Matthias: Chosen From Above

Act 1:23-26 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Matthias: The Chosen Witness From Above

In the annals of faith, Matthias stands as a quiet figure, a man whose name echoes through the corridors of time, yet whose deeds remain veiled in mystery. His story unfolds in the shadow of betrayal, redemption, and Divine providence. Let us look deeper and delve into the life of Matthias, the Apostle who stepped into the void left by Judas Iscariot and explore the profound lessons we can glean from his historical and epic journey.

The Unseen Disciple

Matthias, unlike the other Apostles, did not hear Jesus’ call directly. He wasn’t among the fishermen by the Sea of Galilee or the tax collector at his booth. Instead, he followed Jesus from the periphery, an observer of miracles, a listener to parables. His faith grew quietly, watered by the same teachings that stirred the hearts of the Twelve.

When Judas betrayed the Master, the disciples faced a gaping wound in their ranks. The number twelve held symbolic weight—a representation of the tribes of Israel. To restore this sacred symmetry, they cast lots, and Matthias emerged as the chosen one. His ordination was not a mere replacement; it was a Divine appointment. Matthias became the silent witness to Christ’s resurrection, a living testament to the power of redemption.

The Weight of Witness

Imagine Matthias standing before the gathered believers, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had walked with Jesus, witnessed the empty tomb, and felt the Spirit descend at Pentecost. Now, he bore the mantle of Apostleship. His hands trembled as he raised them to bless the congregation. The weight of being a witness pressed upon him—the responsibility to proclaim Christ’s victory over death.

Takeaway: We, too, are called to be witnesses. Our lives bear testimony to the risen Savior. Whether in grand gestures or quiet acts of kindness, we reflect His love to a broken world. We are to be examples of His life, love and witness to His Sovereign and Omnipotent Power.

Meditative Journey

Matthias embarked on a journey—an odyssey of faith. Tradition whispers of his travels, carrying the Gospel to distant lands. Armenia, Ethiopia, and beyond—the map of Matthias’ ministry stretches across continents. He faced persecution, hunger, and the gnawing ache of loneliness. Yet, in those solitary moments, he communed with the One who had chosen him. His prayers echoed through rugged valleys and bustling marketplaces, a symphony of devotion. His role challenging, and probably at times frustrating – yet his journey was one that marked an important and significant aspect adding to the Bible and the happenings at that time in history.

The Unknown Legacy

Matthias’ death remains shrouded in mystery. Some say he was stoned; others claim he was crucified. But his legacy endures—an Apostle chosen not by chance but by Divine design. His name etched alongside Peter, John, and James, a reminder that God’s purposes unfold beyond our comprehension, and are according to His will and timing and fulfillment of His Word.

Acts 1:20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.

Meditative Takeaway

Matthias teaches us that significance lies not in the spotlight but in obedience. We may not see our names etched in history books, but God knows our hearts. Like Matthias, we step into our callings—sometimes unseen, often uncelebrated. Yet, in the quiet chambers of our souls, we become part of a grand narrative—the redemption story that spans eternity.

So, let us walk our paths with courage, knowing that even the hidden witnesses shape the course of God’s kingdom. Matthias, the unassuming Apostle, beckons us to embrace our roles, however obscure, and to trust that our lives, like his, are inscribed in the palm of God Almighty.

  “Dear Lord, grant me courage to tread unknown paths, to speak truth when stones are hurled, and to love fiercely even when hearts grow cold. May life be a living epistle, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, in all things I do, today and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”