Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 24 February 2026: The Election of Matthias

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 February 2026

Daily Fountain Devotional 24 February 2026 TOPIC: Election of Matthias

SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 1:15-26

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.

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TODAY’S MESSAGE

At the gathering of about 120 disciples, Peter stood up and addressed those present concerning the fulfilment of the prophecy through David, concerning the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, a member of Jesus’ ministry. Since Judas had died, there was need to replace him. Peter anchored his stand on Psalm 69:25 and Psalmn 10:8, that another should take his office. He therefore expressed the need to get one of the men who had been with them while Jesus was with them up to the time of His resurrection, as a replacement for Judas. Joseph and Matthias were nominated to fill the vacancy. After they prayed and cast their votes, Matthias was elected and became one of the 12 apostles.

Here, we find an example of a free and fair election without rigging. Election rigging is common in some countries but that should not be allowed in the church or in Christendom. Although Joseph and Matthias were duly qualified for the vacant post, a free, fair, and transparent election was conducted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This led to the emergence of Matthias. Do you support free, fair, and transparent elections or do you participate in rigging? Repent today!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help me to support free and fairelections in the church and society:Amen.