketplace. To be effective in your God-given ministry, you need to be available, teachable and faithful.
1. A clean vessel.
A vessel is a container; it must be filled. A vessel is created for a specific purpose; it can be used even when it has flaws. Every vessels pours out. What, then, is flowing through you to others? There are vessels of honour and of dishonour. Are you a vessel of honour? A vessel of honour must be sanctified, pure and holy. It must be emptied of pride, immorality, bitterness, and lust. A vessel of honour must be filled up by God so that it can be impactful. God uses vessels, even broken ones. “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” Isaiah 52:11. God’s servants must be clean, holy and of highest moral standards.
Stay away from sin. Subdue the works of the flesh. Be disciplined. Be a vessel of honour. Don't become entangled with the affairs of the world. Break evil habits that chokes the Word of God. Mark 4:19.
2. Be empowered.
The anointing is an outflow of the Holy Spirit through a human vessel. Its divine enablement or empowerment. The anointing enables you to fulfil God’s plan and purpose for your life. Its God equipping you to succeed in what He’s called you to do. When God gives you an assignment, a task, or ministry, He anoints you.
3. Be addicted to the Word of God.
The Holy Spirit responds to the preaching of the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:12. Jesus taught the Word with power and authority. Luke 2:46–50. So read, digest, and meditate on the Word. Speak the Word into every situations or circumstances. We cannot grow spiritually apart from the Word. Meditate on them day and night. The Word is a weapon; it must be used or is worthless. When going through personal challenges or ministering to someone, speak the Word with authority. Don’t be afraid to say Bible verses out loud. The Bible is a mirror showing us our sin; it cleanse us from every impurities. James 1:23-24. The Word brings comfort and hope! Biblical counselling is listening to a person’s problems or struggles and applying God’s Word to them. The Bible gives guidance and direction; it shines a light on our path so we know which way to go. Psalms 119:105.
4. Preach the Gospel.
“Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction” 2 Timothy 4:2. There are some people whom God has called, anointed and raised up into full-time ministry, to preach and to teach. This is a pulpit ministry! But the Great Commission is a general call to every believer, to preach the Word. The Gospel should be preached in season and out of season. God promised to give us a word to speak in season. That means the right word at the right time to the right person. Isaiah 50:4. The ministry of the Word of God always lead to genuine transformation.
5. Go make disciples.
Jesus’ final instruction to His followers was “go and make disciples”. Jesus made disciples, the disciples made disciples and their disciples made disciples. When we became Christians, we signed up to become like Jesus. Everyone is called to be a disciple and make disciples! Discipleship is the process of leading others by example to follow Jesus through obedience to God’s Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A disciple is a learner. A disciple is a person who is willing to "go" make disciples of others. A disciple teaches others the way of Jesus.
Know that we are all a “discipler” and “disciplee.” There is no one higher than the other. Hence be humble. Lead others to Christ. Teach godly principles. Practice what you teach. Have listening ears. Pray for and with them. Matthew 28:19; Luke 10:2. Find the greatness in others. Spend time with the one you are discipling. Develop a discipleship relationship with them. Give clear instructions. Help them to better understand God’s calling and their potential in Christ. Reveal areas in their lives that needs improvement and keep accountability. Encourage your disciple. Correct them in love. Challenge them to go make others disciples.
6. A lifetime of prayer and fasting.
Prayer is vital to every believer; its our life blood. Prayer is a life priority; its the key to a successful ministry. Prayer brings us in line with God’s plans; it keeps us dependent on God. The Christian life is not all rosy; we will have challenges! But prayer strengthens us in those difficult times. Prayer opens our spiritual eyes; its the power for exploits. The power of prayer is so great it has the power to defeat the devil and his power over us.
Live a life of consistent prayer. Ask for forgiveness. Pray with persistence. Pray with passion. Pray from the heart. Pray with thankfulness. Pray for God’s will in all things. Say what you need. Pray with a friend; there is power in agreement. When we stop seeking God in prayer, we miss the chance to be part of God’s work.
