People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 1st Samuel 16:7 [Sunrise photo May 14 2013]

People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 [Sunrise photo May 14 2013]

Day 44  How God Chooses Leaders

  23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.Acts 1:23-26 (NLT)

The truth is, I don’t exactly know how God chooses leaders. Do you?

Here’s what I’ve seen over years of personal experience, along with studying Biblical examples. There are a wide range of methods and criteria that God uses to choose leaders. Some are born into it (John the Baptist, Solomon), some are groomed for it (Joshua and Elisha), some are suddenly called and life radically interrupted (most of the disciples, Paul), many are reluctant (Moses and Gideon), some just seemed destined for it (David).

God does what He does and chooses who He chooses for reasons only He fully knows.  Only God truly knows anyone’s heart. But the Lord can only work with those who have the right kind of heart. This is most important.

Leaders Solve Problems

So in the “Matthias Replaces Judas” story (Acts  1:12-26), Peter steps up as a leader. He presents a problem to the groups attention. This is what leaders do, they look to the future and chart a course.

Peter points out that the leadership role of the 12th disciple is important practically and Biblically. In verse 20 he interprets Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 as giving prophetic direction for Judas to be replaced.

The disciples agree to make a decision. Then they sought the Lord with an open mind. This had to be a God choice, not the fruit of a political “good-ol-boy” system.

4 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen

This is the mindset for a group to have when charged with choosing leaders. Get God’s heart on the matter.

The next move seems quite odd by our cultural understanding. They cast lots. Seems pretty random.

This must have been a win / win choice, both guys were equally qualified and either would have done a great job.

Honestly, I personally can’t recommend tossing a coin, but hey what do I know? God’s ways are not my ways.

And that’s the point.

Winning The Lottery

Mattias won the lottery, Justus did not. They both had the same mission, just different roles.

They both had to accept the decision as being God’s will, move on, and seek to serve God’s dream – to share the good news.

Probably Mattias had the more prestigious role, he was now one of the inner circle, Justus was not.

Mattias had to trust God and guard his heart against pride. I’m sure he was a quality guy of character and the Lord could trust him in this assignment.

Justus had to trust God and guard his heart against feeling rejected and maybe angry. I’m sure he was a quality guy of character and the Lord could trust him in a different assignment.

May we accept God’s ways and decisions with the same degree of trust.

Let’s Pray:

It’s a good day for the Lord’s Prayer in the old English.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory. Forever. Amen.

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

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