Whatever Happened to. . .?

He only appears once on the pages of biblical history. Whatever happened to Matthias?

Jesus had returned to heaven after his resurrection. His followers were shut up in an upstairs room praying, and waiting for. . . well, they weren't entirely sure what it was they were waiting for. All they knew was that their Messiah had promised to send his Spirit to empower them for ministry.

While they waited and prayed, Peter addressed the group, quoting what is now known as Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8. Based on the prophecy, the apostle suggested that it was time to choose a replacement for Judas. He said: "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection" –Acts1:21, 22, NIV. Two men met the criteria: Barsabbas and Matthias. After they prayed, they drew lots and Matthias was chosen to complete the number of the twelve.

Then he disappears off the pages of history.

According to the criteria Matthias had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry. He remained faithful to the Rabbi throughout those three and a half years even though he was always on the fringes, an ancient version of a "groupie." He remained faithful after the death of Christ and formed one of this special inner circle of believers now gathered in that upper room waiting for the Spirit.

Judas's shoes were not hard to fill. Just about anyone could improve on the character and actions of the man who betrayed Christ to the authorities. But still, Matthias appears and then disappears. So what can we learn from him when we know nothing about him?

He was there. Walking with Jesus, watching Jesus, listening to Jesus, soaking in Jesus, believing in Jesus, eating, sleeping and suffering with Jesus. Matthias never strayed far from the circle even though during those early years he was not part of that circle.

A faithful presence. Nothing flashy or mouthy. Nobody outstandingly talented or extraordinarily gifted. Just there.

Thank God for those who are "there" for the Lord. Matthias probably never imagined that by just being "there" he would be chosen to become one of the inner circle, a leader of the early church movement. History records none of his exploits for Christ and the Kingdom and perhaps there is a lesson in that as well.

Being "there" for the Lord might just be all that God requires.

Comments

  1. What incredible insights, Lynda. That last line says it all. Amazing reminder.

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