Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (NRSV)
Read Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, Verse 16"Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus- Verse 17for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." Verse 21So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Verse 22beginning 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." Verse 23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Verse 24Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen Verse 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." Verse 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Devotion
I needed relief from a difficult day in that new land of Eastern Montana. The sky was just beginning to show a bit of color as sunset painted the underside of clouds. I hurried to my car to make it to the brow of a nearby hill overlooking the plains before the display ended. I needn't have worried; the colors went on and on as if God knew my need. Pink and magenta took over, the range of oranges, increasingly more golden as the sun dipped. A symphony orchestra was playing out in bright hues in this big sky country. God, a boon companion who knew the fullness of my heart, understood my troubles of the day without my saying a word. I could not hide the pain and anger, making God's searching me out—fully accepting me and loving me with a boundless love—even more incredible.
Prayer
Dear Lord, wherever I am, I am never alone! What an incredible blessing. Thank you for your vigilant knowing of my heart, always being present with me and guiding me. Amen.