“Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Acts 1: 21-22
Consider the qualifications for Judas’ replacement:
• Part of our company: Someone who was actually with them, not simply a distant admirer or a “silent partner.”
• From the beginning…until the day when he was taken up: One who stayed the course and has seen it all.
These are the same criteria for us today:
• Part of our company: Discipleship means being part of a group of believers, not a lone ranger. We’re a Church and have to put up with each other.
• All the while…from the beginning: We have to accept all the teachings of the Lord, not simply pick a few here and there.
There is another qualification: “Chosen by the Lord,” which is how the choice will be made. This is the one we seldom think about.
But it’s true. I was called by the Lord. I am not a consumer who chooses the Church because of its effective marketing and who stands ready to take my business elsewhere if I don’t get good service. I’m here for one reason: The Lord wants me to be part of this community of disciples and has called me by name.
 |