Spend time fasting.
To keep in tune with the Holy Spirit, fast as often as possible. It will help you hear from God and keep your flesh under control. Fasting is a tool that puts us in position to be more spiritually aware and “tuned in” to God.
Remember to keep your fast private and follow Jesus’ guidelines. Matthew 6:16-18.
7. Be faithful.
Faithfulness is a pre-requisite for blessing. There is always a reward for faithful service. Faithfulness means to be steadfast or consistent in allegiance or affection. It is to be firm in obedience to promises or in observance of duty. Faithfulness is loyalty! It is doing what God has told you to do with the resources He has given you. Faithfulness is to be dependable and trustworthy. Are you being a faithful steward of God’s grace by using your unique gifts and talents to serve others? Christian service is about sharing the love and message of Christ with others. Ministry does not necessarily mean being a pastor or teacher; if you are in the choir, ministry groups, or a children teacher, that is a ministry. Whatever you have been called to, a pastor, apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher or any other role in the Body of Christ, do it well. You must serve as if God is present, supervising you. A faithful person is loyal, reliable, and trustworthy. Faithfulness guarantees you a life above limitations.
Do not wait till you are made a leader before you assume responsibility in service. Pass the test of faithfulness of stewardship and you will be promoted. Colossians 3:23-24. There is no greater honour than to receive the praise of Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us. Let us serve today and every day for God's well done.
8. Be available for service.
It doesn’t take great skill or gift to serve God. All it take is someone that’s available and willing to serve. God is looking for people to use in changing the world. Be available and God will use you! The word “available” means to be suitable and ready for use. You have to be willing to let God use you for His glory. "Whom shall we send"? Be available when God needs someone to teach, pray, encourage or help another person in need.
9. Be teachable.
Matthias was elevated from a disciple to one of the twelve apostles because he was still teachable after years of learning. He was teachable! To be teachable is to have the mind-set of a lifelong learner. It starts with the awareness that none of us are all we want to be or know all that we need to know. A teachable person is eager to learn and grow. A teachable spirit starts with the acceptance that we do not know everything! Keep learning. Keep an open mind. We can learn a lot from the people that God has placed in our lives. Proverbs 1:5.
Do you have a teachable spirit? Recognize everyone has something to teach us. No man is an island. We can learn from others. Take the time to listen. Learn to ask good questions. Be willing to accept correction.
10. Love God's people.
There are people in need all around us. Some have faced tough times and would benefit from a simple act of kindness. We're commanded to love! Love requires action. Love and compassion for souls are great inspiration for discipleship. When your heart is moved by love and compassion you cannot sit idly by while someone suffers. Look to the needs of others. Praying for them is actually one of the most inspiring things you can do.
11. A daily quiet time.
Time is a limited resource. When we spend time with God, we demonstrate that we value Him and He's worthy of our attention and praise. Your daily quiet time, or devotion time builds your self-discipline. It helps you to maintain your connection to God and keeps you more mindful of the presence of God. Luke 5:16.
Set aside a consistent time every day. Designate a place in which you can meet personally with God. The place can be either indoors or outdoors, such as a home, office or a garden. Follow a Bible reading plan. Worship God. Ask Him to reveal hidden areas of sin in your life, and make a habit of confessing them. Pray for your needs and desires; intercede for others. Consider fasting occasionally. Try writing down your thoughts, feelings, revelations, and prayers in a journal. Time with God each day nourishes, revives, and sustains us.
12. Don't give up until the task is done! Acts 21:11-14; 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3, 4:2.
If we must succeed in our divine assignment, perseverance is one of the essentials qualities. Sadly, every day pastors, prophets, teachers, missionaries and other Gospel ministers, make the tough decision to quit. Some walk away when they feel sick, unhappy or burnout. Some quit when they don't feel challenged. Some walk away when the environment is toxic. Some quit when there are no more passionate. Some walk away when there's no motivation, or promotion. Some quit ministry when they're constantly victimised or persecuted.
