the lead role
"The saying in Scripture uttered long ago by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David was destined to be fulfilled in Judas." —Acts 1:16
Before the Holy Spirit came at the first Christian Pentecost, Jesus' disciples needed to resolve several problems related to leadership. They:
- recognized Peter as the leader of the apostles despite his three denials of Christ,
- accepted the apostles as leaders despite their abandonment of Christ before His death,
- discerned that they should replace Judas, who betrayed Christ and committed suicide,
- discerned that Judas' replacement should be someone who was with Jesus throughout His public ministry (Acts 1:21-22), and
- nominated two men, prayed, and drew lots (Acts 1:23-26).
"The choice fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26).
Is there a leader that you should be following, but you're not? Have you forgiven leaders who have sinned? Are you submissive to the authority of the Lord, His Church, your husband, parents, pastor, employer, and other leaders? Have you fully accepted your responsibility to lead? Have you lost leaders who should be replaced? Are you running from leadership because of bad experiences? Do you need a Matthias to heal the wounds inflicted by a Judas?
Why should the Holy Spirit come to people unwilling to be led? Why should the Holy Spirit come to people who have not done what Jesus' disciples did before the first Christian Pentecost?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of leadership. May I not let Satan rob me of it.
Promise: "As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you." —Jn 15:9
Praise: "Through the hands of the apostles," including St. Matthias, "many signs and wonders occurred" (Acts 5:12).
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000