Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published May 25, 2012 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
Acts 1:21-26
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Know My Heart, Lord!
What’s on your resume? In an era when many people are out of a job and looking for a position of employment, the resume one writes can often times be the key to gaining an interview and eventually employment. Most resumes list one’s personal accomplishments, experience, and objectives. All of these are important to carrying out the task, but ask most employers who are hiring and many if not all would say, “Experience and education is needed, but heart is what gives us a quality employee.”
The disciples after Jesus’ ascension were faced with a vacancy in the ranks of the twelve apostles. Judas tragically took his life after betraying Jesus. While resumes were not turned in, Peter outlined the qualifications of one to fill his spot. Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”(Acts 1:21-22)
It makes sense that an individual who would testify to the life, death, AND resurrection of Jesus, would have had the experience with and education from the Lord Jesus. However, when two candidates were identified based on this outward criteria, the disciples then turned to the Lord to determine the most important quality, the heart of the man. “Lord you know everyone’s heart” (Acts 1:24). The Lord chose Matthias to fill the vacancy.
The Lord knows your heart. This can be a scary thing for we all know sin lurks in our heart. We can look good on the outside but inside we are self-serving and self-centered. Jesus condemns this hypocrisy, “You honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6) We must pray with King David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10)
The Lord knows your heart. This is a marvelous thing when the Lord Jesus has come with his love and forgiveness to your heart. (Ephesians 3:16-19) For while the exterior resume may not be all that impressive, what God desires is a heart that loves and trusts in Jesus.
The Apostles had the right resume for the job Jesus gave them. But most importantly, God had given them the right heart to live and proclaim Jesus every day of their lives. As you go about your day today, let the love of Jesus fill your heart. Let the love of Jesus flow from your heart!
Prayer: Lord, you know my heart. Cleanse it from sin. Fill it with your love. Empower it to love you and others today. Amen.