Have you lost passion for ministry? Examine yourself today. Rediscover your passion. Spend time at the feet of Jesus. Let God refill you. If you'll continue to do what He’s called you to, you'll reap a harvest. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9. Until God takes us home, we'll continue to serve! No suffering is too great if it brings about the salvation of God’s lost children.
THERE'S A REWARD:
All the disciples were called into unique assignment but God still went further to elevate Matthias into the apostolic office. Promotion, lifting, and elevation comes from God alone! ”For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one and setteth up another.” Psalm 75:6-7. God's in the business of elevating His faithful servants! Promotion is a progression in rank or position. Its an act of moving to a higher office. Promotion is an increase in level. Its to be lifted. Promotion is upward movement; It demands repositioning. Promotion is elevation.
Do you ever feel like Matthias? Matthias was with the Lord from the first to the last day of His earthly ministry, yet he was unknown. Have you ever served in obscurity? You may feel that your labour in the Kingdom of God is not recognised. Everyday you shows up, faithfully contributing your part, but no one seems to notice. But God sees you! Every disciple of Christ is well-known in Heaven. Even if no one sees your faithfulness, God is watching. He will repay you! Seek to serve God and the anointing for promotion will come upon you. Psalms 89:20. Keep seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things-promotion, wealth, success, shall be given yo you. While you serve Him, He will meet all your personal needs according to His riches in glory. Do not allow the fact that you are not yet receiving the recognition you expect from people cause you to stop being faithful. People may not be fair, but God's not unjust to forget your labour of sincerity and love, Hebrews 6:10. You’re God's witness! He saved you and made you His partner in saving lost souls. Do not give up on the Great Commission! Preach the word in season and out of season. Make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20. In due time, you will receive your reward from God if you don't give up. Galatians 6:9.
"24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
The ultimate prize of the race of Christianity is eternity with God. Apostle Paul said that he kept under his body and brought it to subjection so as not be disapprove after he had preached to others. Our body has certain natural desires or appetites which when not subdued will lead one to ungodliness and regrets. Judas kissed the door of heaven but went to hell. He forsook all to follow the Lord Jesus yet he was not faithful. Judas spent three and a half years traveling the length and breadth of Israel with Jesus. He listened to the same powerful sermons; Judas was there the day Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. He saw all the miracles, signs and wonders of Jesus. When He fed the 5,000 people, Judas was there. He took the bread and distributed it along with the other apostles. Judas was there when Jesus calmed the storm, He was there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at divergence with the desires of his heart. Judas was one of the twelve apostles. He was among the disciples that Jesus sent out to minister; He was given the gift of healing, and exercised authority over demons. Everywhere Jesus went, he was there. Judas was always by the side of the Lord. He did everything with the disciples but his mind was not fully in it. Judas never truly committed himself to the Lord Jesus. His betrayal proved that fact! Judas could not control his love for money. John 12:3-6. Unconfessed sin open the door for regrets and destruction. Judas left his apostolic ministry because of self control. To achieve greatness and finish well, we must practise self discipline.
There are rewards reserved for every believer when we make it to Heaven. Imagine what joy it will be when we stand before the Lord and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23. If you are willing to give your life to the Lord Jesus, then pray this prayer: Father, I believe You love me. The Bible says I can love You because You first loved me. I thank you for Your love. I come to You today, fill my heart in a greater way that You ever have before. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and love. Help me to grow in Your love and let me show Your love to people all around me. Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, Thank You for calling me into Your presence and inviting me to join in Your work, in Jesus name.
2. O Lord, give me divine direction that will take me to great heights, in Jesus name.
3. Father, give me the power to attain maximum achievements, in Jesus name.
4. Holy Spirit, endow me with power to maximize my potentials, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, give me the grace to get results in my calling and ministry, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, make my voice the voice of love, peace, deliverance, power and solution, in Jesus name.
7. Father, please remove anything that will hinder me from making Heaven, in Jesus name.
8. Thank God for answering your prayer.
