Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
The disciples became apostles. "Disciple" means follower or learner, and "apostle" means messenger or missionary. These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection (Life Application Study Bible).
Matthias was chosen as the replacement for Judas Iscariot. They outlined criteria for making the choice and once there were a significant number of "applicants", they prayed. They asked God to guide them in their decision. This teaches us to pray before acting impulsively. We should be setting up criteria consistent with the Bible and praying for God's wisdom and guidance in reaching a wise decision.
How often do we sit and just tell the Lord what we want without actually taking the time to make sure it falls within the criteria He has already set before us? Do we pray "God, fix that - make it right" or do we turn our eyes towards Him and pray for what already is perfected? Unfortunately, not all will know the Lord on the same level. Some know His name, some are acquainted with Him and others walk with Him. Let Him lead you - make you a disciple. Once you have become that disciple, eventually you will become an apostle. We all have that special assignment - we are all to spread the Good News! We cannot spread it until we are secure in it. It's similar to graduating from college, yet we still continue to be educated while we teach others. It's an ongoing and continual process, but once we begin to reach out and teach others, we are guided by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us! It's not something the church bestows upon you through an exercise in memorization, it is who Jesus gives you to continue His work! It is a gift, it is a blessing - it is a ministry!
Don't waste time looking for the certificate that says "Apostle"...you won't find it here on earth! Those records are kept in the highest of all church offices...God's heart!!! Be numbered among those who fell into Jesus' inner circle - be numbered with those twelve!!!
