A New Beginning - Acts 1

Today's blog marks a new beginning for me, as I move away from the previous 5 blogs about our Fall Recharge theme and begin reading through the book of Acts one chapter at a time. It also marks a new beginning because the chapter is about the birth of the Christian church. Acts is an exciting book to read. In a way, it's kind of like the Genesis story specifically of how God created the church. So, feel free to join me for a chapter here and there, or take up the challenge to read a chapter a day. If you feel led, I encourage you to share your thoughts about the passage in the comments section. Here we go!

Acts 1

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

Today, there were three things that really stuck out to me about the disciples' decision to replace Judas. First, they just felt the need to have 12 elders/apostles in the group of about 120. I believe it was both because of the Jewish heritage of having 12 tribes, but also simply because Jesus chose 12. If Jesus wanted 12 in the group, let's not try to do it with 11. :) The second thing that stuck out was that they were praying constantly (v.14). They didn't try to do anything apart from God's guidance. The third is that, initially, the casting of lots to choose the next apostle seems really loosey goosey - like they're leaving a lot up to chance. But because they prayed and declared that the Lord knows everything, they really believed that they had two qualified men and let God decide. I think rather than gambling, it just revealed a lot of faith in God.

2. How does this passage relate to any other passage of scripture I know?

In John 7, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit, which he proclaims in Acts 1:8. The passage from John 7:38-39 says, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive."

I love that description of the Holy Spirit.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Well, similar to #1, I really feel like I need to trust God with the big and little decisions in my life. If I truly commit my life to prayer and seeking God's will, I can trust that He will indeed guide me.

4. Do I have any questions?

I guess I have a lot of questions about Judas? Why did God choose him for destruction? Was Judas' remorse a sign of repentance? I don't know.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.