Reflecting on Acts 1:12-26“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.” (Acts 1:20)
Peter is addressing the symbolic leadership role of the twelve.
He is not just replacing a leader, but restoring ‘the twelve.
Many more leaders will be needed, but ‘the twelve’ is where it started.
Like the twelve tribes of Israel, this new covenant community needed twelve.
And it had to be someone who was with Jesus the whole time.
The church, built upon the foundation of Israel, expands the mission.
The mission was to bless the nations (see Genesis 11:1-3).
As God chose a nation of nobodies, Jesus also chooses the ordinary.
What set Israel apart was that God was with them; the same for the first disciples.
These are chosen not because of their greatness, but because of God’s grace.
Those that follow are no less graced, and no less called to witness to that grace.
Anchored in the first twelve, we become the blessed called to be a blessing.
When Israel failed in this, God always raised up a remnant to take their place.
When Judas falls, Jesus raises up another witness to God’s grace and blessing.
And so the mission continues, and we continue to bless the nations with grace!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, the symbolism is clear: as the new covenant people we continue to be blessed with grace so that we can bless the nations with grace. May we not abandon our office... though if we do, I know You will raise up others!
God continues to raise people to be His instruments of peace. As Christ has blessed us, we need to be a blessing unto others. I need to be like Christ to all I meet and greet. As i practice the Way may others see Christ Jesus living in me as I serve Him each day anew.