Trust God’s Leading

Our first lesson from last Sunday was from Acts chapter 1. In it, we see Peter standing up and addressing 120 disciples. I find it interesting that Peter, who now seems to be in a leadership role, was the disciple who denied Jesus three times. He had told Jesus, before Jesus was arrested, that even if everyone else ran away, he would die for Jesus. Then he denied , knowing Jesus, to servants... not soldiers. Jesus, after the resurrection, asked Peter three times if he loved Jesus. Each times Jesus asked Peter, the disciple was hurt more and more. Each time Jesus responded, “Feed my sheep/lambs”. Now, this denier of Jesus, was leading the disciples and preparing them for ministry (or feeding the sheep or lambs). O, the mercy of God, to allow His people a second, third, or seventy seventh chance. Even though God’s grace abounds, not all will receive it. This section also tells that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, went out and hung himself. Could Judas have been saved? In Acts 2:21, we are informed, “Anyone that calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Whether it was extreme guilt, a hardened heart, remorse, or some other reason, Judas never turned back to God. It appears that, according to prophesy, Judas was destined to destruction, not because God caused it, but rather God’s foreknowledge knew what Judas would do. Even though God’s grace and mercy is available to all, not everyone will submit fully to God. This passage then continues to tell us that someone needed to take Judas’ place in ministry. I am always struck by the method. They basically used a means, similar to flipping a coin. Does God want us to entrust our future, and His ministry, to chance? Absolutely not! We must note that before “casting lots”, they lifted everything in prayer, asking and trusting God to determine the outcome, so that it is according to God’s will. By this method, the 12th disciple was called or appointed. It is, however, by God’s grace and strength that the Apostles went out to proclaim the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. Today, anyone who surrenders to God, is called to be an ambassador, representing God to a fallen world. Lord, You have called us to go and make disciples of all nations. You call, gather, and enlighten Your people to serve. Amen