DCLM Higher Everyday 5 June 2024 — Matthias Takes The Mantle
Topic: Matthias Takes The Mantle
Text: Acts 1:15-26
15And 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,)
17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18Now 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.
19And 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.
20For 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.
21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22Beginning 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.
23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Key Verse: “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” (Acts 1:22).
Message
J. Oswald Sanders said, “Choosing men for office in the church or any of its auxiliaries without reference to spiritual qualifications must of necessity result in an unspiritual administration.” The mantle serves a symbolic purpose. For the prophets, it shows that they were wrapped in God’s authority like the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha which symbolized the passing of prophetic authority to Elisha.
From our text, we see that the sin of Judas Iscariot was not only his shame and ruin but also created a vacancy in the college of the apostles. Judas lost the mantle of apostleship because of transgression. Of a truth, sin is a reproach to any people. On the other hand, Matthias was qualified to take up the mantle to become an apostle of Jesus in the place of Judas because he was consistent, fervent, and regular in fellowship with God and His people. He prepared himself ahead of time. In like manner, God is looking for saved, consistent and fervent youths that will take up the mantle and be witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.
Quote: Take up the mantle.
Challenge: Be ready for a role in Christ’s Body
Prayer for today: Oh Lord, help me to be prepared for the mantle in my generation.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
