More of the Story: Discernment

(Peter said) "So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. ~ Acts 1:21-26
There is nothing so amiable as discernment. ~ Lord Byron


Casting lots was a common practice in Biblical times. It was believed to be a practice guided by God. The decision came from God.

 We don't know anything about Matthias. His name disappears from the New Testament after this event in which he is chosen to take the place of Judas among the apostles. 

 (By the way...note how they are now called apostles rather than disciples. When Jesus lived, as disciples they were learners and followers. Now, with the physical Jesus gone, the same men are the ones who are sent).

 So, did the lots cast choose the right man? Was the decision a superstitious one?

 How many decisions do we still cast lots or roll the dice about?

 The apostle Paul would lift up a spiritual gift later in I Corinthians: discernment of spirits. Today, discernment itself is considered a spiritual gift.

 Discernment is more than decision making. Discernment involves prayer, humility and trust. Discernment is about perception and informed judgement. Discernment involves wisdom. There is nothing random about it.

 Discernment guides good decision making.

 The apostles cast lots to choose Matthias, but before that there was some discernment that had to happen as two names were put forward. Peter recognized what had transpired to get them all to this point.

 Casting lots doesn't take much discernment. That's not to say that every decision requires discernment.

 But the ones that really matter? The ones that involve relationships with God and with others?

 Maybe rolling the dice isn't the best way to get there.
Prayer: Lord, help me learn how to discern my place in your kingdom with wisdom, humility, integrity, and faith. Amen

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