Acts 1:12-26

“And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26, NRSV)

I recommend you read this whole text for today because it’s quite a story! But I am going to focus on verse 26.

It was down to two choices to replace the infamous Judas who had had a bad ending as a consequence of his behavior. Justus and Matthias were staring each other down from across the room. One would be chosen by the toss of the dice and would fill the twelfth spot. One for each of the twelve tribes. A perfect number in Bible sense. Can’t go two by two with just eleven!

How would it feel to be the one who drew the short straw? Would you wonder always if the other eleven were sizing you up, watching your every move, to see that you didn’t turn out like Judas? Could you stand the scrutiny? Would it make you work harder than ever to prove your place in the group? Or would it inhibit your choices to do God’s work in the world?

As believers, we are all chosen by God.

How are you holding up to God’s loving scrutiny?

Holy God of Scrutiny, bless each one of us as we bear the weight of being one of your chosen. Amen.

– Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock, Zion United Church of Christ, Rulo, and First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Falls City