Acts 1:²¹ (With Judas having died, Peter spoke with his fellow apostles as they prepared to name someone to replace Judas) “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” ²³ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. 

Two things here. First, it surprises me every time I read this passage that there were more than the 12 apostles who were witnesses to Jesus’ ministry from beginning to end. I wonder if Barsabbas and Matthias were the only two such persons or were there more? I’m pretty sure that, when they first started to follow Jesus, they would never have thought they would one day be apostles.

Second, I love the fact they placed the final decision into the hands of God via casting lots. God has a history of choosing unconventional people to serve his purposes. Take me for instance. I was shocked when I began to discern a call to serve as a pastor. Nothing in my past would have suggested ministry as a vocation.

I wonder – how might God be calling you to serve? What might God do through you if you would give God a chance to use you in a new way?

Lord Jesus, you call people in surprising ways. Give us grace to suspend disbelief and respond with a “yes” when you call. Amen.