Scripture Union Daily Guide 10 May 2024 (Friday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Replacing Judas Iscariot
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that you sanctify my spirit, soul and body as I read your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 1:12-26
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey*.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode* both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued* with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said*, (the number of names together* were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein*: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether* of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION
* Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 10 May 2024 MESSAGE
“He was numbered with us” (v.17). One wonders if, as the disciples gathered in Jerusalem, Peter thought of the parable of the lost sheep. There were some 120 of them, but there was someone missing, someone who had had a part in the ministry (v.17). But now he was lost. His fate was worse than that of lost sheep.
The tragedy of Judas was not his betrayal of Jesus. Peter denied Him. It was not because he had the reputation of stealing (John 12:4-6). It was that he could not find his way back to God through repentance as Peter did. Are you struggling with guilt and fear? Then turn to God in true repentance.
Note the qualification the person who is to replace Judas should possess (vs.21-22). See the reason for this in 1 Timothy 3:7.
Notice the role of prayer and action in the election of the new Apostle (vs.23-26). When conducting an election in your group or Church, do you really pray for God’s guidance? And do you pray for them after their election? ’Lots’ were stones or sticks employed to recognize God’s will (Nehemiah 11:1). This, however, was the last time they were used by the Apostles. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, there appears to be no more need for it.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank you, dear Lord, for your Spirit who leads us into all truth. Help us to seek His leadership in every decision we make corporately or as individuals.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 34:6
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 131 – 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN
Fri May 10, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
SU BRETHREN IN DIASPORA
‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him’.
Psalms . 24: 1.
THANK GOD FOR:
* Our brethren in the various nations of the world
* Granting them grace to remain committed to God and to the Ministry
PRAY FOR:
* Grace to abide in the Lord amidst all odds
* God’s continued protection, provision, good health and favour upon their lives and families
* They will remain veritable instruments in God’s hand for the advancement of the SU work.
PRAY AGAINST:
* Worldly influences arising from unprecedented levity where they are.
