are you choose-able?
"They then drew lots between the two men." —Acts 1:26
Matthias was chosen as an apostle to replace Judas. Joseph Barsabbas was not chosen; he was passed over. Have you ever been passed over for a job promotion, turned down for a prettier girl or guy, or lost out to your sibling for a parent's attention? Now what do you do?
All we know about Joseph is the following:
- Joseph followed Jesus wherever He went (Acts 1:21).
- Joseph was faithful over the long haul. He stayed in the company of the disciples from beginning to end (Acts 1:22).
- Joseph did not seek honors for himself; but was nominated by the others (Acts 1:23).
- Joseph was a powerful, faithful disciple, worthy of being an apostle.
- Joseph joined the leaders and Matthias in humbly seeking God's will (Acts 1:24).
- Joseph was ready to serve God if he was chosen.
After Matthias was chosen, we hear no more about Joseph. However, it's likely that Joseph responded to being "un-chosen" by living the same faithful, committed life as always. Joseph may not have been chosen, but he was choose-able.
Like Joseph, we can be faithful slaves of God, "each of [us] doing only what the Lord assigned" us (1 Cor 3:5). Even if passed over for some position or favor, we are always "chosen and precious in the sight of God" (1 Pt 2:4, RNAB). Choose to stay faithful, thankful, and humble.
Prayer: Father, I am Your servant. Do with me as You will. I will serve you with gladness in whatever way You choose (Ps 100:2).
Promise: "He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor." —Ps 113:7
Praise: St. Matthias was the first of countless successors of the Apostles.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 28, 2018
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