Matthias: A Gift from God

"During these days Peter stood up among the brothers -- the number of people who were together was about 120 -- and said: "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry." Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). "For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; and Let someone else take his position. "Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us -- beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us -- from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection."  So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place." Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles." [Act 1:15-26 HCSB]

Observations:

What choices were made?

• Judas chose to become a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 
• Judas chose to buy a field with his unrighteous wages. 
• Peter chose to lead based on a Biblical prophecy.
• Peter chose not to simply forget, ignore, hide, or cover up how the team of apostles had been affected by Judas' betrayal. 
• The disciples chose to replace Judas instead of splitting his "allotted share in this ministry." 
• I made the choice to look up in the Greek what "a share in this ministry" meant in the original greek since it sounded so much like the stock market to me in English (and obviously the "stock market" wasn't around then). I found that the word used for "a share" was the Greek word "Kleros," whose first definition is "an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood, within the context: the lots of several persons concerned, inscribed with their names, were thrown together into a vase, which was then shaken, and he whose lot fell out first upon the ground was the one chosen." This was fascinating to me because of how Matthias is eventually chosen: through lots. So, an alternate translation of this verse could be, "he was one of our number, one of the small broken pieces of wood that fell out of the vase when small, broken pieces of wood with all of our names inscribed on them were put in a vase (presumably by Jesus and/or God) and 12 were pulled out, establishing this ministry of the "12 apostles." 
• Now, here's why I believe that translation is not traditional: that story is not recorded in any of the gospels. 
• Here's why I question the traditional translation choice: this translation is perfectly in line with the rest of the story here. 
• Here's why I believe it could be revolutionary to theology: It implies that Jesus used (or allowed to be us used) lots to decide who the "top 12" leaders of his earthly ministry would be. There were more than 12 who were with him from the beginning. It wasn't based solely on seniority (that is also stated in this story). It also holds the implication that early on in his ministry with the disciples, Jesus modeled (or perhaps simply allowed) casting lots as a way to determine the will of the Father, as a starting place-- which undermines the ENTIRE concept of luck and takes me back to a book I once heard about called "When God Winks" which has at its basis the idea that all coincidences are simply God winking at us. It places an elementary belief and understanding in the sovereignty of God over ALL things at the foundation of seeking the Father's will. 
• The metaphor paints of the pictures of the 12 apostles as 12 broken pieces of wood chosen by God (it is even believed that the word "Kleros" is rooted in the word "Klao" which is translated "to break").... and then if you study the picture in comparison to the picture of the twelve apostles names inscribed on the the twelve foundations of the walls in the the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21.... WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!!!  

• The disciples chose to cast lots as a way to allow God to show them His choice of replacement. 
• Joseph (Barsabbas, Justus) and Matthias both chose to follow Jesus without the honor/knowledge/hope of being named an apostle.

What was the impact/results of their choices? 

• One of the long term impacts of this whole story directly relates to me and my family :) (so of course I have to share!). The apostle Matthias' relics were eventually taken up into Germany where people took on surnames that were related to/came from his name. One of those names was "Theis." So cool! :D
• Ok, Matthias full name means "Gift of God," so when all was said and done, God gave the apostles a gift to replace Judas when they were betrayed. 
• Judas' choices led him to death. 
• Peter's choice to dig into scripture and to lead from scripture led to a "Gift from God." 

Applications:

Today, do choices based on the scripture still lead to unexpected "Gifts from God."? I believe so. I think George Muller lived a life that illustrated this. He chose to follow the Biblical principles when it came to relying on God for all things, and God poured out gifts on him and his ministry (often times miraculously). To learn more about George Mueller, visit: http://www.georgemuller.org/. One of my favorite quotes by him reads, "The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts," which sums up exactly what's going on here with Peter! 

Today, does God choose broken pieces and fully transform them? Actually, this is really the testimony of any Christian life. I will never forget when the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to how he had been intervening in my life and shaping me from a very young age (since I did ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior at a very young age). He opened my eyes to who I was very naturally (and brokenly): a very shy little girl who would be ruled by various fears: the fear of being hurt, the fear of hurting others, the fear of intimacy, the list could go on. These fears (without his intervention) would lead to a life of isolation by choice. He showed me that He intervened not only with his word (and favorite Bible verses such as Joshua 1:9), but with safe friendships that allowed me to experience the beauty of the fellowship He created humans ultimately to experience with him. I honestly believe the entire story of my life would be radically different without His Lordship at a young age. Today, if you hang around me for any amount of time, you will find that one of my biggest complaints in life is that I feel like I have more friendships and relationships than I can maintain (I know, I know: #FirstWorldProblems #MyCupOverflows #IReallyAmGrateful #Redeemed #PleaseDontStopBeingMyFriend). And, I really believe that is God's work. I believe God's work in each of our lives is so unique. His transformation is so uniquely tailored to each person and their type of brokenness. But it's there. In each Christian life and Christian testimony, the transformation is there... taking us from broken pieces of clay and turning us into strong and precious foundation stones in heavenly cities. 

As always, other observations, applications, and thoughts are welcome in the comments!