Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias
Being an apostle of Jesus is a big deal! These people were chosen by Jesus Himself to be with Him in His ministry, be His closest disciples and friends, be His witnesses to the world, and even sit on thrones in the Kingdom off Heaven!
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12
Wow!
Of course one didn’t make it to the end. Judas Iscariot was out! But who was going to replace him?
We are told there were two candidates: “Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.”
But what do we know of most of the apostles? We could probably name some things from the likes of Peter, James, and John. And Thomas. Perhaps some others. Maybe we could even eventually name them all, given enough time (and maybe some help).
But replacing Judas had to be a big deal, too! But whom to choose? The criteria was set forth by Peter, “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.” The two put forth, Justus and Matthias were good, qualified candidates; and a great choice was made!
Matthias was in!
Justus didn’t make the cut.
I wonder how Justus felt. Did he feel rejected; depressed; let down? Did he feel less worthy or that his work was less important? Did he pout? Or maybe he thanked the Lord for Matthias’ appointment and got back to work!
The thing is, neither Matthias nor Justus are mentioned again in Scripture! Scripture only tells us about them here.
Are we to take that to mean that neither had an impact of Christ’s Church or that they didn’t serve faithfully beyond the little we know?
No!
The fact is, if we place our value on what we or others perceive as important or lasting, we will always be disappointed. That’s not our Calling. We, like Matthias, Justus, the apostles and all Christians everywhere are Called to believe in Jesus and to love and serve Him and others. If we take our eyes off of Him and one comparisons with someone else, either pain or arrogance will follow; not the godly, sanctified life He has Called us to live.
I am sure that “Justus served” the Lord, as did Matthias and the other apostles.
We get to as well!
Jesus has chosen each one of us! He died for us, forgives us, rose for us, and prepares a place for us in Heaven. He wants to use every one of us to share that Good News with the world. He has Called you for that task!
“Use us, Lord! Let us serve faithfully, without comparison! Amen!”
Scriptures
- Acts 1:12-26
- 1 John 5:9-12
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
